Boutique vs. Mega Resort in Jamaica

[Anonymous]

I'm not a huge fan of crowds, DH could go either way. Anyone with experience at both? Which did you prefer?

[Anonymous]

No, I do not have experience with both. But, I loved the time I spent in Port Antonio. It was very much off-the-tourist track. If I return to Jamaica, I would like to stay at a smaller boutique property in Negril. I would rather do without out all the amenities of a large inclusive resort, and be at a smaller property, away from the cruise ship ports, major tourist hubs.

[Anonymous]

Are you driving yourself? Having stayed at both types of resorts in Jamaica, I far prefer the boutique type. With a car, you can adventure out to a lot of great places off the tourist track, but you need to have nerves of steel while driving on poorly-maintained roads. I don't like the mega resorts (particularly the all-inclusives) because you miss out on a lot of what Jamaica has to offer. If you just stay in an all-inclusive and never leave, it could be a beach anywhere.

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks for the feedback. I think we are thinking of going the boutique route. We will probably hire a driver to take us to Negril.

[Anonymous]

I found Negril to be packed. Montego Bay was much less so and we liked it more. Ochos Rios is a beautiful spot too. Smaller and more boutique will probably be better for you if you like a less crowded situation.

[Anonymous]

OP here, where did you stay in Montego Bay?

[Anonymous]

We recently stayed near Montego Bay at Round Hill, a boutique hotel with a unique history. Superb service, delicious food, secluded beach - loved every minute. Got the 'premium plan' which is all-inclusive. We were there to relax and truly vegetate, so we didn't do much signt-seeing outside of RH. We hit the spa, worked out, swam, SUPed, and kayaked but mainly tried to deplete Jamaica's rum supply!

[Anonymous]

Look at Rock House. Also Jamaica Inn.

[Anonymous]

Second rock house. Or Caves. Or Moon dance villas.

We got married in MoBay at Coyaba which was a lovely boutique about 7 mins from the airport. Though occasional airplane noise it was wonderful. (Get the all inclusive upgrade). It's nice in that it's AI but menu order(no buffets in sight!)

Moon dance villas are a group of 5 houses on the beach and you can get a personal chef in your house. It's on my Jamaica bucket list.

Finally if you feel like venturing a little further check out Golden Eye.