Birthdays in Montego Bay!

Update: Keep Jamaica in your prayers as they recover from hurricane Melissa. If you want to learn more about how to support the recovery of this beautiful island nation, visit https://supportjamaica.gov.jm/

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I’m so excited to share my incredible trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica with you all! I had the opportunity to celebrate a great friend’s 40th Birthday.  This post has the detailed info you need, so give it a quick read, and don't forget to steal this itinerary!

Day 1: Arrival to Resort at Ocean Eden Bay

We secured some suites at the Ocean Eden Bay All Inclusive Adults Only Resort. The Ocean Eden Bay is a five-star resort facing the sea in the Montego Bay. As Privilege guests, our suites were gorgeous Privilege Junior Suite Rooms with a pool and ocean view and a hot tub on the balcony! 

In addition, the resort has a Despacio Spa Centre, and a complete entertainment programme. Guests who book the Ocean Eden Bay will have full access to the services and amenities of the adjacent Ocean Coral Spring resort which is family friendly.

Privilege membership is key! It means immediate access, a personal concierge, top-shelf all-inclusive liquor, and exclusive access to Privilege restaurants and bars. 

Arrival & Privilege Perks

Privilege membership is key! It means immediate access, a personal concierge, top-shelf all-inclusive liquor, and exclusive access to Privilege restaurants and bars. 

Quick Tip on the Resort Tour! You might be asked to take a resort tour. In exchange, you could score a perk like a free 30-minute spa massage! This is generally a sales pitch for their Premium Travel Club program. It's totally up to you to participate! My only suggestion is to save it for any downtime to ensure you don’t miss out on our planned agenda. The tour can take a couple of hours!

Day 2: Bamboo Rafting & Lounging by the Pool

We started the day off easy with breakfast at Martha’s Market. This buffet offers plenty of selections, with an international flair. Since we went in October, the lines weren’t long and it was easy to find a table. 

After breakfast, we were off to Hanover to raft down the Great River! My favorite thing about rafting was the peace and tranquility. Once we settled onto the boat with our rum punch, we were off for a lazy float down the river. Along the way we got the famous limestone massage. 

After a wonderful afternoon we headed back to the resort to hang out at its MASSIVE pool before dinner.

Day 3: Excursion Day! The Blue Hole and Secret Falls, & Dunn's River

It's a good thing we took it easy the night before because today had many more activities in store! First up, the Blue Hole and Secret Falls. Now normally this water is such a beautiful blue, but it rained the night before. Nonetheless, we still enjoyed trekking through the rainforest to find the famous waterfall and lagoon. 

Watershoes are a must. I also recommend swim shorts for comfort and modesty as you navigate the terrain. Make sure you protect your phone from the water, and take a light backpack or fanny pack so you can stay handsfree. Here are some recommendations:

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Quick Tip: I recommend arriving dressed and ready to go. And though you want to stay hydrated… be mindful that the restrooms are not ideal.

When we arrived on the scene it dawned on me… “Oh no they want us to jump”! Though I was very nervous, I did it! I was scared but it was riveting!

Dunns River

Visiting the Blue Hole and Secret Falls was just the warm up to Dunn's River. Dunn’s River, located in Ochos Rios flows into the Caribbean Sea. The river’s flowing falls extend  more than 183 metres or 960 feet. The surrounding Park has so much to offer, but the most popular activity is climbing up the falls and then wading in one of the several lagoons or pools along the way. The scenery is so beautiful. The worst part was the water being cold! If you visit in the summer, this will probably be more refreshing. 

Lunch at Miss T’s Restaurant

Anna-Kay Tomlinson, also known as "Miss T," opened Miss T’s Kitchen in May 2009. Her restaurant serves Jamaican cuisine in a colorful, casual, friendly atmosphere. She has a sign in her restaurant that says,

“You’ll know the people that feed your soul, because you’ll feel good after spending time with them”. 

This is absolutely true. I cherish the people that feed my soul and I’m so happy that I was able to share this experience with them! The food here is absolutely amazing. I don’t see myself returning to Jamaica and not eating here again.

Day 4: Free Day at the Resort and Dinner at Sugar Mill Restaurant

Today we took advantage of downtime. We explored the resort, relaxed by the pool, ate, drank and took it easy. I spent time at the beach starting with a morning walk, and later lounging on the Privilege Beach where there are sun loungers and Balinese beds. I didn’t do too much today. That was the point.

Photoshoot and Dinner at Sugar Mill Restaurant

We celebrated the Birthday Girl with a photoshoot and dinner at the Sugar Mill restaurant. The restaurant is one of CARIBBEAN JOURNAL's top 50 Caribbean restaurants. This award-winning fine dining restaurant is known for its unique twist on Jamaican cuisine, which tells the story of food in Jamaica from countryside to seaside, and its historical location – the former Running Gut Estate on the Rose Hall Sugar Plantation. 

The atmosphere was amazing and the service was wonderful. I went with the Spicy Lobster Thermidor as my main course. 

Conclusion 

Overall I had a wonderful time visiting Montego Bay with friends that I’ve known since college. It’s truly special to be able to celebrate life’s milestones and travel with the people that are special in your life. I can’t wait to return to Jamaica. 

Quick Tip: Remember, Jamaica is a tip-friendly country! Please bring local currency or US dollars to graciously tip the amazing staff who will be providing us with such a positive service. Make sure you have small denominations! (For securely carrying cash and cards, check out this chic and practical [Affiliate Link: Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag]—it’s perfect for travel!)