Hyatt Closes 8 All-Inclusive Jamaica Resorts Until January 31

As you’ve got certainly heard by now, Jamaica took a beating over the previous week from sadly deadly Hurricane Melissa, the newest Caribbean storm that vacationers must regulate yr after yr.

Thanks to a complicated warning, many locals and vacationers have been capable of take shelter, however that does not imply there wasn’t a horrendous mess left behind.

As a consequence, there have been frequent journey alerts and advisories dished out sooner than Costco’s free samples earlier than, throughout, and after the hurricane.

Unfortunately, the latest news will probably be fairly disappointing for a lot of vacationers scoping out their subsequent tropical vacay for winter sunshine.

Western Jamaica was hit the toughest. This is the place a number of the fashionable island nation’s most world-renowned seaside locations are discovered, similar to Montego Bay and Negril.

While the nation nonetheless grapples with Mother Nature’s aftermath, considered one of Americans’ favourite names in hospitality has already determined to droop operations nicely into the brand new yr, leaving vacationers questioning if they need to trip elsewhere or swap their loyalty to a competing model.

Hyatt Suspends All Operations In Jamaica Until Late Winter

If you assume it is time to swap pumpkin spice lattes for beachside piña coladas, and grandma’s dry Thanksgiving turkey for kickin’ jerk rooster, likelihood is you’ve got been counting down the times till an unforgetable Jamaican trip.

Before Hurricane Melissa’s class 5 landfall, Hyatt was the most effective choices for an all-inclusive seaside getaway right here.

In whole, Hyatt operates 8 resorts throughout Jamaica with an exceptionally robust presence in Montego Bay.

Given the magnitude of injury and potential security/consolation issues for visitors, Hyatt has made a tricky name to shut down all of their Jamaican properties.

Even although tourism is expected to be ‘absolutely operational’ by December 15, 2025, the next Hyatt-affiliated resorts will stay closed till January 31, 2026:

• Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa
• Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica
• Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall
• Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall
• Secrets St. James Montego Bay
• Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay
• Dreams Rose Hall Resort & Spa
• Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa

Those who had reservations from now till January thirty first will not face cancellations charges, and people who pre-paid ought to anticipate a refund inside 10 enterprise days.

According to the Caribbean Journal, bookings can be found on Google Hotels from February 1st onward.

Airports Reopen To Commercial Flights, But Is It Wise To Vacation Here?

If you’ve got discovered your self within the midst of Instagram’s or TikTookay’s climate catastrophe algorithm, you’ve got seemingly seen jaw-dropping injury to Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ).

While torn-up ceilings and flooded flooring will not precisely have an effect on flights taking off and touchdown, much more than patchwork must be accomplished to have the airport absolutely up and working once more (7 gates are presently closed).

The excellent news is business flights at the moment are working at every of Jamaica’s airports. Additionally, American Airlines is waiving bag fees.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, considered one of their recent alerts claims “Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport is open for commercial operations”.

As for Montego Bay, a extra frequent gateway into the nation, MBJ is providing restricted business flights.

The rushed opening was largely for the aim of relieving caught vacationers throughout the storm again house, not for incoming vacationers.

However, regardless of unpleasant particles and vital repairs forward, there are nonetheless many inns open and recurrently scheduled flights in case you do select to trip right here. Some excursions are open once more too.

Travel Off Path’s Top Pick For A Jamaican Vacation Right Now

Take it from me as somebody who visited Kingston in hopes to immerse in Jamaica’s vibrant, welcoming tradition that this metropolis is not the perfect various to Montego Bay throughout their restoration interval.

However, one underrated resort city typically outshined by ‘MoBay’ is Ocho Rios, situated on Jamaica’s northeastern coast and residential to some really gorgeous resorts that have been much less impacted by Melissa.

Many different Caribbean hotspots prevented injury solely, however in case you’re lifeless set on visiting Jamaica, we at Travel Off Path consider Ocho Rios is finest positioned given the newest updates.

While the island rightfully shut down for tourism throughout the storm, which means flight schedules have been always disrupted, Ocho Rios’ airport (OCJ) is open for enterprise as are a few of vacationers’ favourite all-inclusive resorts, similar to Sandals and Riu.

Sandals Ochi is accepting reservations December 1st and past. According to the latter, “All seven RIU hotels continue to host guests, and the atmosphere in each remains calm and positive”.

Riu provides, “Riu Ocho Rios is accommodating guests from Riu Palace Aquarelle, as well as others who voluntarily wish to move there, since it is currently the hotel offering the most complete range of services”, and in addition states, “activities and amenities are gradually being restored”.

Ocho Rios has one direct flight from Miami (MIA) through American Airlines. Otherwise, use aforementioned Kingston (KIN) as your springboard and benefit from the scenic journey of an approximate 90-minute drive skirting the foothills of the plush Blue Mountains.

Though, consider, there are quite a few stories of fuel shortages and a few highway closures is probably not updated but.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 36 nations and written over 1000 articles with a give attention to sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.