Jamaica - Secrets and Breathless

by Sue Stricker

SECRETS ST JAMES and SECRETS WILD ORCHID

All three resorts were adult only and fully inclusive. Both Secrets had 350 suites each. St James was the most laid back of the resorts with a British Colonial décor and quieter for the more romantic feel. Wild Orchid was a more lively place with a more stylish design. Though both properties were within close proximity to amenities on offer, Wild Orchid’s location was a closer walk to shops, restaurants and outdoor entertainment. Both had super large pools and deck area.

Both Secrets Wild Orchid and Secrets St James had similar style rooms.  All were large with a huge free standing tub, large shower with two shower heads, rain shower style and regular hand held plus a sofa and small table with chairs.  Body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, bug spray, suntan lotion, shaving cream, soap, shower cap, mending kit and combs were all on offer in the bathroom which was a nice added touch.  Most appeared to be ocean view, with a few overlooking the gardens.  All had a nice sized balcony, the room I had was larger since it was a corner room.  A mini bar was also available in each room stocked with water bottles, soft drinks and beer.  These were replenished each day. 

At an extra charge, guests could stay at the “preferred” building.  Both properties offered these.  This premium option included a private club lounge with snacks and drinks, private check-in and check-out, private pool, private continental breakfast area, upgraded beverages, complimentary computer access and a soaking tub and sunbeds on the balconies.  Preferred guests have access to all the amenities at the Breathless resort.

There is a lovely spa available for all three properties along with a gym.  Each property has its own beach area.  Not huge beaches, but adequate with access to non-motorized water activities.  Other options are available at a charge and guests are also able to purchase excursions on site.

BREATHLESS

Breathless was located a little further away from both Secrets properties.  A different vibe than its neighbors.  Chic, funky, young, and trendy!  Mood lighting in the rooms with a distinctive “sexy” style.  The resort itself had a more sophisticated design, from its gorgeous pool decks to its fabulous rooftop bar and infinity pool. 

Breathless offers 150 lavish suites with mountain and bay views since it is surrounded by Montego Bay Marine Park.  The beach is accessible via an over the road walkway.  Guests at this property have full access to both Secrets resorts.

All three properties offered the usual amenities expected of a 4-star resort.  Many dining options, bars, room service, spa, gym, activities, Wi-Fi, etc.

I would say the attention to detail as far as maintenance issues goes was a little lacking and the room service was not the best.  Took rather a long time and often forgot certain items.  Perhaps this was just an off week.

The World Café buffet was not the greatest.  Not set up well for the amount of people using it and the food was a little blah.  The Italian and French restaurants were very good, and I also heard good reviews for the Asian Fusion restaurant. 

I checked out the offerings in the “preferred” lounge throughout the day and they had fruit and snacks available.

Breathless did appear to have a better upkeep as far as cleanliness and maintenance went.  The buffet was laid out better and had a more open feel and the food options were better.  The rooftop bar and grill were fabulous, the view were spectacular.  More of a party pace with music and lively entertainment throughout.

S HOTEL

The S Hotel was a little gem!  Built in 2019, it is located right off the “hip Strip”, well positioned for those guests looking to walk to shops and restaurants in the nearby area.

A boutique style hotel, containing 120 room with authentic Jamaican touches, a definite go to for those travelers wanting to immerse in true Jamaican culture.  Each floor featured a historical figure from Jamaica, making this an interesting and unique property for sure.  One of the restaurants featured Jamaican recipes on its pillars, another quirky feature I enjoyed.

The hotel is located on Doctor’s Cave Beach.  Frequented by the famous in bygone years due to the belief that the waters had healing powers.  Though not a private beach, the general public are required to pay a fee for this beach and therefore tends to be used mainly by hotel guests.

The suites here were beautiful.  Only 28 of the 120 rooms did not have an ocean view.

There are four restaurants and bars and a beautiful pool deck with lounge chairs can cabanas.  The most stunning area of all is the rooftop infinity pool and seating area.  Fabulous spot to catch the sunset!

Definitely a beautiful hotel for those guests requiring an adult only, all inclusive experience in the heart of the action.  Has everything the larger resorts have such as a spa, meeting spaces and gym, yet on a more intimate scale.  Only drawback may be the close proximity to less desirable properties.  The staff were welcoming and professional.

HYATT ZILARA/ZIVA ROSE HALL

Once branded as the Ritz Carlton, the now named Zilara and Ziva were launched in 2013 and 2014.  Zilara is an adults only fully inclusive resort with 344 rooms and the Ziva is family friendly with 224 rooms. 

These two properties were my favorites out of all that I toured.  They were very clean, well designed and offered every amenity you could think of.  The restaurants were spacious and inviting with wonderful food options.  Many different meeting spaces were available for conferences and weddings of any size with a team of experts to take care of every possible request. 

The entire resort was inviting, clean and luxurious.  The suites were beautiful and had various options available.

RIU MONTEGO BAY, PALACE & REGGAE

We visited the RIU properties last.  On entering each lobby it gave the feeling of an airport terminal.  Vast and spacious and little character.  Aircraft were also landing very close to these hotels and therefore rather noisy.

The pool deck at the Reggae was pretty much party central and very noisy with oud music and equally loud guests!  The Palace and Montego Bay seemed to be quitter but since the hotels were next to each other, it was hard to get away from the noise.

The rooms were all clean and adequate.  Some had a very open concept that I fell you would either love or hate.  No walls between the bedroom and bathroom except for a separate room for the toilet.  It was a long walk to a lot of the rooms since the resorts were so large.

Montego Bay has 800 rooms, the Reggae 500 and the Palace over 200.  These resorts are more geared towards the younger crowd with lots of drinking and entertainment.  If I was to recommend the Reggae and Montego Bay, it really would have to be for the younger partying type who want a more budget friendly resort.  The Palace could work for older clients and couples being as it was less of the party scene.

This trip was such a wonderful experience for me.  I learned so much, met some great people and found everything so interesting.  The Jamaican people are not only beautiful people but welcoming and warm.