TRAVEL
MOON PALACE ® JAMAICA CONT .
Wandering down memory lane to my former existence as a Lunn Poly Dolly some two decades ago ( yes I am that old , and no the perks were not as good as my learned friends in cabin crew ), Palace Resorts ’ reputation had indeed preceded them . Synonymous with honeymoon destination de-rigueur , Moon Palace Cancun ( now as notable for its luxe family stays as for its adult-only bolthole ), Palace Resorts added Moon Palace Jamaica to their fold in 2015 following an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation programme . The result is a primely positioned resort underpinned by Palace Resorts ’ experience of and commitment to excellent service , facilities and all-inclusive amenities … All delivered with a glorious and distinct Jamaican laid-back luxe swagger .
It is , quite simply , wonderful .
With 10 oceanfront resorts overlooking the sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea , it is no accident that Palace Resorts are located on some of the most breathtaking places where sand meets sea . And Moon Palace Jamaica is no exception .
Strategically situated on the north coast of Jamaica , in the heart of holidaymaker heaven Ocho Rios , it is easily accessible from Montego Bay airport ( our own private family transfer took approximately 90 minutes ) and boasts more than 700 guestrooms and suites with oceanfront views of the Caribbean Sea . While notably smaller than its Cancun companion , what it lacks in size ( which is actually not a bad thing for those like me that prefer a more intimate resort even before distancing was par for the course ) it makes up for in ‘ awe-inclusive ’ luxury .
From an array of luxurious amenities including Jamaica ’ s largest spa , Awe Spa , a FlowRider ® double-wave simulator ( the sight of seven-year-old Lyla owning Mr R ‘ its easy , just do this daddy …’ as he wiped out - again - another trip highlight ), four distinct dining destinations , the ultra-chic Noir nightclub , a dolphin habitat and much more , to the 17-acres of ivory sand on the longest stretch of private beach in Ocho Rios , it was easy to see why the hotel achieved its AAA Four Diamond status in its first year of opening , and why it has drawn so many first time and repeat guests ever since .
The resort itself is built around three main buildings , towers of bedroom suites to both the left and right and the stunning atrium central lobby area . The main restaurants are spread predominantly across the left buildings , beyond the lobby and along the seafront , while the onsite kids club and air conditioned arcade and games lounge are to the right . The pools , of which there are many , swirl in front of each main building , interspersed with features such as waterfalls and jacuzzis , as well as offering a dedicated kids ’ splash pool with water jets too .
In terms of rooms , the resort ' s Family Deluxe room offers the instant solution of being large enough for families to stay together while still affording much needed privacy and space . Our own interconnected rooms were in the left tower , affording views to the beach , mountains and ocean . Having two front doors - opened with special wristbands so immediately solving the ‘ damn where ’ s the key card ’ and the ‘ I want to open the door ’ daily battles - the first room offered the adult haven of king-size bed , large bathroom with walk-in shower , balcony , and typically would have had a fully stocked mini-bar . The connecting room offered two double beds – ample space for our teen , tween and four-year old – as well as an Xbox and Chromecast , and would usually boast a mini-bar with chocolate milkshakes , sodas and snacks too * as well as yet another balcony with ocean views . (* Fear not , all drink and in-room dining needs are currently met with 24-hour room service .)
Needing something to do other than lounge by the pool or sitting beachside with a ‘ Bob Marley ’ ( triplecolour melon , strawberry and pineapple daiquiri slushy laced with extra island rum for those not yet acquainted ) regularly topped up by the wonderful Errol , there is a host of scheduled and pre-bookable activities and amenities on site , as well as a host of off-site excursions available too .
The Awe Spa offers a treasure trove of me-time R & R including their renowned hot stone massages . The Playroom is the ultimate escape for kids aged four and upwards ( although littler ones can attend if accompanied ) - with air-con offering welcome respite from the Caribbean sun , the little Readys enjoyed everything from crafts to the onsite Jungle Gym ( mini soft play ) courtesy of the ‘ aunties ’, as well as joining in a special themed party and movie night . Open 10am to 10pm with breaks for lunch and dinner , it also offers the perfect opportunity for some grown up downtime safe in the knowledge the little ones were well supervised and well entertained . Next door , cooler big kids ( and adults too ) can chill ( literally , it felt arctic compared with the 36 º outside temp !) in the Wired Lounge ; the gaming arcade with freeto-play fussball , air hockey and arcade games , and a great range of sweet and savoury snacks and drinks from the teen-friendly bar .
Wanting some daytime entertainment ? The main pool offers everything from daily water aerobics to family challenge games . There are also performances throughout the resort from visiting reggae bands and acclaimed local singers , and a visiting market . By nightfall , the resort comes alive thanks to the resident entertainment team . Hosting games , music and visiting performers in the main entertainment lounge – we were fortunate enough to watch an award-winning steel pan dance troupe who were incredible – there is also the more refined piano bar and adults-only nightclub for those wishing to extend the action to the early hours .
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