As you’ve got absolutely heard by now, Jamaica took a beating over the previous week from sadly deadly Hurricane Melissa, the newest Caribbean storm that vacationers need to control 12 months after 12 months.
Because of a sophisticated warning, many locals and vacationers have been capable of take shelter, however that does not imply there wasn’t a horrendous mess left behind.
Because of this, there have been frequent journey alerts and advisories dished out sooner than Costco’s free samples earlier than, throughout, and after the hurricane.
Sadly, the latest news might be fairly disappointing for a lot of vacationers scoping out their subsequent tropical vacay for winter sunshine.
Western Jamaica was hit the toughest. That is the place a few of the in style island nation’s most world-renowned seashore locations are discovered, comparable to Montego Bay and Negril.
Whereas the nation nonetheless grapples with Mom Nature’s aftermath, certainly one of Individuals’ favourite names in hospitality has already determined to droop operations nicely into the brand new 12 months, leaving vacationers questioning if they need to trip elsewhere or swap their loyalty to a competing model.
Hyatt Suspends All Operations In Jamaica Till Late Winter
For those who suppose it is time to swap pumpkin spice lattes for beachside piña coladas, and grandma’s dry Thanksgiving turkey for kickin’ jerk hen, likelihood is you’ve got been counting down the times till an unforgetable Jamaican trip.
Earlier than Hurricane Melissa’s class 5 landfall, Hyatt was probably the greatest choices for an all-inclusive seashore 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 considerations for visitors, Hyatt has made a troublesome name to shut down all of their Jamaican properties.
Though 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 Corridor
- Hyatt Ziva Rose Corridor
- Secrets and techniques St. James Montego Bay
- Secrets and techniques Wild Orchid Montego Bay
- Goals Rose Corridor Resort & Spa
- Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa
Those that had reservations from now till January thirty first will not face cancellations charges, and those that pre-paid ought to anticipate a refund inside 10 enterprise days.
In accordance with the Caribbean Journal, bookings can be found on Google Lodges from February 1st onward.
Airports Reopen To Business Flights, However Is It Smart To Trip Right here?
For those who’ve discovered your self within the midst of Instagram’s or TikTok’s climate catastrophe algorithm, you’ve got probably seen jaw-dropping harm to Montego Bay’s Sangster Worldwide Airport (MBJ).
Whereas torn-up ceilings and flooded flooring will not precisely have an effect on flights taking off and touchdown, much more than patchwork must be performed to have the airport absolutely up and working once more (7 gates are at the moment closed).
The excellent news is industrial flights at the moment are working at every of Jamaica’s airports. Moreover, American Airways is waiving bag fees.
In accordance with the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, certainly one of their recent alerts claims “Kingston’s Norman Manley Worldwide Airport is open for industrial operations”.
As for Montego Bay, a extra frequent gateway into the nation, MBJ is providing restricted industrial flights.
The rushed opening was largely for the aim of relieving caught vacationers throughout the storm again dwelling, not for incoming vacationers.
Nonetheless, regardless of ugly particles and important repairs forward, there are nonetheless many inns open and recurrently scheduled flights in the event you do select to trip right here. Some excursions are open once more too.
Journey Off Path’s High Choose For A Jamaican Trip Proper 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 very best different to Montego Bay throughout their restoration interval.
Nonetheless, one underrated resort city typically outshined by ‘MoBay’ is Ocho Rios, positioned on Jamaica’s northeastern coast and residential to some really beautiful resorts that have been much less impacted by Melissa.
Many different Caribbean hotspots averted harm fully, however in the event you’re useless set on visiting Jamaica, we at Travel Off Path consider Ocho Rios is finest positioned given the newest updates.
Whereas the island rightfully shut down for tourism throughout the storm, which means flight schedules have been continuously disrupted, Ocho Rios’ airport (OCJ) is open for enterprise as are a few of vacationers’ favourite all-inclusive resorts, comparable to Sandals and Riu.
Sandals Ochi is accepting reservations December 1st and past. In accordance with the latter, “All seven RIU inns proceed to host visitors, and the ambiance in every stays calm and constructive”.
Riu provides, “Riu Ocho Rios is accommodating visitors from Riu Palace Aquarelle, in addition to others who voluntarily want to transfer there, since it’s at the moment the resort providing essentially the most full vary of providers”, and likewise states, “actions and facilities are steadily being restored”.
Ocho Rios has one direct flight from Miami (MIA) through American Airways. In any other case, use aforementioned Kingston (KIN) as your springboard and benefit from the scenic journey of an approximate 90-minute drive skirting the foothills of the luxurious Blue Mountains.
Although, take into accout, there are quite a few studies of fuel shortages and a few highway closures might not be updated but.
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