Montego Bay may be the second largest city in Jamaica, but it is known as Jamaica''s Number One Tourist Capital. Lying in St. James Parish on the northwest coast of the island, the city is 10 miles long, and includes the crowded, lively city area, the hotel/resort area, and the outlying hotel area on the beach/hillside. Montego Bay houses Jamaica''s largest airport, the Sir Donald Sangster International Airport. Known for its bay containing coral reef and white, sandy beaches, Montego Bay is also the site of many second/vacation homes for those from Kingston, Europe and the United States.
Montego Bay features all of the normal attractions one would expect in a beach/resort area. Water sports, fishing, sailing, shopping, tennis, and golfing are all popular pasttimes. In addition, Montego Bay has some unique attractions all its own. One of these is the Montego Bay Marine Park (1-876-952- 5619), located at Pier One Marina. Jamaica''s first national park, the park is 15 square kilometers completely underwater, educating visitors about the ocean and its inhabitants. Because it is a national park, the tropical fish and coral reefs living there are protected under national law. Glass bottomed boat tours are also available, as are charter boats take visitors to the fish feeding grounds and coral reef areas.
Another popular tourist attraction is the Hilton High Day Tour (http://www.jamaicahiltontour.com) , a 45 minute coach tour through Jamaica''s countryside. The tour also includes breakfast and lunch.
Montego Bay is populated with many fine hotels from which visitors can choose. The Montego Beach Resort is one of the most reasonably priced, with typical rates from $180 per night. The hotel includes a children''s club, gym, tennis courts, non-motorized water sports, two pools, a swim-up bar, sauna, Jacuzzi, massage services, and a free diving clinic. Nightly entertainment is also provided. The hotel has many bars and restaurants on the premises as well, including the Passa Passa Restaurant, The Souk Restaurant, The Beach Grill, Babba Roots, Zion Bar, the Pool Bar, and Disco Glitter.
With rates from $230 per night, the Coyaba Beach Club and Resort is a bit more luxurious. It is in the colonial style and has 50 rooms. Amenities here include a private, white-sand beach on which guests can sunbathe, sail, windsurf, kayak, snorkel, and pedal-boat. Also available are a swimming pool, heated Jacuzzi, tennis courts, fitness room, and a spa with professional masseuses. There are four golf courses within 10 minutes of the resort. The Coyaba Beach Club and Resort also features three restaurants and bars, including Vineyard, an open air, classically Caribbean plantation-style restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dock''s Caribbean Bar and Grill is seaside and serves cocktails, lunch and snacks. The Polo Grounds also serves a casual bar menu in the evening.
One of the most luxurious hotels in Montego Bay is the Half Moon, with rooms from $250 per night. President George W. Bush is a former guest of this hotel. Amenities here include the Spa at Half Moon, two crescent-shaped beaches with over 50 freshwater pools, Robert Trent Jones Championship Golf Course, the Dolphin Lagoon where guests can swim with dolphins, 13 tennis courts, an equestrian center, sauna, fitness center, three swimming pools (hibiscus pool, oleander pool, and Olympic-size lap pool), squash, croquet, and lawn bowling. Restaurants in the Half Moon include the Seagrape Terrace, which features open-air buffets, Il Giardino, Sugar Mill Restaurant (a more casual restaurant), Royal Stocks (an English-style pub), and a beachside barbecue. There are seven bars on site, including two on the beach, one by the pool, and one on the 18th hole of the golf course.
If you visit Montego Bay, you will discover why folks call it the home of reggae and relaxation!
Author: Susan F. Maphis 2009-03-16
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