montego bay moments

Jamaica is one of my favorite go to destinations for a beach getaway. I have visited a number of times with many different experiences, but this time was a girls trip! If you’re keeping up, this was my second girl’s trip this summer. COVID has kept me from my BFFs and we’re trying to make up for lost time.

My trip was secured with my favorite travel agent, Desired Destinations 4 U, and it was the best decision because I received such amazing service as a result. Welcome perks, amenities, you name it and I had it. My Delta flight into Montego Bay was uneventful, though completely sold to capacity.

We started the trip with a seamless arrival through customs. While I was offered the option for Club Mobay, a transfer service that makes entry and departure easier, I opted out on the entry portion. Personally, I don’t feel that it was necessary because the customs lines weren’t terribly long and we were able to find our transfer quickly.

Our private transfer through Nexus Transportation worked well and was inexpensive. I’m usually an AmStar fan, but they were booked, and I think Nexus may be my new choice. Pick up was quick, reliable and our driver was engaging.

We opted to stay at the Breathless Resort and Spa due to its proximity to the airport. This property is managed by AM Resorts and is connected to its sister properties, the Secrets Wild Orchid and Secrets St. James Bay. By staying at the Breathless, you’re granted access to the other two properties including the beach, restaurants and activities. This is helpful because Breathless has limited amenities and an extremely small beach area.

When we arrived at Breathless, the lobby and entry were underwhelming. Generally, luxury resorts start the ambiance, with the arrival, but this one did not. Our check-in was a bit chaotic with lots of paperwork and QR codes to scan. By paperwork, I mean written forms, shockingly this resort did not have computerized check-in. We were able to use a QR code to set up our return COVID test, which was simple, and we got an appointment for the next day quickly. However, be warned, this resort does not have a dedicated app which made it difficult at times to stay connected. The best part about check-in was the welcome drinks that kept magically reappearing and were delicious.

We arrived right around check-in time of 3PM, but our rooms were not ready. We had lunch by the main pool at Fishnets which was a quick option with a casual fare menu. We enjoyed our first of many Bob Marley cocktails, one of the official island drinks. The entertainment by the pool was an energizing backdrop to our meal.

Our rooms were ready about an hour after official check-in. The hotel has a strange luggage system where they take and sanitize your luggage, but then leave it outside in what seems to be an unsupervised area. The bell staff managed it well though and got our bags to our room without incident. It’s important to note, the hotel is taking COVID precautions with plenty of posted signs and a sanitation guarantee on the rooms. We also saw staff cleaning constantly throughout the visit.

The room itself was clean and huge. There was so much space with a full closet, separate water closet and high top table with chairs. Be warned, this room is made for couples, not friends. There was very little privacy, including an open shower in the middle of the floor with limited shading to keep you covered. Technology rules here, with electronic controls for all fixtures, including mood lighting. Which made it even more shocking that check-in was so clunky, but perhaps they saved it all for the guest experience. The best attraction in the room was the beautiful balcony. It’s a perfect place to watch the sunrise or enjoy an evening cocktail.

Due to our late arrival, after a short tour of the hotel, it was time for dinner. We chose Altitude, the rooftop restaurant at Breathless. While there was a long wait, in my opinion, this was the best restaurant on the property. The other offerings were only operating on limited days, mainly weekends. The menu has small bites and large entrees with interesting ingredients that come together well.

After dinner, we attended the beach party at the Secrets hotel. It was full of reggae fun and live entertainers. On the open-air beach, it was a perfect way to cap the first day.

The next morning, I checked out the spacious and well-equipped gym. It wasn’t too crowded and there is ample cardio and weight equipment. Next, it was time to take our return COVID tests since this was a quick 4-day visit. The COVID test line was LONG, which was intimidating, but it didn’t take a long time to complete, probably 30 minutes. However, no one was checking appointment times so I would suggest to just go at 9 AM when they open to lower your wait. Despite overhearing that some guests were having challenges, we received our test results the same day and we thankfully all tested negative.

After the test, we had a buffet style breakfast at the World Café on the Secrets side of the property. I was extremely nervous as I haven’t eaten at buffets since COVID but felt comfortable at the omelet and pancake station where your food is made fresh to order. The restaurant also enforced mask wearing in the buffet lines.

The remainder of the day was spent at the Secrets beach, which offered crystal clear water and little seaweed. The chairs were plentiful and beach service was available to keep the rum punch flowing. After a couple of hours, we got rained out with a quick, but torrential downpour.  We took that time to head back to the Secrets main pool where there were many entertainment activities occurring. There was also a jerk chicken cart serving up lunch. It was okay, but no Scotchies’s. The quick lunch kept us full while we headed back to Breathless to rest and prepare for the evening.

For dinner, we decided to head over to the Secrets side so we could be ready to enjoy the after-dinner entertainment. The restaurants will only take reservations if you are a Preferred (on the Secrets side) or Xhale (on the Breathless side) club member. This is a service associated with paying for a higher room class at either property. Other perks include, butler service, access to exclusive lounges and amenity gifts in your room. Due to COVID, many of the perks that come along with the package are not being offered, so currently it’s not worth the increased price in my opinion. Due to my incredible travel agent and an issue with my room, I was able to take part in these privileges at no additional cost.

We chose to have dinner at Himitsu as many other options were very crowded. Normally, this Asian inspired fare would have hibachi, but due to COVID, that was closed. Instead, the menu has an interesting mix of Asian options, but none were spectacular. The best offering is the spring roll and I wouldn’t return for it.

After dinner, the entertainment included a “One Love” reggae experience. This show happens at both hotels, but the Secrets version is bigger and livelier. The show last for about an hour and then most head to the Piano Bar for drinks and singing until the resort club “Showtime” opens at 11PM. I did not make it to the club, but it seemed to have a decent crowd based on conversations I had with other guests. The lobby bar at Breathless also had a lively vibe, but not as many people, so we closed the night with a few shots before heading to our rooms.

The following morning, I started the day with my favorite activity of the trip, room service from the magic box. To limit guest contact with staff, each room has been outfitted with a box that delivers food seamlessly to you in a special hidden box that can be accessed from the hallway and your room. I ordered mimosas which include a full bottle of champagne and your choice of juice. I was able to create a delicious Eclectik Cocktail, while enjoying the scenery from my balcony view.

We brunched at Spoon at Breathless, another buffet option. This is more of a “food display” where you are served by the staff. The food was excellent, and this was my second favorite of the hotel. After brunch, our butler David set us up with service on the Breathless side of the beach. While the ambiance was fun, with Bali beds and the like, the water wasn’t as pristine as the Secrets side. We moved back over there to spend the rest of the day enjoying the abundant sunshine. After a day in the sun, we were worn out and retired to our rooms until it was time for a late dinner and the evening entertainment. I also got a room service snack and was pleasantly surprised with how fast room service was during my stay, with orders never taking longer than 45 minutes.

Dinner that evening was again at Altitude, simply because the menu and service were delicious and worth a repeat. The rooftop was packed with people waiting to eat and enjoying the bar with a view. Post dinner, the Breathless lobby turned into a club for the evening. The music was great, with a live DJ, and the staff kept the party going inviting guests to join the fun of the nightclub atmosphere. I don’t know if it was the music or the Jamaican Lemon Drop shots, but we partied the night away. Shout out to Nico the bartender with the delicious recipes.

Sadly, the next morning it was time to depart after one last mimosa brunch on my balcony. Check out was simple, particularly because butler service really took care of everything. Overall, the Breathless is a good option for singles or couples. It has many activities and is a beautiful property. I’m not sure it’s a 5-star luxury as it boasts, but it is a nice experience if you want to stay in Montego Bay vs. heading out to other parts of the island that have nicer beaches and more luxurious resorts.

We were able to get our return transportation to the airport easily and with the help of Club Mobay, cleared customs quickly. I highly recommend Club Mobay on departure to provide a fast track through customs and a private lounge to wait for your flight.

When it was time to depart, our flight was oversold, and I decided to take the deal that Delta was offering to give up my seat in exchange for a return flight the next day and one more evening in Jamaica. For $500 and a stay at an all-inclusive, why not? To hear all about that very different experience, check out my next post!