The Family Traveler’s Lauren and fiance Evan traveled to Jamaica in November.  Our hotel stay was split between Montego Bay and Negril at two very diverse and adult only all-inclusive resorts.  We also toured two family all-inclusive resorts.  Our first stay was at the new Riu Palace Montego Bay located just 5 minutes from the airport.  This 238 room resort was quite compact.  Very modern and clean with a small beach, plenty of decent dining options (4 a la carte options + buffet), infinity pool, small gym and plenty of activities and entertainment.  Guests have full use of the Riu Montego Bay next door for watersports, additional dining options, spa, etc.  Fellow guests ranged from honeymooners of all ages to several groups of Girls’ Getaways.  We then moved onto Negril to Couples Swept Away.  This resort is old school Jamaica with lots of wood in the rooms and mature tropical foliage.  Negril Beach is definitely a highlight despite all the local vendors roaming the beach.  We found this 312 room resort ideal for active adults with superb tennis facilities (with daily clinics and round robins), lap pool, outdoor gym, fitness classes, watersports, spa and yoga on the beach.  Food service was good overall (3 a la cartes, buffet and vegetarian pool grill).  Catamaran sails, snorkel trips to a nearby reef and shuttle to nearby shops are included in the rate.  This property caters to couples (of all ages), but only requires two per room.  Many couples we met were repeat guests.

Our tour of Azul Sensatori Jamaica on Negril Beach was a pleasant surprise.  Formerly Beaches Sandy Bay, this upscale, modern and renovated property offers 136 rooms and suites.  It opened last year with a family section and adult-only section.  The highlight on both sides is the swim up rooms.  Family-friendly rooms include one and two bedroom suites complete with crib (and adorable baby sized bath robe), monitor and other baby neccessities for families traveling with their little ones.  All restaurants are on the family side.  The property also has a nice kids club with shaded outdoor play areas.  Watersports, spa, gym, several pools, daily activities and evening programs round out the facilities.

Beaches Negril is popular resort for our families due to its great variety of rooming options (with rooms and suites with up to 3 bedrooms that sleep up to 12) and extensive day and evening children and teen programming.  Other family-friendly amenities include a waterpark area with large slides, tennis, Sesame Street characters, Scratch DJ Academy, game room, Xbox Play Lounge and tons of dining options (some with kid size tables). Parents and grandparents will enjoy the spa and gym.

Check the website for more photos and trip details.