Montego Bay

Most Romantic Spot in Montego Bay

The most beloved attraction for Montego Bay honeymooners is without a doubt rafting on the Martha Brae River. After boarding a 30-foot bamboo raft (with the assistance of a licensed dispatcher), couples are treated to a private raft ride guided by an experienced captain. The lush jungle provides a blissfully-romantic canopy with blooming indigenous flowers lining the shores.

The launch point, Martha Brae Rafting Village, is tucked away 20 miles to the east of Montego Bay, but the attraction provides round-trip transportation from Montego Bay’s resort area. Prior to embarking on your gentle ride through paradise, be sure to visit Miss Martha’s Herb Garden. Jamaicans are known for utilizing the island’s herbs for healing remedies, and you’ll learn all about the fascinating practice. You’ll be in good company, too, as Queen Elizabeth II and Johnny Cash are just a couple of the icons that have enjoyed the experience.

Expert Tip: Be sure to ask your guide about The Legend of Martha Brae. The generations-old story about how the river is believed to have gotten its name is an enthralling mystery, and there’s no better person to tell it than a local!

More Romantic Things to Do in Montego Bay

Drifting along the Martha Brae River is a special experience, but sensational Montego Bay beaches and history-filled tours mean the most romantic trip of your life won’t stop there.

• Among the most popular beaches in Jamaica is Montego Bay’s own Doctor’s Cave Beach. Five miles of stunning turquoise waters and immaculate white sands provide an idyllic setting for lovers. The gated beach does require a small fee and is family-friendly, but there’s always a quiet spot to be found, especially outside of peak afternoon hours.
• Looking for a quainter beach experience that still features gorgeous Caribbean vistas? Head to Dead End Beach on the northern edge of the city! Also known as Buccaneer Beach, it’s much more low-key than other touristy areas and is beloved by locals.
• Yet another pristine beach that couples can’t afford to miss is Old Hospital Park. Breathtaking ocean views and gently-leaning palm trees create paradise on earth, and it’s an absolute perfect spot for a romantic picnic!
• No trip to Montego Bay is complete without a stop at Rose Hall. The sprawling grounds feature the 18th century Rose Hall Great House, tropical gardens, two 18-hole golf courses, and the Cinnamon Hill Great House (former home of Johnny Cash).

All-Inclusive Resorts in Montego Bay

Luxury accommodations are a specialty of Montego Bay, with all inclusive resorts lining the treasured beaches and poised for ultimate indulgence. Swim-up butler suites, beachfront balconies, and presidential Jacuzzi suites are just the beginning of what Montego Bay resorts have to offer.

Booking an all inclusive honeymoon is a couple’s shortcut to luxury and relaxation. With no hassle whatsoever, newlyweds get amazing accommodations, fine dining and casual bites, refreshing cocktails, as well as exhilarating water sports all included for one price. Couples can choose add-ons like a romantic beachfront dinner, a sensual couples massage, or breathtaking excursions to round out their unforgettable all inclusive honeymoon.

Here are some of our favorite all inclusive resorts for honeymooners in Montego Bay:

• Sandals Royal Caribbean offers the ultimate in luxury, boasting their own private island just offshore. The island not only features authentic Thai cuisine at the Royal Thai restaurant, but is home to the resort’s ultra-luxurious Over the Water Butler Honeymoon Bungalows, as well as Over the Water Butler Villas with Infinity Pools.
• At Sandals Montego Bay, you can glide across a crystalline pool to enter your lavish beachfront swim-up suite. These two adults-only resorts also provide spectacular oceanfront rooms, first-class butler service, sensuous couples massages at the Red Lane Spa, and private candlelit dinners for two. No matter which resort you stay at, you can enjoy delectable cuisine at a combined 21 restaurants with unbeatable Caribbean views, as well as full use of all amenities at either resort. Your all inclusive package also provides you with roundtrip airport transfers, as well as private BMW transfers for Butler and Club Elite patrons. Let the romance begin!
• While the Royalton White Sands Resort is family-friendly, the stunning suites and plentiful amenities will leave honeymooners feeling well cared-for. Add on the Romance Package for a sensuous experience complete with exclusive beachfront dining, couples massage, and romantic additions like champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, rose petals, and candles in your private suite. The resort has its own share of fine dining, with Grazie Italian Trattoria and Hunter Steakhouse offering unique takes on classic dishes, along with several other scrumptious options. The Royalton utilizes a local tour company for shared and private airport transfers for their guests. There is an additional fee for this service, so make sure to set it up when booking your suite.
• Wake up to a spectacular oceanfront sunrise each day at Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall. Swim-up butler suites, cozy cabanas, and candlelit beach dinners turn this adults-only resort into a romantic oasis in the middle of paradise. Fine dining and quick bites abound on the property, and many restaurants boast open-air seating right on the water. Between the included daily activities and nightly entertainment, you might not even leave the resort grounds! Keep in mind that, while the resort does offer a round-trip airport shuttle, it does come at an additional fee.

Activities and Attractions in Montego Bay

If you’re looking to enjoy a bit of sightseeing in between sessions of rest, relaxation, and romance at your luxury resort, the city is always bursting with adventure and culture!

• Montego Bay Marine Park‘s laid-back snorkeling tours take you into the crystal-clear waters to meet the island’s aquatic residents. Or visit in the late afternoon for a sunset lagoon tour that will take your breath away.
• Book a thrilling parasailing adventure or glass-bottom boat ride with Kelly’s Water Sports.
• A casual tour of the Montego Bay Cultural Centre, which houses some of the island’s most treasured art, is the perfect activity for a quiet afternoon.
• You’ll find the Rastafari Indigenous Village on the outskirts of Montego Bay. The thriving community welcomes visitors to enjoy a delectable vegan meal and a live performance of traditional drumming.
• For nature lovers, 220 degrees of glorious Montego Bay views await you at the Ahhh…Ras Natango Gallery and Garden, home to dozens of unique plants and native birds. There’s also Rocklands Bird Sanctuary, where the natural beauty of Jamaica’s wildlife is always on full display.
• From the White Witch Golf Course at Rose Hall to the Half Moon Golf Course, linksmen and -women can play an unforgettable round amongst Montego Bay’s rolling greens.
• History buffs will want to check out Fort Montego, an 18th century British structure built for fending off pirates. Though the pirates are long gone, the imagery will transport you to the era of swashbucklers and buccaneers!

Montego Bay Restaurants & Local Cuisine

Jamaican cuisine is renowned as a melting pot of international flavors and influences that is best experienced at the source. No matter the length of your honeymoon, foodies can try a different restaurant for each meal and never have the same dish twice!

Don’t miss these romantic dining favorites:

• Honeymooners talk about their experience at The Houseboat Grill for the rest of their lives. The floating restaurant is constantly adding to its fusion menu, though the intimate atmosphere and incredible sunsets never change.
• Freshly-caught seafood, prime cuts of meat, and an international menu of wines has made Marguerite’s one of Jamaica’s most romantic spots for fine dining along the Caribbean.
• Indulge all your senses at The Restaurant at Round Hill with candlelit seaside dining and a rotating menu of succulent local dishes.
• Visit Sugar Mill Restaurant for fine Jamaican cuisine with the freshest local ingredients. You’ve never tasted anything like the Jerk Curry Dusted Stuffed Chicken Supreme. The dish, and the name, are a delicious mouthful!

And there are plenty of casual spots for a culinary adventure. Try these laid-back dining options:

• Olympic legend Usain Bolt is known for more than just running, as his restaurant, Tracks & Records, has quickly become a favorite for local flavors.
• Jerk chicken is a Jamaican staple for good reason, and one bite at Scotchies or The Pork Pit will turn you into a lifelong fan!
• At the end of another day in paradise, head to Blue Beat Ultra Lounge along Doctor’s Cave Beach for a passionate sunset and a cool Jamaican Breeze (the wind and the cocktail!).

Traveling to Montego Bay

Weather in Montego Bay
Warm temperatures year-round make Jamaica an exceedingly popular honeymoon destination. Whether you’re getting married in the winter or summer, temperatures rarely fall outside the range of 72-90 degrees, so the pristine beaches are always open for soaking up some rays.

Warm winters make Jamaica a popular destination for international travelers in January and February, thus the best travel deals will typically be found in the summer. Just be sure to keep the rainy season, from June until November, in mind.

COVID-19 Considerations
Jamaica’s current protocols are in line with other Caribbean countries, requiring a recent negative COVID-19 test and a travel authorization certificate (within 7 days of travel departure). Regulations are being reassessed on a week-by-week basis, so be sure to check the current requirements online or with your travel advisor for easy, stress-free travel.

Flights to Montego Bay
Donald Sangster International Airport (MBJ) makes Montego Bay the easiest Jamaican city for international travelers to visit. The airport is situated along the coast and is mere minutes away from the city’s major all-inclusive resorts. Popular airlines like American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United all fly to Sangster, and U.S. cities including New York, Chicago, Houston, Boston, Miami, and Orlando feature non-stop flights.

Weary travelers can take a load off at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, located right in the airport, for tasty appetizers and margaritas before or after your flight!

Ground Transfers
As the airport and top attractions in Montego Bay are clustered around the resort area, transportation is much easier than in other parts of the country. Make sure to ask if your resort offers a shuttle service or if they will help you set up transportation to and from the airport. For short trips or a honeymoon encompassing multiple Jamaican destinations, the island has countless route taxis to take you where you want to go. Most taxis charge only a few U.S. dollars for quick rides, but you might want to talk to a couple of drivers to get the best rate.

Jamaican Culture & Considerations

Language
The official language of Jamaica is English, and Montego Bay follows suit as the second-largest English-speaking city in the Caribbean. The local spin on English is known as Jamaican Patois, but it’s simply an English-based creole language with West African influences. It won’t take newlyweds long to pick up enjoyable local expressions like “tanks” (thank you), “jus a word” (excuse me), and “a how much fi dis?” (what is the price?).

Safety
The majority of Montego Bay’s best resorts, attractions, and restaurants are located along the coast, and the area is safe for couples to enjoy. Just keep in mind that it is indeed an active city, so be aware of your surroundings if venturing inland and arrange private transportation or tours ahead of time.

Locals are known for selling a variety of handmade goods and tour guide services, but saying a quick “no tanks” or “no thenk yuh” will more than suffice if you’re not interested.

Tipping
Unlike the United States, tipping in Jamaica is more of a courtesy than a requirement. Jamaicans don’t typically tip at restaurants or for services, but a 10-15% tip is customary at popular tourism destinations like Montego Bay.

Some all-inclusive resorts have a “no tipping” policy when enjoying their standard amenities, but tipping for extra services like personal butlers and private beachfront dining is highly encouraged. Jamaicans are a generous people, and tipping to show your appreciation will go a long way!

Montego Bay appeals to all types of honeymooners thanks to a near-limitless selection of accommodations, adventures, and resorts. Whether you take in all that the city has to offer, or never leave the flawless beaches, this island paradise is heaven for lovebirds

Click here to receive a custom Montego Bay honeymoon quote from one of our certified honeymoon specialists today!