Family Vacation in Jamaica
Jul 30, 2025 C B
I've visited several Jamaican all-inclusive resorts as Jamaica and its people remain one of my favourite islands to visit.
The Jewel Grande stands out as a tall, clean, and spacious property, though some areas lacked air conditioning and resorted to large fans.
The steakhouse offered the best steak I've had in the Caribbean, though it's not…
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I've visited several Jamaican all-inclusive resorts as Jamaica and its people remain one of my favourite islands to visit.
The Jewel Grande stands out as a tall, clean, and spacious property, though some areas lacked air conditioning and resorted to large fans.
The steakhouse offered the best steak I've had in the Caribbean, though it's not quite Chicago-level. Yes, the beach has some sea grass but is pleasant to walk on, and there are ample chairs and cabanas, though staffing was sometimes stretched at the cabanas. The manmade barrier made the waves enjoyable and re-entering on waves in the hobie cat fun.
Restaurant quality was generally good, especially for Jamaican cuisine, but menus were limited and items frequently unavailable; the Italian restaurant had long wait (just under 2 hours from sitting down to food). More attentive, never asked for drinks during any meal other than steakhouse. Also more late-night food options would be welcome. Food access during the off times is more restrictive than other places. The jerk chicken made every day on a grill/smoker on the beach was so good and cabana attendant brought us this every day for lunch. The resort had a lively cultural atmosphere with many Jamaican families (ex-pats and current Jamaican residents), and the staff were friendly and hardworking, though occasionally seemed understaffed (Italian kitchen staff and cabana especially)—special mention goes to Winston at the cabanas and our excellent butlers, Lennox and Toby. Drink quality was really good and not as watered down as other resorts where I have had to insist upon some alcohol in my drink.
Our multi-bedroom oceanfront room was comfortable, despite minor issues like insufficient hot water to fill the large tub and missed fridge restocking, however our butler Toby took care of restocking and many items along with Lennox. Housekeeping could improve consistency as they only cleaned once and would left clean towels. In their defense we had do not disturb in mornings but no checks later in day and we never had turndown service (which I don’t really care for other than restocking towels and beverages). Only odd interaction I had was with a security guard while waiting to go to sister resort via golf cart to the ATM (Please get an ATM on your property)…he just said I should give him $20 because he called the golf cart. I laughed that off and just said no. Weird, but people are people and don’t know his situation. He didn’t press our make me feel uncomfortable or try to press.
We were celebrating for our trip there so the floors and champaign was so well done...rose petals everywhere.
Other items: Resort excursion options felt limited but private snorkeling excursion to doctor’s cave reef area was great. The room key bracelets were great but sometimes fell off small wrists. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall experience was positive and again for me I really loved having so many Jamaican families there and Jamaican food. The large villas at the beachfront and ones I believe I saw in silver palm courtyard look fun and filled with large families enjoying their time. I would consider returning, possibly for a family reunion.
Thanks again Lennox, Toby and Winston for making it extra special.
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