To sum up my last trip to Jamaica in one word—WOW! The Playa Hotels & Resorts Jamaica FAM trip was truly a memorable one.
If you’re wondering what a FAM trip is, you’re not alone. A FAM trip – or familiarization trip – is an opportunity for travel advisors to learn more about destinations, experiences and properties, so that we can share this information with you and provide first-hand recommendations from our own experience. Plus, it’s a great way for those in the travel industry to build relationships with brands and staff on-site at resorts.
My trip by the numbers
- I met 10 amazing travel advisors from across Canada
- Toured five Playa all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica over the course of four days
- And, got one killer tan 😉
Travel in style
First things first, the trip started out right with Club Mobay’s expedited airport arrival service, a stop at the Hyatt Lounge and private transfers to the resort courtesy of Thompson Tours & Transfers.
When it comes to my clients, I will always suggest you secure Club Mobay arrival and departure airport service upon booking your Jamaica vacation. It’s truly the best way to begin—and end—your vacation. Besides the expedited service, you have access to incredible airport lounges offering complimentary food and drink (and even showers or spa services – at a cost – if you so please!).
Getting from the airport to the resort was a breeze with my trusted driver from Thompson Tours & Transfers. Renford always welcomes me with a smile and remembers all the little details about me from my last visit—making me feel like a real VIP. Service is always punctual and professional.
SERVICE FROM THE HEART
My host hotel was Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, a luxurious resort that’s situated 15 minutes from the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. The sister resort, Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall (adults only), sits adjacent to the resort.
There is no real divide between the two resorts, with the exception that the Ziva side allows all ages. That being said, if you’re with your family at Ziva for a vacation, you can drop your kids at the Kidz Club and head over to the Zilara side for some fun. That goes for adults heading over to the Ziva side as well. Win-win!
This stunning resort was previously a Ritz-Carlton—and it shows! It’s opulent, but with a non-pretentious feel. The resort layout is well-planned and never quite feels at capacity. Dense foliage makes the landscaping very attractive. Swim up suites on both sides of the resort make it feel very tropical.
“Service from the heart” is the motto of all Playa Hotels & Resorts, and that customer-oriented approach is felt as soon as you step foot on the property!
Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall
Great for: All ages, beach lovers, pool lovers
What can you expect at Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall? Clean, spacious rooms with great views. Incredible pools with high-end lounge chairs. A beach that’s clear and swimmable, with sand that is powder soft. Entertainment on the Ziva side included a silent disco, a Moroccan-themed rooftop bar, live music and dancing. Restaurants were also plentiful, with great options to choose from including Italian, Asian and international cuisines. Who is the perfect client for Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall? I hesitate to call this a family resort. It’s more of an all-ages resort—perfect for multigenerational families, groups and more.
Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall
Great for: Adults, beach lovers, pool lovers, gym lovers
This adults-only resort is paradise found. With one of the best gyms I’ve seen at an all-inclusive resort, an innovative spa concept with hydrotherapy and massages on the beach, and entertainment every night—Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall is a great getaway for a weekend or a week. Jamaican, French and fusion restaurants are among the culinary offerings, in addition to those restaurants available at the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall. Stunning suites with perfect sunset-viewing vistas are abundant. There is truly not a room that isn’t clean, modern and in a good location.
Jewel Paradise Cove Beach Resort & Spa
Great for: Adults, beach lovers, those looking for a lower price point
This adults-only all-inclusive resort is located in Runaway Bay, about an hour and a half from the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. With tidy rooms, colourful buildings and a great beach, Jewel Paradise Cove exudes pure Jamaican vibes. It also boasts repeat visitors who come back for more—time and time again.
Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa
Great for: Large families, beach lovers, those looking for more space
With villa-style all-inclusive accommodations, Jewel Grande is an Insta-worthy resort with awe-inspiring views. You can book hotel-style accommodations or three-bedroom butler suites. Some suites even include in-room laundry, which is a huge bonus for families with small children. The entire property offers gorgeous ocean views and breathtaking suites.
Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa
Great for: Families, waterpark lovers
Modern and sleek, Hilton Rose Hall is a hidden gem in the Montego Bay area. It is all about simplicity. The rooms are great for families of four and are functional, but the common areas and waterpark is where this resort really shines. With a lazy river, waterslides and swim up bars, it caters to both the young and young at heart. To be honest… I could spend a whole week in that waterpark!
That’s a wrap!
With such an incredible FAM trip in the books for me, it’s probably easy to believe that I am already planning my next one. As you can tell, it’s so valuable to book with a travel advisor with on-the-ground experience as we have so much first-hand experience with various travel suppliers and can give you authentic recommendations.
Book with Pink Palm Travel
If you’re booking directly with me, you can do so with $0 down when booking your a la carte all-inclusive resort stay at Playa Hotels & Resorts. Final payment is due 30 days prior to travelling and you can cancel up to 14 days prior to your trip start date. I also can access pricing with tour operators such as Air Canada Vacations and WestJet Vacations which includes airfare.
Let’s chat! Connect with me today for a free travel consultation.