Exclusively situated on Montego Bay’s breathtaking peninsula, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, you will find Secrets St. James. This AAA Four Diamond award-winning resort offers guest free-flow access to Secrets Wild Orchid's facilities next door. Sharing all of its restaurants and bars with the sister resort next door essentially giving guests two resorts in one.
There's just something about the vibe, atmosphere, and Jamaican sunsets that make you want to stay forever. Located about 15-minutes from the Montego Bay airport, and 10-minutes from the famous "Hip Strip" it's hard to beat this destination. This adult-only resort features 350 suites, impeccable service, and superior amenities.
With a total of ten restaurants and nine bars, you won't have any problem finding a bite to eat or a frosty cold beverage. Make sure you watch for the jerk chicken cart to come around poolside during the day, it is excellent. And for lunch, if you swing over to the restaurant overlooking the pool at Secrets Wild Orchid they make wraps that exceptional, probably our favorite lunch during our stay.
The pool area was pretty relaxed until early afternoon, about 2 o'clock it kicks up a notch with a poolside DJ, dancing, and other fun activities. One activity we will never forget was the crab races, that was a first for us. The bartenders were extremely lively which makes for a fun atmosphere at least in our opinion. Top shelf liquor is available as well as Red Stripe, Red Stripe Light, and Miller Lite. The bartenders, especially Leo, really made sure you had fun. Always a new toast, story, or the occasional birthday cake delivery into the pool in full tuxedo.
The beach is where this resort really shines, with crystal clear water and beautiful white sand. Located within Montego Bay Marine Park, Jamaica's first fully underwater national park, the protected swimming area offers superb snorkeling. The resort offers a free guided snorkeling trip every morning at 10 am. You will swim from the beach to reef, see a plethora of sea life, and swim back. All snorkeling gear is provided, as well as life jackets for those who would like one, but they are not required. Josh is not a fan of snorkeling with a life jacket since he likes to be able to dive down to the ocean floor, so it was great they were not required. They also have a rescue boat in the event the event you tire out and need a tow back in.
If you feel like getting off the resort for a little while, we recommend taking a trip to Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville. Only about 10 minutes away it is a really fun place with a 120-foot waterslide that dumps out into the ocean. Jump the day away on their inflatable waterpark or just grab the day by the margarita mug and let loose. We arrived upon opening and only stayed to play for a few hours. It was busy upon arrival but quickly cleared out once the catamaran set sail, leaving us to have the entire place to ourselves. The bartenders sat at our table to chat which was great, it's always fun chatting with the locals and we never had to wait for drinks!
If Montego Bay is on your destination list, give this place a look. Secrets St. James is a great choice for couples looking for a beautiful luxury beach destination