Polished up my trip report
A Weekend Getaway in Paradise: Montego Bay, JamaicaWe were craving a warm escape for a long weekend with a Shabbos minyan and kosher food, and Montego Bay, Jamaica, checked all the boxes. Leaving chilly NYC behind, we set off Friday morning and returned refreshed Wednesday afternoon.
FlightsWe flew business class with American Airlines, redeeming 23k AA points each way. The journey was smooth and comfortable, setting the tone for the luxury to come.
HotelWe stayed at the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall, a beautiful beachfront resort, using 25k Hyatt points per night. As Globalists, we were upgraded to an oceanfront suite—a perk worth mentioning! The views were breathtaking, and the best part? It was just a 12-minute walk to Chabad.
Pro Tip: The "Chabad House" is in a gated community, so be sure to make a reservation beforehand at
www.JewishJamaica.com.
---
Friday Arrival & ShabbosOur 7 AM flight from JFK brought us to paradise just in time to settle in before Shabbos.
Shabbos at Chabad was nothing short of magical. The shul, with its open-air setup overlooking a golf course and the Atlantic Ocean, was stunning. Meals were served outdoors, with an incredible view of the ocean on one side and the sunset on the other—a setting that truly felt otherworldly. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting as we schmoozed with other guests.
One standout highlight was the brand-new, beautifully designed women’s mikvah—a testament to the vibrant Jewish life in this corner of the world.
Rabbi Raskin and his team made davening and the meals a truly uplifting experience. It was a Shabbos we’ll never forget.
---
Sunday: Exploring Montego BayWe headed to the Hip Strip, a lively area about 25 minutes from the Hyatt, where we did some shopping and enjoyed lunch at the Kosher Hot Spot. From there, we visited Margaritaville, famous for its giant water trampoline. Bouncing around in the turquoise waters was pure fun and a unique experience!
---
Monday: A Day of AdventureWe hired Douglas, a reliable driver (+1 876-480-7338), and set off for a day of adventure. Our first stop was the Ocho Rios Blue Hole, a hidden gem of waterfalls and natural pools where we swam and explored.
Next, we tackled the iconic Dunn’s River Falls, a 90-minute hike up cascading waterfalls that left us in awe—it’s a must-do for anyone visiting Jamaica. Finally, we wrapped up with a visit to the Green Grotto Caves in Discovery Bay, a fascinating underground wonder with a rich history.
We left the hotel at 10 AM and returned around 6 PM, thoroughly exhausted but thrilled with the day’s adventures.
---
Tuesday: Relaxation & PamperingFor a more laid-back experience, we booked the Bamboo Rafting and Limestone Foot Massage Tour. Floating down the river surrounded by lush greenery was incredibly serene, and the limestone foot massage was the cherry on top.
In the evenings, the Hyatt came alive with shows and entertainment, offering a perfect way to wind down after our outings.
---
Dining & Kosher Accommodations
The Hyatt Ziva staff went above and beyond to accommodate our kosher needs. Every morning, they prepared fresh fruits, vegetables, and even grilled salmon using our pot and utensils. For dinner, we ordered from Chabad, and the meals were delivered to the hotel. The staff thoughtfully set up our meals in the resort’s restaurants, complete with paper utensils, so it felt like dining out.
---
Wednesday: Farewell to ParaiseReluctantly, we left Montego Bay on a 1 PM flight back to JFK, but we returned home with incredible memories and a renewed spirit.
---
Final Thoughts
Montego Bay is a fantastic destination for a relaxing getaway with kosher amenities. From the luxurious Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall to the warm hospitality of Chabad, the combination of adventure, relaxation, and Jewish life made this trip truly special. Highly recommended for anyone looking to recharge in style!
