Of all the Caribbean countries I’ve visited, Jamaica remains my favorite! It’s rich in culture, the food is incredible, and the locals are the friendliest. Jamaica is one of the larger islands of the Caribbean with so much to do and see. From lush mountains to rainforests to stunning blue beaches, you could spend weeks exploring it all.
In my opinion, the best way to start is with a short all-inclusive stay in Montego Bay. Montego Bay is the main hub for tourism in Jamaica. Full of safe, beautiful resorts and pristine white beaches it’s hard not to love this slice of paradise.
I spent my trip at the beautiful all-inclusive resort Breathless Montego Bay. This five-star property has so much to offer— from swim-up pools to crystal-clear ocean views. Whether you’re looking for an entertaining girls’ trip or a romantic couples getaway, Breathless has it all.
Sharing more details in today’s resort review + a full detailed travel guide to ensure your next trip to Jamaica is one to remember!
You get a 5-star experience when you stay at Breathless Montego Bay. This adults-only resort is centrally located just a short drive away from fun excursions, epic adventures, and local gems.
Don’t want to leave the resort during your stay? You’re in luck–they’ve got everything you could want right at your fingertips. When you stay at Breathless you automatically have access to their sister properties Secrets Wild Orchid and Secrets St James. These three properties are connected so there is so much to explore.
Plus, that means you get triple the options. With over 20 restaurants and bars to visit, I was constantly trying something new!
Whether you want to relax by one of Breathless’s three pools, enjoy a treatment at the spa, or immerse yourself in the Jamaican culture there is endless entertainment here.
To access the beach you simply walk across the skybridge towards the Secrets side of the resort.
Breathless is the hot spot for birthday celebrations, bachelorettes, and lively vacationers whereas Secrets is more relaxed with romantic views and honeymooners. Of course, you can wander about so regardless of where you choose to spend your time you are bound to enjoy it.
Breathless also goes above and beyond planning a full itinerary of on-site activities each day. Whether it’s a fashion show, a live band, or a foam party there’s always something going on. Additionally, the staff are so helpful and can help you coordinate any excursions you may be interested in. To do so, you can visit the front desk located in the Breathless lobby.
I’ve stayed at dozens of resorts around the world and yet the service at Breathless continues to blow me away. This was my second time back and definitely not my last.
Of course, the best part of visiting Jamaica is getting to relax by the beach. There is nothing better than the Caribbean— beautiful turquoise waters, the finest white sand, and sunny scorching hot temperatures. There are several different beach accesses around the property of Breathless— many with different cabanas, day beds, chairs, and umbrellas.
My personal favorite spot is over by the Bare Buns cafe. I spent all day every day relaxing in the sun over here! This beach access is tucked away on the backside of the resort so very few guests wander over this way. It’s super quiet and the views are right off of a postcard. Plus, the food over here is amazing with staff that can deliver your food and frozen drinks right to your chair!
There is also an activities station where you can rent paddle boards and kayaks for free! Just head over to the office in the morning to reserve your two-hour spot.
Breathless has a variety of rooms to choose from including a special collection of suits called “Xhale Club”. I stayed in the “Xhale Club Master Suite Swim Out” which is by far the nicest hotel room I’ve ever stayed in.
The only thing better than a room with a private pool is a room with a private swim-out pool. Yes, you heard me right! Steps from the bedroom door was our own private oasis. This pool overlooks the main infinity pool at Breathless so you can still enjoy the music and good vibes while sitting away from the crowds! There are two day chairs available for lounging and the patio itself is complete with a dining set & jacuzzi tub!
This suite had a huge living room area which was the perfect place to hang out in the evenings. It also had a dining area with bar stools, snacks, and a fully stocked mini-bar. All-inclusive has its perks— all the alcohol and treats you could want are restocked daily.
The bedroom itself was in a separate room. Breathless is top tier with full control of room lighting to match your mood, surround sound, and 24-hour room service all with the tap of a finger on your in-room tablet.
The bathroom was bigger than my bedroom at home with a double sink vanity, oversized marble shower, and a large soaking tub.
Booking VIP comes with its perks… enjoy the following when you book one of the “Xhale” suites.
Between Breathless and Secrets, you have all-inclusive dining/drinking access to over 20 different restaurants and bars. They have a huge variety so whether you’re craving traditional Jamaican, Italian, or Hibachi or want to kick back and eat buffet style they’ve got it all.
Oh and of course they also offer 24/7 room service which I indulged in every morning for breakfast. If you’re VIP they can even do it floating style!
A few of my favorite spots:
If you’re craving traditional jerk food, you must come to Bare Buns. it’s right along the beach and everything on the menu is amazing. I came here every day for lunch to get my jerk fix. Their traditional plate of jerk chicken comes with rice and peas + pineapple coleslaw. It’s the best thing on the menu but the jerk chicken quesadilla either!
Grab a reservation at Himitsu for a one-of-a-kind hibachi experience. The staff make this dinner extra fun and the shrimp fried rice is to die for. You can also reserve a regular dining experience to taste the rest of their Thai/Asian menu.
Get dressed up and have a chic Italian night out at Portofino. Everything from their steak to shrimp alfredo is yummy. It’s no Rome but for all-inclusive it was quite tasty!
Chic, moody bar located on the Secrets side that serves fun cocktails (and the basics too!). There will often be live music over here so it’s a fun spot to “pregame” or enjoy a nightcap.
A yummy seafood + traditional American spot that’s available for breakfast and lunch. I highly suggest their shrimp tacos while lounging at the pool.
Breathtaking 360-degree views of Montego Bay can be seen from this rooftop bar and restaurant. This is the perfect spot to enjoy sunset cocktails + snap some photos. This is also one of the best spots to come if you’re craving a steak filet.
Of course, no all-inclusive stay is complete without a trip to the spa. Breathless Montego Bay guests have full access to the Secrets world-class spa. Find your zen with one of their rejuvenating body and facial treatments, replacing massages or pampering salons.
I did a soothing 60-minute hydrotherapy circuit, rotating between hot and cold treatments to relax the muscles and increase the range of movement in my joints. This involves the sauna, a cold plunge, a jacuzzi experience, and more. Of course, there was full access to the relaxation room where I could slip into a cozy robe and unwind.
Browse all spa experiences to make your stay even more relaxing here.
Not sure what to wear in Jamaica? Sharing all of my vacation outfits and bikinis from my latest trip to Montego Bay in this outfit guide complete with links to shop.
Most of the restaurants here follow a “Resort Casual” dress code. Think tank tops and shorts, simple sun dresses, and sandals. I brought a few fancier dresses “just for fun” but overall the vibes are very casual! All restaurants require the ladies to have a swimsuit coverup when dining in so be sure to have a few packed.
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Jamaica is one of those destinations I love so much that I’ll be back in just a few weeks for ATVing, snorkeling, and a little bit of zip-lining. There’s nothing I love more than a destination that allows you to relax and explore all at once! And while I’ve loved my time exploring Montego Bay, I can’t wait to explore Negril and Ocho Rios next!
Find this post helpful? Feel free to share it with your friends and family who are planning their trip to Jamaica. Want even more Caribbean recommendations? Browse some of my other favorite destinations on the map here.