White sandy beaches, crystal-clear Caribbean waters, reggae music, endless cocktails and one over-enthusiastic Yorkshire woman attempting to prove age is just a number… welcome to Jamaica!
Like many great holiday decisions, this one started with those dangerous words –“Ooh… that’s a bargain!”
We spotted an 11-night TUI package to RIU Montego Bay for just £1,300 per person, and before we had chance to talk ourselves out of it, it was booked.
Living in Shipley, West Yorkshire, Birmingham Airport isn’t exactly around the corner, but the price made the extra journey worthwhile. There was just one slight problem…
When Your Holiday Nearly Ends Before It Begins
The day before we were due to fly, Britain decided it was the perfect time to have one of its dramatic weather moments. Heavy snow had closed Birmingham Airport. There we were, repeatedly refreshing airport websites, checking weather forecasts every five minutes and wondering whether we’d be swapping Caribbean sunshine for another weekend sat at home watching daytime television.
Not wanting to take any chances, we’d already booked a night at the Crowne Plaza Birmingham NEC through Holiday Extras. The hotel, including parking for the duration of our holiday, cost around £140, and it turned out to be money very well spent.
When we arrived the hotel was much busier than expected. Many guests had been stranded after flights were delayed or cancelled, with several cruise passengers wondering if their holidays were disappearing before they’d even started. Despite the chaos, check-in was quick and the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming. Within minutes we had our room keys and could finally stop refreshing the weather app every thirty seconds.
The hotel itself was modern, comfortable and exactly what you want before a long-haul flight. Sometimes removing the stress before your holiday even begins is worth every penny.
The following morning we jumped on the hotel’s shuttle bus, which took us straight to the terminal in just a few minutes. Holiday mode had officially begun.
Breakfast… with Cocktails!
We hadn’t booked breakfast at the hotel because we’d treated ourselves to access to The Clubrooms Executive Lounge, booked through Holiday Extras for £88 for two people.
Now, we’ve visited quite a few airport lounges over the years, so we always end up comparing them.
The first thing we noticed was that unlike most lounges, where you can normally wander in a little early if it’s quiet, The Clubrooms were very strict about entry times. We joined a growing queue outside waiting for our allocated slot.
Once inside, the lounge looked lovely. Comfortable seating, stylish décor and a much calmer atmosphere than the busy departure area. The biggest difference compared with other lounges was that everything was table service. Sounds luxurious, doesn’t it? Well… yes… and no. Unfortunately, the service was incredibly slow.
Ordering drinks often meant waiting for somebody to notice you, and once you’d ordered, there was another wait before they arrived. When all you really want is that first holiday drink, every minute feels much longer! Thankfully, the quality more than made up for it.
The menu offered a good selection of freshly cooked meals, and unlike many airport lounges, there wasn’t a limit on what you could order. Naturally, we started with a full English breakfast. Well… you have to line your stomach before cocktails.
Speaking of cocktails… One thing we really liked was that alcoholic drinks weren’t restricted to basic beer and wine. Sparkling wine and cocktails were included, something many cheaper airport lounges don’t offer.
Because apparently having a Mimosa at breakfast is perfectly acceptable once you’ve checked your suitcase in. It’s basically holiday law.
Overall, we’d probably rate it 8/10.
Flying to Jamaica
Our flight with TUI Airways took approximately 9½ hours. Long-haul flights can sometimes feel never-ending, but this one actually passed surprisingly quickly. The cabin crew were friendly throughout, the flight was comfortable and before we knew it we were descending over the beautiful turquoise waters surrounding Montego Bay.
Seeing that incredible Caribbean coastline appear beneath the aircraft is one of those moments where all the planning, packing and travelling suddenly feels worthwhile. We’d finally made it. Now all that remained was getting to the hotel…
Why We Always Book Private Transfers
Having travelled to quite a few all-inclusive resorts over the years, we’ve learnt one thing… Sometimes spending a little extra at the beginning of your holiday can save a lot of frustration. On previous package holidays we’ve spent what felt like forever driving around hotels while everyone else was dropped off first. There’s nothing worse than finally landing after a long-haul flight, only to spend another hour and a half staring out of a coach window wondering if you’ll ever actually arrive. This time we decided to book a private transfer before we travelled. It cost just £14 each way, and honestly, it was one of the best-value extras of the whole holiday.
Our driver was waiting outside arrivals, helped with our luggage and within minutes we were heading straight to the hotel while many of the TUI passengers were still waiting for their coaches to fill up. Sometimes it’s the little luxuries that make the biggest difference.
Top Tip: If your private transfer costs less than around £20 per person, we’d highly recommend it. After a nine-and-a-half-hour flight, you’ll thank yourself later.
First Impressions of RIU Montego Bay Jamaica
The journey from Montego Bay Airport took only around ten minutes.
One minute you’re leaving the airport… The next you’re pulling up outside a stunning hotel overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Check-in was quick and efficient, and we were immediately handed a refreshing welcome drink. Now that’s how to start a holiday!
The reception area is huge, bright and beautifully decorated, creating a fantastic first impression. Staff greeted everyone with smiles, and despite several guests arriving at the same time, everything ran very smoothly. Well… almost everything.
The Great Suitcase Workout
After checking in we waited for a porter to help with our luggage. And waited…And waited… Eventually we realised there wasn’t anyone available. “No problem,” we thought. We’ll take them ourselves. What could possibly go wrong? Well… The lift had decided it was taking a holiday too. So there we were, dragging two heavy suitcases up to the first floor after a long-haul flight. Who needs the hotel gym when you’ve got luggage? At least we’d earned our first cocktail.
Our Room
As soon as we opened the door we were impressed. The room was spacious, spotlessly clean and had everything we needed for the next eleven nights. Although we hadn’t paid extra for a sea view, we weren’t too concerned. Let’s be honest—we weren’t planning on spending much time looking out of the window! One feature we absolutely loved was the optics fitted in the room.
Yes…Your own spirits dispenser. It was topped up every day and contained a selection of premium drinks. Not that we’re encouraging anyone to start drinking before breakfast…Although after airport cocktails, perhaps we weren’t the best people to judge!
The room also included:
- Bathrobes
- Slippers
- Plenty of wardrobe space
- A well-stocked minibar, replenished daily
- Air conditioning
- Comfortable bed
- Large bathroom with walk-in shower
Those little extras like robes and slippers always make a room feel that bit more luxurious, so we were pleased to find them waiting for us.
Don’t Waste Time… Book the Restaurants!
We’d been warned before travelling that the speciality restaurants can book up quickly. So after a very quick unpack… And I do mean quick…We headed straight to reception to reserve our tables. Good job we did. While we were sorting everything out, the coach transfer we’d chosen to avoid finally arrived. Watching dozens of people queue to check in while we were already heading towards the bar made us feel we’d definitely made the right decision booking the private transfer.
RIU Montego Bay Restaurants
The hotel has four speciality restaurants, all included within your stay.
Kulinarium
Serving a variety of international dishes in a more elegant setting.
Ideal if you fancy something a little different from the buffet.
Sofia
The Italian restaurant.
Think freshly made pasta, pizzas and classic Italian favourites.
Steakhouse
Perfect for meat lovers with steaks cooked to your liking alongside other grilled favourites.
Golden Dragon
Without doubt…
Our favourite.
The Asian-inspired dishes were delicious, there was plenty of choice and, because it’s slightly more buffet-style than the others, it was often easier to get a table.
If we had another week there, we’d probably have eaten here more than once.
The Buffet Restaurant
Even if speciality restaurants aren’t your thing, you certainly won’t go hungry. The buffet offered an incredible amount of choice. Breakfast included everything from freshly cooked omelettes and pancakes to a full English, while lunch featured international dishes, salads, grilled meats, pizzas, pasta, fresh fruit and desserts. Dinner somehow got even better, with themed evenings and enough variety to satisfy even the fussiest eaters. One thing RIU consistently does well is food. Everything was fresh, regularly replenished and well presented, whether you fancied a healthy salad or something a little more indulgent.
Which Pool Should You Choose?
One thing we loved about RIU Montego Bay was that it really caters for everyone. Fancy complete peace and quiet? There are pools for that. Want music, dancing and entertainment all day? There are pools for that too!
You’ll probably guess which one we chose…
The swim-up bar pool quickly became our favourite place whenever we weren’t off exploring Jamaica. Good music, DJ playing great atmosphere, friendly people, party vibe and cold cocktails… what’s not to like? It’s impossible not to end up chatting to other guests while sitting in the pool enjoying a drink. If you prefer something quieter, there are several other pools where you can simply relax with a book. The hotel also has a lovely private beach with soft white sand and beautiful clear water, where many guests spent the day alternating between swimming in the Caribbean and relaxing under the palm trees.
Entertainment From Morning Until Night
One thing RIU certainly doesn’t struggle with is keeping people entertained. From early morning until late evening there always seemed to be something happening somewhere around the hotel. Throughout the day there were DJs, pool games, sports competitions, dance classes, foam parties, fitness activities and quiz games. The entertainment team never seemed to stop smiling. Honestly, we don’t know where they get their energy from!
The Iron Woman Competition…
Now, anyone who knows me knows I can’t resist joining in. So when the entertainment team announced an Iron Woman Competition, there was absolutely no chance I was staying on my sunbed. Looking around, I realised I was probably… let’s just say… the most experienced competitor! The entertainment team looked slightly surprised when I volunteered. I suspect they thought I’d politely clap everyone else from the sidelines.
How wrong they were!
When the races started, I gave it absolutely everything and, to everyone’s amazement (including mine!), I was the fastest. The look on everyone’s faces was priceless. Age really is just a number…
The entertainment staff were brilliant, making everyone feel involved regardless of age. That’s something we really noticed throughout the holiday. Whether you were 18 or 80, everyone was encouraged to join in and have fun, and that’s exactly how holidays should be.
The Entertainment Doesn’t Stop When the Sun Goes Down
If you’re wondering whether RIU Montego Bay goes quiet in the evenings… absolutely not!
After a day spent around the pool, on the beach or exploring Jamaica, the hotel comes alive all over again. Every evening there was something different taking place, so you never felt like you were watching the same show night after night. The entertainment team somehow managed to find another gear. Considering they’d already spent all day organising games, fitness classes and pool activities, we honestly don’t know where they found the energy.
There were quizzes, audience participation games, live music and professional stage shows with something to suit every age. Of course… it didn’t take me long before I was back on stage!
The Michael Jackson Show
Out of all the evening entertainment, one show stood out above the rest… The Michael Jackson tribute show.
We’ve seen quite a few hotel tribute acts over the years and, if we’re being honest, they can sometimes be a little… hit and miss. This one certainly wasn’t. The dancing was excellent, the costumes were brilliant and the performer captured Michael Jackson’s style incredibly well. The audience loved every minute and, by the end, almost everyone was singing and dancing along. Definitely one not to miss if you’re staying at RIU Montego Bay.
Neon Party… We Came Prepared!
Every Friday evening the hotel alternates between two famous RIU parties:
- Neon Party
- White Party
Unfortunately, our holiday only included one Friday, so we experienced the Neon Party.
Typical…
The following Friday would have been the White Party, but by then we’d already be heading home.
If you’ve never been to a RIU Party before, imagine hundreds of people dressed in bright neon colours, glowing accessories everywhere, music pumping, dancers performing and everyone simply having a fantastic time. The atmosphere was incredible. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends or even solo, it’s one of those evenings where everyone ends up dancing together.
Top Tip: Pack a white outfit and something neon. You never know which party will be taking place during your stay, and you’ll definitely want to join in.
Jamaica Excursions
Catamaran Cruise & Rick’s Café
One of the first excursions we booked was through TUI. The trip included:
- Catamaran cruise
- Unlimited drinks
- Snorkelling
- Visit to the famous Rick’s Café
The cost was around £120 per person. Although it wasn’t the cheapest excursion, it turned out to be one of the highlights of the holiday.
Waiting for the Sunshine…
The morning didn’t exactly get off to the tropical start we’d imagined. Grey skies, a little rain and definitely not postcard weather! Rather than standing around getting soaked, everyone waited inside a nearby beach bar where the excursion started. Thankfully there was a DJ playing music, cocktails being served and a relaxed atmosphere while we waited for the weather to improve.
Fortunately, Jamaica reminded us that tropical showers rarely last long. Within a short time the clouds disappeared, blue skies appeared and we were heading towards the catamaran.
Caribbean Party on the Water
The moment we climbed aboard, the atmosphere completely changed. Music blasted from the speakers, the crew were dancing, drinks were flowing and passengers who’d never met before were suddenly singing together. It wasn’t one of those quiet sightseeing boat trips… it was a floating Caribbean party!
The crew somehow managed to keep everyone’s glasses topped up while dancing themselves. No wonder Jamaicans always seem so happy! The snorkelling stop gave us chance to cool off in the beautiful clear Caribbean Sea before climbing back aboard for… yes… another cocktail.
It’s a tough life.
Rick’s Café – Would You Jump?
Eventually we arrived at one of Jamaica’s most famous attractions… Rick’s Café. Perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Rick’s Café is famous for its incredible sunsets and even more famous for people jumping into the sea from heights that look absolutely terrifying. Standing there watching people leap from the highest platforms, I honestly couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Some people made it look effortless. Others… well… let’s just say their facial expressions changed dramatically once they’d left the edge! I had absolutely no intention of attempting the highest jump. Not a chance.
Instead, I decided to start with one of the lower platforms. Standing on the edge, I suddenly realised it looked a lot higher than it had from the ground. Funny how that happens! Eventually I took the plunge… Splash! The water was beautifully warm and, once I’d surfaced, I couldn’t stop smiling. I was even beginning to convince myself I could manage the next platform… then someone announced it was time to return to the boat. Probably for the best. Although I still maintain I would’ve done it… Eventually.
The Journey Back to Shore
The return journey started exactly like the outward trip. Music, dancing, cocktails and everyone chatting about what a brilliant day they’d had.
Top Tips for Rick’s Café
- Wear swimwear under your clothes if you plan on jumping.
- Water shoes aren’t essential but can be useful.
- Don’t feel pressured into jumping from the highest platform—start lower and enjoy the experience.
- Take plenty of cash if you want drinks or souvenirs.
- Keep your camera ready because the sunsets here are spectacular.
Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting
If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing after all the partying at RIU Montego Bay, we couldn’t recommend Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting enough. We booked this excursion through Viator for around £60 per person, including hotel pick-up.
After around a 30-minute drive, we arrived at Martha Brae. One thing that immediately surprised us was how quiet it was. There were dozens of bamboo rafts lined up along the river waiting for visitors, but not many tourists. We later found out that a recent hurricane had caused significant damage to several hotels across Jamaica, meaning visitor numbers were much lower than usual. In one way, that actually made the experience even better. Instead of feeling crowded, it felt peaceful and authentic.
Our raft captain greeted us with a huge smile before carefully guiding us downstream using nothing more than a long bamboo pole. Watching him effortlessly steer such a large raft made us realise just how skilled these men really are. The river itself is stunning – crystal-clear water, lush tropical plants, birds singing and blue skies overhead. It couldn’t have been more relaxing. This also included a leg lime message and the raft captain taught Mike to do it.
Fresh Coconut… with a Jamaican Twist
Halfway along the river we pulled over beside what looked like someone’s family home. It turned out to be a small riverside bar.
One of the locals climbed effortlessly up a coconut tree before throwing down two fresh coconuts. Within minutes he’d chopped them open with a machete and handed them to us.
Then came the important question…“Do you want rum in it?” Now… It would have been rude to say no! For $8 we enjoyed probably one of the freshest drinks we’ve ever had. Fresh coconut water, local Jamaican rum and beautiful scenery… not a bad way to spend an afternoon.
The Hurricane’s Hidden Story
Further down the river we arrived at another stop where several men were rebuilding a large wooden structure. Our raft captain explained that before the hurricane this had been one of the most popular places on the river. There had been music, a DJ, a lively riverside bar and people swinging into the river from a rope swing. Sadly, the hurricane had destroyed much of it.
Top Tip: Take cash for drinks and tips. Your raft captain works incredibly hard and really deserves it.
Dunn’s River Falls – Just as Good the Second Time
This wasn’t actually our first visit to Dunn’s River Falls. We’d climbed them several years earlier and remembered having such a brilliant day that we couldn’t resist going back.
Again, we booked through Viator, paying around £58 per person, including hotel transfers. The journey took approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, although this included collecting guests from several hotels along the way.
Don’t Forget Water Shoes
Fortunately, we’d kept our water shoes from our previous visit. If you haven’t got any, don’t worry. Most tours stop on the way where you can buy or hire them.
Trust us…You’ll want them. The rocks are surprisingly slippery.
Climbing the Famous Falls
Before starting, everyone is split into groups with an experienced guide. After a safety briefing you’re taken down to the bottom of the falls where the adventure begins.
Everyone starts by holding hands in one long human chain. It sounds simple… Until the water starts rushing around your ankles. Then your knees. Then your waist.
As you climb higher, the chain naturally breaks into smaller groups, but there are always guides nearby helping anyone who needs a hand. Some of the rocks are extremely slippery, so don’t be afraid to take your time.
It’s not a race… Unless you’re me! Only joking!
The scenery is absolutely beautiful with tropical trees surrounding the falls, and there are plenty of places where photographers capture some fantastic action shots.
We’ve now done Dunn’s River Falls twice… …and we’d happily do it a third time.
Margaritaville – Cocktails with a View
One afternoon we decided to take a taxi into Margaritaville Montego Bay.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth visiting…
Absolutely.
It’s much more than just a beach bar.
There’s a huge jetty stretching out over the Caribbean Sea where people spend the day relaxing, swimming and jumping into the crystal-clear water. There are inflatable water trampolines and climbing frames floating just offshore, making it great fun for adults as well as children.
And then there are the cocktails…
Let’s just say…
They don’t skimp on the rum!
You certainly won’t need many before feeling like you’re on holiday.
The staff were brilliant – friendly, funny and always happy to chat. They even recommended some of their favourite cocktails. The views over the Caribbean are spectacular, making it the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoo
Weather in Jamaica
| Month | Day | Night | Rain | Humidity | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C | 22°C | Low | Comfortable | 27°C |
| February | 29°C | 22°C | Low | Comfortable | 27°C |
| March | 30°C | 23°C | Low | Moderate | 27°C |
| April | 31°C | 24°C | Moderate | Higher | 28°C |
| May | 32°C | 25°C | Higher | Humid | 29°C |
| June | 32°C | 26°C | High | High | 29°C |
| July | 33°C | 26°C | High | High | 29°C |
| August | 33°C | 26°C | High | High | 30°C |
| September | 33°C | 25°C | High | High | 30°C |
| October | 32°C | 25°C | Moderate | High | 29°C |
| November | 31°C | 24°C | Moderate | Comfortable | 29°C |
| December | 30°C | 23°C | Low | Comfortable | 28°C |
Best Time to Visit?
We genuinely think January to April offers some of the best weather. Warm sunshine, lower humidity and minimal rainfall make it perfect for exploring as well as relaxing on the beach.
Top Things to Do in Jamaica
Even if you’re staying all-inclusive, don’t spend every day by the pool. Some of our favourite experiences included:
- ✔️ Rick’s Café
- ✔️ Catamaran party cruise
- ✔️ Dunn’s River Falls
- ✔️ Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting
- ✔️ Margaritaville
- ✔️ Doctor’s Cave Beach
- ✔️ Rose Hall Great House
- ✔️ Blue Hole
- ✔️ Luminous Lagoon
- ✔️ Snorkelling
- ✔️ River tubing
- ✔️ Horse riding in the sea
- ✔️ Zip lining
- ✔️ Appleton Rum Estate
- ✔️ Local craft markets
Jamaica – Our Top Tips
- ✅ Book private transfers.
- ✅ Reserve speciality restaurants as soon as you arrive.
- ✅ Pack white and neon clothes for the RIU parties.
- ✅ Take water shoes for Dunn’s River Falls.
- ✅ Carry US dollars for excursions and tipping.
- ✅ Try the jerk chicken—it’s delicious.
- ✅ Don’t be afraid to join in with the entertainment.
Would We Return?
Without hesitation…
Absolutely.
Jamaica has something for everyone. Whether you want complete relaxation, lively entertainment, adventure, incredible scenery or simply a cocktail in the sunshine, you’ll find it here.
What made this holiday special wasn’t just the beautiful beaches or fantastic hotel. It was the people. Everywhere we went we were greeted with smiles, and the Jamaican people we met were genuinely warm, friendly and proud of their island. That positivity is infectious.
We laughed. We danced. We explored. We made memories we’ll never forget.
And yes… I can officially say I’ve competed in (and won!) an Iron Woman competition in Jamaica.
Not bad for the oldest competitor!
If you’re considering booking RIU Montego Bay, we’d wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s one of those holidays that leaves you already wondering when you can come back.
Sometimes the best memories aren’t the ones you plan…
They’re the ones that begin with, “Shall we just book it?”
For us…
That last-minute decision turned into one unforgettable Jamaican adventure.
That last-minute decision turned into one unforgettable Jamaican adventure.