Where to stay, what to eat & do
Montego Bay is the capital of St. James parish, on Jamaica’s north coast. Commonly known as the Second City, Mobay, or simply Bay by the locals, it’s a popular vacation destination with numerous beaches and golf courses, and a variety of historic and cultural experiences. Whether you want a curated Mobay experience, or to truly live like a local, there’s always somewhere good to eat, something interesting to do, and somewhere welcoming and comfortable to stay in this multifaceted city.
What to do
The beaches in Montego Bay are renowned for their pristine beauty. In addition to private resort beaches, the Cornwall Beach and Doctor’s Cave Beach welcome dozens of locals and tourists everyday. Mobay boasts some of the Caribbean’s cleanest, and most refreshing swimming spots, with diving and snorkeling for those who want to explore the surrounding marine life. Right on the beach, visitors can also enjoy tropical drinks, local food and snacks, and bask in the sun uninhibited.
There are many old plantation houses in Montego Bay and its environs that are open to visitors. Among the historical places to visit in Montego Bay is the Rosehall Great House, where the ghost of Annie Palmer is rumoured to haunt the old house on the Rose Hall plantation. Known as the White Witch of Rose Hall, legend has it that Palmer turned this beautiful plantation into hell on earth and was responsible for the torture and death of many slaves and each of her three husbands, before she herself was killed. Local folklore says that her tomb was sealed with a Voodoo ritual meant to keep her spirit perpetually imprisoned. However, the ritual was never completed, and Annie Palmer’s ghost is said to freely roam Rose Hall to this day.
Montego Bay is also close to other resort areas, and it’s relatively easy to take a day tour to Negril or Ocho Rios for further exploration. The Green Grotto Caves in St. Ann, Mayfield Falls in Westmoreland, and the Chukka Cove Adventures in Hanover are all easily accessible from the city.
What to eat
Mobay has an abundance of food choices, from popular local eateries such as The Pelican Bar and Grill on the Jimmy Cliff Boulevard (formerly the Hip Strip), to upscale restaurants in the Freeport and Ironshore areas. For an authentic culinary experience, grab a serving of jerk chicken from the vendors who line the streets of the city at night. A succulent dish of oxtail or curried goat are popular menu items at local restaurants dotting the city alongside multinational burger and chicken chains. For the discerning foodie, a seaside eatery with a view of the ocean may serve up freshly caught seafood cooked Jamaican style in addition to international cuisine.
Where to stay
Montego Bay – being a tourist hotspot – has a large number of internationally known, all-inclusive hotels. An advantage of vacationing at an all-inclusive hotel is that all amenities are on hand – and help is usually one phone call away. Hotels are also a good option if you’re travelling with children. Supervised activities and menus tailored for young palates mean that children will be entertained and satisfied for the duration of your stay. However, a hotel stay can be expensive, especially if you’re travelling in a large group. All-inclusive hotels also tend to tailor food, activities, and entertainment for the typical North American tourist.
If you’re looking for a personalised, authentically Jamaican vacation, consider staying at a guest house instead. More inviting and welcoming than an all-inclusive hotel, guest houses are usually less expensive making them ideal for large groups of travellers. Be sure to book your stay with a reputable host, though and research the accommodation thoroughly.