I have stayed in dozens of timeshare resorts over my 20 years of exchanges and can honestly say that the Moon Palace Jamaica Grande resort is one of the most beautiful and luxurious resorts that I have ever stayed in.

It screams elegance the minute you step in the door, from the tree-like lighting fixtures and polished terrazzo tile floors, to the views out the windows at the multiple pools and ocean bay.

ACCOMMODATIONS

There are more than 700 rooms; therefore, be prepared for a potentially long wait time to check-in and check-out.  When we arrived, our room was not ready until after 6pm, but we were given our all-inclusive bracelets so that we could at least have a relaxing dinner while we waited for the room cleaning to be completed.  Once we were able to gain access to our room, we found it totally worth the wait.  The spectacular views from our 11^th floor ocean view room made our suite all the more accommodating.

The rooms have obsessively perfect mattresses, with choice linens that envelope you and hold you hostage, reminding you that you are on vacation, and releasing you only when the Caribbean waters or pools finally beckon you to the outside warmth.  The all-inclusive package includes free Wi-Fi, mini-bar, and delicious snacks (from 24-hour room service).

FOOD

The resort has five restaurants and six bars to choose from, including a huge international buffet, a boulangerie (for quick coffees and pastries), and specialty restaurants of Italian, Oriental, and seafood cuisine.

We dined outside as much as possible so that we could enjoy the magnificent sunsets and fresh ocean air.

NEAR BY

You can schedule tours such as the one we took to Dunn’s River Falls.  Our guided climb up the 600 feet of cascading waterfalls was the perfect way to enjoy the falls because the guides know the best way of ascending the slippery rocks.  We had read about the falls ahead of time and knew to pack our water shoes and dry bag pouches for our iPhones so that we could still get some great pictures.

OTHER

Guests can use their resort credit from the all-inclusive package towards the spa treatments, tours, and other experiences provided by the resort such as swimming with the dolphins in their on-site habitat, Dolphin Cove.

We tried a spa treatment at their on-site AWE-SPA.  It switched between extreme hot and cold temperatures, exposing us first to an icy cold plunge in a jetted tub.  We then moved to a warm roman bath with fountains aimed at our muscles – now that felt wonderful.  Then, we walked into an extremely hot steam room (this one I couldn’t stay in for long; it was too hot to breathe for me).  Next we headed into an ice room with peppermint-scented ice to rub on your skin (and decrease any swelling and inflammation you might have).  We then transferred back to the heat of a dry sauna for blood flow and circulation.  And finally, we had the most relaxing part – the 60-minute message.  Afterward, we were so relaxed that we went up to the room and fell asleep for several hours!  Our skin felt so cleansed and soft, all aches and pains were gone, and all anxiety drained from our bodies. 

You can use any of the non-motorized water sports equipment, such as paddleboards, kayaks, aqua cycles, etc.  Resort credits can be used for renting the water Jetpacks and Hoverboards, go on snorkel tours, or romantic dinner catamaran cruises. 

You can plan destination weddings at the resort, with the ceremony being conducted out on the point of the property.  They will decorate the pretty gazebo and set up the needed guest chairs for a perfect beach wedding venue.

TRANSPORTATION

Guests at Moon Palace Jamaica Grande Resort can schedule roundtrip airport transportation as part of the all-inclusive program.  However, you must prepay the program fees.  Our transportation was set-up easily using their directions through email.  But it had to be made at least 10 days in advance of our planned arrival.  The bus transportation is a rather long 90-minute ride from the Montego Bay International Airport to Ocho Rio.  Then again, it is air conditioned, comfortable, and relaxing after the flight from the US to Jamaica.  Remember to allow time for the bus trip back before your flight because there is no TSA pre-check line leaving.  The line is all one long line through security.  However, the length of the line is deceiving and surprisingly moves more quickly than you’d think.