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Has LL Cool J really been here for years? I haven’t seen him in a minute…
The real comeback story right now is Jamaica, one of the Caribbean’s most iconic island escapes that was put through the wringer by Hurricane Melissa last year.
As a result, many of the island’s top resorts have closed for major repairs and refurbishments, leaving travelers wondering if the timing was right for an island getaway.
But no, that’s Jamaica bounce back Iri looks.
Resorts have been steadily reopening and Jamaica’s appeal is clearly gaining momentum; more than 1,000,000 visitors were welcomed in the first three months of 2026 alone.
If that’s not a green light to finally book that beach vacation, then the Bahamas will happily take your money.
But where are travelers Real are you going to Jamaica now?
Let’s find out!
Before your trip, be sure to check the real-time Traveler Safety Index for your destination to find out what travelers are experiencing locally.
The obvious: Montego Bay and Negril are regaining the spotlight
Surprise, surprise – or not.
But can we blame travelers for venturing to the country’s most renowned destinations?
Absolutely not.
Montego Bay and Negril share a paragraph because they often also share an itinerary.
Not that many vacationers fly into Kingston to end up in Negril unless they’re up for a crazy trip.
Anyway, no judgment anyway.
Montego Bay is now, and always will be, the most popular gateway into the country, dating back to before Jimmy Buffet waxed poetic in many of his coconutty songs.
Here you will find some of the best resorts in Jamaica, such as Riu Reggae And JOIA Rose Hall by Iberostar (adults only) – both all-inclusive.
Whether you arrive by plane or board a cruise, this is the place for the most inviting welcome, but know that not every resort in Montego Bay has reopened, as some have. pushed back until 2027.
Negril, on the other hand, is often an add-on – if not the main event – to your epic beach vacation.
Home to Rik’s Caféfamous for its cliff jumps that you’ve probably seen before, and some of the island’s most picture-perfect coastlines, it’s no surprise that Negril’s hotels are filling up again, especially since it was declared “fully reopened” before 4 months ago.
Besides, it’s a pair the safest destinations here. See what fellow travelers are saying about both Montego Bay and Negril in real time, as Jamaica currently has Level 2 status from the U.S. Department of State.
Rocksteady: Kingston continues to open the way to Jamaica’s best escapes
Have you ever been to Kingston?
It’s an interesting place, one I’ll certainly never forget, but not in the most positive way.
Was it cool to see Bob Marley’s house? Absolute.
Was it cool that pretty much every driver I had told me had a death wish if I continued exploring on my own? Not at all.
But what Kingston does best isn’t its crusty coastline, it’s for being your go-to person to get you to Jamaica’s postcard getaways elsewhere.
As such, it amounts to 1% of Norman Manley International Airport increase in passenger traffic may not seem like much, but it actually says a lot, as Jamaica was effectively declared a no-go zone after the wrath of Hurricane Melissa.
If you ask me, Kingston isn’t the place to hang out for more than a weekend, but it does take you to some fantastic destinations, like Blue Mountain coffee farms, Port Antonio, or the hidden beach village of Hellshire that I loved visiting, much closer to the city.
The biggest surprise: Runaway Bay
I’d say put on a Kanye song, but you know what…
Runaway Bay is ready for a wave! Lacking Montego Bay’s domestic recognition, this north shore hideaway has long been a closely guarded secret, but there has been a wave of reopening of resorts finally breaks down its Fort Knox-like walls.
The comeback has already started Bahia Principe Luxury Runaway Bay Open again on April 1bringing 664 rooms back online and approximately 800 employees back to work.
Moreover, you can also visit Runaway for a winter getaway as its sister property is Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica set to reopen on December 1 as Jamaica’s tourism revival continues to grow.
If you want to feel Real Jamaica, this is the place. For a growing resort, it still feels largely unspoiled and you can still leave the resort grounds and tuck into jerk jerk chicken or the almost obligatory rum punch.
However, before you go anywhere in Jamaica, be sure to check the entry requirements.
No visa is required for American tourists for stays of less than 90 days.
