Royalton White Sands
Following a record-breaking year in stopover arrivals of more than two million in 2013, Jamaica’s tourist industry continues on a path towards diversifying its product in order to maintain its competitiveness. A number of new and refurbished hotels, comprising more than 2,000 rooms, have been added to Jamaica’s accommodations portfolio.
With the expansion, the destination has welcomed some well-known hotel brands including Blue Diamond, Hyatt, Karisma, Marriott, Melia and Riu Palace, as part of its strategy to deliver a world class product.
OCHO RIOS
· Jewel Paradise Cove Beach Resort & Spa: Recently opened, this 225-room, adults-only oceanfront retreat in Runaway Bay is centered on an all-inclusive health, spa and fitness theme. Formerly Hedonism III, this is the third Jewel property to be opened in Jamaica by the Sagicor Group and brings to 741 the total number of rooms under the Jewel brand.
MONTEGO BAY
· Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall: Formerly the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort & Spa, the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall will reopen later this year with expanded facilities and more rooms. Hyatt Ziva’s all inclusive resorts capture the fun and vitality of vacation. Guests of all ages can delight in unexpected discovery, as they try new things and bond in new ways through the passion of talented staff, the beauty of local culture, and authentic culinary delights. Playa Hotels & Resorts owns and manages the brand.
· Melia Jamaica: The 226-room Braco Village Hotel & Spa in Trelawny is now undergoing a comprehensive renovation and will reopen as the upscale all-inclusive Melia Jamaica in November 2014. It will be the chain’s first property in Jamaica. Melia Hotels International adds to the growing list of Spanish hotel operators on island.
· Riu Palace Jamaica: Located next to the Riu Montego Bay, this newly built all-inclusive, adults-only 238-room hotel opened in December. Riu Palace Jamaica is RIU’s most luxurious hotel in Jamaica and the island’s fifth Riu hotel. It is the first in offering the chain’s exclusive ‘Adults Only’ service.
· Royalton White Sands: A luxury all-inclusive five-star hotel in the Montego Bay resort area opened in November 2013. Formerly Breezes Trelawny, this extensively renovated hotel offers 352 guestrooms and is being positioned as an “all-in connectivity” resort, offering free in-room calls to North America and most of Europe, with free wifi throughout the property.
· Sea Garden Jamaica Resort: The 150-room Montego Bay property which was completely refurbished had its reopening mid-December.
· The Oasis at Sunset: Formerly the Beach Inn wing, adjoining the Sunset Beach Resort Spa & Waterpark, this 124-room section was opened in December as a separate hotel. Guests will enjoy extra pampering, a dedicated concierge, a private beach with an au natural section tucked out of the way, and access to all of the facilities, activities, entertainment, and restaurants at Sunset Beach all inclusive resort.
NEGRIL
· Azul Sensatori Jamaica: Jamaica’s first Azul Sensatori hotel by Karisma Hotels & Resorts in Negril has opened its doors, welcoming its first guests on December 20. The 136-room hotel features separate adults-only and family sections. Azul Sensatori Jamaica is Karisma’s first property outside of Mexico and its sixth property overall.
KINGSTON
· Marriott Courtyard Hotel: Ground was broken in July 2013 for the construction of a 130-room business hotel. The five-storey corporate hotel, a J$2 billion investment, is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2015/16 winter tourist season. Upon completion, it will employ an estimated 430 Jamaicans.
· Spanish Court Hotel: Kingston’s newest hotel is expanding its room stock from 110 to 125 rooms. The new rooms are scheduled to open in February 2014. Guests can visit the recently opened gift shop to take a piece of Jamaica back home or relax in the new lounge area set to be opened in April.
Jamaica Tourist Board,www.visitjamaica.com