But it’s the resort’s newest culinary addition that’s the most surprising. The Reggae Jerk Center is the Ritz-Carlton’s version of a traditional Jamaican jerk shack. Set right on the beach at the far end of the property, the Jerk Center offers ultra-casual seating at picnic tables set under thatched roof huts, or around a bar where chefs grill up jerk chicken and pork, alongside Jamaican delicacies like festival (sweet fried dough), roasted plantains and grilled breadfruit. With the large plantation-style resort in the distance, the wide blue horizon ahead and reggae music playing over it all, a meal at the Jerk Center is as authentic a Jamaican experience as you’ll find within the gates of any Montego Bay resort.
golfing and giving Activities at the resort are also a blend of the traditional and the unexpected. While diners at the White Witch restaurant may feel inspired to try out the attached golf course—the championship 18-hole White Witch featuring ocean views from a handful of its holes—the resort also offers them the opportunity to show their appreciation for Jamaica by contributing to a charitable cause that’s close at heart to the staff of the Ritz-Carlton. The SOS Children’s Village, set just a short drive from the resort, serves as a home for orphaned and abandoned children, giving them necessities like food and clothing, education, and a safe place to learn, play and grow. Through the resort’s Give Back Getaways program, clients can spend a few hours helping out around the SOS Village, whether it’s planting trees, helping out in the garden, or simply talking and playing with the kids. In addition to the work completed at the village, part of the cost of each tour to the village goes directly to the SOS community, further helping the organization to make improvements like renovating its homes and rebuilding its tennis courts in the hopes of helping its children earn college scholarships.
And there’s one more unexpected advantage to staying at the Ritz-Carlton in Jamaica. The resort recently became the first and only Ritz-Carlton property to offer all-inclusive pricing. The Escape to Luxury package includes breakfast at Horizon restaurant or from room service; lunch at Mangos or the Reggae Jerk Center; and dinner at Horizon or Mangos, as well as unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on property. Certain upscale perks are excluded from the package, like dining at the White Witch restaurant or premium liquors and full bottles of wine and champagne. But for travelers who might plan to splurge on a fancy meal once or twice during their stay, Escape to Luxury can offer savings and convenience over the Ritz-Carlton’s traditional EP plan—especially because the package also includes a free fifth night when clients book four or more.
Rates for the Escape to Luxury package start at $409 per room per night dbl.
