by Laurette Veres
Jewel Grande
The Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa is the newest luxury property in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Each of the 229 units is a two room suite, perfect for families and bridal parties when some want to sleep and others want to socialize. Inside the suites are refrigerators, microwaves and stovetops. Outdoors you’ll find a private beach, poolside bars, splash pad, kids club and spectacular views. Lush green golf courses, blue-ocean, tropical resort pool and white sugary beaches with yellow parasails floating in the distance are some of the things guests see. The boardwalk has two sundecks jetting out over the ocean, creating perfect bridal portrait locations.
This resort has little “nooks” of various sizes to host weddings and receptions; one perfect for any group. We enjoy a reception on the West Gazebo Terrace. Nestled next to the pool and just above the beach, the ocean waves create unbelievable ambiance; beautiful gold candles add romantic lighting. Black and white linens accented by pink, white and green floral arrangements complete the bridal vibe.
The food is fantastic. White glove service begins with passed appetizers, then soup and bread service. A surf and turf entrée is followed by fruity custard; just before the wedding cake. Golf is big in Jamaica. Highly White Witch and Cinnamon Hills courses are mere steps away from the property.
Standout Spa:
Grande Spa at Jewel
Grande Montego Bay
Resort & Spa
Open-air walkways and the fresh herb garden exude relaxation. Lemon grass, mint, and rosemary scents waft through the air. These ingredients are also in the drinks and treatments. Other amenities include a smoothie bar, co-ed steam and sauna, spin room, weight room and heated mineral pool. The reflexology room is built out of pink Himalayan salt stones and guests enjoy the mineral pool and outdoor pools pre and post relaxation options.
Texas Weddings Recommends:
Golden Quartz Sand
Treatment; like a day at
the beach. Heated sand
is spread over the MLX
quartz table and covered
with a light cloth. When you lay down, the sand creates an anti-gravitational feeling. Himalayan sea salt stones are used to provide a relaxing massage. When it’s over, your
body tingles with delight.
Over-the-water bungalows on the French Polynesian islands are some of the most romantic accommodations in the world, but it takes a day or two to get there. Now Sandals Royal Caribbean provides a similar experience just four hours away. Ride the Royal Duffy, a private boat, from the resort lobby to the exclusive bungalow entrance and prepare to be wowed. Adorned with the highest quality furniture and accessories, and the view—oh the view—we understand why some couples choose to have breakfast, lunch and dinner delivered to their rooms. Snorkeling from their decks, making cappuccino, while enjoying the intimate infinity pools and unobstructed ocean views.
Half Moon
In 1954, 17 families shared a love for Jamaica and developed Half Moon. Today, three of these original families run the property. Recently renovated, a view of the sea greets all who enter the open-air lobby. Pictures on the walls chronicle famous visitors including President George Bush and Jacqueline Kennedy.
The original 17 cottages are still available for rent. You might recognize cottage 10 from James Bond movie “Live and Let Die.” The equestrian center houses 27 rescue horses. If a bride wants to enter her wedding on a white horse, this is the property to do so! Wedding guests will be thrilled with the “surf and turf ” activity, where you swim in the surf with your horse.
The Royal Pavilion has a private beach, lawn, lily pond, bridge and a secluded party area – perfect for an after party. There are also 27 villas, perfect for smaller weddings. Most are beach front where bride and groom can literally walk outside their villa and exchange vows.
Fern Tree the Spa at Half Moon
The spa is large enough to host an entire bridal party. Enjoy the tea of the day, brewed from the spa’s garden herbs, as you select organic ingredients for your facial. Raw honey repairs skin and grapefruit’s antioxidants help skin glow. Mix and match from a dozen ingredients the perfect facial remedy for you. The outdoor pool and waterfalls are huge. Massage rooms, overlooking the ocean, are quaint; small weddings could be held in them. The relaxation room’s sheer curtains can create total serenity or be pulled aside to allow the bridal party to party.
Flower Hill
Flower Hill offers extra special accommodations for special guests. Beautiful villas with expansive views and private chefs are sure to please. Spa facilities, game room and plenty of semi-private dining or meeting areas, enhance the experience for extended families and groups of friends. It is also a perfect location for the best bachelorette party ever!!!
Martha Brae River has scenic sights and gentle waters. Bamboo River Rafting leads morning and afternoon floats. See local flora and fauna, birds and foliage as your guide gently rows you down the river.
