Looking for the perfect tropical all-inclusive resort? Or maybe you’re looking for the best family-friendly all-inclusive resort. Our experience at the Moon Palace Jamaica Resort was beyond perfect!
“It would be my pleasure.”
—————————————————
Every mom needs the occasional break. And I was looong overdue for a break, so when my Bonus Mom (my stepmom) asked me if I wanted to join her on a trip to Jamiaca I was all in.
I’d never been to Jamaica and had no idea what to expect. I’d tried to do a little bit of reading up on the history of Jamiaca–the geek in me–but I really didn’t get very far. So I went prepped with my love of Reggae and not much else.
Moon Palace Jamaica Review
Bonus Mom booked our stay at the luxurious Moon Palace Jamaica Resort in Ocho Rios Jamaica. Like many of the resorts in Jamaica, Moon Palace Jamaica is an all-inclusive resort. And, for those traveling with children, it is a wonderfully family-friendly all-inclusive resort.
Because we booked in the off-season, we didn’t have to battle any crowds, in the resort or otherwise. It was wonderful!
At an average of 85° F and 86% humidity, the weather was a bit on the hot side for late-September, but having lived in Louisiana for a few years, I really didn’t mind it…I was in a swimsuit most of the time anyway. In my opinion, it will always be worth it to come when it is a bit hotter to avoid the majority of the resort crowds. Given the recent hurricanes, you just need to make sure you’re not booking in the heart of hurricane season.
The property itself is gorgeous. The resort has all the amenities you could want. The WiFi was the fastest hotel WiFi I’ve used and the spa is to die for!
Ocho Rios is a great location to stay because it is so close to so many of the fun tourist attractions.
Sand, Sun, and Water
Between the hotel and surrounding beach at Moon Palace Jamaica resort you have ample opportunity to get your yearly dose of sunshine. Lounge chairs and cold drink waiters abound to keep you relaxed, well-hydrated, and in paradise.
There are several pools, including one with a swim-up bar, or if you prefer, you can hit the beach just a few steps away.
You can check out (for no cost) Kayaks, paddle boards, or have an attendant take you on a ride on the Hobie Cat (small sailboat).
If you like a bit of thrill to go with your water, there’s always the flow rider.
Resort Credit and Tours
Our vacation package came complete with ample resort credit for booking fun tours and spa experiences. Tours can be booked at the vacation planning office on site.
The fact that the all the Vacation Planning Office representatives we’re so open and friendly (and funny! I’m sure guests could hear us all laughing across the lobby) really added to our experience.
Here is a great snap of my bonus mom and I after the Snorkeling Tour we booked through the Vacation Planning Office. (BTW, don’t you love my cute suit!? I got it here.)
We also took the opportunity to swim with the dolphins in the Dolphin Cove experience they have on-site.
Awe Spa
One of the best values for our resort credit were the two trips we scheduled to the Awe Spa at the Moon Palace Jamaica Resort. It was DIVINE! If you’ve never been to a really high end spa before, you’re in for the spa trip of a lifetime. The spa was one of the highlights that made our Jamaica trip unforgettable.
You’ll want to make sure to arrive at your spa treatment an hour and a half early to enjoy the whole “Water Journey”. experience. Trust me, you do NOT want to miss out one this.
From cinnamon-infused air in the sauna room to an amazing hydrotherapy pool, this spa experience was unlike anything I’d ever experienced before. Pure luxury!
My experience at the Awe Spa alone is enough to make me want to return to the Moon Palace Jamaica resort!
Moon Palace Resort Rooms
We had the privilege of staying in two different rooms–a king room and a double queen room–during our visit. We were mistakenly given a king room when we checked in, and we didn’t make it to the front desk to make the switch until two days in.
The rooms were bright and the “partial” ocean view was actually closer to a full ocean view with an approximately 130° view.
Isn’t that a beautiful view! Just after sunset. I absolutely loved the balcony where we watched gorgeous sunsets and magnificent lightning shows.
And the shower! The shower was huge! This picture really doesn’t give you the depth of that shower.
No bathtub in either of our rooms, but the shower! Mmm! Oh, also, for the ladies, it is good to note that not only do they have a hairdryer, they also have a diffuser, and a flat iron (all CHI brand). A couple less items to try and cram into your already filled-to-overflowing carry-on.
Moon Palace Resort Food
You are absolutely surrounded by food! One of my favorite parts of our vacation at the Moon Palace Jamaica resort was an ample selection of food, both on-demand as well as fine dining restaurants. There are 4 restaurants and 6 bars (one of those is a swim-up bar).
There is a nice buffet you can stop in at any time of day. Some of the more upscale restaurants require same day reservations. Our absolute favorite restaurant was the MOMO. It’s an Asian restaurant with hibachi or private table options. The sushi was fabulous!
One word about the food. While I loved all the access to food that I didn’t have to prepare, there was definitely room for improvement in the food quality.
I wouldn’t say the food was bad, but there is some room for improvement. I’d never recommend ordering beef. I ordered a steak (cooked medium) at the Pier 8 restaurant. It came out very well done, tough, and old tasting. It took a while to bring out, and Bonus Mom had already finished her dinner, so I didn’t bother to order an alternate.
Another day, I ordered steak in my hibachi dish at MOMO. Again I was disappointed in an old-beef taste.
Kids and Teens, Family-Friendly Resort
I was seriously a bit sad that my husband and boys weren’t there with me when I saw the kids and teens area. There is a teen game room and lounge for kids ages 13-18. It is equipped with arcade games, popcorn, air hockey, video game room, and movie room.
At the kids room, you can drop your children ages 4-12 off to be watched by the child care staff from 10 am – 10 pm. I’m so excited to return someday with The Husband and my boys.
The kids area has tables and chairs for crafts, a LEGO wall, a video game room, a movie area, a mini air hockey table, a great big indoor climbing gym, and a little outdoor waterpark. I can imagine my kids not wanting to leave at the end of the day.
Customer Service
Customer service was out of this world. Every single staff member was helpful and accommodating. They seem to follow, down to the very spirit, their most uttered phrase: “It will be my pleasure”. Everything a staff member did for us they did with a authentic smile. Staff members frequently stopped to briefly chat with us about how we were enjoying our stay, what activities we were enjoying, etc. The friendly spirit of the staff seemed to rub off on the guests as well, making this vacation one of the friendliest and most fulfilling vacations we’ve ever experienced.
My stepmom and I came away from our luxurious vacation relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on life once again. We had the best experience possible!
In one of the most beautiful locations on earth, surrounded by some of the friendliest and most sincere people earth, we truly had the time of our lives at the Moon Palace Jamaica Resort.
Images without the OhSoSavvyMom.com watermark are credit of Moon Palace Jamaica Grande Resort.
About Amy @ Oh So Savvy Mom
