BY: ALYSSA MAHADEO
When planning a vacation one of the first things to check off the list is choosing your destination and deciding on where to stay. If you’re headed down to the Caribbean, beckoned by the call of sand and sea, the islands are the perfect getaway whether it’s just to spoil yourself or enjoy bonding time with the family.
On my last trip to Jamaica I had the honor of being invited to stay at the Moon Palace all-inclusive resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, through the courtesy of the Jamaica Tourist Board, it is a place I can only describe as a home away from home, a paradise on the sea, that will literally take your breath away.
I’ve only ever heard exceptional things about Jamaican all-inclusive and I have to say the Moon Palace did not disappoint. Upon arrival to my kingdom for the weekend, I was greeted at the door, with the offer of a wet towel, a cool refreshing pineapple ginger beverage, as well as a pretty red carnation that definitely had me blushing on the inside.
My first impression of the palace was further elevated as I entered into the main hall, decorated and furnished in champagne and marble, and a full wall of glass pane windows overlooking the resort amenities and bathing the entire main hall in natural light.
At the front desk, an attendant helped to check me in, explaining in just enough detail all that I needed to know about my stay at the Moon Palace as well as providing a map and an all-inclusive wristband to freely navigate my way around the resort. I was given a baggage ticket to give to the valet who would bring my bags up to my room after I had gone upstairs and settled in.
Upon entering my chambers (it was much too grand to be considered a mere room) it was an open and spacious room with a bed fit for a king, and a bottle of complimentary wine and a fully stocked mini bar (restocked every 24 hours) to unwind and relax after my flight. Stepping out onto the balcony I was treated to an ocean view lookout onto the entire resort with blue turquoise seas as far as the eye could see.
I was literally shaking with excitement, and with the rest of the afternoon to explore the palace grounds I ventured to their on-site restaurant Buccaneers Reef where I was seated according to my preference and invited to partake in the buffet style selection with a bit of everything to choose from.
The Moon Palace is home to eight different restaurants with seafood, Italian and oriental options to satiate your cravings. In addition to their restaurants, there is a multitude of other on-site snack bar and grills where you can grab a quick bite to eat while enjoying drinks by the pool or soak up the sun on the beach.
Throughout the day and into the night there are various entertainment options including daily family-friendly beach and pool activities, night shows and much more.
This all-inclusive experience has something for everyone. Their onsite beauty salon or spa is an amazing way to take advantage of some me time, or you can burn off some of that added vacation weight at their fitness center. The resort is equipped to service your every need with included 24-hour room service, medical services as needed, laundry service and unlimited wireless internet access throughout the resort, also available 24/7 at their business center, a place where you can host those important meetings.
Two of the most exciting features at Moon Palace Resort are the FlowRider Double Wave Simulator where you can practice shredding waves and engage in some healthy surfing competition and the Dolphin Habitat where you are able to hang out with some of the most adorable marine mammals in their natural habitat, the Caribbean Sea.
Dolphin Discovery facilities are located inside the resort for guest comfort, where you can enjoy the specially designed natural habitat for dolphins. Live a once in a lifetime experience with one of the swimming with dolphins programs they offer and enjoy a day full of fun with kisses, hugs and belly rides with your new friends.
The Moon Palace All Inclusive Resort is a paradise within paradise, their brand of awe-inclusive luxury makes beautiful harmony with the laid-back warmth of Jamaica.
During my stay at the Moon Palace, all of the staff was very helpful, friendly and attentive to all my needs. I was blown away by the level of service I received throughout the entirety of my short trip, from the greeting I received at the airport to the drive over to the hotel with Paradise Travel Tours driver David Ricketts. The hospitality and welcome I felt since arriving on the island would make anyone feel at home.
My stay in Jamaica was not nearly long enough for me to experience all of the exciting attractions that the Moon Palace had to offer, but I would definitely visit again in a heartbeat.
