My two best friends and I all live within two square miles of one another. Yet the last time we spent more than three consecutive hours together was probably six years ago, when Ashley got married. Even then, bonding with each other wasn't really the priority that day. The TL;DR: We were in desperate need of a girls' trip—no boyfriends, husbands, or babies.
Breathless Montego Bay, part of Hyatt's Inclusive Collection, is an adults-only, all-suite, all-inclusive Jamaican oasis where you can choose your own adventure. As part of Unlimited-Luxury®, guests can expect everything from best-in-class service, limitless access to gourmet meals and top-shelf drinks, to endless day and nighttime activities. (Tip: The trapeze show is truly mind-blowing.)
With 15 years of friendship under our belts and three magical days ahead of us, this girls' trip was sure to be the best one yet. Wanna know what your stay at Breathless Montego Bay could look like? Whether you bring besties or hope to mingle, read on for my full review.
THE QUICK HITS: BREATHLESS MONTEGO BAY
- Name: Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa
- Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Cost Per Night: Starting at $269 USD per person
- Best For: Besties and solo travelers
- While You're Here, Visit: Dunn's River Falls
- One-Word Vibe Check: Energized
- Most Iconic Photo Spot: The outdoor sculpture wall
- Don't Leave Without: Visiting the Altitude Rooftop Pool
INSIDER'S GUIDE
I'm gonna try my best to put this into words: There is a palpable warmth and joy in this resort's atmosphere that you sense among everyone, from the employees to the guests to the transportation and excursion outfitters (shout-out Amstar). As we walked through the airy lobby decorated with natural-wood artwork and pops of purple (the resort's signature color), members of the entertainment team danced across the main floor, which is often used for club nights and fashion shows. There wasn't even a scheduled show! It was just people having fun and feeling the dancehall music. "I frickin' love it here," I said within the first five minutes.
The concierge handed us cool towels and purple welcome cocktails, and highlighted all the amazing things we had booked: massages and hydrotherapy at Secrets Spa, a rum tasting, a rooftop sip & paint followed by beachside trivia. Even outside of scheduled entertainment events, every moment at the resort is infused with this creative intention—whether it's a dance hall show at check-in or a violinist at brunch.
THE ROOMS
Breathless Montego Bay has 150 luxury suites, and we booked into one of the VIP categories at the upgraded Xhale Club, which comes with access to an exclusive club and VIP amenities. The Junior Suite Swim Up has a private terrace, outdoor hot tub, and direct access to the pool. (Lemme tell ya: Once you go swim-up suite, you never go back.) We also appreciated the double vanity while we got ready for a night out, though the coolest feature of the room has got to be the secret receptacle for room service. Located adjacent to the front door, this pocket in the wall opens into both your room and the hallway, so food and drinks can be dropped off and waste can be picked up—without anyone having to open the main door. It locks easily from the inside when not in use.
THE AMENITIES
These could have started and ended with the welcome gift of fruit and wine, and I would've been delighted. Of course, there was a stocked mini fridge and a bottle of Jamaican rum, a coffee station with some much-appreciated late-night snacks, plus chocolates and motivational notes with turndown service. And I swear, every time I blinked there were fresh washcloths. My skin has never been happier.
THE FOOD AND BEV
With seven restaurants and five bars, there's a lot to try at Breathless Montego Bay. At Spoon, the breakfast buffet, I felt like a mad scientist as I mixed fresh-squeezed juices (pineapple and orange) and built a lox bagel as high as the sky. (Read: You can take a girl out of Brooklyn, but you can never take Brooklyn out of the girl.) Other highlights included coffee, tropical fruits, and a violinist playing contemporary covers to soundtrack our meal. Since my boyfriend is allergic to kiwi, I took the opportunity to dig in.
We ate our first dinner at Altitude Rooftop. The views, the breeze, the service, the herb-crusted tenderloin… It was obvious we'd be eating well during our stay. Whether it was casual beachside bites like jerk chicken and beef patties, or from any of the chef-driven menus at the seven resort restaurants, the food lived up to the resort’s luxury.
Breathless Montego Bay’s elevated bar offerings don’t miss either. Whether you're looking for a zero-proof refresher or an island-inspired classic, you won’t be disappointed. We were obsessed with the piña coladas—the refreshing blend of fresh coconut and sweet Jamaican rum a defining flavor of the trip—and we even got to sip, savor, and learn more about the Jamaica's signature spirit with a skilled mixologist.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Breathless Montego Bay is my new personality. Talk to me about anything and I will find a way to make it about Breathless Montego Bay. Yes, it has all the amazing accommodations, amenities, activities, and restaurants that you'd want from an all-inclusive resort, but that special je ne sais quoi comes from its people. Plus, it's where my two best friends and I got to catch up on more than life's headlines. "Wait, I didn't realize we were reading the same author!" Book club at Breathless! Meet us there.
THE PACKING LIST
Lspace X Anthropologie Sunrise Shell One Piece
Books Are Magic Hat - Pink
Madison Block In Silver Metallic Leather
