JAMAICA
GRAND FUN Clockwise from left: children’s pool, Grand Palladium Resort; view of Zentropia Spa
T he Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa’s feelgood factor starts in its majestic, marbled, lobby. The shimmering blue horizon and lush palm frontage are an instant balm, and a smooth check-in process comes with rum, wristband keys and golf buggies to our rooms. As welcomes go, this one is magical. The Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa is actually two resorts: the Grand Palladium and Lady Hamilton. Doubling the fun and occupying a huge spread of the Montego Bay coastline. Grand Palladium, where we stayed, is more family-orientated, but the blending of resorts is seamless and it’s easy to get around on foot or by hailing a buggy. Grand Palladium underwent a major £20m renovation in 2023, remodelling the public areas and refurbishing all 537 rooms, including 48 suites in two new categories, as well as creating a new pickleball court. The resort also has 11 restaurants in total and you have the run of four pools, along with a live performance area, where we played bingo and saw a brilliant Michael Jackson tribute show. Kids’ clubs cover the spectrum from babies to teens. And, on top of all that, you’ll find 15 themed bars, plus shops, and Zentropia: a Venetian-style spa and wellness centre. It’s also a powerhouse of family activities featuring dance lessons, water sports, mini golf and basketball. Grand Palladium beach is a long stretch of white sand edging clear, shallow seas, and it’s just steps from the main pool, which has part-submerged sunbeds, and a swim-up bar; although drinks can be delivered to your loungers too. And right next to the main pool, there’s a large kids’ pool area with waterslides and a waterfall. We also liked the fact that you could swap towels any time at the replenishment areas. But our favourite spot of all ended up being gorgeous Sunset Cove at the Lady Hamilton end of the resort. Great for sunset swims and selfies, it’s also home to a water sports centre where you can pick up free paddleboards and kayaks or head out on boat trips. Our well-equipped family room was in one of the two- storey villa blocks a little way up from the main resort building, so we woke each morning to the blissful sound of gently lapping waves. And on a side note, due to daily misting around the resort, we didn’t get a single mosquito bite.
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