Jamaica’s Top Resort Areas Ready to Welcome Visitors Following Hurricane Melissa Recovery, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 12, 2025

Indeed, Jamaicans are sending a strong and clear message to tourists: the island is open once again for business. The country’s tourism infrastructure has recovered with incredible speed considering the severe impact caused by Hurricane Melissa late in October 2025. This island, which endured the largest hurricane in its history, has reopened resorts, attractions, and key transportation hubs and ensured that travelers can visit and enjoy the renowned beauty and hospitality that the island offers.

Recovery in Montego Bay: A Quick Return to Normalcy
Montego Bay, one of Jamaica’s most popular resort destinations, experienced the most significant damage during Hurricane Melissa. However, the recovery has been swift, with many properties in the area already back in operation. Some hotels sustained damage to landscaping, downed trees, and broken fences, but these cosmetic issues were quickly addressed thanks to the island’s proactive disaster preparation plans.

Notably, the S Hotel Montego Bay, which had minor cosmetic damage, was up and running just two days after the storm. Andres Cope, the hotel’s manager, emphasized the rapid recovery efforts, stating, “We had a team working around the clock throughout the storm.” This quick return to business reflects the resilience of Jamaica’s tourism sector and highlights the island’s commitment to maintaining its status as a premier tourist destination.

Airports and Cruise Ports Back in Full Swing
Jamaica’s three major airports in Kingston, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios have also resumed normal operations. Major airlines, including American Airlines, United, Delta, and Southwest, are offering regular flights, ensuring that international travelers can easily access the island. Furthermore, cruise ships have resumed their calls to Jamaican ports, including those in Montego Bay and Falmouth, both of which experienced damage. The recovery of these cruise ports is crucial for the island, as they contribute significantly to local economies, especially for small and medium-sized businesses like taxi drivers, local craftspeople, and attraction owners.

“Cruise really benefits the small and medium businesspeople in Jamaica,” explained Joy Roberts, Executive Director of Jamaica Vacations, emphasizing the importance of the cruise industry’s quick recovery.

Ocho Rios and Negril: Welcoming Visitors Back with Open Arms
Ocho Rios, another key resort area, was also affected by the hurricane, but its recovery has been similarly impressive. The Hermosa Cove resort, a luxury destination in the area, briefly closed for repairs, including minor roof damage and fallen trees. However, it has since reopened and continues to offer high-end amenities, including its renowned restaurant, Christopher’s.

Nearby, the Jamaica Inn, a boutique resort with a private 700-foot beach, also resumed operations. Guests can enjoy a picturesque beachfront experience, with some unique wildlife sightings, such as the birth of baby Hawksbill turtles, further enhancing the allure of the destination.

In Negril, the ultra-luxury Cliff Hotel has continued to operate at peak levels, offering stunning views and impeccable service. Despite some internal damage to staff housing, the hotel has supported its workers by providing meals and showing its commitment to the local community. The Cliff Hotel has also undertaken several pre-hurricane improvement projects, enhancing its offerings for returning guests.

Kingston: A Cultural Hub Reopened
Kingston, Jamaica’s capital, also emerged largely unscathed from Hurricane Melissa. Hotels in the area have resumed operations, and many of the city’s top attractions, such as the Bob Marley Museum, are open and welcoming visitors. The island’s cultural vibrancy remains a central feature of the Kingston tourism experience, attracting visitors who are eager to explore the history and music of the region.

During a recent tour of the island hosted by the Jamaica Tourist Board, members of the media experienced firsthand the resilience of the island’s tourism infrastructure. From Kingston to Negril, the recovery efforts were evident, with hotels, resorts, and tourist attractions operational and operating smoothly.

The Power of Resilience: Jamaica’s Hospitality Industry Stands Strong
The recovery of Jamaica’s tourism sector serves as a testament to the resilience of its people and businesses. John Lynch, Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, highlighted the quick return of visitors after the initial stop in tourism caused by Hurricane Melissa. “Business is going to come back very rapidly,” Lynch remarked, reflecting the optimism that permeates the tourism industry.

Travel advisors who have visited the island since the hurricane are sharing their confidence with clients. Alexandra Whiting of Ticket to Adventure Travel Company said, “I think Jamaica’s back better than ever. The people are just so amazing, welcoming, and resilient.” For those considering a winter getaway, Whiting strongly recommends Jamaica, believing it offers an ideal destination for those looking to support the local community while enjoying a rejuvenated travel experience.

A Bright Future: New Flights and Continued Growth
In addition to the recovery efforts, Jamaica’s tourism industry is looking to the future with optimism. The inaugural flight from Quebec City to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, operated by Canadian airline WestJet, symbolizes the continued expansion of air access to the island. This new route brings additional visitors to Jamaica, which will help further fuel the tourism recovery and enhance the island’s global accessibility.

Ongoing Support for the Community
In the wake of the hurricane, various organizations and resorts have continued to support the local community. World Central Kitchen, an initiative founded by chef José Andrés, has been providing meals to those in need from a base at the Montego Bay Convention Center. Resorts like the S Hotel Montego Bay and The Cliff Hotel in Negril have also stepped up to provide support for local workers who were affected by the storm.

Jamaica – A Destination Ready for Tourists

The tourism sector on the beautiful island nation of Jamaica has shown remarkable strength despite the impact of Hurricane Melissa. With hotels, points of interest, and transportation centers set and ready for business, it’s a great time as ever before to visit and explore all that Jamaica and its people have to offer, from the beaches at Montego Bay to Kingston’s centers of culture.