Outfit: Coverup: LSpace / Swimsuit: Beach Riot
Tote: H&M / Sandals: Tory Burch

For my husband’s birthday we decided to do something a little different and take a friends weekend getaway to Montego Bay, Jamaica. We decided on Secrets Wild Orchid in Montego Bay, Jamaica due to the adults only, as well as, location and the Secrets brand.

GETTING THERE

Getting to Montego Bay, Jamaica from Philadelphia was fairly easy. We took a flight from Philadelphia and it was about 4 hours nonstop. It was quick and easy which is something we always look for when planning a quick weekend get away. We booked a car service through Byron Jamaica Tour and it was very quick getting to and from the resort.

THE RESORT

Secrets Wild Orchid is one of three connecting properties. There is also Secret St James and Breathless. Certain amenities are located on each property. For instance, the restaurants are all on the Secrets Wild Orchid side and the spa/gym are on the Secrets St James side.

Upon arrival we were greeted with a glass of champagne. The lobby was underwhelming… I thought to myself “this is it?” Not grand in any sort of way like other resorts we’ve been too. Check in was straightforward and we reminded the individual checking us in about my husband’s birthday as well as his birthday dinner reservation for our group at the hibachi restaurant. Our room was available at the check in time so while we waited we had lunch out by the pool.

I was pleasantly surprised with the room. The room was pretty large even for a standard room. I loved the large bathroom, the double sinks and jacuzzi tub. The bed was really cozy and comfortable. We had a nice sitting area inside the room and also outside (as well as a pretty view).

ENTERTAINMENT / WHAT TO DO

During the day we spent the majority of our time at the pool as the beach wasn’t equipped for swimming conditions (there were jellyfish). We spent alot of time by the main pool area and the swim up pool bar. As compared to other Secrets properties we have been to the entertainment during the day was underwhelming as well. We saw some entertainment happening by the pool Thursday, as well as Friday, but nothing Saturday. The issue is that entertainment team at Secret brings their guests next door to the Breathless pool. Which, in my mind, you shouldn’t make your guests pick up and move to another resort for the pool parties and entertainment. I did not like that aspect at all. Luckily the guys had brought speakers so we blasted our own music at the pool.

Outfit: Swimsuit: Beach Riot / Coverup: Beach Riot

As far as nightly entertainment went, the resort did do a good job. To see what’s on each night, there are a number of built-in boards throughout the resort. We really liked the silent disco, however, we wished there were enough head sets for everyone to enjoy the event.

Outfit: Maxi Dress / Sandals: Steve Madden

FOOD & RESTAURANTS

The drinks were spot on and one thing you can expect with Secrets is the good quality of alcohol that is included (gray goose, johnny walker, etc.). The drink service around the pool and the bars were all great.

During the daytime, there was a place near the beach/pool area to grab good food such as jerk chicken/beef patties, burgers, nachos, etc. This all inclusive resort probably had the best food of any all inclusive resort I’ve ever been to. The jerk chicken cart was the BEST. It was so amazing and you knew the cart was coming when you would see people getting up and leave and then coming back with plates. The cart was also out in the evenings too so great for munchies after those post evening events!

We dined at the following restaurants:

WORLD CAFE - Standard buffet but good
BLUE MOUNTAIN - Jamaican Caribbean Cuisine
HIMITSU - Hibachi (Need reservations but fun!)
PORTOFINO - Italian (Had the most amazing lasagna)

Luckily, getting a reservation wasn’t too hard with our large group. We would put down our name at the restaurant, grab a buzzer and head to the piano bar for a cocktail while we waited for our reservation.

I also liked that during the day the resort had a place to grab coffee and small snacks (pastries, small sandwiches, fruits, etc.) called Coco Cafe. There was also a 24 hour room service menu available. The service was a little slow, but the food was decent.

OVERALL

Overall, I’m glad we got to spend a few days on vacation relaxing with friends. I probably wouldn’t return to this specific Secrets resort but we still had a good time with our close friends. Lastly, pandemic protocols were also followed and everything was VERY clean so that was very reassuring!