The sun is shining once again on Jamaica, and the island is open for business. Following the widespread impact of Hurricane Melissa earlier this year, the spirit of “Out of Many, One People” has shone brightly through an incredible effort to rebuild and restore the island’s world-class hospitality sector. As we approach the crucial winter travel season, numerous all-inclusive resorts have already reopened their doors or are slated to welcome guests in the coming weeks.
While parts of the South Coast sustained significant damage, the popular tourist centers of Ocho Rios, Negril, and Trelawny proved resilient. Hoteliers and locals have worked tirelessly to get resorts back to their pristine condition, ensuring that winter travelers can still experience the warmth and vibrant culture that makes Jamaica a premier Caribbean destination.
The Resorts Ready for Your Winter Escape
For those dreaming of a winter getaway, several top-tier all-inclusive resorts are ready to host you. Here are five properties in popular areas that have reopened or are reopening for December 2025:
- RIU Ocho Rios: A family favorite, this expansive Ocho Rios resort was among the first to resume operations, reopening its doors on November 9, 2025. It is fully operational and welcoming guests with its signature all-inclusive experience.
- Moon Palace Jamaica: Also located in Ocho Rios, Moon Palace sustained minimal damage and is currently open, offering luxury amenities and entertainment for all ages.
- Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa : Over on the western side of the island in Lucea, this large resort complex reopened on November 3, 2025, and is a fantastic option for families and couples alike.
- Sandals Dunn’s River: This luxury couples-only resort is preparing for its grand reopening on December 6, 2025, just in time for the peak winter travel season.
- Royalton Blue Waters: Situated in Trelawny, this modern resort will be operational again starting December 15, 2025, providing another excellent choice for a post-hurricane vacation.
Planning Your Trip: Key Considerations
It is important for travelers to be mindful that not all resorts were as fortunate. Major properties under the Hyatt Inclusive Collection (including several Secrets, Dreams, and Hyatt Ziva/Zilara locations) and several Sandals resorts (Montego Bay, Royal Caribbean, South Coast) will not reopen until early 2026 or later, with some timelines stretching to May 2026.
Before you book, the golden rule of post-disaster travel applies: Verify your resort’s status directly.Operation timelines can be fluid. The best way to ensure a smooth vacation is to confirm your hotel is open and ready to receive guests.
By choosing to visit Jamaica this winter, you are not only treating yourself to a well-deserved vacation but also contributing directly to the island’s economic recovery, supporting the livelihoods of countless local residents and businesses.
Questions and Answers on Traveling to Jamaica This Winter
Q: Are flights to Jamaica currently operating as normal?
A: Yes, major international airports in Montego Bay (MBJ) and Kingston (KIN) are fully operational, and airlines have largely resumed their standard flight schedules.
Q: Which areas of the island are best to visit right now?
A: The areas of Ocho Rios, Negril, and Trelawny are in the best shape, with many resorts, restaurants, and local attractions already open and welcoming tourists.
Q: What is the best way to confirm my resort is open?
A: The most reliable method is to contact the hotel’s reservation department directly via phone or email, or consult with a professional travel agent who can verify the operational status for you.
Q: Will local tours and excursions be available?
A: Many popular excursions, such as Dunn’s River Falls and various river tubing and zip-lining adventures, are open. Local operators have worked hard to clear and restore sites. It’s always best to check with your resort concierge or the tour operator for the latest information.
