Princess Hotels & Hotels celebrated its official opening last weekend in Jamaica, marking the Spanish company’s first property in the country and the biggest hotel on the island in the past 15 years. Not by coincidence, the Jamaica Tourist Board’s (JTB) annual One Love Affair top travel advisor weekend – which included 15 Canadians (and Travel Industry Today) – aligned with the long-anticipated opening, which culminated with a spectacular fireworks display.
Notably on hand for the occasion were Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, both of whom spoke at a poolside gala at the 1,000-room resort, which includes two connected luxury all-inclusive properties, Princess Senses The Mangrove and Princess Grand Jamaica. The hotels soft-opened Nov. 1.
Located outside the town of Green Island between Montego Bay and Negril, the mega resort – divided into smaller sections, it feels spacious, rather than too big – promises to change the tourism landscape in the area, with JTB deputy director Philip Rose calling the hotels “a beautiful investment in an otherwise sleepy town (that will inspire) the rebirth of a community that we used to drive through without thinking twice about.”
On a larger scale, the major hotel opening shows that Jamaican tourism is “thriving, surviving, and growing,” despite a challenging year, most notably due to the effects of Hurricane Beryl, which devastated parts of the island in early July.
PM Holness said the location of the resort also represents the government’s vision to develop a tourism corridor (and dual roadway) stretching on the western part of the island from Montego Bay and its international airport to Negril, which itself will be “re-invigorated.”
As for resort, it’s located 50 km (and a hour-plus drive) from Montego Bay in a tranquil cove on Green Island and nestled in a mangrove, with a long, secluded crescent-shaped white sand beach that takes about 10 minute to walk end to end.
The hotels boast ocean-front views and guests can experience state-of-the-art culturally accurate restaurants, spa treatments, wedding facilities, and countless activities.
Princess Senses The Mangrove
For couples looking for an intimate escape, Princess Senses The Mangrove is an adults-only, all-inclusive resort, with 401 ocean suites with ground level swim-out infinity pool.
For adults who want to add some spice to their trip, Pleasure Suites with mirrored ceilings, are available to provide an intimate and private ambiance, and where topless bathing is permitted and a “starter kit” includes condoms and a vibrator. The beachfront, including Jacuzzis, is intensely landscaped from the beach for privacy.
Meanwhile, Platinum Club suites offer exclusive areas for guests, plus upgraded amenities and a butler service. The experience is complete with 14 restaurants, 15 bars and a spa.
Further seclusion is available at 14 overwater suites with partial glass floors, located on a boardwalk extending from the shore at the furthest end of the property (banner photo foreground).
Princess Grand Jamaica
For those travelling with kids, Princess Grand Jamaica is an all-inclusive, family-friendly resort complete with an aquatic park, kids club, teens centre, nanny service and robust activities like tennis and water sports. There are 590 spacious ocean view suites, including larger Family and Master suites.
Amenities include a substantial water slide, eight bars and nine restaurants, serving local and international cuisine, including Mexican, Italian, Jamaican and Asian delights.
Platinum suites are also available for upgraded amenities and a butler service.
Princess Hotels & Resorts
The two new properties from Princess are the largest investment in Jamaican history from an international company. In addition to the two resorts, the company is building staff facilities that will accommodate up to 450 team members. Once occupancy levels are around 1,600 employees, Princess Hotels & Resorts foresee one-third living on the property, creating a great incentive program to motivate and retain staffers.
“Jamaica is the perfect place for Princess Hotels & Resorts to expand its offerings. Not only are the resorts beautiful, but they are built with intentional infrastructure to be as sustainable as possible. We have committed to local environmentalists to preserve the precious mangroves that are resorts are built around and will provide educational programs for children about how the mangroves function,” said General Manager Enrico Pezzoli. “Additionally, we are completely self-sufficient with electricity, natural gas and water that we produce through wells, which provides a more consistent quality and ability to self-sustain in case of bad storms.”
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