Secrets St. James Montego Bay
Adults-only resort in Montego Bay. Business, Modern.
Things to Know
Atmosphere
Room Upgrades
Amenities
Traveler Insights(207 discussions)
Secrets St. James is Jamaica's answer to 'I want adults-only all-inclusive luxury without paying Sandals prices,' and it largely delivers on that promise - with the meaningful caveat that the beach is not its strong suit. travelers has 48 posts and 159 comments about this property, and the consistent thread through the positive reviews is that the resort itself - the food, the service, the romantic atmosphere, the complex access - is excellent. The thread through the negative reviews is that the beach is too small, and the Preferred Club system creates an uncomfortable two-tier experience for guests who didn't book the upgrade.
The Hyatt connection is a genuine selling point that sets it apart from the Sandals universe. World of Hyatt members can book this with points or earn points toward elite status, making stays here substantially more valuable for Hyatt loyalists than the rate card suggests. The three-resort complex structure (St. James, Wild Orchid, Breathless) gives guests enormous variety - multiple pools, restaurants, and beach areas all accessible under one wristband. That variety compensates for any one section being underwhelming.
For comparison shopping: Travelers consistently say Excellence Oyster Bay beats Secrets St. James on beach quality, while Sandals Negril beats it on the overall beach experience. What Secrets St. James wins is the urban accessibility angle - Margaritaville and Pier One are genuinely close, the Montego Bay airport is nearby, and the resort price is often more accessible than Sandals. For couples on a honeymoon or anniversary who want a polished, relaxed adults-only experience and don't need a stunning beach, this is a very solid choice. For beach maximalists, go to Negril.
Pros
- +Adults-only Secrets experience in Jamaica at pricing that's often significantly lower than comparable Sandals properties
- +Hyatt World of Hyatt points redemption and earning makes it exceptionally valuable for loyalty program members
- +Part of a three-resort complex with Secrets Wild Orchid and Breathless Montego Bay - huge variety of pools and restaurants on your wristband
- +Proximity to Margaritaville, Pier One, and Montego Bay nightclubs for guests who want to supplement resort evenings
- +Consistently praised honeymoon and anniversary destination - the romantic vibe is genuine and well-executed
- +Modern business-class finish in rooms that feels sophisticated rather than tropical kitsch
- +Great food across multiple specialty restaurants - a genuine Secrets brand strength that this property delivers on
- +Easier and often cheaper to book than comparable Sandals properties for adults-only Jamaica seekers
Cons
- −Beach is genuinely small and disappointing - the Preferred Club section gets a better beach area, leaving non-PC guests feeling shortchanged
- −Non-Preferred Club experience is significantly worse - the amenity gap creates a two-tier atmosphere on property
- −Preferred Club required for the best experience adds substantial cost over the base rate
- −Not a big beach destination - Negril is the right call if soft sand and long beach walks define your ideal vacation
- −Montego Bay travel advisories (Jamaica State Department warnings) create anxiety for some guests throughout their stay
- −Smaller pool count compared to Sandals Montego Bay or Sandals Royal Caribbean
- −Not far from the airport but airport noise (shared with Riu Montego Bay) can intrude
- −Excellence Oyster Bay in Ocho Rios beats it on beach quality and resort polish for similar pricing
Common Questions
Google Rating
Google Reviews
“Visited on a Day Pass. It was a delight we went on a Saturday and the pool vibe was great. The entertainment team was a bit boring but the DJ was great! As far as the customer service I rate the workers at the Oceana a 3/5 not every helpful nor infor...”
“Nice hotel, staff was amazing, food was good. The spa was my favorite experience at this property. I didn't like that they tried to sell us wine on multiple occasions -at an all inclusive. You cant make a hibachi reservation in advance but when you g...”
“All around great resort. Plenty of beach and pools for everyone to enjoy. Being a preferred member and having access to Breathless Altitude Rooftop restaurant had amazing food and a view. The Piano Bar was my favorite spot for drinks and a show. Beau...”