| Sometimes it can be difficult deciding if you would like | | | | even separate rooms. |
| to stay at an all-inclusive resort or a vacation home | | | | Do you want the privacy of having your own pool |
| for your next trip to Jamaica. They both have their | | | | and beach?o Most villas come with a pool and there |
| advantages and disadvantages. | | | | are quite a few that are beachfront.o Most resorts |
| If you aren't familiar with all-inclusive resorts in | | | | are beachfront and have pools they just aren't |
| Jamaica they are usually large resorts and major | | | | private. |
| chains such as Sandals, Beaches, Couples and Super | | | | Do you want the price of your vacation to include |
| Clubs, just to name a few. All-inclusive resorts usually | | | | meals and drinks?o Villas don't usually include meals |
| include all your meals, drinks (including local alcoholic | | | | and drinks in the total price paid up front. A few may |
| beverages), water sports and airport transfers. Keep | | | | include an all-inclusive option.o All-inclusive resorts in |
| in mind that quite a few all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica | | | | Jamaica are just that; inclusive of the room, meals |
| are "couples" only, meaning no kids under the age of | | | | and drinks and some water activities. |
| 18 (or 16 depending on the resort) is allowed. The | | | | Do you have children who take naps?o With a villa |
| most popular all-inclusive for families is the Beaches | | | | children can sleep in their room (I suggest using a |
| Resort. | | | | monitor to hear them if you are outside or not close |
| A villa (or vacation home/rental) in Jamaica is a | | | | by) and the adults can be in the pool relaxing and still |
| privately owned home that you rent out for the | | | | enjoying the day.o At a resort the adults are usually |
| duration of your stay for you and your guests only. | | | | restricted to staying in the room with the children |
| Most of the villas in Jamaica come with a full staff | | | | while they nap. |
| (usually a cook, housekeeper and gardener) who will | | | | Do you have special dietary needs or just prefer |
| pamper you and cater to your every need. They will | | | | certain types of foods?o When you are staying at a |
| take care of the cooking (serving all your meals and | | | | villa you sit down and talk one-on-one with the cook |
| drinks), house cleaning, your laundry and more. The | | | | and you let them know exactly what types of food |
| price of your stay in a villa includes the | | | | you like/dislike or can/cannot have. You can have the |
| accommodations, the full staff, and all Jamaican | | | | cook then do the shopping for you, or if you like, |
| Government Consumption taxes (8.25%). | | | | you can do the shopping yourself.o At an all-inclusive |
| Some things to consider when deciding whether your | | | | resort a lot of your meals are buffet style. This |
| next Jamaica vacation will be in a villa or all-inclusive | | | | makes it a lot harder to eat exactly what you want. |
| resort: | | | | Your choices become very limited. This becomes a |
| Is privacy a requirement?o Villas are private homes | | | | little easier when you have your meals at a sit down |
| rented exclusively to you and your group.o Resorts | | | | restaurant, and may be able to order items from the |
| can have as many as a few thousand people staying | | | | menu as you like them. |
| there at once, especially during peak season | | | | It really comes down to a personal preference. Villas |
| (December - April). | | | | are more private and with the ability to work closely |
| Do you want your entire party to stay in one room? | | | | with the cook, they can be more accommodating for |
| Or have individual rooms?o You can rent a 4 | | | | meals. All-inclusive resorts are a one stop shop of |
| bedroom villa for a family of 5 and all have your own | | | | sorts and can be nice for the more active person. |
| room.o For a family of 5 at a resort you have 1 | | | | Whichever you choose Jamaica is an island that is full |
| room with 2 beds and probably a roll-a-way. Or you | | | | of life and happiness and your vacation will be truly |
| need to pay more to get 1 or 2 bedroom suites or | | | | special. |