The Ultimate 9 Day Jamaica Itinerary: Montego Bay to Treasure Beach
Jamaica, one of the largest islands in the Caribbean, is a beautiful nation known for its rich culture, yummy cuisine, crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. My husband and I decided to spend our honeymoon there, and we had an amazing time exploring three different towns: Montego Bay, Negril, and Treasure Beach. We were looking for a balance between luxury and authenticity, and I think we found it! Now, I want to help you plan the perfect trip to this stunning region of the Caribbean.
Discover the best of Jamaica in this 9-day itinerary that takes you from the dazzling turquoise beaches of Montego Bay to the laid-back charm of Negril, and finally, to the off-the-beaten-path paradise of Treasure Beach. Whether you want to experience adventure, relaxation, amazing food, or stunning beaches, this vacation itinerary and guide has it all!
Montego Bay
DAY 1
To get to Montego Bay, you’ll want to fly into the Sangster International Airport (MBJ), where you’ll grab a taxi or shuttle to your hotel.
We stayed at the Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall, an all-inclusive adult only resort that offers everything you need for a relaxing and romantic getaway. We made it just in time for a romantic Italian dinner at Di Roza. We ended the night with a walk on the beach and a dip in the hot tub.
DAY 2
We spent most of our time by the beach, lounging in chairs under cabanas, sipping on cocktails, and soaking up the sun. We enjoyed the Jerk Hut’s beachside Jamaican food for lunch and Petit Pariz, a French restaurant, for dinner.
Once it was dark, we went to the luminous lagoon, a natural wonder where the water glows with bioluminescence. It was a magical experience that we will never forget.
DAY 3
We started our morning with an indulgent breakfast buffet at the hotel and headed off for a day tour! We booked our Blue Hole, Secret Falls and Dunns River Falls tour through TripAdvisor and our guide picked us up right from our hotel. After the tour we returned to the hotel, grabbed our bags and jumped in a taxi to Negril.
Negril
DAY 4
After three days of pampering, we were ready to explore more of the island. We took a taxi to Negril, a town famous for its seven-mile beach and its laid-back vibe. We checked into our hotel and walked to Sweet Spice for the best meal of the whole trip. If you’re looking for some authentic high quality Jamaican food, make sure to check out Sweet Spice.
DAY 5
We also enjoyed walking down the beach, watching the sunset, and listening to live reggae music. For all 3 meals we ate at local restaurants, where we tried some of the best Jamaican dishes, such as jerk chicken, curry goat, rice and peas, and ackee and saltfish. I’d recommend Dru’s Bar & Grill for lunch and Vinnie’s for a delicious dinner, fruity cocktails and amazing sunset views.
DAY 6
After a quick walk, we had breakfast at Coletta’s Restaurant. Then, we checked out of our hotel and took a taxi to Treasure Beach. The concierge at the hotel was very helpful with getting taxis.
Treasure Beach
For the last leg of our trip, we wanted to experience the true Jamaican culture and community. We chose Treasure Beach, a rural area on the south coast, where the locals are friendly and welcoming.
Once we got to Jake’s Hotel, a charming boutique hotel that offers amazing sunset views, we had lunch at their restaurant and relaxed in our gorgeous ocean-front room. Later that evening, we walked to dinner at a restaurant called Diner’s Delight.
DAY 7
We had breakfast at Smurfs, a cozy cafe that serves homemade food and fresh juices. We went snorkeling and saw the beautiful coral reefs, but we also witnessed the effects of coral bleaching due to climate change. We talked to the lifeguard there about the coral and he seemed unaware and in disbelief of climate change. I was shocked but also inspired to learn more and do something about it.
We walked to lunch at Ital Mama and on the walk back, we checked out the Callaloo Butik, a beautifully curated and charming boutique shop with hand-made and local crafts, clothing, and jewelry.
We had an authentic dinner at Kim’s Place.
DAY 8
For our last full day in Jamacia, we wanted to spend it on the water. We rented kayaks from our hotel and paddled along the coast.
In the evening, we bought final souvenirs from Jake’s Hotel.
DAY 9
Take a taxi or shuttle to Montego Bay and catch your flight home.
We had an incredible honeymoon in Jamaica, and we can’t wait to go back someday. We loved the diversity of the island, the hospitality of the people, and the deliciousness of the food. We also learned a lot about the environment and the challenges it faces. We are grateful for the memories we made and the stories we have to share. Jamaica, you have a special place in our hearts.