Well, folks, we have good news and bad news…
As we reported earlier here at Travel Off Path, Jamaica is set to reopen for business December 15th after Hurricane Melissa battered much of the northern coast.
As a result, the country has been a bit of a seesaw in terms of whether it’s okay to visit before the country officially embraces tourism again this week (assuming this date won’t be pushed back either).
Before Jamaica announced its own reopening date, popular hotel chain Hyatt lit up the newswire by deciding to close 8 resorts through the end of January.
Turns out that was wishful thinking…
The goal post has been moved back — far back — to the point even the NFL’s strongest leg couldn’t nail it between the uprights.
What was supposed to be the best-case scenario for many Hyatt loyalists still hoping to squeeze in a winter sun escape will now have to cancel their trip entirely or switch brands this time around.
According to local sources, Hyatt just announced a lengthy extension of closures well into 2026 for 7 of their top resorts.
Hyatt Suspends All Operations In Jamaica Until Late 2026
Chances are you’re fully focused on Christmas now and don’t want to even think about how engorged you became with your family’s famous (dry) turkey and store-bought pumpkin pie you have to pretend is good at Thanksgiving dinner.
Well, we hate to break it to you, but if you’re dead set on Hyatt being your go-to resort, you’re going to have to focus on the holidays again as 7 properties don’t plan on welcoming guests again until November 1, 2026.
In total, Hyatt operates 8 resorts across Jamaica with an especially heavy presence in Montego Bay.
The following resorts are expected to be closed for the next 11 months or so:
- Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa
- Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay
- Dreams Rose Hall Resort & Spa
- Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall
- Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall,
- Secrets St. James Montego Bay
- Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa
On the bright side, during this time, each resort is expected not only to fix significant damage to keep guests safe, but also to enhance the current offerings to make each unique paradise the best it’s ever been.
Does This Mean One Hyatt Resort Is Back In Business?
We’re no mathematicians here, but we feel pretty confident saying 7 doesn’t equal the initial 8 resorts suspending operations…
As such, we’ve found the missing link that slipped through the cracks.
Behold: Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica!
This 5-star resort will be the only Hyatt-branded resort open before November of next year.
According to Zoëtry’s website, it states “Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica has suspended normal hotel operations due to the impact of Hurricane Melissa and is expected to resume normal hotel operations on Sunday, February 1, 2026.”
Adding, “Cancellation fees are waived for stays booked directly with Hyatt from now through Saturday, January 31, 2026. Deposits and prepayments for canceled stays on these dates booked directly with Hyatt, including prepaid rates, will be refunded.”
That being said, we hope you’ve struck it rich or been saving points because this is one of Montego Bay’s most expensive resorts.
Be prepared to fork over at least $1000 per night from late winter through early spring. In fact, we couldn’t find any open availability for February.
March is your best bet.
Yes, Jamaica’s Airports Are Operating Normally
Jamaica was the unlucky one this year during the Caribbean’s annual nail-biting hurricane season, but the worst is over.
Airports may have taken hits with even some unsightly videos making rounds on social media, but all of Jamaica’s airports are back up and running as normally as can be, all things considered.
What Jamaica’s Reopening Really Means:
Jamaica needed some downtime without the hordes of winter sun-seekers in their way. That’s not to say there haven’t been people vacationing here during this time, but let’s just say those who chose to do so may not have had the full resort experience with cleanup crews, etc.
December 15th, at least from what we hear, is the marker for reopening tourism fully after many hotels, tours, and some flights were suspended.
While Hyatt is taking the safe route, competitors are already back open with more soon to come.
But if you’re unnerved that Jamaica may be ahead of themselves, we still highly recommend Ocho Rios — arguably Jamaica’s most underrated resort town with nonstop flights, posh resorts, and astounding nature.
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