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Hurricane Melissa battered western Jamaica last week, leaving popular beach areas in disarray and forcing major hospitality brands to rethink operations. Travelers watching winter getaway options now face canceled openings, shifting flight schedules, and a patchwork of hotels and airports slowly coming back online.
Major hotel chain pauses Jamaica stays until late January
In response to storm damage and safety concerns, Hyatt announced it will pause operations at all Jamaican properties through the end of January. The move affects a string of well-known resorts clustered around Montego Bay.
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- Closure date: properties will remain closed until January 31, 2026.
- No cancellation fees: guests with bookings through January 31 will not be charged.
- Refund timeline: pre-paid reservations should be reimbursed within 10 business days.
- Future bookings: availability for stays resumes on Google Hotels beginning February 1, 2026.
The Hyatt-related resorts impacted include several high-profile names often recommended for all-inclusive vacations:
- Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa
- Zoëtry Montego Bay Jamaica
- Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall
- Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall
- Secrets St. James Montego Bay
- Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay
- Dreams Rose Hall Resort & Spa
- Jewel Grande Montego Bay Resort & Spa
Airports reopen but services remain partial
Commercial flights have resumed at Jamaica’s airports, yet operations are not back to normal. Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport shows visible storm damage and has reduced capacity.
- Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport is open for commercial traffic.
- Montego Bay’s MBJ is handling limited flights while several gates undergo repair.
- Some carriers are offering temporary leniency, including waived bag fees from American Airlines.
Officials say the rushed reopenings were intended primarily to move stranded visitors home. Travelers should expect intermittent schedule changes and restricted airport services.
Ocho Rios emerges as a viable alternative for now
For visitors set on Jamaica this winter, the northeastern town of Ocho Rios has weathered Melissa better than the west coast. Resorts there have reported milder impacts and are welcoming guests sooner.
- Air access: Ocho Rios (OCJ) has limited commercial service and one direct route from Miami on some days.
- Sandals Ochi is accepting reservations from December 1 onward.
- RIU reports its hotels are hosting guests and restoring services, with Riu Ocho Rios offering a fuller range of amenities.
Getting to Ocho Rios via Kingston is an option. Expect a scenic drive of roughly 90 minutes along the Blue Mountains’ foothills, but plan for possible detours.
Practical advice for travelers planning Jamaica trips
Officials and travel experts urge caution. Conditions on the ground are improving, but infrastructure repairs and supply issues remain.
- Confirm with your hotel about reopening dates and compensation policies.
- Check flight status frequently; limited gates may cause last-minute changes.
- Expect service restorations for pools, restaurants, and activities to happen gradually.
- Prepare for spotty fuel supplies and temporary road closures.
- Follow advisories from the U.S. Embassy and local authorities before traveling.
Quick steps before you book
- Ask your provider about refund timing and penalties.
- Verify airport operations for your arrival airport the day before travel.
- Consider travel insurance that covers weather-related disruptions.
- Look into alternative destinations if you need guaranteed resort amenities.
