The Grand Palladium Resort and Spa in Jamaica is a great big resort, and it’s big on charm too. Lisa McGarry finds out just why this Montego Bay star gives families its grandest welcome.

Main pool, Grand Palladium Resort
The Grand Palladium’s warmth hits you as soon as you arrive
We arrived at Grand Palladium Resort and Spa after a long flight, shuffling blinking and overdressed into a majestic, marbled, open plan lobby. The shimmering blue horizon and lush palm frontage made it clear we’d stumbled into paradise – like Dorothy waking up in technicolour Oz, our senses ignited full throttle. Rum drinks were offered, wristband keys handed out, sunglasses donned, and then we hopped into golf buggies to be smoothly despatched to our rooms. As introductions go, this one was magical.

Kids pool, Grand Palladium Resort and Spa
Two resorts and a big, long stretch of Montego Bay coast
The Grand Palladium Resorts and Spa are the Grand Palladium and Lady Hamilton Resorts, doubling the fun and occupying a huge spread of stunning Montego Bay coastline. Of the two, Grand Palladium is more family-friendly and it was here that we stayed. Although the blend of resorts is seamless and it’s easy to enjoy both, just take a stroll or hail a buggy.

Live family shows, Grand Palladium Jamaica
A new look and a new pickleball court too
The resort underwent a major £20m renovation late in 2023, for a full remodelling of common areas and refurbishment of 537 rooms, including 48 suites in two new categories (some with private hot tubs and uber-romantic designs), and a new pickleball court.
There are 11 restaurants in total – seven a la carte and four international show cooking – as well as four pools, a live performance area (we played bingo and saw a brilliant Michael Jackson tribute show), kids’ clubs for babies, children and teens.
On top of that, you’ll find 15 themed bars, along with shops, and Zentropia: an incredible Venetian-style spa and wellness centre. Family activities include dance lessons, watersports, mini golf and basketball. There’s loads to do, but no pressure to do anything – in other words: it’s heavenly.

Sunset Cove, Lady Hamilton Resort
Beach life or pool life, it’s your choice at Grand Palladium
The beach at the Grand Palladium is a long stretch of perfect shallow waters and white sands, ideal if you want to stay right in the resort, just steps from the main pool. And what a pool it is, in-keeping with the resort’s Venetian theme: classical pillars, part-submerged sunbeds, and a swim-up bar, and so big that it never seems crowded. Right next to it is a large kids’ pool area with waterslides and even a waterfall, and again, it never felt too busy. You get drinks served to your loungers, and can swap towels as often as you want at the replenishment areas – just don’t lose the magic card.
Then there’s pretty Sunset Cove at the Lady Hamilton end of the resort, which is safe for swimming and home to the watersports centre: guests can pick up free paddleboards and kayaks here or catch one of the resort boat trips. It also has a bar, towels, and a Jerk Hut, making it one of the most popular spots.

Villa views, Grand Palladium Resort
Wake up to views of the gorgeously blue Caribbean
Our well-equipped family room was housed in one of the two-storey villa blocks a little way up from the main resort building, with pillars and fountains for more Venetian vibes. Waking up to the Caribbean Sea views, and sound of gently lapping waves was blissful. On a side note, we didn’t get a single mosquito bite during our entire stay, thanks to daily misting around the resorts.
We had a look around some of the other room categories, and the ones with private hot tubs and rainforest showers were stunning. However, ours was just as perfect with two large beds sleeping up to four, as well as a seating area with sofa bed and a fridge. The massive bathroom came complete with a whirlpool tub, and it was all finished off with our very own private terrace. Plus, our mini-fridge was well-stocked with soda, snacks and water, and anything we used was replaced the next day.

Guest room, Grand Palladium Resort
There are walkways in all directions flanked by beautifully maintained gardens, all colorful flowers and palms, adding to the general tropical paradise feel. Cleverly, the walkways also have covered sections, meaning that if you stroll from one end of the resort to the other, you can stay in the shade if you prefer, a real bonus with kids. In fact, it’s little touches like that which make Grand Palladium such good resort for families.

View from Blue Lagoon Restaurant, Grand Palladium Resort
Grand Palladium Resort offers dining to delight families
When you’re on vacation with kids, choice is important, and we tried a few of the à la carte restaurants as well as the buffet ones – our favourites were, high-end Indian restaurant, Bhopali, and the seafood restaurant, Poseidon. We loved the buffet breakfasts and lunches at Mo’Bay, and the breakfast at Blue Lagoon, complete with saxophonist, chirping birds and pool views, was a feast for the senses.
I tried saltfish, ackee, collard greens, and enjoyed many delicious freshly-made omelettes, while the kids loaded up on pastries and pancakes (there’s a pancake station at Mo’Bay with all the toppings).
Another place we visited a few times was the sports bar, which had food available all day. And the Jerk Hut didn’t disappoint: you’ll find one by the main pool, and the other at Sunset Cove. There’s also a little beach bar with fresh coconuts, but you need to it right or you’ll miss out.

Rafting, Martha Brae River
Spend a morning rafting on Martha Brae River
It was hard to leave the resort, particularly as we were enjoying such good weather in the so-called October rainy season (no more than a couple of showers) but as it was our first visit to Jamaica, we needed to get out and see the island.
Happily, the resort arranged our trips, and the first of which was bamboo river rafting on the Martha Brae River: a serene experience where our gracious skipper took us downriver and we got to lie back and just enjoy the lovely surroundings.
After our cruise, we headed to Father Bull restaurant for jerk chicken, and the legendary fizzy drink, Ting.

Signs of a great vacation, Father Bull Restaurant
Head to iconic Rick’s Cafe for a slice of Jamaica sunset
We also went to the world famous Rick’s Cafe, currently celebrating its 50th year and known for its stunning sunsets and daring cliff jumpers. Naturally both draw big crowds, so it was very lively. It’s not a place to take younger kids at night, as the music gets quite loud and so does the clientele. So once we’d gazed on our sunset we were whisked off by bus on the 30-minute transfer to Grand Palladium just in time for dinner.
The last trip of our stay was a catamaran tour with Chukka Caribbean Adventures, which I can’t recommend highly enough. We had a crew of four including a DJ, and anchored in a sweet bay for snorkeling and floating around on inflatables. Drinks were served to us in the sea and the lovely crew even helped non-swimmers to snorkel. Half a day is about right for this boat trip, especially with kids, although there was plenty of shade in the rear of the boat.

Hydrotherapy area, Zentropia Spa
Zentropia Spa is how Grand Palladium does pampering
Of course, I visited the spa, for a massage and the hydrotherapy centre: a shaded alternative to the main pool. The Venetian theme is carried through in the spa too, and as well as mom and daughter experiences, I discovered that you could book dad and son pedicures too. It’s a very sophisticated space no doubt about it, but the therapists couldn’t be more warm and friendly.

Sunset Cove, Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort
Final say on our incredible winter sun vacation
We would definitely come back to the Grand Palladium Resort. It’s just so welcoming and we loved being in the midst of so much natural beauty. We found the facilities outstanding too and the staff’s positive, upbeat energy made everything seem effortless.
How to plan this Jamaica vacation
How to get there
Non-stop Toronto flights to Montego Bay take from 4 hours, 15 minutes
Where to stay
Grand Palladium Resort, Junior Suite Garden View, all-inclusive (2 adults, 2 children) from $151 per night
Good to know
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