Jamaica is a country known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. As a popular tourist destination, it offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. One such accommodation that stands out is the Melia Braco Village, located on the northern coast of the island. In this hotel review, we will take an in-depth look at what this all-inclusive resort has to offer and why it should be at the top of your list for your next tropical getaway.
1. Location and Getting There
Located in Trelawny, one of the fourteen parishes in Jamaica, Melia Braco Village boasts an ideal location for those seeking a secluded and peaceful vacation. It is situated just 45 minutes away from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, making it easily accessible for international travelers. The hotel also offers airport transfers for an additional fee, or you can opt to rent a car and explore the island at your leisure.
How to Get There
- By Air: Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay receives flights from major cities around the world.
- By Road: Melia Braco Village is approximately 45 minutes away from the airport, and taxis are readily available for hire.
- By Sea: Cruise ships dock at the nearby port of Falmouth, which is only a 20-minute drive from the hotel.
What to Do Nearby
- Visit Dunn’s River Falls, one of Jamaica’s most famous natural attractions.
- Explore the historic town of Falmouth and its Georgian architecture.
- Go horseback riding through the countryside or along the beach.
- Take a catamaran cruise to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.
2. Accommodations
Melia Braco Village offers a variety of room categories to cater to different types of travelers. From couples seeking a romantic escape to families looking for a fun-filled vacation, there is something for everyone at this resort.
Room Types
- Deluxe Rooms: These rooms feature a king or two double beds and come with either a garden, pool, or ocean view.
- One-Bedroom Suites: Ideal for families, these suites have a king bed in the bedroom and a sofa bed in the living area.
- The Level Junior Suites: These spacious rooms offer a king bed, a separate living area, and access to The Level amenities, including a private lounge and exclusive pool area.
- The Level Oceanfront Romance Suites: Perfect for honeymooners or couples celebrating a special occasion, these suites feature a whirlpool on the balcony overlooking the ocean.
- Villas: For those seeking the ultimate luxury experience, the hotel offers two- and three-bedroom villas with private pools and a personal butler service.
Room Amenities
- 24-hour room service.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Flat-screen TV with satellite channels.
- Minibar stocked daily with water, soda, and beer.
- Coffee maker.
- In-room safe.
- Iron and ironing board.
- Hairdryer.
- Bathrobes and slippers.
- Rainfall shower.
- Toiletries by Rituals.
3. Dining Options
As an all-inclusive resort, Melia Braco Village offers a variety of dining options to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. From traditional Jamaican cuisine to international dishes, you will be spoiled for choice during your stay.
Restaurants and Bars
- O’Grille Beach Bar & Grill: Located right on the beach, this casual restaurant serves up delicious grilled dishes, sandwiches, and salads.
- Nikkei: A fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, this restaurant has a unique menu curated by a Michelin-starred chef.
- Rasta Pasta: This beachfront restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine with a Caribbean twist, and the seafood is not to be missed.
- O’Vino Wine Bar: Ideal for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap, this bar offers a selection of wines from around the world.
- The Market Place Buffet Restaurant: Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this restaurant features a variety of dishes from international cuisines, as well as live cooking stations.
- Wet Bar: Enjoy a refreshing cocktail while lounging by the pool at this swim-up bar.
- The Level Lounge: Available exclusively for guests staying in The Level accommodations, this lounge offers a quiet space to relax, enjoy a drink, and grab a bite to eat.
Dining Recommendations
- Try the jerk chicken from O’Grille, a Jamaican specialty that you can’t miss.
- Don’t miss the sushi rolls at Nikkei; they are simply divine.
- Make a reservation at Rasta Pasta for dinner and watch the sunset while enjoying your meal.
- For a romantic date night, book a table at O’Vino and pair your meal with a glass of wine from their extensive list.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the Market Place and try some local dishes like ackee and saltfish or curried goat.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth with some delicious ice cream from the Melia Ice Cream Shop.
4. Activities and Entertainment
Melia Braco Village offers a wide range of activities and entertainment options to keep guests of all ages entertained throughout their stay. From water sports to land activities, there is never a dull moment at this resort.
Things to Do
- Water sports: Kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and windsurfing are all available for guests to enjoy.
- Beach volleyball and football: Join in on a game or two with other guests, or organize your own friendly competition.
- Fitness center: For those looking to stay active during their vacation, a well-equipped gym is available on-site.
- Yhi Spa: Indulge in a relaxing massage or spa treatment for the ultimate pampering experience.
- Pool and beach: Relax by the pool or on the pristine white sand beach with a good book and a refreshing drink in hand.
- Kids Club: The hotel offers a supervised kids’ club for children ages 4-12, where they can take part in a variety of activities and make new friends.
Nightly Entertainment
- Live music: Enjoy live performances from local musicians every night at the resort’s main bar.
- Themed nights: From beach parties to Jamaican cultural nights, there is always something exciting happening after dark.
- Casino: Try your luck at the on-site casino and see if you can win big.
5. Service and Staff
One thing that stands out at Melia Braco Village is the excellent service provided by the staff. From the moment you arrive, you will be greeted with a warm welcome and made to feel like a valued guest throughout your stay. The staff are friendly, attentive, and always willing to go above and beyond to ensure you have a memorable vacation.
Personalized Service
- Butler service: Available for guests staying in the villas, a personal butler will cater to your every need, from booking excursions to making dinner reservations.
- Concierge: The concierge team can assist with any requests, from arranging airport transfers to organizing special celebrations.
- Guest Services: The guest services team is available 24 hours a day to answer any questions or concerns you may have during your stay.
Special Touches
- Champagne upon arrival: Guests staying in The Level accommodations are welcomed with a bottle of champagne in their room.
- Turndown service: Every evening, your room will be prepared for a good night’s sleep with a chocolate on your pillow and slippers placed by the bed.
- Pool and beach service: The staff are always on hand to bring you a refreshing drink or snack while you soak up the sun.
6. Sustainability Efforts
Melia Braco Village is committed to sustainable tourism practices, and they have implemented various initiatives to reduce their impact on the environment and support the local community.
Environmental Practices
- Solar panels: The resort has installed solar panels to generate clean energy and reduce their carbon footprint.
- Water conservation: Low-flow showerheads and faucets have been installed in all guest rooms to save water.
- Recycling: Guests are encouraged to recycle their waste, and the hotel has a recycling program in place.
- Sustainable purchasing: The hotel sources products from local suppliers to support the community and reduce transportation emissions.
Community Outreach
- Local employment: The majority of the staff at Melia Braco Village are from the surrounding communities, providing employment opportunities and supporting the local economy.
- School donations: The hotel donates supplies and funds to nearby schools to support education in the area.
- Coral restoration: In partnership with the Trelawny Fisheries Cooperative, the hotel has started a coral restoration project to help restore the marine ecosystem in the area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Melia Braco Village is an excellent choice for those seeking a luxurious and well-rounded vacation in Jamaica. With its beautiful location, comfortable accommodations, delicious dining options, and top-notch service, it is no wonder this resort receives rave reviews from guests. From relaxation to adventure, this all-inclusive resort offers everything you need for an unforgettable tropical getaway. So why wait? Book your stay at Melia Braco Village today and experience the best that Jamaica has to offer.
