Are Jamaican Resorts Safe?

Are Jamaican Resorts Safe? (Royalton Negril Resort)

by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

Deciding where to vacation is often challenging. You try to take all the suggestions of your family and friends into consideration when booking the best airline, hotel and activities to fill your days while you’re there. Not to mention, all this must be at an affordable price.

After finance, my next major concern when planning a trip away from home, especially if I’m travelling solo, is safety. Just how cautious will you need to be on vacation in this new place?  

We often hear horror stories from social media, or even closer to home from friends and family, who had a perfectly planned trip ruined due to safety, or in this case the lack thereof. 

You really can’t escape pictures and videos of people vacationing in Jamaica, showing everything from the tastefully designed rooms and incredible offerings at their resort of choice. And you just might be itching to go. However, the question, “Are Jamaican resorts safe?”, might still be on your mind. Well, I am here to (hopefully) ease some of your worries. 

Here’s a guide to help you feel more secure about booking that trip to this Caribbean gem.

How Safe Are Jamaican Resorts?

The short answer? Yes, absolutely. Our resorts are generally safe, especially when you stay within the resort areas and follow general travel precautions. As a matter of fact, I will even venture further to say that Jamaica is, for the most part quite safe.

Of course compared to ‘outside’, a resort will have heightened security, which may give you more reassurance, especially if it's your first time or you are travelling alone.

Most of our resorts prioritize security as part of the guest experience. They are staffed with trained security personnel and often have gated entrances, secure perimeters, and well-defined boundaries to keep guests safe. Popular resorts, especially those in areas like Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios, are specifically designed to create a worry-free environment for guests.

High Levels of Security at Resorts

Security measures are typically thorough in the major resorts. 

1. 24/7 Security Presence: Security staff is usually on-site at all hours to monitor the property and ensure guest safety.
2. Restricted Access: Most resorts limit access to guests and staff only. Visitors from outside the resort generally have to pass through security checkpoints.
3. Surveillance Systems: Resorts often have camera systems monitoring common areas, entrances, and exits to deter unwanted activity.
4. Safety Briefings: Many all-inclusive resorts offer a briefing at check-in on best practices for staying safe, both within the resort and on off-site excursions.

Like any country, we have areas with varying safety levels. Tourists and locals alike are advised to avoid certain high-crime areas, particularly within some urban centres of Kingston and certain parts of Montego Bay.

However, these areas are generally far removed from the tourist zones, and the risk to guests staying within the resort areas is minimal. The government and local authorities focus on keeping tourist zones safe, as tourism is vital to Jamaica's economy. You can read more about this in this article.

Common Safety Tips for Visitors

While resorts work hard to keep their guests safe, these few additional precautions can go a long way in ensuring your peace of mind:

• Keep Valuables Secure: Many resorts offer in-room safes for storing valuables, so you don’t have to worry about carrying everything, everywhere you go. 

• Book Reputable Tours: Some resorts can arrange for your excursions of property, but if you’d like to make these arrangements on your own, always book tours through reputable operators who are licensed and have good reviews. It doesn’t hurt to give the hotel a general idea of where you're headed for the day. 

• Use Caution at Night: Less populated areas might not be the safest late at night. The immediate thought might be that you are at risk of getting robbed or worse, but pool areas can be dangerous as well, especially if you have been enjoying the never-ending supply of alcohol at your resort.

Beyond security measures, you may feel an additional sense of safety due to the genuine warmth and hospitality of the resort's staff. Not only are employees trained to offer the highest level of service to guests, but kindness for those visiting us is deeply rooted in our culture.

Many visitors return year after year, building friendships with the local staff, and even forming lifelong connections with the island.

If you’re planning to experience Jamaica beyond the resort walls, here are some tips for a safe adventure:

• Explore with caution: We encourage our visitors to explore beyond the more frequented attractions and eateries. However, if you aren’t familiar with the island, and are a little cautious, then you can have just as great an experience at these spots just the same. Besides, the excursions off the beaten path will be here on your next trip, when you have your bearing for the island.
  
  
• Arrange Transportation in Advance: To avoid potential scams or unsafe situations, arrange your transport through the hotel or a reputable service.
  
  
• Stay Aware of Surroundings: As with any travel destination, keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings to avoid pickpocketing or petty theft.

So yes, in general, Jamaican resorts are safe. Many travellers report feeling very safe in Jamaican resorts, especially in those with a strong reputation for security and service.

Resorts like Sandals, Couples, and Iberostar are known for their commitment to guest safety, and reviews often highlight the friendly, secure environment they provide. Guests generally feel that the hospitality, amenities, and beauty of the resorts make for an unforgettable and worry-free experience.

So, are you feeling a bit more at ease? I certainly hope so. For even more info give our E-book, Stay Safe, Explore Freely.

Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)

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It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica! 

Return to Jamaican Resorts for Families from Are Jamaican Resorts Safe?
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Are Jamaican Resorts Safe?

References & Sources For Are Jamaican Resorts Safe?

1. Is Jamaica safe? here’s my honest review (no date) My-Island-Jamaica. Available at: https://www.my-island-jamaica.com/is_jamaica_safe.html (Accessed: 01 November 2024).

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