Sunscape Splash Montego Bay

Past its secure, gated entrance, the property's two hotel towers look more like urban apartment blocks than a resort, but their sunny yellow exteriors echo the Sunscape moniker and tropical locale. The vast open-air lobby -- with its busy web of exposed metal rafters and sparsely decorated interior -- exudes a retro industrial feel, where the focal point is the check-in area with its curvaceous timber desk and striking palm sunset mosaic backdrop. It all feels a little like stepping back in time -- this is what a family resort paradise must have looked like 40 years ago (back when Hawaiian shirts were in, and cocktails had umbrellas), but recent renovations and good maintenance keep common areas in excellent condition. 

Grounds unfold along a long stretch of beach that’s broken into sections. On one end, sailboats and colorful water-sport toys line the shore, and on the other, deck chairs and thatch umbrellas invite sun-basking. Pools move between curvaceous and oblong, and they’re all wrapped in deck chairs that fill up fast when it’s busy. Pirate’s Paradise Waterpark is like a destination in itself with sky-high waterslides enveloping a castle with secret pockets to explore, a lazy river, and of course -- a pirate ship.

Restaurant decor echoes their respective themes. The Coco Cafe is casual contemporary, decorated in a coastal green, blue-and-teal palette (with pool and sea views to match). The Windows Buffet resembles a sprawling cafeteria, but bi-fold windows bordering one side peel right back for a seamless view of the sea. Gohan’s Asian menu is echoed in its Oriental decor, Portofino feels like stepping inside a chic Euro-bistro, and Seaside Grill takes dining matters outside with an open-air pavilion perched right over the beach. Two restaurants, the Terrace and Da Mario, are located within neighboring sister establishment, Sunscape Cove. Respectively, they channel British colonial (alfresco) elegance and a Mediterranean trattoria. The resort is especially popular with families and couples, and weddings are frequently held here.

Sunscape Splash and its neighboring sister resort, Sunscape Cove, are set on a long stretch of private beach and marine park on a Montego Bay peninsula. The resorts sit side by side, reached by a shared gated entrance -- a 15-minute drive from Sangster International Airport. There are a few attractions nearby. Historic highlights include Catherine Hall (a nine-minute drive), Bellefield Great House (a 15-minute drive), Sam Sharpe Square (a 12-minute drive), and Cromwell Gardens (a 17-minute drive). It’s a 14-minute drive to Montego Bay Craft Market, 11 minutes to Hip Strip, and there are a couple of shopping centers within a five- to 10-minute drive from the resort. Dump-Up Beach and Events Park is a 10-minute drive away, and it’s 11 minutes to Aqua Sol Theme Park.

The 308 rooms and suites at Sunscape Splash Montego Bay have been renovated and refurbished with dark timber furniture, crisp white bedding, and vibrant pops of color in decorative fabrics on the beds and seating. Decor is typical hotel-chain fare, yet color and ample sunlight keep it fresh and vibrant. Room categories include Kings, Doubles, and Suites with bay, resort, or ocean views. Family Suites include bunk beds for the kids and optional connecting rooms. Bathrooms are huge with shower/tub combos, large backlit mirrors, and plenty of vanity space. Individual soaps are provided, and shampoo and shower gel come in wall-mounted pumps. All rooms have terraces or balconies, desks, air-conditioning, minibars that are restocked every other day, tea- and coffee-making facilities, hairdryers, cable flat-screen TVs, safes, and irons and ironing boards. Rollaway beds and cribs are available on request.

All-inclusive Sunscape packs plenty of features. Dining options include a buffet, three a la carte restaurants, a grill, and a cafe. Windows (the buffet) is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving a wide range of cuisine, such as American, Italian, Asian, and Jamaican, along with salad bars and desserts. Three a la carte dinner restaurants include Asian-inspired Gohan; Portofino (Italian), and Seaside Grill. Another two a la carte restaurants (for Sun Club members only) are located at Sunscape Cove next door: Da Mario (Italian and Mediterranean), and Terrace Restaurant offer a selection of modern international and Jamaican dishes. Be aware that Sunscape Splash restaurants don’t take reservations and can fill up fast.

Coco Cafe is open 24 hours, serving espresso and a range of snacks that includes toasted sandwiches, light salads, cakes, and cookies. Barefoot Grill offers a variety of casual snacks. Starlight Lounge is open late for party-goers, and the Rendezvous lobby bar comes alive late at night with animated guests seeking post dinner drinks. Beverages are served in little plastic cups -- so many guests have BYO large Thermoses, while others order two at a time. 

There are four swimming pools, including a main pool with a swim-up bar (Manatees), an activities pool, a quiet pool, and a children’s pool. Pirate’s Paradise Waterpark features two waterslides enveloping a giant castle, with a lazy river (complete with floating toys), a pirate ship, and plenty of pool to splash around in.

The Explorer’s Club offers loads of activities for kids throughout the day and evening, such as arts and crafts, sand castle competitions, movie nights, and weekly camp outs (with parents’ permission). The Core Zone teens club is equipped with a range of age-appropriate entertainment and activities that include karaoke, socials, PlayStation, board games, and sporting activities. Adult-oriented features include the state-of-the-art fitness center, spa, and beauty salon. Outdoor activities include tennis, beach volleyball, bocce, poolside dance lessons, and guests can even learn to speak Patois.

Kayaks are available, as is scuba diving and motorized water sports, but the latter aren’t included in the all-inclusive cost. Guests can upgrade to Sun Club status for VIP amenities and services that include access to a private lounge, upgraded minibars, room service, and exclusive access to the restaurants located at Sunscape Cove (the Terrace and Da Mario). Free, reliable Wi-Fi is available throughout.