Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa

Opened in 2017, Breathless Montego Bay is an all-inclusive property that draws young couples, singles, and groups of friends with its adults-only policy and hip atmosphere. The chic, modern design includes lots of wood, marble, pops of vibrant color, and striking wall designs. For instance, there are patterned tile floors and natural wood sculptures in the lobby, lanterns over wooden chairs at the outdoor Fish Nets eatery, and colorful, patterned couch covers at the rooftop Altitude bar. Although nighttime entertainment is limited and low-key, frequent foam parties and DJs playing techno music at breakfast and during the day create a party atmosphere. While food on-site is generally well-reviewed, many guests opt to head to either next-door Secrets St. James or Wild Orchid for dinner and entertainment, as guests of Breathless have access to all facilities at those two resorts. Unfortunately, the beach is also over there, so guests will have to take the skywalk bridge to reach it. Unlike many Jamaican all-inclusives, guests do not need to wear a wristband.
Overall, this is a good pick for young adults wanting a party atmosphere and chic design, who don't mind the lack of Jamaican flair and direct beach setting. Couples wanting to be closer to the ocean should consider Sandals Montego Bay, though rates are typically higher. next-door Families, meanwhile, should consider the luxe, beachfront Half Moon.

Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa is located along the bay of a peninsula, providing lovely water views from most directions. It sits next to Secrets St. James and Secrets Wild Orchid, which a skywalk providing access to the beach on these properties. A Hard Rock Cafe is also next to the hotel, and there are other hotels in the immediate area. Otherwise, a car or taxi are required to reach farther destinations. Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay is a 20-minute drive. The laid-back beach town of Negril is a 90-minute drive, while Ocho Rios and Dunn's River Falls are about two hours away by car.

The 150 rooms are all decorated similarly, with wood or beige tile floors, contemporary furniture with curved elements, colorful patterned rugs, and striking half-walls with sensual photographs. Aqua accent walls, patterned throw pillows, and vibrant wall art add personality. Be aware that glass showers are open-plan and only have electronic shades on one side, which may cause privacy issues. Nevertheless, all units have furnished terraces with big jetted tubs, and views either of the pool or bay. All rooms are spacious and come with sitting areas, tables, free minibars with soda, beer, and juice, and tea- and coffee-making facilities, as well as flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and tablets. Closets have steamers, electronic safes, yoga mats, bathrobes, and slippers, plus there are Gilchrist & Soames toiletries and hairdryers. A swish perk are the room service shelves that allow staff to deliver food without guests having to answer the door.
Suites add separate living spaces with sofa beds and bar areas. Additionally, these have butler service. Swim-out suites have direct access to narrow shared pool.

The hotel's "Unlimited Luxury" all-inclusive plan covers access to the seven restaurants and five bars on-site, with no limits. Spoon is the international buffet eatery that serves breakfast with DJ-led techno music. Culinaria has international fare with a Caribbean twist, while Sofrito offers Latin fare for dinner. Fish Nets specializes in seafood, and Bare Buns Grill is a beach club spot for casual dishes. A coffee and pastries shop is also on-site. Food receives generally positive reviews, though many guests opt to dine (for free) at one of the nearly 20 options available between Secrets St. James and Wild Orchid. Room service is available 24/7, though many past guests have complained of issues, particularly regarding long wait times.
Five bars and lounges serving top-shelf liquor include a swim-up bar, lobby car, poolside bar, and rooftop bar. Note that Altitude, the rooftop bar and pool spot is only available to xhale club guests between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.; all other guests can use it after that. Xhale club guests also get access to a lounge with daily continental breakfast, plus Preferred Clubs at the neighboring Secrets resorts.

The hub of activity centers around the main pool, which has a zero-entry area, hot tubs, swim-up bar, and ample cushioned loungers under umbrellas. The smaller, adjacent Freestyle Pool is used for frequent foam parties, and it has an adjacent DJ booth, as well as a striking sound wall with live plants. Cozy fire pits and daybeds also dot the pool area. An infinity-edge pool is found at the rooftop Altitude, offering stunning vistas, but it's only open to all Breathless guests after 6 p.m. The beautiful stretch of private beach with a bar and grill are found across the road at the Secrets properties, so guests should expect to walk a bit to reach it. Non-motorized water sports such as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are free to use.
A full-service spa has a sauna, steam room, ample treatment rooms -- including outdoors -- and relaxation area, plus there's a salon. These facilities are shared with Secrets, as are tennis courts and the 24-hour fitness center that's well-equipped with a variety of cardio and strength-training machines. Daily activities and evening entertainment include live music and dancing, themed parties, and DJ performances, but nighttime entertainment can be limited, especially in the low season. When there's little to do on-site, many guests head to the more lively Secrets properties.
Meeting and event spaces are available, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Wedding and honeymoon packages can be booked as well. As mentioned, Breathless guests can use the extensive facilities at the two neighboring Secrets resorts.