November 8, 2026 — One of Jamaica’s biggest family all-inclusives is coming back. Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica, the renamed Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica in Runaway Bay, will reopen on December 1 after roughly a year of renovation, returning 647 rooms to the island’s north coast.
What is happening
The resort has been closed for a renovation of about one year that covered guest rooms, common areas, restaurants and the leisure and entertainment spaces. It reopens under a new name: “Grand” becomes “Explore,” the label Bahia Principe uses for resorts aimed at families and groups. The Jamaica Observer reported the reopening date on November 5, and Caribbean Journal confirmed it on November 7. About 1,000 jobs return with it.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Property | Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica (formerly Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica) |
| Brand / owner | Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, a 50/50 joint venture between Hyatt and Grupo Piñero; part of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection |
| Location | Runaway Bay, St. Ann, north coast of Jamaica |
| Reopening date | December 1, 2026 |
| Rooms | 647 |
| Style | Family-oriented all-inclusive (not adults-only) |
| Bookings open | TBA (an introductory sale of up to 50% off has been announced) |
Features
- Three swimming pools and a water park
- Kids Club
- Seven restaurants, including Italian, Mongolian and a Route 66-themed spot, plus casual dining
- Entertainment including patois and dance classes, live music, karaoke, beach parties and the resort’s “Xaymaca The Show”
Bahia Principe says the redesign is “inspired by the ‘Roots’ concept,” leaning on Jamaican culture. The company’s Explore Costa Adeje resort in Tenerife, Spain, also reopens on December 1.
What it means for airline travelers
- Nearest major airport: Sangster International (MBJ) in Montego Bay, roughly 72 km away; transfer companies estimate about an hour by road, depending on traffic.
- A good holiday option for families: the reopening lands right before the Christmas and New Year rush, adding 647 rooms on Jamaica’s north coast as the island’s hotel capacity recovers.
- Brand-new finishes: with a year-long renovation just completed, expect fresh rooms, but also the usual early-weeks teething issues at a reopened resort.
- Points and rates: the sources note the resort sits in Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection; neither article mentions a travel-industry or airline-employee rate. Check the Bahia Principe and Hyatt sites for current offers.
- Book early for the introductory deal: the up-to-50% launch promotion has been announced, but the sources do not say when it ends.
Sources
- Caribbean Journal — Bahia Principe Is Reopening a 647-Room All-Inclusive in Jamaica This December
- Jamaica Observer — 647 more rooms, 1,000 more jobs
- MyTransfers — Montego Bay Donald Sangster Airport to Runaway Bay (airport distance and drive time)
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