By Some journeys feel like vacations. Others feel like a return to a part of your life you never quite forgot.
For me, traveling back to Jamaica was definitely the second kind.
Nearly four decades had passed since my last visit to the island. Jamaica had changed, I had changed, and this time I wasn’t traveling alone. I was heading back with my wife and daughter for a short family escape to Montego Bay—and I had a feeling this trip was going to create some unforgettable memories.
An Early Start in Atlanta
Our Jamaican adventure began long before we reached the Caribbean.
At around 6 in the morning, we left for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The city was still waking up as we made our way to the airport, but we were already in vacation mode.
After getting through the airport, we boarded our Delta flight to Montego Bay. The roughly three-hour flight gave us plenty of time to relax and think about what was waiting for us on the other side.
For me, there was an added sense of anticipation. I wasn’t simply flying to a new destination—I was returning to Jamaica after almost 38 years.
Back in Jamaica
We landed at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay late in the morning.
The moment we stepped off the plane, it felt good to be back in Jamaica. The warm Caribbean air was a welcome change, and suddenly the trip felt very real.
After collecting our luggage, we picked up our rental SUV and prepared for the next part of the adventure: driving across Jamaica.
There was just one small challenge.
I had to drive on the left side of the road.
It took a little concentration at first. After years of driving on the right, switching sides isn’t something you can do without thinking about it. But after some practice, I started getting into the rhythm, and before long we were cruising along the Jamaican coast.
The Road to Grand Palladium
Our destination was the Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa.
The drive gave us our first real opportunity to take in the island from behind the wheel. Coastal scenery, tropical surroundings, and that unmistakable Caribbean atmosphere made the journey part of the vacation itself.
About an hour and a half after leaving Montego Bay, we finally arrived at the resort.
And what a resort it was.
The property was enormous, and from the moment we arrived, we were greeted with the kind of warm Jamaican hospitality that immediately makes you feel welcome.
But the biggest surprise was still waiting for us.
A Suite That Exceeded Expectations
When we opened the door to our room, we knew we’d made a great choice.
Our ground-floor suite in Building 13 was far more impressive than we had expected. There was a Jacuzzi, beautiful ocean views, and something that immediately caught our attention—a private pool right outside the room.
After an early morning departure, a flight, airport formalities, and a drive through Jamaica, having a space like this waiting for us felt like the perfect reward.
We could already imagine how much time we’d spend relaxing there during the trip.
And this was only our first day.
A Family Adventure Is Just Beginning
What made this trip especially meaningful was experiencing it together.
Returning to Jamaica after so many years would have been special on its own, but sharing the experience with my wife and daughter made it something completely different. There was excitement around every corner, from arriving at the airport to navigating Jamaican roads and finally stepping into our beautiful resort suite.
We hadn’t even properly explored Grand Palladium yet, and already the trip was off to a fantastic start.
The pools, the beach, the restaurants, the resort grounds, and the rest of Montego Bay were still waiting for us.
After such a long journey back to Jamaica, one thing was certain: this family getaway was going to be one to remember.
And this was just day one.
Stay tuned as we continue our Jamaican adventure, explore Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa, enjoy the pools and beach, sit down for our first dinner, and settle into island life.
Jamaica, it’s great to be back! 🇯🇲🌴🌊