My Birthday Trip to Jamaica 🇯🇲

I’ve always dreamed of spending my birthday in Jamaica, and this year I finally made it happen—surrounded by my family. What made the trip even more special was that it was my niece’s very first visit to her grandparents’ homeland, and we also reunited with my cousins from England after seven years apart.

I was especially excited for my niece. I remember my own first trip to Jamaica—how deeply connected I felt to my parents and our roots. Instead of staying at a hotel, we decided to rent an Airbnb, Villa Royale in Ocho Rios, for a more local experience.

Arrival in Montego Bay

We landed in Montego Bay at noon on June 6. Our first stop after leaving the airport? KFC! Everyone who visits Jamaica knows you have to try it—they genuinely have some of the best barbecue chicken in the world (just saying, LOL). We waited in line for an hour, but it was worth it—my niece loved every bite.

Checking into our Airbnb was a breeze. The host was warm and welcoming, and the villa—a three-bedroom, 3.5-bath home just five minutes from the Ocho Rios main strip—was perfect. The community was small, quiet, and peaceful, with a pool and clubhouse that made us feel right at home.

My cousin Tanya, the group’s planner, had our itinerary packed for the week. No free days—just fun, laughter, and adventure ahead!

Day 1: Pre-Birthday Celebration

On our first night in Jamaica, we headed to the Omni Sky Lounge for a pre-birthday dinner. The food was terrific, and the reggae music set the perfect vibe. Afterward, we stopped by John Crows, a lively local spot where we enjoyed music, drinks and mingled with the locals—it felt like home instantly.

Day 2: Beach Day & Duns River s

The next day was all about the beach! We spent the morning at Mahogany Beach, soaking up the sun, sipping rum punch, jet skiing, and lounging on the white sand. Later, we visited the famous Dunn’s River Falls—a must-see in Ocho Rios.

Climbing the falls was exhilarating and a little scary, but our guide was patient and made sure we all reached the top safely. It was my niece Madison’s first time, and she absolutely loved it. The rest of us had climbed the falls before, but we weren’t sure whether it was our age, since it felt like our first time, too. That night, we hit the hottest club in Ocho Rios, 12 to 12, to dance the night away.

Day 3: Exploring Kingston

We took a trip to Kingston to explore the city and meet up with our cousin TK. We met at the Pegasus Hotel, then walked along the Art Walk with our tour guide to Coronation Market, soaking in the vibrant energy of old Kingston before heading back for drinks.

Day 4: Hyatt Ziva, Montego Bay

The day before my birthday, we spent the day at the Hyatt Ziva in Montego Bay. My friend, who was staying there, treated me to a day pass—such a thoughtful gift! The resort was stunning: beautiful pools, delicious food, and the best jerk chicken from the jerk pit. The bartenders made our drinks just right (with plenty of rum, of course!). The staff was friendly and welcoming—I only wished we could’ve stayed the night. Side note: Day passes run from 11am to 6 pm, and the $175 CAD price is worth every penny.

Day 5: Birthday at Puerto Seco Beach & Dinner at Christopher’s

Birthday time! We celebrated at Puerto Seco Beach, where my cousin rented a cabana for the day. The white sand, crystal-clear water, and warm sun made it the perfect birthday setting. We felt adventurous and ended up doing an obstacle course on the inflatables in the water. We made it to the end, but not without a couple of slips and falls into the water. I wanted to turn back and swim to shore, but the lifeguard wouldn’t let me quit before I finished. 

I felt so grateful to be surrounded by family.

That evening, we had dinner at Christopher’s at Hermosa Cove, a charming boutique hotel in Ocho Rios. The candlelit path and beautiful ambiance made the night magical. When I arrived at the table, there was a banner wishing me Happy Birthday—such a sweet surprise! We ordered all the traditional, authentic Jamaican dishes—brown stew fish, oxtail, and curry goat—made to perfection, and we savoured every bite. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

Day 6: Harmony Park

On our last day, we visited Harmony Park Beach in Montego Bay. It was another gorgeous day by the sea—I felt like a true beach bum and loved every minute of it. The only downside was the high rental fees, but they didn’t detract from the experience.

Heading Home

The week flew by far too quickly. As we packed up to leave, I couldn’t help but reflect on how amazing the trip had been—full of laughter, family, sunshine, and love. It was everything I dreamed of and more. I can’t wait to go back!