Recommend December 2017 - 102

Luxury Bahia Principe
Runaway Bay
onsitereview

Bird's-eye view of the Bahia Principe Runaway Bay, Don Pablo Collection in Jamaica.
Melissa Bryant

What's in a name? When that prestigious
appellation is Luxury Bahia Principe
Runaway Bay, Don Pablo Collection, you
know you're in for a treat.
After a scenic little drive down Queen's
Highway, I found myself at the adults-only
section of this Jamaica property inside my
Junior Suite Deluxe Ocean Front fit for royalty
with king-size canopy bed, living area, sofa
bed, balcony and spacious bathroom stocked
with Don Pablo bathroom amenities.
With Caribbean blue waters beckoning me
to the sea from my sliding glass door, I wasted
no time diving into the plethora of amenities
this all-inclusive property has to offer.

Everything's Irie
It's difficult to be stressed while in paradise,
especially when the unofficial island motto
and universally adopted demeanor of the
locals deems everything "irie" (nice, good, or
pleasing). However, if your clients manage
to check their stress past airport security and
into the hotel, point them to the Bahia Spa,
where natural ingredients combined with the
firm hands of a massage therapist will surely
melt it away.
Here, I selected the highly recommended
Reggae Massage with ganja oil, which boasts
therapeutic effects. This is Jamaica after all.
Alternative services run the gamut from
a Hot Stone and Essential Oil Massage to a
hydrating Oats & Honey Body Treatment.
102 december 2017

Pair a relaxing treatment with a scenic
excursion, such as a rafting adventure on
the Martha Brae River located nearby. This
3-mile journey takes guests two by two past
lush jungle surroundings on a 30-ft.-long
bamboo raft steered by a raft captain. The
ride, much like life, is what you make of it,
so make sure clients inquire about the legend
of Martha Brae, ask to pilot the raft and take
a dip in the river towards the end of the tour.

Variety is the Spice of Life
On the way back to the resort after our
Martha Brae excursion, we stopped at
Scotchies, another island icon renowned for
its authentic jerk chicken. After posting a
snap of the aluminum foil-encased delicacy
on Instagram, one social media follower
commented that "Scotchies is always [their]
first stop after the airport." Something to
keep in mind for my next trip back.
And it's not just at Scotchies where your
clients can indulge in culinary delights.
Bahia Principe Runaway Bay and the
adjoining family-friendly Grand Bahia
Principe Jamaica property offer a variety of
restaurants ranging from the Orquidea main
restaurant serving international options
to the newly minted Tallawah Jamaican
restaurant.
Reservations are required for a hibachi
table at Mikado, where tempura, rice seafood
and meats are served through an amusing

display of culinary artistry-but don't let
the entertainment stop there. At the Bahia
Principe Village, after-dinner thrills take place
every night from live shows at the Calypso
Theater Bar to dancing at the Ska Disco.

Happily Ever After
As my time at the resort was winding down,
I pulled up a beach chair hoping to catch
one last sunset. Instead, I caught a wedding,
complete with family, friends and a steel drum
band. As the blushing bride walked down
the aisle, a hush came over the crowd with
swimsuit-clad guests reverently watching as
she made her grand entrance.
A maximum of 30 guests (extra guests are
charged an additional fee) are allowed for
ceremonies, whether it be a complimentary
wedding, which includes a ceremony, reserved
tables at any of the resort's restaurants for a
formal dinner in a semi-private area, or, the
top-of-the-line Emerald package, featuring
live music at the ceremony and reception, a
couple's VIP spa experience, 1-hour cocktail
party with appetizers and drinks after the
ceremony, 2-hour open bar after the dinner
and a romantic room service breakfast the
morning after. Whatever guests desire out
of their stay, it is sure to be as sweet as this
special moment. ■
Contact Information
Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts: bahia-principe.com/en
recommend.com
http://www.bahia-principe.com/en http://www.recommend.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend December 2017
