Secrets Wild Orchid in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Sometimes, you just have to get away–without the kids! Secrets Wild Orchid in Montego Bay, Jamaica is the perfect escape. Secrets is a luxury, all-inclusive, adults-only (not couples only) resort that will have you relaxing on the sandy white beaches of Jamaica — drink in hand — within minutes of your check-in.

This was my first experience at an all-inclusive resort, and hopefully, it won’t be my last. At Secrets, all-inclusive means your accommodations, meals, beverages (including alcohol), room service, gratuities, and select activities are included with your package. I quickly found out that I’m an all-inclusive-kind-of-girl who just can’t get enough of those fruity umbrella drinks. Secrets took “Be our guest!” to a whole new level.

The Rooms: When I walked in the room I was in awe. It was well appointed, modern and spacious. My eyes immediately darted to the balcony, which overlooked the ocean. I felt like I was in paradise! This was the view that glossy travel magazines are made of.

My room had double queen beds, further proof that this wasn’t only a couples resort.

Being that this is all-inclusive, the room had a mini fridge that was stocked daily with Red Stripe (hooray, beer!), bottled water, and soda.

Not to be overlooked was the bathroom, which was glorious. It had double sinks, a separate shower and free-standing, jetted tub. You really couldn’t have asked for more.

Dining: Secrets Wild Orchid really delivers with its dining options. You can begin each day with a breakfast buffet at the World Café, enjoy a casual lunch with an ocean view at Oceana, and for dinner, have 5 additional restaurants to choose from. Options included: El Patio (Mexican), Blue Mountain (Jamaican-Caribbean), Himitsu (Teppanyaki), Portofino (Italian) and Bordeaux (French). If you’re not in the mood to go out, room service delivers 24 hours a day!

I was really impressed with the breakfast buffet, which had a ton of options. The jerk chicken and french fries at Oceana was one of my best lunches. There was never a lack of food, and to my surprise, it all tasted good.

Getting a drink was a breeze too. There are eight bars between Secrets Wild Orchid and Secrets St. James (Wild Orchid’s sister property). If booze isn’t your thing, CoCo Café serves a mean frappuccino, as well as coffee, tea and pastries.

Activities: Secrets provides an array of activities to bring a little fun to your vacation. There is an activity sheet that is delivered to your room the night before for the next day’s events. Activities include snorkeling, beach volleyball, BINGO, kayaking and dance lessons. Off-site excursions are available for purchase at the hotel.

The Spa: What mama doesn’t love a good spa? Secrets Spa by Pevonia has a variety of massages and treatments to pamper and relax. I enjoyed a hydrotherapy session which was truly enjoyable. There is a beauty salon and fitness center also on-site.

My Mama Moment: Soaking in the oversized Jacuzzi tub, with bubbles, while listening to the sweet sound of the ocean….heavenly!

Pros: Brand new, all-inclusive (opened in March 2010). Pristine property with excellent food and service. If you’re headed to Jamaica, this is the way to go.

Cons: Brand new resort has some kinks.  Still needs some finishing touches in rooms and room service very slow at times.

Great for: Romantic escape, girlfriend getaway.

Website: Secrets Wild Orchid