Secrets St James Montego Bay OR Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay - which is better?

At Prince Adventures travel we know there is no ‘best’ resort. Making informed decisions on which resort to pick depends on your unique travel style. Your travel style is formed from you and your travel partners’ needs, wants and vacation desires and goals.

When determining which adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica to choose. There are many options. Some folks consider Excellence Oyster Bay to be one of the top choices. We have booked this resort many times for travellers, so email us to ask for exclusive group rates, travel@princeadventures.com.

For a 5 star experience, but perhaps more affordable than Excellence Oyster Bay, consider both Secrets St. James or Secrets Wild Orchid.

What are the key differences between these two resorts?

Secrets St. James and Secrets Wild Orchid are two adjacent adults-only, all-inclusive resorts located on a picturesque peninsula in Montego Bay, Jamaica. While they share many amenities and offer reciprocal access to guests, each resort has its own distinct character and features.

Design and Ambiance:

  • Secrets St. James: This resort exudes a British colonial ambiance, featuring dark hardwood floors and rich fabrics that create a classic and elegant atmosphere.

  • Secrets Wild Orchid: Inspired by Jamaica's vibrant spirit, Secrets Wild Orchid boasts a more contemporary and lively design, with modern decor reflecting the island's Ethiopian roots.

Location within the Property:

  • Secrets St. James: Situated slightly farther from the main hub of activities, this resort offers a more tranquil environment, appealing to guests seeking relaxation.

  • Secrets Wild Orchid: Located closer to the majority of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, Secrets Wild Orchid provides convenient access to various amenities, making it ideal for guests who prefer to be near the action.

Beaches and Pools:

The two resorts share access to three beaches and multiple pools. The beach in front of Secrets St. James is quieter and more secluded, while the largest beach near Secrets Wild Orchid is livelier and closer to dining options and the main pool area. Preferred Club guests have access to an exclusive beach and pool with upgraded amenities.

Dining and Entertainment:

Guests at both resorts have access to a variety of dining options, including restaurants serving Mexican, Pan-Asian, seafood, Italian, and international cuisines. Secrets Wild Orchid is closer to most dining venues and entertainment facilities, offering a more vibrant nightlife. In contrast, Secrets St. James provides a more serene atmosphere, with easy access to the shared amenities.

Preferred Club:

If it is within your budget, we always recommend upgrading in advance to Preferred Club. This is the upgraded service level and ensures you have VIP treatment at either resort. Do not rely on being able to pay for an optional upgrade upon check in. The Preferred Club is capacity limited. Both resorts offer a Preferred Club option, granting guests additional amenities such as private check-in/check-out, a private concierge, and access to exclusive areas like a private pool and beach. The Preferred Club rooms also feature enhanced room amenities and services. The rooms are the same though, so you are not getting a more unique design or layout by choosing Preferred Club over a regular room.

It is a personal decision to decide which is right for you.

In summary, both Secrets St. James and Secrets Wild Orchid provide luxurious accommodations with access to shared amenities. If you are unsure, email us travel@princeadventures.com, and we can help ask you the right questions so together we can determine which resort may be best for your vacation. We are a travel agency based in Canada serving travellers worldwide.

The choice between the two depends on personal preferences: Secrets St. James offers a quieter, more relaxed environment with a colonial charm, while Secrets Wild Orchid provides a contemporary, energetic atmosphere with closer proximity to dining and entertainment options.

Thanks for reading, safe travels!

Jakki Prince

CEO Prince Adventures

Jakki and her team of travel advisors support hundreds of households in the world of travel and you can connect and follow on YouTube here, or on Instagram here for travel tips and inspiration.