When Hurricane Melissa struck in late October 2025, western and southwestern Jamaica bore the brunt of the damage. Spots such as Saint Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, Saint James, and Trelawny were hit hardest. Infrastructure was disrupted, homes and hotels damaged, and many communities faced power and communication outages.
Despite that, Jamaica’s recovery has been impressively swift in many of the most visited tourist zones. By early December, all three international airports had reopened for commercial flights. Key north‑coast corridors and principal tourist routes have been cleared and restored, making access to resorts and beaches far easier than in the immediate aftermath of the storm.
Major resorts and activities are coming back online too. Several coastal resorts in areas like Ocho Rios and Negril passed safety and readiness inspections and reopened in early December. According to the official recovery plan by Jamaica Tourist Board, the country aims to have most of its tourism industry back up and running by December 15, 2025.
Still, the rebound is not uniform. Some resorts in the southwest and northwest, including several in Montego Bay, sustained heavier damage and are not expected to reopen until mid‑2026 at the earliest. This uneven pace means that while many parts of Jamaica are ready to welcome travelers, a few corners are still rebuilding.
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Escape the cold this season with a sunny getaway to Jamaica, where beaches and blue waters make winter feel like summer.Photo by Andrew Coelho on Unsplash
What travelers can expect this winter
What’s ready to enjoy in Jamaica
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Resorts in Ocho Rios and Negril: Several beachfront resorts, including well-known properties, reopened December 6, 2025 with full access to rooms, pools, beaches and amenities.
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Airports and transport: All international airports (including Montego Bay and Kingston) are operating, and main tourist roads have reopened. That means flights, transfers, and shuttles should run smoothly.
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Tourism momentum: Industry officials say the “visitor experience is coming back fast,” and there is a determination across the island to meet returning travelers with warmth, hospitality and restored infrastructure.
Related: Jamaica rushes to rebuild ahead of its busy season
What’s still uncertain for Jamaican travelers
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Southwestern and some northwestern resorts: Areas near Montego Bay and on the island’s south or west coast saw the worst damage. Some resorts remain closed while undergoing comprehensive repairs.
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Local infrastructure and rural areas: While main roads and tourist routes are functional, many remote or rural communities remain under repair and some parishes are still recovering from flooding, power outages, and displacement.
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Selective availability: Because not all hotels and resorts have reopened, availability can be limited. Booking early and confirming directly with your resort remains wise.
Smart travel tips for winter 2025‑26
1. Aim for the north coast, especially Ocho Rios or Negril
If you want the safest bet for a pleasant vacation, choose resorts in Ocho Rios or Negril. They were among the first cleared for reopening and offer restored amenities, access to the beach, and functioning transport links.
2. Check hotel status and flight details before booking
Even though airports are open, not every resort is ready. Confirm your resort’s reopening date, amenities, and transfer options before finalizing plans. Ask if they passed inspection, what services are active, and whether transport routes to your resort are clear.
3. Travel with a flexible but optimistic mindset
You may notice signs of recovery still underway: fallen trees being cleared, repair crews around hotels, or reduced services compared to pre‑storm luxuries. But that can bring unexpected perks, like fewer tourists, hidden beauty, or opportunities to connect with locals rebuilding communities.
Related: Popular all-inclusive resort in Jamaica to reopen first week of December
4. Consider giving back and supporting local businesses
Tourism is not just about beaches. Many locals lost livelihoods during the hurricane. Visiting now helps support resort staff, local vendors, guides, and communities working hard to restore normal life. Your dollars do good as much as they do relaxation.
What this recovery means for Jamaica and travelers
Jamaica’s bounce‑back from Hurricane Melissa is not just about reopening hotels. It is a story of resilience, renewal, and the island’s enduring commitment to welcome visitors, especially when the world needs the warmth of sun and sea more than ever.
For travelers, right now is both a chance to enjoy a Caribbean winter escape and to play a small part in recovery. The island welcomes guests with understandable caution, but also with generosity, hope, and the unmistakable rhythm of reggae, salt air, and island charm. If you are flying in this season or considering booking, you’re not just getting a holiday. You’re witnessing a comeback.
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This story was originally published by TravelHost on Dec 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the Attractions section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.