Family Vacation at Round Hill, Jamaica

Morning
The tennis pros at Round Hill are excellent. They will have you sweating out yesterday's Piña Coladas in no time. There is also nothing like an early morning water ski.  The Water Sports pavilion is located right on the water's edge. You can reserve a boat the day before to ensure someone is ready and waiting for you.  The ocean is like glass at 8:30 am, and it is perfect for waterskiing in and around the cove.

Afternoon
There is a spectacular coral reef right off the shore. The Water Sports staff will be able to outfit you with your gear, and you can head out at your leisure. You can also join one of the staff on a glass-bottom boat tour where they will bring you over the coral reef and teach you all about the fish and underwater features. Other activities include paddle boarding, taking out the sunfish or catamaran, jumping on the water trampoline or swimming out to one of two floating rafts. 

The Spa at Round Hill never disappoints either. They have an expansive menu of unique, relaxing and therapeutic services. But, of course, how can you beat a workout staring at the sparkling Caribbean Sea?

Don't forget to visit High Tea in the main bar area from 4-5 pm before heading back to your villa. The handmade donuts, scones and tea sandwiches are the perfect afternoon treat.

Day Trips

Mayfield Falls 
Rastafarian village is located approximately one hour drive from Round Hill.  The drive in and of itself is an adventure as it takes you through multiple small villages weaving up and around the Jamaican mountains and rainforest.  Mayfield Falls is a waterfall that comprises various features, including sliding down rocks, jumping off trees and swirling through whirlpools, just to name a few.  A guide will take you and your crew from the bottom of the falls to the top, teaching you about the land and horticulture. The trip ends with an ice-cold Red Stripe to celebrate. 

Day Trip to Negril 
Approximately one hour drive from Round Hill, spending the day in Negril is a wonderful excursion for all ages.  The hotel will arrange for a driver to pick you up at your requested time.  I recommend early (by 9:00 am) to maximize your day.  Our first stop is Seven Mile Beach.  Our driver will often drop us off at Margaritaville. If you're there early enough, it's tranquil, and you can snag a few lounge chairs and have the beach, cocktails, and restroom access for as long as you like. Grab a rum punch and walk the beach.  For the kids, they have inflatables and a beautiful shallow area for swimming.  For lunch, we take the whole crew to the Rock House (the rum punch and coconut shrimp are a must!) and finally off to cliff jump at Rick's Cafe.  It's not for the faint of heart, but the live music and cold beers make it fun for all. If you are so inclined, you can pay one of the professional divers ($5-10 will do) to jump off the 40-foot tree.

Horseback Riding
Half Moon has an equestrian center approximately 30 minutes from Round Hill. The pros will match you with a horse (no experience needed), and they will take you through the property's grounds and to a secluded beach.  They remove the horse's saddles, and your fantastic horse will guide you bareback into the ocean. Who knew horses could swim?  Slide off their backs and hold onto their tails for quite the ocean ride.  For the slightly more adventurous, the guides show you how to get on your horse's back and dive into the ocean. Don't forget to stop at Scotchies for the most fantastic jerk chicken on your way back to Round Hill.  

Evening
Before dinner, head down to the main bar for spectacular cocktails and piano music. If you are lucky enough to be at Round Hill on a Monday, it is "Beach Night." The restaurant is set up directly on the sand, surrounded by twinkling lights and tiki torches. A steel drum band plays throughout the evening to accompany your dinner.

Friday is "Jamaica Night," which highlights authentic food from the country and is capped off with an impressive show including local dancers, drummers, and fire breathers.

Scotchie’s: No-frills, casual eatery that allows visitors to get the real taste of Jamaica.  Try the jerked chicken, rumored to be the best on the island!

Di RoZa: This restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine, including homemade pasta and authentic wood-fired pizza, with the finest and freshest ingredients.

Barefoot JerkZ: Located at the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall,  this is a traditional shack eatery. Hungry beachgoers can grab a plate of jerk chicken. 

FuZion Asian: Excellent fusion restaurant with great teriyaki inside the Hyatt Ziva. 

Sugar Mill: The award-winning Sugar Mill Restaurant is located at the Half Moon Resort. The Sugar Mill team infuses international favorites with Jamaican ingredients.

Pier 1: Owned by the Russell family, Pier 1 is Montego Bay's most pulsating open-air Restaurant, Bar and unique Entertainment Center in Jamaica.