Family vacations on Jamaica’s north coast will have a refreshed resort option this winter. Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica is scheduled to reopen in Runaway Bay on December 1, 2026, following approximately a year of renovations spanning its rooms, public spaces, restaurants, and entertainment areas.
The all-inclusive resort is returning with a stronger emphasis on Jamaican culture alongside the pools, dining, and activities that bring families together. Its “Roots” concept will introduce guests to the island through language, music, food, and storytelling, with experiences ranging from patois classes to a show inspired by Jamaica’s history.
For families and groups planning a Caribbean escape, the reopening combines updated accommodations with a broad activity program designed to give different generations room to enjoy the vacation at their own pace.
A Renovated Resort in Runaway Bay
Located on Jamaica’s north coast, approximately 43 miles from Montego Bay’s airport, Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica will reopen with 647 rooms, three swimming pools, and seven restaurants.
The renovation has updated rooms and suites along with the resort’s shared spaces, dining venues, and leisure facilities. The work extends across the spaces guests use throughout their stay, from their accommodations to the places where they eat, gather, and spend time together.
The resort’s family focus also reflects Bahia Principe’s evolving hotel collection. Its Explore properties are designed for families, groups, and travelers interested in combining relaxation with entertainment and local culture. The companion Escape collection caters to adults seeking a quieter style of stay.
Jamaican Culture Takes Center Stage
The resort’s Roots concept is intended to make the destination a more visible part of the guest experience.
Patois classes will offer an introduction to local language, while dance classes and live music will bring Jamaican rhythm into the entertainment program. A signature production, “Xaymaca The Show,” will explore the island’s history and music through an evening performance.
The planned activity lineup also includes bike tours, creative activities, karaoke, sports, and beach parties. Together, these options give guests several ways to participate, whether they prefer learning something new, joining a group activity, or heading out for an evening of entertainment.
For parents traveling with children of different ages, that variety is a practical part of the appeal: a shared vacation can still leave space for different interests.
Seven Restaurants and a New Steakhouse
Dining will be another central part of the renewed resort. Among its seven restaurants is Knife, a new à la carte steakhouse.
Other options will include international, Mongolian, and Italian cuisine, alongside the Route 66 concept and more casual dining venues. The range gives families and groups flexibility when deciding where to gather for a meal.
Adult guests will also be able to dine at the à la carte restaurants of neighboring Bahia Principe Escape Runaway Bay, adding another option for a dinner for two. Guests should confirm the applicable reservation and access arrangements with the resort when planning their stay.
Activities for Younger Guests and Shared Family Time
A Kids Club and waterpark will anchor the offering for younger travelers, complemented by creative activities and the resort’s three swimming pools.
Teens and adults will have sports, dance classes, beach parties, and evening entertainment to choose from, while Bahia Principe Village forms part of the wider resort experience.
That mix is particularly relevant to multigenerational trips, where grandparents, parents, and children may want different things from the same vacation. The refreshed Explore concept gives groups a common base, with opportunities to spend time together and pursue their own interests.
The reopening also forms part of Bahia Principe’s next chapter under the joint venture between Hyatt and Piñero, which owns the brand and manages its resorts. For visitors, the most tangible changes will be on the ground: renovated spaces, new dining choices, and a renewed focus on the Jamaican setting.
