Review: Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa

With its extensive dining, entertainment and relaxation options, many clients might say Jamaica’s Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa has just about everything they could ask for in a Caribbean all-inclusive resort. And with the introduction of a new level of service this month, that’s even more true. 

The Signature Level

On Nov.1, the property debuted The Signature Level, a program that includes additional perks that are a step above the standard product, including exclusive access to a private swimming pool, priority restaurant reservations and discounts on spa treatments, babysitting services and wine. The program is available for stays in premium room categories including TSL Bungalows, TSL Junior Suites and TSL Suites, all of which feature extras such as L’Occitane products and one free laundry service per stay. 

The Signature Level  — which has been introduced at Grand Palladium Imbassai Resort & Spa in Brazil, TRS Ibiza Hotel in Spain and Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa in Italy — underscores Lady Hamilton’s positioning as a slightly more upscale choice within the resort complex that also includes Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa. 

Serving a Variety of Travelers

During my recent stay, I sampled many of this attractive beachfront resort’s offerings, and I was impressed by its ability to serve the needs of a variety of travelers, from couples to families.

Located about 20 miles from Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport, the Grand Palladium complex is located in a peaceful area of the countryside, hugging the picturesque Caribbean coast. It can serve as a convenient base for exploring the surrounding region, as I found out during a wonderful day trip to the Martha Brae River, during which I lounged on a bamboo raft and took in the postcard-perfect scenery.  

Not that there’s any reason to leave the property, though — the Grand Palladium resort complex offers countless options for activities and entertainment every day of the week. 

Room for Relaxation

Some of my favorite activities were among the simplest. I was immediately enchanted with the gently sloped, beautifully landscaped property, which is lovely for strolling, and I found it supremely relaxing to spend the end of the day at the on-site Sunset Cove, a beautiful beach with gentle, swimmable waters that proved to be the ideal spot to witness the sunset. 

The Grand Palladium complex, in fact, offers many options for taking a dip, including four large swimming pools, a lively waterpark area and private pools available for certain suite categories. (Oceanview rooms, which I toured, are spectacular.) 

I also spent memorable moments at the large Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness facility, which almost made me feel like I’d stepped back in time, thanks to its elegant columns and classically inspired statuary. I enjoyed a lovely massage treatment and relaxed in the expansive swimming pool and hydrotherapy area. Adjacent to the spa is a surprisingly large fitness center — which I truly meant to use, I swear, but I was simply too busy with all of the other activities available. 

Dining Options

The variety of dining options is another strong selling point for this property. There are 11 restaurants throughout the resort, and I savored meals at El Dorado, the steakhouse; Xaymaica, which specializes in Jamaican cuisine; and La Adelita, a Mexican eatery. There are also 15 themed bars, so I was never at a loss when it came to choosing a picturesque or fun place to make a toast.  

While it’s easy to just sit back and relax at Lady Hamilton, guests have lots of options if they’d like to keep things lively. The People of Palladium program stages a variety of programs every day throughout the year, including music and dance programs and a “bingo show” that, I found out, takes the typical concept of a bingo tournament to a new level, complete with music and live dancers. Families, meanwhile, can take advantage of clubs for babies, children and teenagers, all of which are included in the standard, all-inclusive room rates. 

After days and evenings spent experiencing the hotel’s many features, it was always a pleasure to retreat to my spacious suite, which featured a separate living room, two televisions, two balconies and a mini-fridge stocked with water, beer and soda. At Lady Hamilton, it was easy to feel at home.