Yes, Jamaica is open to visitors. Its airports and cruise ports are operating, and the Jamaica Tourist Board expects about 90% of the island's hotel rooms to be open for the 2026–27 winter season. A number of resorts damaged by Hurricane Melissa are still closed or rebuilding, so the property you choose matters more than ever.
Nearly a year after the Category 5 storm, the picture is very different from one resort and one coastline to the next. Some favorites reopened within weeks, others are partway through major renovations, and a few have no firm reopening date yet. Here is what we know as of late October 2026, and how a Dream Designer helps you plan around the gaps.
Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa at a Glance
- Is Jamaica open? Yes. International airports and cruise ports are operating.
- Hotel capacity: The Jamaica Tourist Board projects roughly 90% of hotel room inventory will be operating this winter, with about 3,500 rooms still unavailable.
- Hardest-hit area: The island's northwestern tourism corridor, where several large resorts closed after the storm.
- Airlift: Airlines have committed more than 1.3 million seats for January–April 2027, up about 23.5% on this year.
- Sandals: Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals South Coast and the former Sandals Royal Caribbean (being renamed Sandals Caribbean Cay) are being redeveloped and were still closed in early October; Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril reopened in December 2025.
- Best move: Confirm that your specific resort is open, and fully finished, for your travel dates before you book.
Is It Safe to Travel to Jamaica Right Now?
For most travelers, yes: the open resorts, airports and main tourism corridors are operating normally, and the government has spent the past year restoring power, roads and hotel capacity. What has changed is choice. With some large properties still offline, the open resorts in popular areas can fill faster than usual for peak dates such as the holidays, Presidents' Day week and spring break.
As always, check the U.S. State Department's current travel advisory for Jamaica before you go, and read your resort's own updates rather than older reviews. A review from last winter may describe a resort that has since been completely renovated, or one that is still closed.
Picturing your toes in the sand by Christmas? Tell us your dates, and we'll confirm which resorts are fully open before you commit.
Which Jamaica Resorts Are Still Closed?
The honest answer is that the list changes month to month, which is exactly why it is worth having someone check for you. Recent reporting points to a handful of patterns:
- Several large resorts on the northwestern coast closed after the storm, and some are using the closure for full renovations rather than simple repairs.
- Sandals is redeveloping three Jamaica resorts (Montego Bay, South Coast and the former Royal Caribbean). Reopening dates have moved before, so treat any published date as a target until bookings open for your travel week.
- Royalton says its Jamaica properties have reopened.
- Negril came through comparatively well; Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril reopened in December 2025.
If a resort you loved is still closed, a Dream Designer can suggest the closest match that is open now, whether that's in Negril, Ocho Rios, or another island entirely.
Is It Still a Good Time to Book a Winter Trip to Jamaica?
It can be a very good time, as long as you book the right resort. More flights are coming (Jamaica's tourism officials report airline seat commitments up about 23.5% for January–April 2027), but slightly fewer hotel rooms. That combination usually means the best rooms at the open resorts go first.
Tourism is also one of the most direct ways to support Jamaica's recovery. Resort and tour jobs, local guides, drivers and restaurants all depend on visitors returning. Many travelers tell us that knowing their trip helps makes it feel even more meaningful.
Already imagining your first rum punch by the pool? Share your travel month, and we'll shortlist the open resorts that fit your style.
What Should I Ask Before Booking a Jamaica Resort?
Ask whether the resort is fully open or partially open for your dates. A resort can accept guests while a restaurant, pool or wing is still being rebuilt, and that difference matters on a celebration trip.
A Dream Designer will confirm, in writing where possible:
- Which restaurants, bars, pools and spa areas will be open during your stay
- Whether any construction is planned near your room category
- Whether your preferred room type has been renovated or is in an older building
- How transfers from Montego Bay's airport are running to your resort
- What happens to your booking if a reopening date slips
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Jamaica?
We strongly recommend it, especially during hurricane season (June 1 through November 30) or whenever a resort has only recently reopened. The right policy can protect you if a resort's reopening is delayed, a storm disrupts flights, or you need medical help away from home. Our guide to whether travel insurance is worth it explains what to look for, including when to buy so storms that are already named are still covered.
Want the peace of mind that someone is watching your reservation? Let a Dream Designer handle the details from booking day until you're home.
How to Plan Your Trip
- Share your dream. Tell us your dates, who's traveling and the Jamaica you're picturing, from a lively all-inclusive to a quiet adults-only escape.
- We plan around the recovery. Your Dream Designer confirms which resorts are fully open, compares options, and secures the room and dining experiences that matter to you.
- You relax. You arrive knowing your resort is ready for you, and you have one person to call if anything changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jamaica open after Hurricane Melissa?
Yes. Jamaica's airports and cruise ports are operating, and the Jamaica Tourist Board expects about 90% of hotel rooms to be open for the 2026–27 winter season. Some resorts are still closed or renovating, so check your specific property.
Which Sandals resorts in Jamaica are open?
Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril reopened in December 2025. Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals South Coast and the former Sandals Royal Caribbean are being redeveloped, so confirm their current reopening dates before booking.
Is it safe to go to Jamaica this winter?
The open resorts and main tourism areas are operating normally. As with any trip, review the U.S. State Department's current advisory for Jamaica and confirm your resort's status close to booking.
Will my resort be fully open, or just partially open?
That depends on the property, which is why it's worth asking. Some resorts welcome guests while certain restaurants or buildings are still being finished, and a Dream Designer can confirm what will be open during your stay.
Should I wait until next year to visit Jamaica?
Not necessarily. With more flights and slightly fewer rooms this winter, booking early at a resort that is fully open is often the smarter move, and your visit directly supports Jamaica's recovery.
Do I need travel insurance for a Jamaica trip?
It's strongly recommended, especially during hurricane season or when staying at a recently reopened resort. Buy it soon after booking so you're covered before any storm is named.
Ready to find the Jamaica resort that's truly ready for you? Start planning with a Dream Designer today.
Photos courtesy of Sandals Resorts.