Honestly, choosing a resort in Jamaica feels a bit like gambling. You’ve got the flashy, $800-a-night mega-properties in Montego Bay where the lobby smells like expensive hibiscus, and then you have the places that look great in photos but turn out to be a construction site with a buffet. Royal Decameron Runaway Bay Jamaica sits in this weirdly perfect middle ground. It isn't trying to be a five-star luxury sanctuary. It’s an unpretentious, mid-range beast that focuses on the one thing people actually go to the Caribbean for: the water.
Most travelers fly into Sangster International (MBJ) and immediately get funnelled into the tourist traps. But if you drive about an hour east, past the bustle of MoBay, you hit Runaway Bay. It’s quieter. The sand feels different. The Royal Decameron property here is actually split—there’s the main resort and the "Club" side. People get confused about this constantly. They are technically separate but share that same stretch of pristine white sand that makes the North Coast famous.
The Beach Reality Check
Let’s get real about the beach. At many Jamaican resorts, you’re swimming in a roped-off area the size of a backyard pool because of sea grass or rocky entries. Not here. Royal Decameron Runaway Bay Jamaica has a long, sprawling beachfront. It’s protected by a natural reef system about 300 yards out.
That reef is a big deal.
Because the reef breaks the waves, the water at the shore is usually as calm as a bathtub. If you’re traveling with kids or you’re a weak swimmer, this is gold. You can walk out quite a distance and still see your toes. I’ve seen schools of blue tangs and even the occasional small ray just a few feet from the shore. It’s not the Great Barrier Reef, obviously, but for a "free" snorkeling experience included with your room, it’s legit.
The sand is soft, though the resort staff spends a lot of time raking up the morning seagrass. Nature happens. If you want that postcard-perfect "no seaweed" look, you’ll see the guys out there at 6:00 AM working for it.
Rooms, Renovations, and What to Expect
Don’t expect gold-plated faucets. If you go in expecting the Ritz, you’re going to be annoyed. The rooms are functional. They are clean. Most have that classic Caribbean aesthetic—lots of white, some tropical pops of color, and tile floors that stay cool under your feet.
One thing most people get wrong is the "Ocean View" vs "Ocean Front" distinction. At Royal Decameron, an Ocean Front room means you could practically throw a lime into the Caribbean Sea from your balcony. Ocean View might mean you’re looking over a garden with a slice of blue in the distance.
The bathrooms are basic. Showers have decent pressure, which is a miracle in some parts of the island.
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Is there wear and tear? Sure. Jamaica’s salt air is brutal on buildings. You might see a bit of rust on a railing or a scuff on a baseboard. If that ruins your vacation, stay at a Sandals. But if you want a place where you can drop your bags and spend 90% of your time outside without feeling like you’re staying in a dorm, it works.
Eating Your Way Through the Buffet
Buffets are the soul of an all-inclusive. At Royal Decameron Runaway Bay Jamaica, the food leans heavily into local flavors, which is exactly what you want. Nobody goes to Jamaica for the lasagna.
You want the jerk chicken.
They have a jerk pit on-site that is actually authentic. They use pimento wood. You can smell it from the pool. It’s spicy, smoky, and addictive. For breakfast, please, for the love of everything, try the Ackee and Saltfish. It’s the national dish. Most tourists skip it because it looks like scrambled eggs but tastes like savory seafood. Pair it with some fried dumplings (festivals) and you’ll understand why Jamaicans are so proud of their kitchen.
The a la carte restaurants—usually a steakhouse and an Italian or Asian fusion spot depending on the season—require reservations. Pro tip: Go to the guest services desk the second they open in the morning. They fill up fast. The steakhouse is usually the winner here, mostly because of the atmosphere and the sunset views.
The "Club" Side vs. The Main Resort
This is where travelers get tripped up. The Royal Decameron Club Caribbean is right down the road. It’s part of the same family but features these cool, circular cottages (rondavels).
The "Main" Royal Decameron Runaway Bay is more of a traditional hotel layout.
- The Main resort feels more social.
- The Club side feels more "old Jamaica" and quirky.
- You can often use facilities at both, but check your specific booking tier.
If you’re a couple looking for a slightly more romantic, secluded vibe, the cottages at the Club side are hard to beat. If you’re a group of friends who want to be near the bar and the music, stick to the main resort.
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Activities That Don’t Suck
Most resort "entertainment" is cringeworthy. You know the drill—a guy with a microphone trying to get 60-year-olds to do a hula-hoop contest.
Royal Decameron does this too, but they also have a killer water sports program. Hobie cats, windsurfing, and kayaking are usually included. The staff actually teaches you how to sail the Hobie cats, which is a $100 value anywhere else.
Then there’s the location. Runaway Bay is the perfect jumping-off point for excursions. You’re only 20 minutes from Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios. You’re close to the Green Grotto Caves, which are eerie and fascinating and have a subterranean lake.
If you’re into golf, the Runaway Bay Golf Club is right across the street. It’s a championship-grade par-72 course. Guests at the Decameron often get preferential rates or packages. It’s a lush, green contrast to the blue of the beach.
The Staff and the "Vibe"
The people make this place. Jamaican hospitality is legendary, but at the huge resorts, it can feel a bit robotic. At Royal Decameron, the staff remembers your name. They remember that you like your Red Stripe with a lime.
There’s a specific energy here. It’s loud. It’s fun. There is reggae playing. If you want a "hush-hush" library atmosphere, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want to learn how to dance to dancehall music at 11:00 PM with a rum punch in your hand, you’ve found home.
Logistics and Staying Safe
Let’s talk about safety because people always ask. The resort is gated and has 24/7 security. You’ll see them walking the perimeter. Jamaica has its challenges, but the tourist corridors like Runaway Bay are generally very safe.
When you leave the resort, use the authorized JUTA taxis. Don’t just hop in a random car. The drivers are great sources of info—they’ll tell you where to get the best patties (hint: usually Juici Patties) and which tourist traps to avoid.
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The Wi-Fi is... okay. It works in the lobby and most common areas. In the rooms? It’s hit or miss. Consider it a sign from the universe to put your phone down and look at the ocean.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think "all-inclusive" means "everything is free and unlimited forever."
Mostly, yes. But there are nuances. Premium liquors often cost extra. If you want the top-shelf Scotch, you’ll be paying. The house rum is usually Appleton Estate, which is world-class anyway, so why bother with the imported stuff?
Another misconception: that the resort is "far" from everything. It’s actually more central than Montego Bay or Negril if you want to see the whole island. You can hit the Blue Hole, Mystic Mountain, and Nine Mile (Bob Marley’s birthplace) all within a reasonable day trip.
Final Practical Takeaways
If you’re planning a trip to Royal Decameron Runaway Bay Jamaica, do these three things:
- Pack your own snorkel gear. The resort has it, but having your own mask that actually fits makes a world of difference when you're exploring the reef.
- Bring a reusable insulated cup. The plastic cups they give you at the bar are small and the ice melts in three minutes. A Yeti or Stanley keeps your drink cold while you're in the pool.
- Download the offline map of the area. Cell service can be spotty when you’re out on excursions, and having the GPS coordinates for the Green Grotto Caves or local eateries is a lifesaver.
This resort isn't about luxury; it's about access. You're paying for a front-row seat to one of the most beautiful bays in the world without the four-digit price tag. It's loud, it's colorful, it's salty, and it's quintessentially Jamaican.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the current travel advisories for Jamaica to ensure you have the correct entry documents.
- Book your airport transfer through a reputable service like Jamaica Tours Limited (JTL) or Nexus before you land to avoid the taxi scrum at the airport.
- Pack high-SPF, reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the delicate coral ecosystems right off the resort's beach.