When the allure of a value-driven all-inclusive calls, it’s hard to resist. And so, with the pull of adventure and a friend by my side, I found myself packing for a getaway to the Jewel Grande Montego Bay in Jamaica. It had been ages since I’d stayed at an all-inclusive, and curiosity led me to see if the promise of effortless indulgence could live up to its reputation. Spoiler alert: it does, and then some.

From the moment we arrived, we were swept into the rhythm of relaxation, beginning with an island welcome cocktail at check-in. We quickly unpacked and explored the grounds and take in the warm, humid air.

On our first morning, we opted for a cabana on the beach, an upgrade that came with its own attendant who transformed our space into a mini sanctuary. Lounge chairs situated outside the cabana were covered with towels, while inside, a few towels were twisted into egret-shapes of our white-feathered friends we spotted wading along the shore. One cooler per cabana was fully stocked with soft drinks, bottled water, and ice-cold Red Stripe beer. The laminated menu included a tempting array of island bites and frozen cocktails: rum-infused masterpieces served alongside the wild ocean breeze. A Piña Colada? Yes, please. Sipping on these tropical creations, watching the waves crash against the shoreline, and observing egrets dart after crabs, I realized this was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Dining at Jewel Grande is a culinary journey in itself. The resort boasts an impressive selection of restaurants, each offering a distinct experience. From local delicacies to global dishes, we had it all at our fingertips. Of all the venues, Le Bouchon was the undisputed star. Picture this: a New York Sirloin, cooked to perfection, paired with thick-cut steak fries and a side of decadent macaroni and cheese. My suggestion? Don’t leave without ordering the macaroni; it’s a sinful indulgence you won’t regret. After dinner, we could’ve lingered at the piano bar, but we decided to catch one of the lively shows on the terrace. If I could pick my favorite activity, for me, the true highlight came not from the food or entertainment, but from the sublime moments spent at the Grande Spa.

Now, I’ve had my fair share of spa treatments, and I’ve become somewhat of a connoisseur in the realm of relaxation. My expectations were high, but Jewel Grande’s spa managed to exceed them. As I walked in, I was greeted with an offer of a ginger-strawberry juice shot (which was refreshingly revitalizing) before I was led to the Himalayan Salt Room, where walls of salt bricks glowed softly, wrapping me in their healing energy. Reclining on a lounge chair cushioned by more salt bricks, I surrendered to the calm for about 20 minutes before my scalp massage therapist prepped me for what was about to transpire. What followed was nothing short of magic.

Marcine, the massage therapist, was a true artist. Her Bamboo Massage worked wonders on my tight shoulders and neck. The heated bamboo tools clicked rhythmically, releasing tension with a precision that could only come from an expert. Each time she checked in with me to ask if the pressure was too light or too deep, I could feel her attentiveness, her knowledge, and her skill. It’s rare that a spa treatment leaves me in a state of awe, but Marcine's expert touch did just that. By the time she was finished, I felt as though I’d emerged from the cocoon of stress I’d carried from my daily life. I left the room both stunned and grateful.

But the pampering didn’t stop there. After my massage, I was ushered into a steam room, followed by some quiet moments in one of the resort's two mineral pools. One was warmer than the other, and I opted for the more soothing option, lounging in the pool’s built-in tiled lumbar curved chair as the sun peeked through the open canopy above. The experience was complete when I ventured to Ortanique, the spa’s juice bar, where I sipped a protein shake made with oats, banana, and nuts—delicious and filling. The next day, I returned for a beet juice concoction, and I left feeling utterly rejuvenated.

On my last day at the spa, I revisited the Himalayan Salt Room, where the calming music and tranquil atmosphere allowed me to slip into a deep state of relaxation. My final treatment— a facial— was executed with the same precision and care as all the other offerings. In a word, the spa is the jewel of the Jewel Grande, and every penny spent on the treatments is well worth it.

Another delightful benefit of our stay was being assigned a personal butler, a thoughtful touch that truly elevated the experience. From coordinating our dinner reservations to booking an off-resort excursion, our butler made sure every detail was taken care of, leaving us with nothing to do but enjoy our time in paradise. One of the highlights of our stay was the catamaran cruise in Montego Bay, arranged by our butler. With the sun warming our skin and the gentle sway of the boat beneath us, we cruised along the coastline, marveling at the clear waters and the stunning views. We anchored for about an hour so guests onboard could snorkel before we headed back on the bus to reclaim our perch on a cabana lounge chair at the resort.

As for accommodation, the premium oceanfront room we stayed in was ideal for two friends on a shared adventure. The spacious room featured two plush beds and a balcony that overlooked both the performance stage and the lush grounds leading to the ocean, including the booth where we would grab a few thighs of Jamaican jerk chicken en route to our cabana one afternoon. The mesmerizing view was ever-changing, and I found myself staring out at the horizon, entranced by the rigor of the waves rolling in.

The room itself was impeccably designed, with a stocked refrigerator, a large soaking tub as the centerpiece of the large washroom, and all the comforts of home— if home had a panoramic view of paradise.

Jewel Grande has found a way to blend indulgence with authenticity, relaxation with excitement, and local charm with international style. It’s more than just an all-inclusive resort. It’s a place to unwind, to experience, and to discover a side of yourself that the stress of everyday life might have temporarily obscured. My mission was to uncover the allure of all-inclusive vacations. Mission accomplished.

Charlene Peters is a travel writer and author of "Travel Makes Me Hungry."