BAHIA Principe Hotels & Resorts has announced that Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica — formerly Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica — will reopen in Runaway Bay, St Ann, on December 1, following a comprehensive renovation carried out over approximately one year.

In a media release on Tuesday, Bahia Principe said the reopening will bring 647 rooms back into operation, and approximately 1,000 jobs on Jamaica’s north coast ahead of the winter tourism season.

Part of the Explore sub-brand, the property is designed for families and groups who travel together and want to enjoy their vacation at their own pace.

The renovations included rooms, common areas, dining, leisure and entertainment spaces, with a stronger connection to Jamaican culture and local identity, Bahia Principe said.

It pointed out that reopening of Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica reinforces a new chapter marked by the evolution of its brand architecture, clearer positioning and a more premium hotel offering, segmented and connected to culture and destination.

“In this context, the Explore and Escape sub-brands help organise the brand’s offering and make it easier for each guest to identify which hotel best fits their needs, motivations and travel style,” the release added.

A section of the lobby of the Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica which will reopen in Runaway Bay, St Ann, on December 1. 

Explore is aimed at families, groups and travellers who want to combine relaxation, leisure, entertainment and a connection with local culture; while Escape is geared toward an adult audience seeking a more relaxed, sophisticated stay focused on disconnecting.

This differentiation is designed to strengthen the identity of each property and builds a more coherent experience from the moment of choice, in line with a more current, experiential way of travelling that is tied to the surroundings.

The initiative is part of the 50 per cent joint venture between Hyatt and Piñero, which manages the Bahia Principe resorts and owns the brand.

Thanks to this collaboration, Bahia Principe maintains its brand identity and hotel essence, and Hyatt integrates its resorts into the Inclusive Collection, strengthening its international reach and connecting them with the company’s global platform.

Julio Pérez, CEO of Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, pointed to the reopening as a significant step in strengthening the company’s presence in Jamaica.

“The investment renews its commitment to the destination and enhances the guest experience with an offering adapted to evolving demand and customer preferences,” said Pérez.

Inside one of the rooms at Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica — formerly Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica.

He added that the renewed Runaway Bay property places Jamaican culture at the centre of its family-oriented, all-inclusive experience.

“Inspired by the ‘Roots’ concept, it connects guests with the island’s heritage, natural surroundings and relaxed Caribbean rhythm. Renovated rooms, suites, common areas and service areas provide the setting for this approach,” added Pérez.

The hotel will feature 647 rooms, three swimming pools and seven restaurants offering international, Mongolian and Italian cuisine, the Route 66 concept and other casual dining options.

Jamaican language, history and rhythms will feature in the activities through Patois classes, dance classes and ‘Xaymaca The Show’. Live music, karaoke, beach parties and sports will complement the programme, while a Kids Club, water park, creative activities, bike tour and Bahia Principe Village provide further choices for families and groups.

Also on December 1, the company will reopen Bahia Principe Explore Costa Adeje in Tenerife, Spain, following a comprehensive renovation, as part of the renewal of its Explore portfolio.

To mark the reopening of Bahia Principe Explore Jamaica, the brand has launched a promotional campaign for the hotel, with exclusive discounts of up to 50 per cent.