Undeniably, the worst part of any trip, especially a visit to Jamaica, is the return home. There is absolutely nothing fun about packing dirty clothes and souvenirs, waiting in long immigration/customs lines and getting molested by the TSA. Thankfully, former Digicel CEO, David Hall, and partners have made saying goodbye to Jamaica a little easier with Club Mobay. This 10,000 square foot VIP departure lounge located in Sangter International Airportoffers extras to make your wait a little more pleasant.

Sounds enticing, right? So, on my last trip to Jamaica, I decided to give Club Mobay a try…

After checking in and dropping off my overweight bag, I headed over to the Club Mobay information booth to purchase my ticket. This would normally set you back $30 for adults and $15 for kids ages 2-12 (children under 2 are free), but if you’re a Priority Pass member (which is free for American Express Platinum Card holders, or any of these card and ticket holders, the fee is waived.. (Free is always good thing!)

Instead of the normal immigration line, I had access to the Club Mobay VIP line which expedited the usually long wait through immigration and security. I breezed right on by and through the terminal to the Club Mobay entrance.

Check in was quick and painless and I dropped my bags to take a quick tour, eager to find out what was in every inch of the 10,000 sq ft of space…

Well for starters, there’s tons of comfy seating arranged in gathering areas like mini living rooms, many sections with their own televisions. And let’s not forget the fully stocked bars to keep the rum and red stripes flowing. If you are in Jamaica on business or need to get a little work done, there’s a spacious business center and conference rooms available for you to reserve. They have the standard airport lounge necessities covered.

In my best infomercial voice

But wait there’s more…

If you made a mad dash to the airport from the beach or just need to relax and unwind a little more, grab a quick shower and/or schedule a mani-pedi and massage while you wait.  Brought your little hellions…I mean angels along? There’s also the Pickney Place, a sound proof playroom for them to enjoy without disturbing other guests.

While these are all great amenities, the best part for me was what was on the walls. Each room boasts the history and rich culture that is the pride of Jamaica in plaques, photos and newspaper clippings. From sports and music greats to the natural wonders of the island, you’re completely surrounded by and reminded of what makes Jamaica great.  Along the walls of the main corridor are photographs taken by local artists of happy faces some of the iconic places around Jamaica, including Emancipation Park, the Bob Marley Museum and Hellshire beach. Find one you like and it’s yours and all proceeds are donated to local charities.

And if that isn’t enough, the fresh fruit, pastries and other complementary snacks and drinks should hold you over until time to depart. You can even order from any of the airport restaurants and have it delivered to you in the lounge. I opted for the later and finished my jerk chicken wings, rice and peas and red stripe in just enough time to make the priority boarding call for my flight.  As usual, I didn’t want to leave, but it’s definitely not a bad way to spend my last hour in Jamaica.

If your travels bring you through Kingston’s Norman Manley Airport, don’t worry, you won’t be left out.  A 5,000 sq ft VIP lounge was recently opened with many of the same amenities!

Menticio Polo Club

http://www.montecitopoloclub.com/pages/links.html

Visiting Jamaica? So much of this pretty island never changes—the jerk chicken, the friendly people, the reggae, the sun, the surf, the benevolent breezes, the afternoon rains. Jamaica remains a special place to connect with the past and revel in a unique vacation.

Do not plan a trip to Jamaica without first checking in with Myrtle Dwyer, who heads Glamour Destination Management in Montego Bay. Myrtle is a pioneer in tourism on Jamaica and can accomplish miracles for you from hotels to tours, from restaurants to car and plane charters. She has gilt-edge contacts on this island after many years of experience helping visitors’ dreams come true. Her company can justly boast being the true professionals in meetings, weddings, cruises, excursions and all authentic Jamaica experiences.

Visit www.glamourdmc.com, www.onshorecaribbean.comand www.jamaicadestinationwedding.com.

And now, even the airport is fun in Montego Bay. A uniquely Jamaican first class lounge experience has been created by David Hall of VIP Attractions and it’s called Club Mobay.

Imagine escaping from the stress and chaos of security lines and crowded departure halls to a sanctuary where you can relax, unwind or catch up with the office, all while immersed in warm Jamaican hospitality and culture.

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, Club Mobay’s first class lounge experience enhanced with an unrivalled audio-visual journey through Jamaica’s history provides the perfect place to unwind before departure.

The 10,000 square foot lounge has the space to enjoy a premium bar featuring Red Stripe Beer, of course, complimentary snack bar, high-speed Internet access, shower facilities and culturally themed specialty rooms. World-renowned Jamaican hospitality and charm meet first world innovation at Club Mobay. The entrance located beside Departure Gate 9. Check out www.vipattractions.com/club-mobay.php