Club Mobay was officially inaugurated Saturday at the start of Jamaica’s winter tourist season by the country’s prime minister, Portia Miller, and a host of ministers and dignitaries who were on hand for the occasion.

“The visitor experience begins on arrival at the airport right through to departure and this is a great way to enhance that total experience,” said Jamaican Tourism Minister Dr. David Wykeham McNeill during the lounge’s opening.

“Our global destination marketing efforts are strengthened by innovation and new ideas that keep the luxury traveler engaged and interested in making Jamaica their preferred vacation spot,” he added.

The lounge is not affiliated with one particular airline, but instead offers access to business and first-class passengers from several partner airlines including Virgin Atlantic and Caribbean Airlines. Priority Pass, Diners Club International and Airport Angel members can also get into the club.

For people who just want to use the club one time, they can pay $35 U.S. at the airport or get a pass at their hotel or other vendors for only $30.

Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of the club is you get priority access through security when departing and as the lounge is also available to arriving passengers, you can get priority access through customs and immigration when arriving.

If a lot of planes arrive at Sangster at once, the lineups at immigration can be daunting so that service can be a god-send. It’s also good to have someone on hand to orient you if you have never been to Jamaica and want some help upon arrival.

Airport lounges remind travellers what air travel was like before the era of mass tourism. Instead of milling around in the crowded terminal, you can enjoy Club Mobay’s many amenities in comfort and style, although today’s tourists are certainly a lot more shabbily dressed than the natty travellers that were common during the dawn of the jet age.

Once in the lounge, its most popular feature is the premium bar with free alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and juices. There’s also a snack bar with complimentary refreshments and light food.

If you’re seeking free wi-fi, the lounge is the only place in the airport where you’ll find it. If you don’t have your own portable device, you can borrow a fully-loaded tablet or access Club Mobay’s business centre. You can even make free phone calls to Canada, the U.S. and the U.K.

Need to refresh your body? You can use a shower at Club Mobay or take advantage of mini-spa treatments, although those cost extra.

For kids there’s a small play area to amuse them and for those who want to be away from children, there’s an adults-only quite zone.

Club Mobay was also designed to be a reflection of Jamaica. There are themed rooms that are decorated with art and plaques that commemorate the nation’s sports, historical and cultural heroes.

“We envisioned a lounge where passengers could experience a last bit of Jamaica before leaving the island,” said David Hall, CEO of VIP Attractions, the company that operates the club.

For those flying through Kingston, VIP Attractions will soon open Club Kingston at Norman Manley International Airport.

As Jamaica is a popular wedding destination, Club Mobay also offers its services to wedding parties. The club can be a place where arriving guests can gather before heading into the country and take advantage of the priority services on offer.

If you want a more enjoyable airport experience the next time you fly in or out of Montego Bay, consider the services of Club Mobay to make your life easier.