A Jamaican Reunion: Recalibration, Connection, and Plenty of Rum Punch

We decided to meet past vibrant, neon-hued homes and roadside stalls brimming with mangoes, nestled against untouched mountains. After months of planning—saving funds, arranging babysitters, and requesting time off—six friends gathered in Bluefields, Jamaica. This beloved spot is popular among locals for family beach picnics and is also home to reggae legend Peter Tosh’s memorial.

For some, this five-day getaway marked their first journey outside the United States; for others, it was their first flight since the pandemic. Regardless, it reminded us that while virtual gatherings helped us cope during tough times, nothing compares to the sound of a friend’s laughter, the embrace of a hug, or a carefree dance-off as reggae music fills the air.

We arrived at Bluefields Bay Villas, a family-run estate featuring six all-inclusive luxury villas with options ranging from two to six bedrooms. Located about an hour's drive from Montego Bay airport on Jamaica’s southern coast, this spot is where the island’s lush countryside meets the serene sea, remaining mostly unspoiled by development and the loud crowds found in other areas of the country.

Nearly four decades ago, American couple Braxton and Debbie Moncure purchased a beach house in Bluefields, which has since transformed into a cozy resort that employs locals, some of whom have been with the property for over 30 years. It’s the perfect haven for group travelers seeking seclusion and the warm atmosphere of a home away from home. With open spaces to gather and a staff that feels like family within hours, we felt confident in our choice.

Our four-bedroom villa, named Hermitage, boasted views of a tranquil cove and lush green mountains adorned with vibrant flowers and palm trees. The staff of four greeted us with refreshing rum punch and delectable sweet potato crêpes topped with jerk chicken and callaloo. Prior to our arrival, we were provided with sample menus to customize our breakfast, lunch, dinner, and poolside snacks. This level of personalization was a refreshing departure from the buffet-style all-inclusives I had encountered before. Every meal featured local ingredients that showcased the best of Jamaican cuisine, incorporating flavors like scotch bonnets, nutmeg, and allspice. Each evening at our flower-adorned table, we indulged in dishes such as lionfish in coconut curry sauce, braised oxtails, and rum raisin ice cream, all accompanied by candlelight and spirited conversations.

Every oceanfront villa at Bluefields comes with its own private pool, and many offer open-air showers and direct access to a peaceful beach where guests can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling as part of their stay.

Our afternoons typically began by our pool and culminated at the beach, where the warm cove with its azure waters provided a perfect spot to read, sip rum, and reconnect with one another.

One day, we took a trip to the nearby town of Negril for a boat ride with Aristo Kat Tours. Aboard the sleek catamaran, we were filled with nostalgia as the familiar beats of Sean Paul, Beenie Man, and Popcaan played—reminding us of the college parties from years past. After cruising the northwest coast, we enjoyed a lunch at Miss Lily’s in Skylark Hotel, savoring spicy jerk chicken and sipping on an array of fruit-infused rum cocktails.

On our final evening, we found ourselves wistful about leaving our serene mountainside hideaway. The only moments we shared with other guests were brief encounters on the beach. While we appreciated these interactions with people from around the globe, it was the privacy that Bluefields offered which allowed us to forge deeper connections and feel immense gratitude for our time together.