EDITORIAL REVIEW REQUIRED — EXPRESS DRAFT. This is an unpublished draft. Some claims may be unconfirmed. Check dates, sources, claims, photographs, and video rights before publishing.
The Bahia Principe hotel chain is preparing to welcome guests back to its Runaway Bay property on December 1, following an extensive renovation that has transformed the former Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica. The reopening represents a major boost for Jamaica’s north coast tourism infrastructure, bringing 647 rooms back into service and creating approximately 1,000 employment opportunities as the destination heads into its peak winter travel season.
The renovated resort has been repositioned under Bahia Principe’s new Explore sub-brand, a strategic shift designed to serve families and travel groups seeking a more personalized vacation experience. According to the hotel chain’s announcement, the property’s upgrades extend across guest rooms, common areas, dining venues, and entertainment facilities, with particular emphasis on celebrating Jamaican culture and local identity throughout the guest experience.
This reopening reflects a broader evolution in Bahia Principe’s brand strategy, which now segments its offerings into two distinct experiences. The Explore sub-brand caters to families and groups wanting to balance relaxation with cultural engagement, while the Escape sub-brand targets adult travelers seeking a more sophisticated, disconnected retreat. This differentiation allows potential guests to more easily identify which property aligns with their travel style and expectations.
The initiative is part of a 50 percent joint venture between Hyatt and Piñero, the company that manages Bahia Principe resorts and owns the brand. Through this partnership, Hyatt integrates the properties into its inclusive collection, expanding its international footprint while connecting the resorts to Hyatt’s global platform and reservation systems.
To mark the December reopening, Bahia Principe is launching a promotional campaign offering exclusive discounts of up to 50 percent on room rates. Julio Pérez, CEO of Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, has characterized the reopening as a significant milestone in strengthening the company’s presence within Jamaica’s competitive tourism market.
Bahia Principe is a Spanish hotel chain specializing in all-inclusive resort experiences across the Caribbean and other destinations. The brand operates under a partnership structure with Hyatt, a major international hospitality group, which helps distribute the properties through global booking channels and loyalty programs.
This reopening is directly relevant to Jamaica’s tourism economy and employment landscape. The creation of 1,000 jobs on the north coast supports local communities and the broader hospitality sector, while the property’s emphasis on Jamaican culture and local identity signals a commitment to authentic destination experiences that benefit cultural preservation and community engagement.
Sources and attribution
- Jamaica Observer
- Jamaica's winter season gets a boost with two major resort reopenings
- Bahia Principe to reopen Explore hotels in Tenerife and Jamaica
- Hyatt Adds More All-Inclusives As Bahia Principe Plans Growth Phase
- Bahia Principe joins Hyatt’s loyalty program
- Riviera Maya Resort Deals | Bahia Principe Hotels
CVCA Express Draft: verification pending; WordPress publication is manual.