Featuring a water park and one of the best beachfronts in the Ocho Rios region, Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort is one of Jamaica’s top choices (and very best values) for families. The pools aren’t overly large or impressive considering the size of the resort and there isn’t much within walking distance; but the property offers a fun entertainment team that keeps activities going throughout the day, a large beach area (especially by Jamaica standards) with good sand, excellent live reggae music courtesy of the well-known Buffalo Bill (and others), a friendly and accommodating staff, four tennis courts, a bright fitness center, kids and teens clubs, three pools (two have swim-up bars), an impressive water park with large waterslides, and fairly good food for an all-inclusive with strong variety (seven restaurants and four bars; the Japanese restaurant is the best and most popular, but the jerk chicken hut by the beach impresses as well). The rooms have some dated elements, but they’re reasonably high quality for the price point; they come with flat-screen TVs, a good amount of space, and balconies or terraces; some have four-poster beds, private plunge pools, butler service, and/or ocean views. Activities include beach volleyball, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat rides, cooking classes, horse grooming lessons, beach bonfires, laser tag, “Beach Olympics,” kayaking, sailing, and excursions to the Green Grotto Caves and other local attractions. Greens fees at Runaway Bay Golf Club (just across the street) are included.