Margaritaville MoBay reimagined
Published:Tuesday | December 24, 2024 | 12:10 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
After nearly a year of closure, Margaritaville Montego Bay has reopened its doors, and is now offering a preview of its revitalised features.
Located on Montego Bay’s iconic Hip Strip, the entertainment hub’s reimagining marks a significant milestone as it approaches its 30th anniversary.
Ian Dear, CEO of Margaritaville Caribbean, shared insights into the journey of transformation and the vision behind this new chapter.
“Out of every situation comes an opportunity,” Dear reflected during an interview, acknowledging the challenges faced after a freak storm in February 2024 caused extensive damage to the property.
Infrastructure on both the top and lower floors was compromised, necessitating a complete rebuild. The result? A brand new facility that blends modernity with the charm and vibrancy synonymous with Margaritaville.
The ‘Ville’, as it is fondly referred to by those who have been supporting the venture for the last 30 years, will now house five bars, a giant leap from two, each with its unique theme and personality. Dear credited his business partner, Michael Shamray, and the group’s director of business development, John Clark, for their instrumental roles in conceptualising these spaces and bringing the vision to life.
Among the highlights is a bar dedicated to the late Jimmy Buffett, the legendary musician and long-time partner of Margaritaville.
“The Jimmy Buffett bar is an homage to the artiste’s enduring legacy, showcasing memorabilia such as concert tickets and iconic elements that celebrate his love for the Caribbean lifestyle. A large parrot, a nod to Buffett’s devoted ‘Parrotheads’ fanbase, is a centrepiece of this vibrant space,” shared Dear.
One of the most notable additions is the opening of the sky bridge connecting Margaritaville to the Coral Cliff Gaming Lounge. Initially constructed in 2020 but halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the bridge has now been completed. Guests can seamlessly move between the two properties without stepping on to the road, experiencing both open-air and air-conditioned environments in a cohesive setting.
“It’s two completely different experiences, all through this new bridge we’ve created,” noted Dear.
While some areas of Margaritaville have already reopened for the winter tourist season, which started on December 15, the full transformation is slated for completion by the end of January 2025.
Dear said Margaritaville’s absence over the past 11 months was felt by both locals and tourists seeking vibrant nightlife options in Montego Bay.
“The amount of pressure we came under from our customers and friends to reopen was really nice,” Dear remarked.
The reopening not only revives a beloved hotspot but is also expected to inject new energy into the Hip Strip, reinforcing its status as a premier destination for entertainment.