Villa Rentals in Jamaica-Jamaica At A Glance

Villa rentals in Jamaica reveal lush green mountains and palm fringed beaches…river rafting in the moonlight…Plantation House and thatched huts on the beach…reggae rhythms fill the night, no problem man…championship golf and all water sports…luxurious fully staffed villas…

Villa rentals in Jamaica by Villas Caribe offer a very carefully chosen selection of private villas in Jamaica. The most luxurious villa experience to be found in the Caribbean awaits you at Roaring Pavilion near Ocho Rios. This ultra deluxe four bedroom private villa is set on an idyllic beach and offers exquisite interiors, a superb staff, private swimming pool and private spa. The Tryall Club just west of Montego Bay offers an impressive selection of fully staffed villas with private swimming pools, all set on the grounds of a championship golf course with private beach club. The Half Moon Club located just east of Montego Bay offers the Royal Villas of the Half Moon, which are fully staffed with private swimming pools and resort all-inclusive options including golf.

Continuing further east along the north shore of the island, we offer an exceptional collection of private beachfront villas located on the calm, shimmering shores of Discovery and Runaway Bay. Villas such as Fortlands Point, Sugar Bay and Keelawee offer the guests the ability to relax in luxurious villas complete with their own private beach coves and swimming pools.

Jamaica is a legendary destination that has lured adventurous beachcombers and aristocratic jetsetters to its shores for many decades. There is something hypnotic about Jamaica, there is something in the air here. The island has a richness of culture and strength of spirit that we find nowhere else in the Caribbean. For those who wish to experience local color in the extreme, we heartily recommend Jamaica.

The interior of the island is primarily lush green mountains while the coastline is dotted with excellent beaches. The dramatic rivers of the island provide an opportunity for “river rafting”, a chance to commune with the natural beauty of Jamaica, to be serenaded under the silver moonlight. Jamaica is seductively beautiful.

The island is a garden of exotic tropical fruits and vegetables. The local cuisine is delicious and frequently spicy. You would not be the first visitor who wished they could take their Jamaican cook home with them. The local markets as well as the local bars and restaurants overflow with color and life.

This is the home of the Rastafarian and their influence is felt throughout the island in the arts, the culture and the hypnotic beat of reggae music.

Jamaica offers great world class golf courses, scenic locations for horseback riding in the mountains and along the beaches, the unique experience of river rafting, all water sports, and there are restored Great Houses as well as botanic gardens and museums to discover.

As a Villas Caribe client, we will have pre-arranged for your airport transfers so that you are met just past the customs hall and escorted to your villa in a private vehicle (additional fees apply). Guests can expect the drive from the Montego Bay Airport to villas in the Montego Bay area to take approximately 10-30 minutes, 1.5 hour to villas in the Discovery/Runaway Bay area and 2 hours to the villas in Ocho Rios.

Since the driving on Jamaica is so difficult between poor quality roads and overly ambitious drivers, we recommend that our clients not rent private vehicles but instead let us arrange for them to have a private driver along with a private 10-12 seater air-conditioned van. The private drivers are experienced with the Jamaican roads and are knowledgeable on the tourist attractions and local history. Indeed, approximately 99% of our clients take advantage of the van and driver package. The rate of $775/wk. for the van and driver includes one tank of gasoline and airport transfers, so it truly works out to be a better value for our clients than renting their own vehicles.

Montego Bay is the second largest city on the island and located on the northwest coast. Montego Bay has the largest airport on the island and the most hotel rooms. It offers the most nightlife (rivaled with Negril) on the island and the Gloucester Avenue area has earned a reputation as Jamaican’s pre-eminent ‘Hip Strip” where tourists and locals mix at the funky and casual bars. Montego Bay is, also, famous for restored plantations and Great Houses, river rafting exceptional water sports and golf and duty-free shopping. Families and groups will appreciate the many villas that we offer that are either located on the grounds of a resort or include resort privileges at a nearby resort enabling guests to have the best of both worlds-a fabulously staffed private villa with a private swimming pool and full staff as well as all of the amenities of a world class resort…Indeed, the villas that include the Wyndham Rose Hall and Tryall Beach & Golf Club Resort privileges continue to be extremely popular with families and many experiencing their first taste of “villa life”.

Discovery Bay and Runaway Bay are east of Montego Bay and nestled along the north coast as well. The area offers a dazzling sequence of brilliant blue bays, quaint and colorful fishing villages and soft and sandy beaches. Guests will find quiet and unspoiled fishing and resort areas that are ideally suited for unwinding and enjoying a private villa on a spectacular beach.

Ocho Rios offers broad, white sand beaches and lush tropical beauty a 60-mile or 2-hour drive east of Montego Bay. Once a small banana and fishing port, it is now a world class tourist destination. Ocho Rios abounds in natural beauty with the surrounding hills full of glorious gardens, waterfalls and other natural treasures. Indeed, Jamaicans say that Ocho Rios is “the place where heaven spills into the seas”. In the 1940’s and 1950’s, Ocho Rios became a favorite of the glamorous crowd let by the likes of Sir Noel Coward and Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond. The world famous Dunn’s River Falls is but just one of the many attractions found in and around Ocho Rios but without a double is one of the most well known. Ocho Rios truly boasts some of the most beautiful villas on the entire island.

Port Antonio is located east of Montego Bay on the northeastern shore of the island offers a quiet place with a special ambiance. It is nestled between twin harbors on the island's northeast coast where mist shrouded mountains cascade dramatically down to the sea. Originally known as a thriving banana shipping port at the turn of the century and later as a hideaway for the cavorting Eroll Flynn. Indeed, Errol Flynn referred to Port Antonio as “heaven on earth”. Port Antonio has preserved its charm as a sleepy fishing village offering spectacular scenery. Orchids, banana and palm trees grow in profusion and numerous waterfalls drop into fern edged pools. The area is beautiful, unspoiled and removed from eh mainstream of resort and commercial life. Visitors will find charming villas that are tucked into the hillsides overlooking secluded azure coves. Favorite activities include hiking in the Blue Mountains, exploring waterfalls and water sports.

Negril is located on the southeastern coast of the island and has been a favorite hideaway for the young including the hippies of the 70’s. It offers an offbeat, barefoot type of no frills holiday as well as a spectacular 7 Mile Beach. Visitors will find casual but colorful cottages and accommodations.

All of our private villa rentals in Jamaica are fully staffed and you will find in these Jamaica villas some of the best service in the Caribbean, gracious and sincere. We return to Jamaica again and again to explore the beaches and mountains of this very beautiful island, to relax in the luxury of the villas of Jamaica.

Jamaica Airlines:

Air Canada
Air Jamaica
American Airlines
British Airways
BWIA
Cayman Airlines
Continental Airlines
Northwest
US Air

Approximate flight times:
NY to Jamaica: 3.5 hours
Miami to Jamaica: 1.5 hours

For all villa rentals in Montego Bay, Negril, Discovery Bay, Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios your destination is Montego Bay, Jamaica (airport code is MBJ). For villa rentals in Port Antonio, the Kingston Airport is more appropriate.

Jamaica Area Code: (876)

Jamaica ATMS:
Few ATM machines on Jamaica accept U.S. bank cards and currency from the machines, of course, is in Jamaican dollars.

The Scotia Bank and the National Commercial Bank are part of the Cirrus system, so participating cards will work on their machines. Again, please keep in mind that the ATM’s dispense Jamaican dollars, so you have to request cash in the Jamaican dollar amount.

Villa Rentals in Jamaica- Baby-Equipment Rentals:
Car seats, cribs, high chairs, and cots and are all available for rental for additional fees.
Cribs: $50/wk.
High Chair: $35/wk.
VCR: $50/wk.

Jamaica Banks:
Banks on Jamaica are open from 9 AM –2 PM Mon.-Thursday and from 9 AM-4 PM on Fridays.

Jamaica Boating:
Power and sail cruises are offered on every coast of the island as well as sailboat rentals in the major resort areas. Glass bottom boat tours are popular as well as theme cruises where passengers are able to swim, dance and party on the deck of a huge ship.

Villa Rentals Budgeting for Cost of Jamaica villas: In addition to the weekly rental rate for a villa on Jamaica, the additional costs involved include but are not limited to the following:

Air Transportation
Airport Transfers
Groceries & beverages: Generally budget approximately US $185-$200 per person/adult for 3 full meals per week. These charges can obviously vary up or down depending upon the menu selections.
Private driver
Tip for the staff

Jamaica Villa Cancellations:
Cancellation penalties are incurred and will vary depending upon the specific villa chosen. Upon confirmation with our company, a written cancellation policy will be issued along with the written invoice for the booking.

Generally, cancellations incur a minimum of a 10% penalty on the gross weekly rental rate of the villa if cancelled up until a certain time prior to arrival. More specifically, the following penalties apply for the majority of the villa rentals on Jamaica:

Winter:
10% penalty on the gross weekly rental rate of the villa if cancelled up until 61 days prior to arrival at the villa. No refunds for cancellations made within 60 days of arrival.

Christmas/Holiday:
10% penalty on the gross weekly rental rate of the villa if cancelled up until 91 days prior to arrival at the villa. No refunds for cancellations made within 90 days of arrival.

Summer:
10% penalty on the gross weekly rental rate of the villa if cancelled up until 61 days prior to arrival at the villa. No refunds for cancellations made within 60 days of arrival.

Exceptions: Most of our villas in the Ocho Rios area do not carry as strict/severe cancellation penalties.

**Cancellation insurance is strongly advised to cover the cost of cancellation due to any unforeseen circumstances

Jamaica Capital:
Kingston

Villas in Jamaica-Car Rentals:
We do not recommend that Villas Caribe villa rental clients rent a vehicle for their stay on Jamaica due to the island’s poor roads, bad drivers and generally unsafe driving conditions. We would be happy to arrange for Villas Caribe Jamaica rental villa client’s airport transfers and/or private driver with van service.

Full time private drivers with private, air-conditioned vans (10-12 seaters) are available for hire for the rate of $775/wk. or $111 per day. This rate includes airport transfers, anywhere/anytime service, one complementary tank of gasoline and a dedicated driver/tour guide available to guests for approximately 12-16 hours per day (the driver does require time off to sleep etc). It is necessary to prepay for the driver’s services with your villa payment. Please note that it is appropriate to tip the driver 15% for his services. Jamaica is a large island and there are no superhighways, so even distances of 60 miles can take up to 2 hours to travel by car due to winding roads full of banana trucks, goats and pedestrians.

Villa Rentals in Jamaica-Check-in/Check-out times:
Check-in time is generally after 1:00 PM and checkout time is 11-12:00 noon. Please note that for the Tryall Club villas, check in time is 3:00 PM and checkout time is 12:00 noon.

Jamaica Climate:
Warm & sunny with temperatures between 75 F and 90 F year round. During the winter, the nights are slightly cooler and so it might be a good idea to bring a cotton sweater.

Jamaica Communications:
The private villas in Jamaica all are equipped with telephones and guests will be advised of the particular phone number of the property prior to departure. Please do note, however, that the majority of the properties only permit local calls and collect international calls as the homeowner’s retain the codes to make direct dialed overseas calls. Alternatively, phone cards are available for purchase at hotels, post offices, supermarkets and some shops. Certainly, guests may ask their private driver or another staff member to purchase phone cards for them to expedite overseas calls. Please note that Jamaica Telephone may not accept AT & T calling cards and other pre-paid phone cards.

Jamaica Currency:
The Jamaican dollar is converted at a varying rate-there is no fixed rate of exchange for the Jamaican dollar. Currently (Summer ‘2005), the exchange rate is $60 Jamaican to $1 U.S.

The U.S. Dollar is widely accepted as well travelers’ checks, U.S. and Canadian currency. Major credit cards are widely accepted as well.

Jamaica Customs & Duty-Free Allowances (for US Citizens):
Departing citizens whose stay is in excess of 48 hours may take back, free of duty, articles totaling up to US $400 (based on the retail value of the items in the country of purchase). Two liters of liquor per person are allowed duty-free, if at least one liter is manufactured in Jamaica.

Jamaica Deep-Sea Fishing:
Vast arrays of big game fish live in the oceans surrounding Jamaica.
Several different companies on the island offer guided Jamaican fishing excursions with a focus on big game fish like marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado, barracuda and kingfish.

Jamaica Departure Tax:
US $15 (subject to change).

Villas in Jamaica- Deposits:
A 25%-50% deposit is required to confirm a reservation depending upon the particular villa.
Reservations made within 60 days prior to arrival during the winter season and 45 days prior to arrival during the summer/low season must be paid in full.

Exception: For Christmas/New Year bookings, deposits are 50% of the total rental fee.

Documents for Arrival:

A valid passport
A passport that has been expired for no more than one year
An official birth certificate issued by your local government with a raised seal, plus a driver’s license
A notarized copy of a birth certificate plus a driver’s license.
Jamaica Dress:
Light cotton dresses and light jackets and ties for formal wear and typical tropical wear during the day.

Jamaica Driving:
Driving is on the left, British style.

Villas in Jamaica Driving Distances:
Jamaica is a large island and there are no superhighways, so even distances of 60 miles can take up to 2 hours to travel by car due to winding roads full of banana trucks, goats and pedestrians. Please note the following when planning your trip:

Montego Bay-Discovery Bay-1.5 hour drive
Montego Bay-Runaway Bay- 1 and ¾ hour drive
Montego Bay-Ocho Rios-2 hour drive
Montego Bay-Negril: 1.25 hour drive

Ocho Rios-Kingston-2 hour drive
Ocho Rios-Port Antonio-2 hour drive
Ocho Rios-Negril-4 hour drive

Jamaica Electricity:
110 volts/50 cycles-same as in the U.S.
No adapters necessary for visitors from North America but European visitors will require one.

Jamaica Estates & Plantations:
Jamaica was home to many lavish estates and mansions that brim with history. In the past, these homes were often owned by the operators of sugar plantations. Today these beautiful estates and plantations provide interesting history lessons and are frequently situated in the most picturesque locations on the island.

Good Hope Estate: Actually located in the hills behind Falmouth around a 40 minute drive east of Montego Bay…Built in the 1700’s and once one of the largest sugar plantations on the island the estate showcases traditional interiors with Oriental rugs over polished wood floors and mahogany furniture. Just below the “bridal suite” was the slave’s prison where they were frequently tortured. The grounds are best seen on horseback.

Greenwood Great House: Once the private home of Richard Barrett between 1780 and 1800, it offers a fascinating look complete with authentic furnishings and a collection of 18th century musical instruments.

Rose Hall Great House: The most famous Great House and the legendary home of Annie Palmer (the White Witch) who ruled cruelly and murdered three husbands.

Jamaica Events:

February: Bob Marley Week ‘2003: A week of activities celebrating the legendary reggae musician.

March: Caribbean Music Expo/Ocho Rios-concert performances that include soca, rap, Latin & reggae.

June: Ocho Rios Jazz Festival ‘2003-Ocho Rios/St. Ann

July: Reggae Sumfest ‘2003 held in Montego Bay. Showcases top local & international reggae artists.

Jamaica General Information-Government & Standard Of Living:
Jamaica achieved its independence from England in 1962. It offers a parliamentary democracy, modeled after that in Great Britain. It belongs to the Commonwealth and the head of state is the governor-general who is appointed by the monarch of England.

Unfortunately, there are not much of a middle class on the island but rather two classes; the extremely wealthy and the extremely poor.

Jamaica Golf:
Jamaica is an exceptional golfing destination, offering world-class courses as well as family oriented par. The championship course at the Barbados Gold Club is open to the public and offers challenges for all levels of play. The Sandy Lane Resort offers players exceptionally lush greens and premier conditions.

Negril Hills Golf Club/Negril;
18 holes, par 72, 6,333 yards
Phone: 876.957.4638
Located in the green hills above Negril, this course is distinguished by its tropical greenery, elevated tees and greens and picturesque water hazards.
Green Fees: $58
Caddie-$14
Cart-$35
Clubhouse, restaurant, pro-shop

Breezes Resort/Runaway Bay:
18 holes, Phone: 876.973.7319
Universally acclaimed by critics as an excellent golf course.
Green Fees: $80 all year for 18 holes & $50 for 9 holes
Caddie-$14 for 18 holes & $9 for 9 holes
Cart: $35 for 18 holes & $23 for 9 holes
Golf club rental: $14
Clubhouse, restaurant, pro-shop

Half Moon Golf, Tennis & Beach Club/Montego Bay:
18 holes
Phone: 876.953.2560
Located in the 400 acre Half Moon Resort complex just outside of Montego Bay, it offers a 7,130-yard challenge. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, it an extremely spacious course that is known for the unforgettable challenges of the 570-yard 3rd hole and the relatively short 381 4th hole.
Green Fees: $110 for 18 holes, $70 for 9 holes all year. Rates may change without notice. Caddies are mandatory ($17 per 18 holes + tip or $9 for 9 holes + tip), but carts are optional ($35 + tax per 18 holes & $25 + tax per 9 holes). Golf club rentals are available as well and there is a clubhouse, restaurant, bar and pro-shop.
Clubhouse, restaurant, bar, pro-shop.

Ritz Carlton, White Witch Golf Course/Montego Bay:
18 holes
Phone: 876.518.0174
Named after legendary Annie Palmer a local figure that was dubbed the White Witch for the men she killed during colonial times, this course is earning accolades throughout the golfing world.
Green Fees:
$125 for 18 holes and $85 for 9 holes
Cart & Caddie included in green fees. Tax & caddie gratuity are extra.
Advance booking through the pro-shop is advisable.
Clubhouse, restaurant, bar, pro-shop.

Sandals Golf & Country Club/Ocho Rios:
18 holes
Phone: 876.975.0119
Located just two miles from Ocho Rios and 700 feet above sea level, this course is one of the most scenic courses in Jamaica.
Green Fees:
$100 for 18 holes & $70 for 9 holes all year.
Caddie-mandatory: $15 for 18 holes and $12 for 9 holes
Carts-optional: $38 for 18 holes & $25 for 9 holes
Club rental available as well.
Clubhouse, bar, pro-shop

Tryall Golf, Tennis & Beach Club/Montego Bay:
18 holes, 6920 yards, par 71
Phone: 876.956.5681
Located in a 2,200 acre luxury resort complex just 12 miles from Montego Bay, this course is home of the Johnnie Walker World Championship.
Green Fees:
Non-Tryall Guests-$115/day all year
Tryall Villa Guests: $80 per day during the high season & $40 per day during the low season.
Caddies: $12-$15 for 18 holes and $8 for 9 holes.
Golf Cart: $27 + 12.5% tax for 18 holes and $16 + 12.5 tax for 9 holes
Golf package rates for Tryall villa guests are, also, available-please inquire.

Wyndham Rose Hall Resort & Country Club/Montego Bay:
18 holes
Phone: 876.953.2650
A brand new, par 72-championship course designed by the same team that designed the new course (White Witch) at the Ritz Carlton Resort.
Green Fees:
$125 all year for 18 holes & $70 for 7 holes for guests staying at villas that include the Wyndham Resort membership (Caribbean Fairways, Endless Summer, Fairway Manor, Thomas House etc.).
Cart & caddie: Included in the green fees
Club rental available as well.

Jamaica Grocery Shopping:
Visitors will find the supermarkets in Jamaica well stocked and offering a staggering array of exotic and distinguished specialty foods for the good life.

It is recommended that clients secure a pre-stocking of the villa prior to their arrival so that they have food and beverage items upon their arrival. After their arrival, they may sit down with the cook and plan the rest of their weekly menu. Throughout their stay, they may either grocery shop on their own or as we recommend send the cook with their driver to take care of their shopping needs.

Jamaica Hiking:
A variety of hiking opportunities exist on Jamaica…Some of the most spectacular mountains in the Caribbean are the Blue Mountains of Jamaica with peaks that soar as high as 7,402 feet above the sea.

Jamaica History:
Christopher Columbus discovered Jamaica in 1494 and called it St. Jago after the patron saint of Spain. Soon, it revered back to its native name of “Xaymaca” as it was called by the Arawak Indians who initially inhabited the island. “Xaymaca” meant the land of wood and water.

The island’s history is a tapestry of colorful characters and events…a turbulent story of sugar and slaves…Spaniards against Englishmen…howling hurricanes…crushing earthquakes…pirates and naval heroes…

The original Jamaicans were the Arwak Indians who were followed by the Spaniards who built the island’s first town and named it Seville Nueva, near St. Ann’s Bay on the island’s north coast.

Jamaica became a British colony in 1655 when the English captured it from the Spaniards. The English turned the island into one vast sugar plantation and sugar became “king”. The English, however, brought Africans to work as slaves on huge plantations. When the slaves were freed in 1838, many deserted the plantations and settled in the hills to cultivate their own land.

Jamaica Horseback Riding:
Several companies on the island offer guided tours that lead visitors through spectacular scenery as well as riding through the surf on deserted beaches.

Discovery Bay/Runaway Bay/Ocho Rios:
Chukka Cove Equestrian Centre:
Phone: 876.972.2506
A world-class polo and riding facility, it offers hour-long trail rides and three house beach rides…

Montego Bay:
Rocky Point Riding Stables at the Half Moon Resort:
Phone: 876.953.2286.

Good Hope Plantation:
Offers a variety of different trail rides.
Phone: 876.610.5798.

Villas in Jamaica-Internet Service:

Discovery Bay, Runaway Bay & Ocho Rios Villas:
Prior to your departure, call 876.974.7655 or Fax at 876.974.9375 or e-mail at pdadd@cwjamaica.com to establish temporary Internet access while you are in Jamaica. This Ocho Rios based company will come out to the villa, configure your laptop and provide Internet access for a week. The laptop set up charge is $25 while one week of local unlimited Internet access is $75.00.

Montego Bay Villas:
Prior to your departure, call 876.978.2960 or Fax at 876.929.8086 or e-mail icquery@infochan.com. They will, then, Fax an application to establish temporary Internet access while you are in Jamaica and advise you of the subscription and daily fees (which may be charged to a credit card). Connection will be made upon an agreed upon date but do be sure to bring along with you an extension cord, surge protector and phone splitter if you wish to use a laptop computer and access the Internet. Alternatively, you may contact them locally once you arrive in Jamaica.

Jamaica Language:
The official language is English spoken with a unique sounding patois dialect. The patois dialect is based on Afro-Caribbean rhythms tinged with an English little. Irish/Scottish lilt. An amazing 98% literacy rate is a sign of the island’s sophistication.

Jamaica Local Hazards:
Black Sea Urchins

Jamaica Location:
90 miles south of Cuba

Villas in Jamaica-Marriage & Weddings:
Getting married on Jamaica is relatively easy and couples may even get married just 24 hours after arriving in Jamaica, providing they have applied for a marriage license at least 6 weeks in advance.

The requirements for U.S. citizens the following:

Proof of citizenship-certified copy of birth certificate, which includes father’s name
Parent’s written consent if under 21 years of age
Proof of divorce if applicable (original certificate of divorce)
Certified copy of death certificate for widow or widower
Fees of approximately $150-$300 in a cashier’s check
Also, be sure to include applicants’ full names and occupations, marital status (single, divorced, widowed), date and time of wedding, father’s full names, name of the villa where the ceremony will be held and proposed length of stay in Jamaica.

Marriage licenses must be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs

Jamaica Villa Wedding Coordinators:

Jewel Marsh:
Office: 876.975.7299
Mobile: 876.820.5016
Fax: 876.994.1729
Email: jewelmarsh@hotmail.com

Denise Taylor
Phone: 876 995 2912.

Thelma Warner
Phone: 876 952 4050.

Norma Ellison (Only for Golden Clouds Villa)
Office: 876.975.3268
Fax: 876.975.3268
Email: catering@cwjamaica.com

Tammy Hart (only for Good Hope)
Office: 876.798.2377
Email: goodhope1@cwjamaica.com

Please note that the Amanoka, Sundown and Rio Chico properties DO NOT permit weddings on their premises.

Mobile Phones:
800 MHX analog or TDMA digital phones: These are the only types of cell phones that work on the island. Be sure to check with your home cell phone service provider to see if they have a roaming agreement with a company in Jamaica (such as Bell South, Cingular Wireless & AT & T Wireless).

GSM mobile phones: These do NOT work in Jamaica. If you have a GSM World telephone, consult your mobile phone service before you leave to find out what you need. For more information regarding Jamaica villas, please click here.

Jamaica Nightlife:
Nightlife is extensive and varied providing a variety of entertainment options for every taste from romantic cruises to fine dining as well as nightclubs.

Discovery Bay/Runaway Bay:
Visitors would need to drive to nearby Ocho Rios (20-30 minute drive) for nightlife.

Montego Bay:
Pier I
Margarittiaville

Ocho Rios:
Jamaica ‘N Me Crazy

Port Antonio:
Roof Club (generally fairly limited nightlife)

Negril:
Alfred’s Ocean Palace

Jamaica Polo:
Polo matches are held at Chukka Cove near Runaway Bay during the winter season.

Jamaica Population:
2.5 million

Jamaica Pre-stocking:
Since the villas on Jamaica include the services of a staff, it is advisable to have the villa pre-stocked for your arrival at the villa. By pre-stocking the villa for a guest’s arrival, it enables the staff to provide a meal on arrival for tired, weary guests. We request that our clients provide us with some general pre-stocking items (fish or chicken for arrival dinner), snacks and beverages for their arrival. The cook will pre-purchase the first few meals plus any necessary pantry staples and then finish the week’s shopping after meeting with you. Pleas note that upon arrival, guests will be asked to reimburse the cook for any pre-stocked goods.

A typical grocery budget on Jamaica is approximately $185-$200 per adult for three full meals per day for the entire week. Obviously, these fees may vary up or down depending upon market prices and menu selections.

Private Drivers:
Full time private drivers with private, air-conditioned vans (10-12 seaters) are available for hire for the rate of $775/wk. or $111 per day. This rate includes airport transfers, anywhere/anytime service, one complementary tank of gasoline and a dedicated driver/tour guide available to guests for approximately 12-16 hours per day (the driver does require time off to sleep etc.).

It is necessary to prepay for the driver’s services with your villa payment. Please note that it is appropriate to tip the driver 15% for his services.

Jamaica Resort Privileges:

Wyndham Rose Hall Membership:
For guests staying in the villas that overlook the Half Moon Resort’s golf course (Caribbean Fairways, Cottonwood, Endless Summer, Fairway Manor, Ladywood, Thomas House & Summerhill), complementary membership privileges are includes to the nearby (5 minute drive) 400 acre Wyndham Rose Hall Resort & Country Club.

Membership includes the following:

·         Use of the resort’s private white sand beach

·         7-million dollar water park with slides & waterfalls (great for children)

·         Discounted golf green fees (see section under “golf”)

·         Unlimited use of 6 tennis courts subject to availability with a $12 per hour charge for night play

·         Volleyball & table tennis

·         Open-air fitness center

·         Live entertainment by the resort’s pools 3-4 days per week

·         Nightly entertainment

·         8 restaurants & bars ranging from the casual poolside grill to gourmet dining

·         Complementary Wyndham Kids Club:

·         4-12 yrs. Old: Complementary daily supervised program from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM including crafts, games, sailing, etc.

·         Additional fees apply for the following activities:

·         Sailing, snorkeling, fishing, scuba etc. and all other motorized water sports which are offered at another beach located 2 miles east from the resort’s main beach.

Tryall:
For guests staying at the Tryall Resort Villas.

Tryall membership includes the following:

·         Beach Club

·         Discounted green fees

·         Complementary use of the tennis courts with a $12 charge for night play

·         Complementary non-motorized water sports

·         Fitness room

·         Tryall Kids Club

·         Complementary supervised program open Monday-Saturday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM with toys, games, arts and crafts, nature walks, etc.

Jamaica Restaurants:
Jamaica features a vast array of restaurants. From authentic island cuisine, especially "jerk chicken" to fine Italian restaurants, Jamaica villa rental guests have many desirable choices. Some of Jamaica's restaurants are located in swishy hotels, while others are perched cliffside affording amazing Jamaican sunsets. For further information regarding Jamaica and Jamaica villas, please click here to view our entire collection of Jamaica villas.

Montego Bay:

Marguerites:
A lovely spot in the center of downtown Montego Bay, overlooking the water. Formal dining room and next door is the famous Margarittaville sports bar and disco.
Phone: 876.952.4777

Round Hill Hotel:
Phone: 876.956.7050

Sugar Mill Restaurant:
Located just across the street from the Half Moon Resort’s golf course, this restaurant offers a delightful blend of Jamaican ingredients with an international flair.
Phone: 876.953.2228
Reservations

The Pork Pit:
A casual, open-air place with picnic benches that offers fiery jerk pork and chicken.

Tryall Great House:
Phone: 876.956.5660

Negril:

Cosmos Seafood Restaurant & Bar:
Located on the East End of the beach, an open air, casual place that offers wonderful conch chowder.

Rick’s Café:
Phone: 876.957.4335

Ocho Rios:

Jamaica Inn:
Phone: 876.974.2514.
Colonial atmosphere and continental cuisine and dining by the sea under the stars. Beautiful meals served in a romantic setting on the dining terrace under the starts. After dinner, couples dance under the starlight. The former playground to such luminaries as Noel Coward and Elizabeth Taylor.

Toscanini:
Phone: 876.975.4478
Located at Harmony Hall, a causal Italian restaurant that offers a marriage of traditional Italian cuisine and fresh tropical produce and spices.

Jamaica Shopping:
Jamaica offers a variety of shopping experiences from art galleries to those searching for exceptional jewelry. The duty-free merchandise is offered at prices 20%-40% less than in the U.S. or Canada. Popular items include fine English china, perfumes, watches, jewelry, tobacco and the island’s famous coffee and rum.

Jamaica, also, boasts a thriving artistic community. Visitors will find numerous galleries located throughout the island. Local crafts include mahogany carvings, basketry, locally made jewelry and souvenirs. Hand painted china and local pottery line the craft markets.

Rum, is obviously, another great buy on the island. Appleton Rum has been producing fine rum for over three hundred years and a variety of blends are available for purchase.

Jamaica Sights/Activities:
Jamaica villas offer arguably the most diversity of any Caribbean island. There is immense cultural heritage including: art museums, ruins, rainforest excursions, etc. If you would like more information concerning Jamaica villas, please click here to view our Jamaica villas.

Montego Bay:

Appleton Express Rum Tour

Barnett Estates

Belvedere Estate

Golf: Tryall Golf, Tennis & Beach Club, Half Moon Golf Club, Ironshore, Ritz Carlton/White Witch & Wyndham Rose Hall Country Club.

Greenwood Great House

Hilton High End Tour: A day tour through the scenic countryside to a private plantation.

Rocklands Feeding Station: Birds gather for their afternoon meal at this bird sanctuary.
 
Rose Hall Great House

Discovery Bay, Runaway Bay & Ocho Rios:

Swim with the Dolphins: Visit their website at www.dolphincovejamaica.com

Chukka Cove: Located east of Runaway Bay, an equestrian center with a polo field. Riding lessons and trail rides through nearby working plantations are available.

Circle B Farm: East of Runaway Bay, tour a small working farm and the ruins of the island’s first sugar factory.

Columbus Park: This is where Columbus first set foot in Jamaica

Dunn’s River Falls: Expert guides lead up 600 feet up gently terraced cascades –be sure to bring to your camera.

Fern Gully: A road built through an old riverbed that winds through a lush valley with thousands of ferns.

Firefly: Noel Coward’s house near Port Maria, just east of Ocho Rios. Guided tours & breathtaking views.

Golf-Breezes/Runaway Bay, Sandals Golf & Country Club in Ocho Rios

Green Grotto Caves: Located west of Runaway Bay, guided tours along lighted paths through a series of unusual caves where there are rock formations.

Puerto Seco Beach: Near Discovery Bay-a public beach that offers water sports

Harmony Hall: Art gallery with a collection of local crafts, antiques, carvings and collectables.

Prospect Plantation Tour: Daily tours in open jitneys of this 900-acre working plantation with coffee, fruit trees and sugar cane.
River Rafting on the White River

Shaw Park Gardens: Spectacular tropical gardens with hundreds of bird species

Negril:

Negril Lighthouse
Negril River trips

Port Antonio:

Blue Lagoon: Deep hole with breathtaking shades of water.
 
Blue Mountain Bicycle

Blue Mountain Coffee Plantation

Navy Island: Delightful boat ride from the mainland to the bar and beaches of Errol Flynn’s Old Haunt.

Nonsuch Caves & Atheny: Rare formations in tropical caverns & the picturesque 16-acre Ahtenry Gardens.

Rafting on the Rio Grande: An 8 mile guided trip down the river on a bamboo float.

Reach Falls: Cascading waterfalls and exotic plants.

Jamaica Snorkeling & Diving:
Jamaica offers good snorkeling generally off of its many reefs so that a boat must be taken out to sample the diversity of sea life.

Jamaica Sports:
Cricket, Cycling and Mountain Biking, Golf, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Sports Fishing, Diving, Parasailing, Sailing, Polo, Tennis, Kayaking and Windsurfing are all available on the island.

Jamaica Villa Staff:
The villas on Jamaica all include in their rental rates the services of a full staff. At the very least, each property is staffed with a cook/housekeeper. The larger villas include more complete staffs to include cooks, butlers, housekeepers, laundresses and gardeners. The exact staffing for each villa is listed on the descriptive material on our website for the various villas.

The staffs on Jamaica are available to clients seven days per week. The general hours of service are 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM.

Jamaica Tipping of the staff:
It is appropriate to tip the staff approximately 10-15% of the cost of the villa rental on departure day. During the winter/high season, the tip should represent approximately 10% of the cost of the villa rental while during the summer/low season the tip should represent approximately 15% of the cost of the villa rental.

Please note that these percentages apply to the entire staff and not to each individual staff member. The tips should be dispersed on departure day, just prior for leaving for the airport.

Jamaica Tennis:
The majority of the large hotels and resorts on the island have tennis courts that may be booked even if you are not a guest.

Many Jamaica villas also feature tennis access including: Tradewinds at Tryall, Summerhill, Villa Lido, Sugar Bay, Silent Waters, Endless Summer, Keelawee, and Rio Chico.

Jamaica Time Zone:
Jamaica falls in the Eastern Time zone, which is one hour ahead of US Standard time. The island does not observe daylight savings time.

Jamaica Topography:
Jamaica is a stunning country and island. It is large enough at over 4,000 square miles to offer a full menu of topographical features such as mountains, waterfalls, rivers, forests, plains, caves, bays and beaches. The Blue Mountains run like a backbone down the center of the island from east to west peaking at approximately 7500 feet above sea level. Numerous rivers and cascading waterfalls define many parts of this spectacular island.

Jamaica Tourist Board Contact Information:
USA/New York Office: 800.233.4582.

Jamaica VCR Rentals:
VCR units are available for rental and the costs generally run approximately US $50 per week plus the 12.5% general consumption tax.

Jamaica Water:
The water on the island is pure and safe to drink from the tap.