Description

Runaway Bay

Runaway Bay is known along Jamaica’s north coast for its calm beaches and excellent diving. This relaxed seaside town offers a balance of laid-back charm & convenient access to the island’s attractions. Located east of Discovery Bay and about 10 mi/14 km from Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay is an inviting spot for villa vacations that combines luxury, privacy and effortless adventure.

For a deeper look at the area explore our guide to Runaway Bay, Jamaica

What Makes Runaway Bay Unique?
With golden sands, sheltered coves, and a lively reef system, Runaway Bay has earned a reputation as one of Jamaica’s best areas for snorkelling and diving. Many of the reefs are accessible directly from the shore, making it easy for visitors to experience the vibrant marine life of the north coast. Its central location also makes it simple to enjoy attractions while still feeling tucked away in a peaceful seaside retreat.

Nearby Activities Include:
Dunn’s River Falls – Climb Jamaica’s iconic cascading waterfall in nearby Ocho Rios, one of the island’s most unforgettable natural attractions.
Luminous Lagoon – Take a magical evening boat tour of the famous bioluminescent Lagoon, where the water glows blue when disturbed.

Whether you’re swimming in the bay, dining at nearby restaurants in or near Runaway Bay, or setting out to explore Jamaica’s natural wonders, Runaway Bay offers a villa experience that blends tranquility with adventure.

Browse our collection of villas in Runaway Bay, including Breakaway Villa and Spanish Cove Villa, for a relaxed and comfortable stay by the sea.

 

Things To Do

Experiences in & near Runaway Bay Highly Rated by Locals & Visitors:

Bamboo Rafting on the Martha Brae (Trelawny)

Relax & absorb the natural beauty your surroundings Bamboo Rafting on the Martha Brae River in Trelawny, while your skilled captain navigates you down the river in a 30-foot bamboo raft. An elevated “loveseat” or “lounge chair,” also made from bamboo, provides seating for the passengers.

Luminous Lagoon at Glistening Waters (Trelawny)

A boat tour at the Luminous Lagoon is considered a quite unique experience in Jamaica. This lagoon, surrounded by mangroves, is home to microscopic organisms that emit a bio-luminescent light when agitated. The water glows a beautiful blue & becomes illuminated when these organisms are disturbed. As the boat cruises around, the water is disturbed & the organisms begin to glow. You can see the streaks of light from fish in the lagoon swimming around. When it rains, the lagoon ‘lights up’ with the drops of water dancing on the surface.

Pottery Class with David Pinto (Trelawny)

David Pinto is a celebrated artist in Jamaica who has pieces that are a part of the permanent collection of The National Gallery of Jamaica & he teaches ceramic pottery classes at Good Hope Estate. Pottery classes are 2 hours & focus on one technique of building with clay. The work made is left at studio & they will finish, fire, glaze & fire again with your choice of colour. Process takes about 2 or 3 weeks depending on studio production & firing schedule. Your work can be collected at studio when ready in about 2 weeks or shipped via DHL at cost.

Hampden Estate Rum Distillery Tour (Trelawny)

Explore the picturesque grounds surrounding the Hampden Great House while getting lost in the history of this magnificent estate and the Hamden Estate Rum Distillery Tour. Journey into the heart of this working distillery & learn about the 260 year old rum making process still in use today & taste their Pure Single Jamaican Rum. 18 years & older allowed & they are closed on weekends & public holidays. As this is a working distillery, fully enclosed footwear is required.

River Rapids Jamaica (Discovery Bay)

Quench your thirst for a bit of adventure on Rio Bueno with your tour starting at River Rapids Jamaica. Choose between a river tube, kayak or an inflatable raft to enjoy scenic waterfalls, splashing rapids, picturesque river pools & a semi-private beach at Bengal Bay.

Dunn's River Falls (Ocho Rios)

Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica is one of the island’s most famous attractions, where visitors climb 600 feet of beautiful cascading waterfalls surrounded by tropical greenery. If you are staying at a villa accessible by boat, we highly recommend visiting Dunn's River Falls by boat, where you can see the island from another beautiful perspective. Several guests going to Dunn’s River Falls by boat also pre-arrange some time for snorkelling to be included in their outing.

Tour Hubs (Ocho Rios & St. Mary)

Chukka Caribbean Adventure tours offers horseback riding, ATV Safari, white water rafting, Blue Hole Experiences including cliff diving, ziplining & more. Yaaman Adventure Tours offers a farm tour jitney ride, mud buggies/ATVs, Dolphin Cove & more. Mystic mountain offers their SkyExplorer chairlift (700 feet), bobsled ride, ziplining, Anancy’s Web rope course, rock climbing & more.

Stay in Runaway Bay

Luxury Villas in Runaway Bay

Restaurants & Bars

Restaurants & Bars in and Near Runaway Bay Highly Rated by Locals & Visitors:

This seafood restaurant attracts locals & visitors from far and wide to its seaside location in Trelawny, Jamaica. Their grilled lobster is in popular demand. Lobster Bowl is also home to the largest collection of internationally renowned Jamaican artist Joe James in Jamaica. In Jamaica, lobster season is closed from April 1st through June 30th when the lobsters are given a chance to breed & repopulate. Conch fishing is also regulated & there are extended periods it is not allowed.

The Ultimate Jerk Centre is a super casual restaurant in Discovery Bay that specializes in Boston style jerk (Boston, Portland is said to be the origin of jerk in Jamaica). On top of jerk chicken & pork, the menu is also filled with Jamaican classics such as curry goat, brown stew chicken & more. A popular grab & go spot for locals.

Sharkies is an authentic casual Jamaican seafood restaurant that is located on the beach of Salem, Runaway Bay. They offer a diverse selection of entrees & platters such as fish, conch, shrimp, lobster among others done in a variety of ways. In Jamaica, lobster season is closed from April 1st through June 30th when the lobsters are given a chance to breed & repopulate. Conch fishing is also regulated & there are extended periods it is not allowed.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at this popular ice-cream spot that offers a unique menu of non-dairy ice cream with both traditional & exotic flavours. Guava-passion, soursop & jackfruit are the most requested flavours. Try a sorbet made from local tropical fruits or non-dairy desserts including cakes & cookies. The only item on their menu that includes dairy is cheesecake. Babylove's Twist is located in St. Mary & Drax Hall, St. Ann.

John Crow’s Tavern is a popular open air little bar that has a variety of Djs on Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights. Sunday night is their oldies music night.
Oceans 11 is a seaside bar that has a karaoke night on Tuesdays.
Mongoose Restaurant & Lounge has a DJ on Friday nights & usually has a live band on Saturday nights.

Ciao Bella in Ocho Rios, Jamaica has a unique shared space concept involving a cafe, Italian restaurant, sports bar along with a unique 100% Jamaican made art & gift shop.
With one of the owners from Italy, this casual restaurant provides homestyle Italian cooking from appetizers, pastas, mains, desserts & their popular pizzas. The cafe menu broadens their offerings with soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, desserts & more.

Mainland China, located in Landmark Plaza, Ocho Rios, is offers a diverse menu that brings together many favourites of Chinese, Indian & Jamaican cuisine. Whether you're craving the bold flavours of Szechuan stir-fries, rich & aromatic Indian curries, or classic Jamaican favorites, this restaurant has something for every palate. With its warm ambiance & extensive menu, Mainland China is perfect for a casual meal, a family gathering, or a flavorful dining experience that celebrates the fusion of cultures. Indulge in expertly crafted dishes made with fresh ingredients & authentic spices, all served in a welcoming atmosphere.

L & M Meats’ deli section is one of the most popular spots for takeaway lunch in Salem, Runaway Bay. Often persons are lined up before lunch time starts to ensure they get their Jamaican boxed lunches before they run out, if they did not pre-order. Their boxed lunch menu changes daily & often includes delights like curried goat, steamed fish, jerked bbq pork, fried chicken & much more.
They can put together variety of pre-ordered picnic baskets both set & custom that can include anything you are in the mood for – salads, sandwiches, charcuterie, cheeses, fruits, wines etc.

L'Escargot Restaurant offers a taste of France in Runaway Bay, Jamaica. They serve traditional French dishes as well as a few house specialties. They offer a French Sunday Brunch buffet every 1st Sunday of the month.

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Walkerswood, on the outskirts of Ocho Rios, Lyming is famous with locals for it’s jerk & gorgeous views of surrounding hills & farm land. There is usually a Sunday Brunch of  traditional tasty Jamaican dishes on the last Sunday of every month.

This award winning restaurant offers a variety of delicious Jamaican dishes prepared with creativity & originality. Their chef pan option includes 2 of their most ordered dishes curried goat & oxtail. Miss. T’s fish as well as oxtail pasta also has people going back for more. Located in the centre of Ocho Rios, Miss. T’s is a beautiful locally decorated oasis. Miss. T.s has a 2nd location at the stunning Murphy Hill where a minimum of 10 guests or more are required to prebook at least 48 hours in advance.

Morris Pizza is the most popular pizza spot in Runaway Bay that offers delivery to the area & its environs. Their pizzas sport the usual range of preferred topping options - vegetarian, pepperoni, seafood & jerked chicken etc. They also have burgers & sandwiches on their menu.

Enjoy a laid-back and leisurely dining experience in a luxury beach setting – with your feet in the sand at the Jamaica Inn Hotel. Open daily for lunch, they offer a tasty casual menu including their popular flame-kissed pizza, cooked in a wood-fired oven. Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday evening they offer dinner fresh off the grill – delight in succulent Angus beef, spicy shrimp kebabs & grilled cauliflower.
Reservations are required. Kids 10 years & older welcome. The beach restaurant is open to outside guests for dining only; use of hotel facilities (beach, pool, etc.) is exclusively for in-house guests.

Plantation Smokehouse was designed to reflect Jamaica’s rich history in food, music & natural landscape. Their menu is infused with Asian, American & Jamaican cuisine. At their location in Richmond, St. Ann, they feature a live band every Friday evening.

Elevated in the hills of Bamboo, St. Ann, Stush in the Bush offers a unique farm to table experience of creative vegetarian delights. Guests start with a visit to the garden where several home-grown ingredients & their farm philosophy are explained. Stush in the Bush uses the seasonal bounty of their farm and small craft producers to curate a tailored dining experience for a 7-8 course meal. Reservations are required.

Dine under the stars while enjoying live music from a local band at Jamaica Inn Hotel in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The Terrace at Jamaica Inn offers a menu of international cuisine, often with a local flair, that changes every night. If the music moves you, feel free to get up & have a dance between courses at this highly rated restaurant. A dress code of a shirt with a collar & no shorts is required for men & ladies should dress accordingly – no flip flops allowed. Reservations are required. Kids 10 years and older welcome.

TikiTail Jamaica offers a wide variety of Tiki cocktails, Pan-Asian cuisine along with the Hawaiian famous poké bowls, seafood & casual menu items with a twist. They have magnificent sea views & a beach at their location on Alterry Beach in Priory, St Ann.

Description

St. Mary

Located just east of Ocho Rios, St. Mary is one of Jamaica’s smaller parishes, known for its lush landscapes, quiet coastline, and relaxed atmosphere. With a mix of rolling hills, rivers, and secluded beaches, it offers a more peaceful alternative to the busier resort areas while still being within easy reach of nearby attractions. St. Mary is also home to Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ), providing convenient access for private and select international flights.

For a deeper look at the area explore our guide to St. Mary, Jamaica.

What Makes St. Mary Unique?
With its unspoiled greenery, calm beaches, and low-key charm, St. Mary is ideal for those looking to experience a quieter side of Jamaica. The parish has long attracted visitors seeking privacy and natural beauty - most notably Ian Fleming, who made his home here and wrote his James Bond novels overlooking the sea. Today, St. Mary remains a hidden gem with a handful of exclusive villas tucked along its coastline.

Nearby Activities Include:
Sun Valley Plantation – Enjoy a guided walk through lush gardens filled with tropical plants, flowers, and hummingbirds in a peaceful countryside setting.
Turtle Hatchings – Experience seasonal turtle releases along the coast, where visitors can take part in an educational and memorable wildlife experience by the sea.

Whether you’re relaxing along the coastline or exploring nearby attractions, St. Mary offers a tranquil setting with easy access to some of Jamaica’s most beautiful natural experiences.

Browse our collection of villas in St. Mary, including Frankfort Villa and Timbuktu Villa, each offering a private and peaceful coastal escape.

Things To Do

Experiences in & near St. Mary Highly Rated by Locals & Visitors:

Turtle Hatching (St. Mary)

If the turtles schedule line up with yours, a Turtle Hatching is a magical experience for individuals, couples or the entire family to enjoy. See these adorable Hawksbill (critically endangered) baby turtles walk on sand for the 1st time to catch the current that takes them on a world journey while setting their nature GPS to eventually return to the same area & perhaps to the same beach to mate &/lay their eggs. You being there helps keep their predators away so they have safe passage to the sea.

Sun Valley Plantation (St. Mary)

Learn about tropical fruits & plants, taste exotic fruits when in season, watch bananas being packaged for export & see hummingbirds busy in the gardens during a tour of Sun Valley, which also gives the history of the property. You may be able to spot the vervain hummingbird here, the 2nd smallest bird in the world. This tour is a treat for the eyes, ears, nose & taste buds.

Dunn's River Falls (Ocho Rios)

Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica is one of the island’s most famous attractions, where visitors climb 600 feet of beautiful cascading waterfalls surrounded by tropical greenery. If you are staying at a villa accessible by boat, we highly recommend visiting Dunn's River Falls by boat, where you can see the island from another beautiful perspective. Several guests going to Dunn’s River Falls by boat also pre-arrange some time for snorkelling to be included in their outing.

Calypso River Tubing/Rafting (Ocho Rios)

Head down the river for a fun ride while enjoying the natural beauty of your surroundings. River Tubing allows you to have relaxing sections coupled with the adventure of some wild but friendly rapids that the family can enjoy. Bamboo Rafting on White River is an authentic Jamaican Experience where your bamboo raft Captain navigates you through the calm river waters coupled with a few rapids while you can sit back, relax & absorb the gorgeous scenery.

Deep Sea Fishing, Boat Cruises & Water Sports (Ocho Rios)

Head to the Ocho Rios Marina for an experienced deep sea fishing crew to boat you out to the best fishing spots. Fish known to be caught in the area are Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi & more. Other boating activates include a glass bottom boat ride, a speed boat outing, tubing, banana boat activities, a romantic day or night boat cruise & more.

Golf at Upton (Ocho Rios)

Upton Estate Golf & Country Club is known for its beautiful surroundings. This 18-hole par 71 course designed by P. K. Saunders rises 700 feet above sea level in the lush hills of Ocho Rios. A driving range & putting green are available for those who wish to hone their skills before challenging the course.

Tour Hubs (Ocho Rios & St. Mary)

Chukka Caribbean Adventure tours offers horseback riding, ATV Safari, white water rafting, Blue Hole Experiences including cliff diving, ziplining & more. Yaaman Adventure Tours offers a farm tour jitney ride, mud buggies/ATVs, Dolphin Cove & more. Mystic mountain offers their SkyExplorer chairlift (700 feet), bobsled ride, ziplining, Anancy’s Web rope course, rock climbing & more.

Stay in St. Mary

Luxury Villas in St. Mary

Restaurants & Bars

Restaurants & Bars in and Near St. Mary Highly Rated by Locals & Visitors:

Satisfy your sweet tooth at this popular ice-cream spot that offers a unique menu of non-dairy ice cream with both traditional & exotic flavours. Guava-passion, soursop & jackfruit are the most requested flavours. Try a sorbet made from local tropical fruits or non-dairy desserts including cakes & cookies. The only item on their menu that includes dairy is cheesecake. Babylove's Twist is located in St. Mary & Drax Hall, St. Ann.

Dine under the stars while enjoying live music from a local band at Jamaica Inn Hotel in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The Terrace at Jamaica Inn offers a menu of international cuisine, often with a local flair, that changes every night. If the music moves you, feel free to get up & have a dance between courses at this highly rated restaurant. A dress code of a shirt with a collar & no shorts is required for men & ladies should dress accordingly – no flip flops allowed. Reservations are required. Kids 10 years and older welcome.

John Crow’s Tavern is a popular open air little bar that has a variety of Djs on Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights. Sunday night is their oldies music night.
Oceans 11 is a seaside bar that has a karaoke night on Tuesdays.
Mongoose Restaurant & Lounge has a DJ on Friday nights & usually has a live band on Saturday nights.

Christopher's seaside restaurant, located at Hermosa Cove in Ocho Rios, serves up locally sourced gourmet fare on a sea view veranda. It specializes in traditional island dishes prepared with contemporary international flair. Experience Jamaica’s unique fusion of European & Asian flavors.

Ciao Bella in Ocho Rios, Jamaica has a unique shared space concept involving a cafe, Italian restaurant, sports bar along with a unique 100% Jamaican made art & gift shop.
With one of the owners from Italy, this casual restaurant provides homestyle Italian cooking from appetizers, pastas, mains, desserts & their popular pizzas. The cafe menu broadens their offerings with soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, desserts & more.

When Jamaicans living overseas visit home they will often have a Chinese food restaurant on their list of places to go. Chinese food in Jamaica has a special flavour that most Jamaicans say they can’t seem to find anywhere else. Hong Kong International is the longest standing Chinese food restaurant in Ocho Rios. It is located in a very casual, no frills setting on the top floor (stairs only) in the bustling Champion Plaza. They do a Dim Sum every Sunday from 10:00am - 4:00pm.

After becoming a popular seafood spot by White River, Jangalee Seafood Joint & Bar has opened a 2nd location in Ocho Rios Fishing Village. At this fisherman’s hub location, you can enjoy good quality seafood while overlooking the beach & straight out to sea. Some popular Jamaican seafood choices are escovitch/brown stewed/steamed fish & grilled/curried lobster.

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Walkerswood, on the outskirts of Ocho Rios, Lyming is famous with locals for it’s jerk & gorgeous views of surrounding hills & farm land. There is usually a Sunday Brunch of  traditional tasty Jamaican dishes on the last Sunday of every month.

This award winning restaurant offers a variety of delicious Jamaican dishes prepared with creativity & originality. Their chef pan option includes 2 of their most ordered dishes curried goat & oxtail. Miss. T’s fish as well as oxtail pasta also has people going back for more. Located in the centre of Ocho Rios, Miss. T’s is a beautiful locally decorated oasis. Miss. T.s has a 2nd location at the stunning Murphy Hill where a minimum of 10 guests or more are required to prebook at least 48 hours in advance.

Elevated in the hills of Bamboo, St. Ann, Stush in the Bush offers a unique farm to table experience of creative vegetarian delights. Guests start with a visit to the garden where several home-grown ingredients & their farm philosophy are explained. Stush in the Bush uses the seasonal bounty of their farm and small craft producers to curate a tailored dining experience for a 7-8 course meal. Reservations are required.

Sugarpot Beach Bar Restaurant is located on quiet unspoilt beach in Rio Nuevo, St. Mary, so you can relax & make an afternoon of it. Sugarpot specializes in fish & lobster and offers other options like burgers, wings & fried chicken. Every Friday they do a seafood boil.

This long-standing jerk spot is a popular place for locals & visitors to enjoy some Jamaican jerk. Ocho Rios Jerk Centre has a very casual open air ambiance & can get quite busy sometimes. We recommend calling in your order if you can (dine-in & takeout available). Their jerk chicken & baby back ribs are especially noteworthy.

Enjoy a laid-back and leisurely dining experience in a luxury beach setting – with your feet in the sand at the Jamaica Inn Hotel. Open daily for lunch, they offer a tasty casual menu including their popular flame-kissed pizza, cooked in a wood-fired oven. Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday evening they offer dinner fresh off the grill – delight in succulent Angus beef, spicy shrimp kebabs & grilled cauliflower.
Reservations are required. Kids 10 years & older welcome. The beach restaurant is open to outside guests for dining only; use of hotel facilities (beach, pool, etc.) is exclusively for in-house guests.

Description

Ocho Rios

Located in the heart of Jamaica’s garden parish, St. Ann, Ocho Rios blends a laid-back atmosphere with vibrant seaside living. Known for its lush landscapes, beautiful coastline, and wide range of activities, it offers something for every type of traveller. With a selection of luxury villas tucked along the coast, Ocho Rios provides an ideal base for both relaxation and adventure, all within easy reach of the island’s top attractions.

For a deeper look at the area explore our guide to Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

What Makes Ocho Rios Unique?
Ocho Rios, often called “Ochi,” is one of Jamaica’s most activity-rich destinations. It is home to four rivers, including the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls, where visitors can climb cascading tiers surrounded by tropical greenery. With beaches, rivers, attractions, and dining all close together, Ocho Rios offers a level of convenience and variety that is hard to match anywhere else on the island.

Nearby Activities Include:
Dunn’s River Falls – Climb one of the Caribbean’s most iconic waterfalls, rising 600 ft / 183 m through lush tropical scenery.
Shopping – Ocho Rios is a hub for shopping on Jamaica’s north coast, with duty-free stores offering jewellery, perfumes, and local crafts.
Calypso Tubing & Rafting – Enjoy a guided tubing ride with gentle currents and fun, family-friendly rapids or try bamboo rafting on the White River.

Whether you're exploring waterfalls, enjoying seaside dining, or setting out on nearby adventures, Ocho Rios offers a lively yet relaxed setting with something for everyone.

Browse our collection of villas in Ocho Rios, including Buttonwood Reef Villa and Seven Seas Villa, for a relaxed and comfortable stay by the sea.

Things To Do

Experiences in & near Ocho Rios Highly Rated by Locals & Visitors:

Shopping (Ocho Rios)

Take advantage of the fact that Ocho Rios has an abundance of duty free stores, including high-end quality jewellery stores like Bijoux & Milano. There are several shopping areas including Island Village, Taj Mahal Shopping Centre & Soni’s Plaza where you can have a relaxed shopping experience. In these shopping areas you will also find Jamaican arts & crafts, souvenirs, gifts, Jamaican Rum, Blue Mountain Coffee, Jamaica Spices, beach wear & t-shirts etc.

Turtle Hatching (St. Mary)

If the turtles schedule line up with yours, a Turtle Hatching is a magical experience for individuals, couples or the entire family to enjoy. See these adorable Hawksbill (critically endangered) baby turtles walk on sand for the 1st time to catch the current that takes them on a world journey while setting their nature GPS to eventually return to the same area & perhaps to the same beach to mate &/lay their eggs. You being there helps keep their predators away so they have safe passage to the sea.

Dunn's River Falls (Ocho Rios)

Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica is one of the island’s most famous attractions, where visitors climb 600 feet of beautiful cascading waterfalls surrounded by tropical greenery. If you are staying at a villa accessible by boat, we highly recommend visiting Dunn's River Falls by boat, where you can see the island from another beautiful perspective. Several guests going to Dunn’s River Falls by boat also pre-arrange some time for snorkelling to be included in their outing.

Calypso River Tubing/Rafting (Ocho Rios)

Head down the river for a fun ride while enjoying the natural beauty of your surroundings. River Tubing allows you to have relaxing sections coupled with the adventure of some wild but friendly rapids that the family can enjoy. Bamboo Rafting on White River is an authentic Jamaican Experience where your bamboo raft Captain navigates you through the calm river waters coupled with a few rapids while you can sit back, relax & absorb the gorgeous scenery.

Deep Sea Fishing, Boat Cruises & Water Sports (Ocho Rios)

Head to the Ocho Rios Marina for an experienced deep sea fishing crew to boat you out to the best fishing spots. Fish known to be caught in the area are Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi & more. Other boating activates include a glass bottom boat ride, a speed boat outing, tubing, banana boat activities, a romantic day or night boat cruise & more.

Golf at Upton (Ocho Rios)

Upton Estate Golf & Country Club is known for its beautiful surroundings. This 18-hole par 71 course designed by P. K. Saunders rises 700 feet above sea level in the lush hills of Ocho Rios. A driving range & putting green are available for those who wish to hone their skills before challenging the course.

Tour Hubs (Ocho Rios & St. Mary)

Chukka Caribbean Adventure tours offers horseback riding, ATV Safari, white water rafting, Blue Hole Experiences including cliff diving, ziplining & more. Yaaman Adventure Tours offers a farm tour jitney ride, mud buggies/ATVs, Dolphin Cove & more. Mystic mountain offers their SkyExplorer chairlift (700 feet), bobsled ride, ziplining, Anancy’s Web rope course, rock climbing & more.

Stay in Ocho Rios

Luxury Villas in Ocho Rios

Restaurants & Bars

Restaurants & Bars in and Near Ocho Rios Highly Rated by Locals & Visitors:

Dine under the stars while enjoying live music from a local band at Jamaica Inn Hotel in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The Terrace at Jamaica Inn offers a menu of international cuisine, often with a local flair, that changes every night. If the music moves you, feel free to get up & have a dance between courses at this highly rated restaurant. A dress code of a shirt with a collar & no shorts is required for men & ladies should dress accordingly – no flip flops allowed. Reservations are required. Kids 10 years and older welcome.

This award winning restaurant offers a variety of delicious Jamaican dishes prepared with creativity & originality. Their chef pan option includes 2 of their most ordered dishes curried goat & oxtail. Miss. T’s fish as well as oxtail pasta also has people going back for more. Located in the centre of Ocho Rios, Miss. T’s is a beautiful locally decorated oasis. Miss. T.s has a 2nd location at the stunning Murphy Hill where a minimum of 10 guests or more are required to prebook at least 48 hours in advance.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at this popular ice-cream spot that offers a unique menu of non-dairy ice cream with both traditional & exotic flavours. Guava-passion, soursop & jackfruit are the most requested flavours. Try a sorbet made from local tropical fruits or non-dairy desserts including cakes & cookies. The only item on their menu that includes dairy is cheesecake. Babylove's Twist is located in St. Mary & Drax Hall, St. Ann.

John Crow’s Tavern is a popular open air little bar that has a variety of Djs on Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights. Sunday night is their oldies music night.
Oceans 11 is a seaside bar that has a karaoke night on Tuesdays.
Mongoose Restaurant & Lounge has a DJ on Friday nights & usually has a live band on Saturday nights.

Ciao Bella in Ocho Rios, Jamaica has a unique shared space concept involving a cafe, Italian restaurant, sports bar along with a unique 100% Jamaican made art & gift shop.
With one of the owners from Italy, this casual restaurant provides homestyle Italian cooking from appetizers, pastas, mains, desserts & their popular pizzas. The cafe menu broadens their offerings with soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, desserts & more.

When Jamaicans living overseas visit home they will often have a Chinese food restaurant on their list of places to go. Chinese food in Jamaica has a special flavour that most Jamaicans say they can’t seem to find anywhere else. Hong Kong International is the longest standing Chinese food restaurant in Ocho Rios. It is located in a very casual, no frills setting on the top floor (stairs only) in the bustling Champion Plaza. They do a Dim Sum every Sunday from 10:00am - 4:00pm.

After becoming a popular seafood spot by White River, Jangalee Seafood Joint & Bar has opened a 2nd location in Ocho Rios Fishing Village. At this fisherman’s hub location, you can enjoy good quality seafood while overlooking the beach & straight out to sea. Some popular Jamaican seafood choices are escovitch/brown stewed/steamed fish & grilled/curried lobster.

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Walkerswood, on the outskirts of Ocho Rios, Lyming is famous with locals for it’s jerk & gorgeous views of surrounding hills & farm land. There is usually a Sunday Brunch of  traditional tasty Jamaican dishes on the last Sunday of every month.

Plantation Smokehouse was designed to reflect Jamaica’s rich history in food, music & natural landscape. Their menu is infused with Asian, American & Jamaican cuisine. At their location in Richmond, St. Ann, they feature a live band every Friday evening.

Elevated in the hills of Bamboo, St. Ann, Stush in the Bush offers a unique farm to table experience of creative vegetarian delights. Guests start with a visit to the garden where several home-grown ingredients & their farm philosophy are explained. Stush in the Bush uses the seasonal bounty of their farm and small craft producers to curate a tailored dining experience for a 7-8 course meal. Reservations are required.

This long-standing jerk spot is a popular place for locals & visitors to enjoy some Jamaican jerk. Ocho Rios Jerk Centre has a very casual open air ambiance & can get quite busy sometimes. We recommend calling in your order if you can (dine-in & takeout available). Their jerk chicken & baby back ribs are especially noteworthy.

Enjoy a laid-back and leisurely dining experience in a luxury beach setting – with your feet in the sand at the Jamaica Inn Hotel. Open daily for lunch, they offer a tasty casual menu including their popular flame-kissed pizza, cooked in a wood-fired oven. Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday evening they offer dinner fresh off the grill – delight in succulent Angus beef, spicy shrimp kebabs & grilled cauliflower.
Reservations are required. Kids 10 years & older welcome. The beach restaurant is open to outside guests for dining only; use of hotel facilities (beach, pool, etc.) is exclusively for in-house guests.

Description

Discovery Bay

Located just west of Runaway Bay, Discovery Bay is a picturesque harbour town known for its calm waters, natural beauty, and rich history. Framed by one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful crescent-shaped bays, it offers a peaceful and refined setting. With a collection of sought-after villas along its coastline, Discovery Bay provides a private and relaxed base within easy reach of nearby attractions.

For a deeper look at the area explore our guide to Discovery Bay, Jamaica.

What Makes Discovery Bay Unique?
Discovery Bay is known for its tranquil turquoise waters, historic significance, and exclusive villas set along the bay. The calm, sheltered harbour creates a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for swimming, boating, and simply unwinding by the sea. While the area itself is quiet and unspoiled, its central location allows easy access to both Ocho Rios to the east and Falmouth to the west, making it ideal for exploring while enjoying the privacy of a villa retreat.

Nearby Activities Include:
River Rapids Adventures – Enjoy a tubing or rafting experience along the Rio Bueno River, drifting through lush tropical scenery.
Rafting on the Martha Brae – Relax on a traditional bamboo raft as your captain guides you along one of Jamaica’s most scenic rivers.
Luminous Lagoon – Take a magical evening boat tour of the famous bioluminescent Lagoon, where the water glows blue when disturbed.

Whether you're relaxing by the harbour, dining by the sea, or exploring nearby attractions, Discovery Bay offers a peaceful setting with timeless Jamaican charm.

Browse our collection of villas in Discovery Bay, including Fortlands Point Villa and Whispering Waters Villa, for a relaxed and comfortable stay by the sea.

Things To Do

Experiences in & near Discovery Bay Highly Rated by Locals & Visitors:

Bamboo Rafting on the Martha Brae (Trelawny)

Relax & absorb the natural beauty your surroundings Bamboo Rafting on the Martha Brae River in Trelawny, while your skilled captain navigates you down the river in a 30-foot bamboo raft. An elevated “loveseat” or “lounge chair,” also made from bamboo, provides seating for the passengers.

Luminous Lagoon at Glistening Waters (Trelawny)

A boat tour at the Luminous Lagoon is considered a quite unique experience in Jamaica. This lagoon, surrounded by mangroves, is home to microscopic organisms that emit a bio-luminescent light when agitated. The water glows a beautiful blue & becomes illuminated when these organisms are disturbed. As the boat cruises around, the water is disturbed & the organisms begin to glow. You can see the streaks of light from fish in the lagoon swimming around. When it rains, the lagoon ‘lights up’ with the drops of water dancing on the surface.

Pottery Class with David Pinto (Trelawny)

David Pinto is a celebrated artist in Jamaica who has pieces that are a part of the permanent collection of The National Gallery of Jamaica & he teaches ceramic pottery classes at Good Hope Estate. Pottery classes are 2 hours & focus on one technique of building with clay. The work made is left at studio & they will finish, fire, glaze & fire again with your choice of colour. Process takes about 2 or 3 weeks depending on studio production & firing schedule. Your work can be collected at studio when ready in about 2 weeks or shipped via DHL at cost.

Chukka Cove’s Eco-Adventure Outpost at Good Hope (Trelawny)

Chukka Cove’s Eco-Adventure Outpost at Good Hope is a 2000-acre plantation paradise which is the ultimate chill-out spot with a shot of adrenaline. Immaculate grounds flank the Martha Brae River amongst beautiful 18th stone buildings. Walks, river tubing, bamboo rafting, ziplines, E-Bike Country Ride & fascinating architecture are brought to life by excellent guides. Jamaican country-style food & Caribbean bars are found next to a vast zero-entry swimming pool, boasting 6 wading pools up to a 50ft waterfall with plunge pool.

Green Grotto Caves (Discovery Bay)

Take guided journey into underworld charm in a green cavern of mystery & adventure & a slice of Jamaica’s history at Green Grotto Caves. The central feature of this natural attraction is the large labyrinthine limestone cave with its unique rock formations, its stalactites, stalagmites & abundance of overhead ceiling pockets & bats. Green Grotto is 1,525 metres long & 12 metres deep & is characterised by numerous chambers & light holes & a subterranean lake – the Grotto Lake – occupies its core. Non-venomous snakes are said to be on the property, however, are not usually seen.

River Rapids Jamaica (Discovery Bay)

Quench your thirst for a bit of adventure on Rio Bueno with your tour starting at River Rapids Jamaica. Choose between a river tube, kayak or an inflatable raft to enjoy scenic waterfalls, splashing rapids, picturesque river pools & a semi-private beach at Bengal Bay.

Dunn's River Falls (Ocho Rios)

Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica is one of the island’s most famous attractions, where visitors climb 600 feet of beautiful cascading waterfalls surrounded by tropical greenery. If you are staying at a villa accessible by boat, we highly recommend visiting Dunn's River Falls by boat, where you can see the island from another beautiful perspective. Several guests going to Dunn’s River Falls by boat also pre-arrange some time for snorkelling to be included in their outing.

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Restaurants & Bars

Restaurants & Bars in and Near Discovery Bay Highly Rated by Locals & Visitors:

This seafood restaurant attracts locals & visitors from far and wide to its seaside location in Trelawny, Jamaica. Their grilled lobster is in popular demand. Lobster Bowl is also home to the largest collection of internationally renowned Jamaican artist Joe James in Jamaica. In Jamaica, lobster season is closed from April 1st through June 30th when the lobsters are given a chance to breed & repopulate. Conch fishing is also regulated & there are extended periods it is not allowed.

The Ultimate Jerk Centre is a super casual restaurant in Discovery Bay that specializes in Boston style jerk (Boston, Portland is said to be the origin of jerk in Jamaica). On top of jerk chicken & pork, the menu is also filled with Jamaican classics such as curry goat, brown stew chicken & more. A popular grab & go spot for locals.

Sharkies is an authentic casual Jamaican seafood restaurant that is located on the beach of Salem, Runaway Bay. They offer a diverse selection of entrees & platters such as fish, conch, shrimp, lobster among others done in a variety of ways. In Jamaica, lobster season is closed from April 1st through June 30th when the lobsters are given a chance to breed & repopulate. Conch fishing is also regulated & there are extended periods it is not allowed.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at this popular ice-cream spot that offers a unique menu of non-dairy ice cream with both traditional & exotic flavours. Guava-passion, soursop & jackfruit are the most requested flavours. Try a sorbet made from local tropical fruits or non-dairy desserts including cakes & cookies. The only item on their menu that includes dairy is cheesecake. Babylove's Twist is located in St. Mary & Drax Hall, St. Ann.

John Crow’s Tavern is a popular open air little bar that has a variety of Djs on Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights. Sunday night is their oldies music night.
Oceans 11 is a seaside bar that has a karaoke night on Tuesdays.
Mongoose Restaurant & Lounge has a DJ on Friday nights & usually has a live band on Saturday nights.

Ciao Bella in Ocho Rios, Jamaica has a unique shared space concept involving a cafe, Italian restaurant, sports bar along with a unique 100% Jamaican made art & gift shop.
With one of the owners from Italy, this casual restaurant provides homestyle Italian cooking from appetizers, pastas, mains, desserts & their popular pizzas. The cafe menu broadens their offerings with soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, desserts & more.

When Jamaicans living overseas visit home they will often have a Chinese food restaurant on their list of places to go. Chinese food in Jamaica has a special flavour that most Jamaicans say they can’t seem to find anywhere else. Hong Kong International is the longest standing Chinese food restaurant in Ocho Rios. It is located in a very casual, no frills setting on the top floor (stairs only) in the bustling Champion Plaza. They do a Dim Sum every Sunday from 10:00am - 4:00pm.

L & M Meats’ deli section is one of the most popular spots for takeaway lunch in Salem, Runaway Bay. Often persons are lined up before lunch time starts to ensure they get their Jamaican boxed lunches before they run out, if they did not pre-order. Their boxed lunch menu changes daily & often includes delights like curried goat, steamed fish, jerked bbq pork, fried chicken & much more.
They can put together variety of pre-ordered picnic baskets both set & custom that can include anything you are in the mood for – salads, sandwiches, charcuterie, cheeses, fruits, wines etc.

L'Escargot Restaurant offers a taste of France in Runaway Bay, Jamaica. They serve traditional French dishes as well as a few house specialties. They offer a French Sunday Brunch buffet every 1st Sunday of the month.

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Walkerswood, on the outskirts of Ocho Rios, Lyming is famous with locals for it’s jerk & gorgeous views of surrounding hills & farm land. There is usually a Sunday Brunch of  traditional tasty Jamaican dishes on the last Sunday of every month.

This award winning restaurant offers a variety of delicious Jamaican dishes prepared with creativity & originality. Their chef pan option includes 2 of their most ordered dishes curried goat & oxtail. Miss. T’s fish as well as oxtail pasta also has people going back for more. Located in the centre of Ocho Rios, Miss. T’s is a beautiful locally decorated oasis. Miss. T.s has a 2nd location at the stunning Murphy Hill where a minimum of 10 guests or more are required to prebook at least 48 hours in advance.

Morris Pizza is the most popular pizza spot in Runaway Bay that offers delivery to the area & its environs. Their pizzas sport the usual range of preferred topping options - vegetarian, pepperoni, seafood & jerked chicken etc. They also have burgers & sandwiches on their menu.

Plantation Smokehouse was designed to reflect Jamaica’s rich history in food, music & natural landscape. Their menu is infused with Asian, American & Jamaican cuisine. At their location in Richmond, St. Ann, they feature a live band every Friday evening.

Elevated in the hills of Bamboo, St. Ann, Stush in the Bush offers a unique farm to table experience of creative vegetarian delights. Guests start with a visit to the garden where several home-grown ingredients & their farm philosophy are explained. Stush in the Bush uses the seasonal bounty of their farm and small craft producers to curate a tailored dining experience for a 7-8 course meal. Reservations are required.

Dine under the stars while enjoying live music from a local band at Jamaica Inn Hotel in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The Terrace at Jamaica Inn offers a menu of international cuisine, often with a local flair, that changes every night. If the music moves you, feel free to get up & have a dance between courses at this highly rated restaurant. A dress code of a shirt with a collar & no shorts is required for men & ladies should dress accordingly – no flip flops allowed. Reservations are required. Kids 10 years and older welcome.

TikiTail Jamaica offers a wide variety of Tiki cocktails, Pan-Asian cuisine along with the Hawaiian famous poké bowls, seafood & casual menu items with a twist. They have magnificent sea views & a beach at their location on Alterry Beach in Priory, St Ann.

Enjoy a laid-back and leisurely dining experience in a luxury beach setting – with your feet in the sand at the Jamaica Inn Hotel. Open daily for lunch, they offer a tasty casual menu including their popular flame-kissed pizza, cooked in a wood-fired oven. Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday evening they offer dinner fresh off the grill – delight in succulent Angus beef, spicy shrimp kebabs & grilled cauliflower.
Reservations are required. Kids 10 years & older welcome. The beach restaurant is open to outside guests for dining only; use of hotel facilities (beach, pool, etc.) is exclusively for in-house guests.

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