Ocho Rios Jamaica A Vacation Insiders Guide
MEET CAVEL CAPALBO Contact Cavel: +1.401.626.6942
This Insider Guide is brought to you by Cavel Capalbo, who owns a 5 bedroom villa in Jamaica's Ocho Rios. Cavel believes in providing guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the real Jamaica, away from the big name Ocho Rios resorts.
THOUGHTS FROM THE EDITOR Ocho Rios is located on the north coast of Jamaica, in the parish of St Ann, known as the garden parish due to its lush landscape. It's a beautiful part of the island but, as with all things of beauty, it's become a popular resort destination. Cue Caval, our latest insider, who aims to give her guests a real, authentic Jamaican experience. As Cavel said to me, this is all about an "all-exclusive" paradise, more personal than the "all-inclusive" resorts! Cavel owns a 5-bedroom, 8,000 square foot villa, just 400 yards from the beach, with its own 5 person staff. Which means you have the independence of your own home but with a high service level. This personal and authentic approach isn't just about
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the villa though. The real magic of an insider like Cavel is knowing what to do and see away from the villa. Cavel takes us on a tour of Ocho Rios, introducing us to some fantastic experiences. White river tubing, helicopter tours, wonderful waterfalls, fishing charters, and so much more. I haven't even mentioned the famed white beaches and the James Bond reference! We all know a great break is often about the food. Not only do you have your own chef at the villa, who shops local (you can tag along should you wish!), but you also have a range of local restaurant suggestions from Cavel. If you're looking for a unique experience, with the personal touch, this may be the one for you!
ABOUT CAVEL & THE REAL JAMAICA... We have owned the Jamaican Ocean View Villa since 2006 and created it specifically to challenge the common idea that Jamaica can only be experienced within a resort. The idea of a resort excludes the real Jamaican cultural experience. We want to provide a setting embodying the best of two seemingly incompatible worlds, a setting that encompasses both the luxury of this world-class vacation destination and is also true to the island's cultural roots and heritage. Best of all, we do so in a way that traveling families can actually afford to bring the whole family along. Staying in our villa enables our guests to enjoy not only the tourist paradise, but also the real Jamaica. Staying at the Jamaican Ocean View Villa gives our guests access to activities off the beaten path and the opportunity to meet locals. There are many beautiful sights to be seen, including cascading waterfalls, and a valley of nearly 600 different varieties of ferns, and work plantations exporting coconuts, bananas and citrus fruits. We encourage our guests to live, eat and shop like locals, taking in all the beautiful things the island has to offer. We have staff to cook meals, but guests can choose to prepare their own food. The local market in Ocho Rios offers an array of local ingredients, as do grocery stores such as General Food, Wong Supermarket, Hi-Lo Supermarket, KC supermarket, and Rexo supermarket, a favorite of the locals. There are other smaller stores within a 5 minute walk of the villa.
The Jamaican Ocean View Villa is about an hour and a half away from the main airport, and the journey is a great scenic drive. For relaxing travel, we recommend our guests rent a van and driver from one of our trusted sources, Karandas Tours. In Jamaica we drive on the same side as UK, so for USA visitors it can be difficult to navigate. Our villa is part of a really nice, upscale community, mostly made up of returning retirees from UK, Canada, USA, Germany, and more. We are just a block away from the famous sandy beaches and clear ocean waters Jamaica is known for. We provide our guests with beach chairs and snorkel sets for those who want to explore the island and enjoy the company and intimacy of their group. The surrounding area is also rich with culture. Located on the spot of the last battle between the British and the Spanish to determine who would own Jamaica, our beach marks where the final landing took place. The event is commemorated in a memorial museum located inside the beach complex. Nearby is Discovery Bay, a port established by Spanish travelers after Christopher Columbus' arrival in 1494. The three-acre Columbus Park has buildings from the Spanish colonial period. With a rich history, Jamaica offers a little bit of everything for every type of traveler.
5 EXPERIENCES YOU CANNOT MISS...
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Blue Hole Waterfall...
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White River Tubing...
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Mystic Mountain...
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Dunn's River Falls...
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The Beaches of Jamaica...
This pristine waterfall is one of the most iconic destinations in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. A popular swimming hole, Blue Hole has rope swings for the adventurous and smooth cliffs for sunbathing. Located in the parish of St. Mary, the area isn't easy to find and does require light hiking. Visitors can enlist the help of locals who serve as area guides to trek to the top of the waterfall.
Enjoy a 3-mile drift down a winding, spring-fed river that offers equal doses of excitement and relaxation at White River. Most of the journey is smooth, easy sailing, with a few rapids near the end of the river path. Travelers can take in the stunning foliage during the 45-minute tour or learn more about Jamaica's history from knowledgeable tour guides floating along with groups in their own bottomed inner tubes.
Mystic Mountain offers a wide array of rainforest adventures. True to Jamaica's culture, the mountain offers a 1,000-meter bobsled track through the trees. Visitors can also fly across a canopy zip line or soar 700 feet above the rainforest in a chair lift. Atop the mountain, enjoy a contemporary menu of Caribbean cuisine at the mountain's restaurant open for lunch and dinner.
A natural amusement park built around the waterfalls of Dunn's River, this is a prime destination for hiking the Jamaican landscape and sliding and swimming down the falls. Helpful tour guides lead the way up to the top, and the climb is suitable for all ages. Be sure to check out the craft market, which is chock full of souvenirs from local artisans. Visitors can also store their valuables in lockers provided by the park.
You don't have to check in to a fancy resort hotel to enjoy Jamaica's white sand beaches. UDC Beach is one of the prime public beach destinations in Ocho Rios. Go scuba diving and explore the coral reef off the shore of UDC Beach. Reggae Beach and James Bond Beach, where scenes from the James Bond movie Dr. No were filmed, also offer a renowned public beach experience.
4 FOR THE ACTIVE... Sailing Charters... A trip to Jamaica wouldn't be complete without an excursion on Caribbean waters. There are ample opportunities to go sailing, snorkeling and sport fishing. We recommend Cool Runnings Catamaran Cruises. For the undersea adventurer, enjoy sailing along the coast and snorkeling over the Caribbean reef. For a romantic evening, Catamaran Cruises offers a sunset excursion. The night begins with a DJ spinning dance beats and ends with a dinner of Jamaican fare under the stars. And the adultsonly Wet and Wild Cruise will have you saying, "What happens in Jamaica stays in Jamaica."
Golfing... Jamaica's Ocho Rios is home to several dazzling golf courses, such as Breezes in Runaway Bay, a championship course that's only a 7-minute drive away from our villa. Day passes to the resort can be purchased, and both club and shoe rentals are available. Sandals Golf & Country Club in Ocho Rios is another beautiful course tucked away in the hills. A convenient 10-minute drive away from the villa, this club also offers rentals. Caddies serve each guest, and an 18-hole game with a cart will cost $30. PGA golf lessons are available and can be reserved through the resort's tour desk.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling... Caribbean waters are home to all varieties of angelfish and butterfly fish, barracudas and bass, snapper fish, and so much more. Garfield Diving Station offers visitors an up-close look at the world under the sea. Take a SCUBA diving lesson with the Station's seasoned dive instructors. Special dives take guests inside a nearby shipwreck, and SCUBA certification courses are also offered. For those who wish to stay in shallow waters, the Station offers snorkeling off the Ocho Rios coastline for $30 per hour. You can also see some of the amazing marine life without getting wet on the glass-bottom boat tour.
Helicopter Tour... There's nothing quite like being up in the sky for appreciating the beauty of Jamaica! It's an experience that you'll likely remember long after you've left. We suggest Captain John's Island Hoppers. There are 3 different flight options to choose from, depending on your budget and what you'd like to experience. Everything from a James Bond tour (with a Dr No reference and a view of Ian Fleming's home), to a full island tour where you'll take in places like Spanish Town and Kingston. No doubt, this is a fantastic experience. To make a reservation visit the office near Reynolds Pier in Ocho Rios or call 876.974.1285
CAVEL'S TIPS ON DINING IN JAMAICA...
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Scotchie’s... If you're looking for Jamaica's best jerk chicken, look no further. Scotchie's is named for the scotch bonnet pepper the establishment’s hot sauce is made with. The restaurant's unique approach to jerk chicken includes grilling fresh cuts of poultry over logs of pimento wood, giving the meat a smoked, hickory flavor. Scotchie's is open breakfast through late-night and is a great choice for big families or those dining on a budget. T: 876.794.9457 | Reviews
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Evita’s Italian Restaurant... Located high above Ocho Rios, Evita's offers spectacular and romantic views of the city and its beaches and piers. The eclectic menu of Jamaican-Italian fusion dishes meshes perfectly with the quirky atmosphere of a restaurant housed in an 1860s gingerbread house. As you'll see from its Wall of Fame, Evita's has welcomed celebrities and dignitaries, including Jimmy Buffett, Kate Moss, and The Rolling Stones. T: 876.974.2333 | Reviews
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Margaritaville Island Village ... Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville is more than a dining destination, it's a state of mind, as the award-winning musician puts it. With seating for up to 450 guests, the restaurant offers beach front dining at the Island Village shopping and entertainment complex, just steps away from the cruise ship pier. When you've thoroughly enjoyed your coconut shrimp and margarita, relax in the rooftop hot tub. T: 876.979.8041
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Almond Tree Restaurant... Located inside the Hibiscus Lodge Hotel in Ocho Rios, the Almond Tree Restaurant includes a multi-level patio with views of the city and cozy rope swing chairs around the bar for a relaxed atmosphere. Local favorites on the menu include pumpkin soup, bouillabaisse, and various rich fish dishes. The restaurant is open for breakfast, too, offering its signature banana bread. T: 876.974.2813 | Reviews
CAVEL'S TIPS ON WHERE TO STAY... Jamaica has a number of options depending on your needs. Below is Cavel’s very own villa, along with a couple of other suggestions. Should those all be booked up feel free to drop us a line and let us know. We'll certainly try to lend a helping hand by offering some tips to make your search easier!
Cavel’s Very Own...
Cavel's villa is a 5 bedroom, 4.5 bathroom home laid out over 8,000 square feet, complete with a 5 person staff to make your stay as easy as possible! Located in an upscale gated community just 400 yards from the beach, it feels private and secluded. Outside is a private pool and versatile terrace for dining and cocktail sipping. It also includes WiFi, a pool table, theater system, games, and more. For more information please refer to Cavel's website...
Cavel Suggests Hibiscus Lodge...
Hibiscus Lodge is a small, 26 room hotel, located just a short stroll from the heart of Ocho Rios. It's set within landscaped gardens on the edge of the ocean, with steps down to a sun-deck by the water. It receives consistently good reviews on TripAdvisor through recent years. There's a swimming pool, tennis court and spa services. And, if you're getting married, they offer the place as a wedding destination. For more information please refer to the Hibiscus Lodge website...
Cavel Suggests The Blue House...
The Blue House is a small, boutique hotel, located 2 miles from Ocho Rios. With a personal touch and TripAdvisor reviews that most places would envy, this is certainly a wonderful option for those in search of a more intimate escape. With just 4 bedrooms and a small, 2 room cottage, and lush tropical grounds, it feels secluded and personal. There is free WiFi, air-conditioning, and more. Plus great food! For more information please refer to The Blue House website...
CAVEL'S JAMAICA Practicalities Weather and Dress...
Currency and Gratuities...
Groceries...
Jamaica enjoys typical Caribbean weather: 80's and 90's by day and 70's at night. Winter to summer variance is only 10 degrees. It is more likely to rain in May/June and September/October than in other months. Dress is casual. In winter months, you may need a cotton sweater after sunset. Please ensure that you bring mosquito repellent!
US dollars are accepted island wide. Exchange rates vary if you choose to purchase Jamaican dollars, but exchanging money is generally not necessary. Most commercial places, for example restaurants, supermarkets and liquor stores, accept credit cards. Staff members and drivers do prefer to receive their gratuities as cash in US dollars (10%-15%).
If you're staying with us your chef will handle grocery shopping for you, pre stock your first few meals, then finish the week's shopping after meeting with you. If you wish to go to the various markets with your chef, you are welcome. There's a local market in Ocho Rios and a few good grocery stores near to the villa.
When you stay with us you'll have access to all our local tips and recommendations using our digital guest welcome book powered by Touch Stay
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