Located about two hours from Montego Bay, Ocho Rios is a stunning, upscale resort area on Jamaica's north coast.
The Ocho Rios in Spanish means Eight Rivers, also called Ochi (a fun note: it only has four rivers – not eight 😊).
Our team fell in love with this beautiful area on a recent villa inspection trip to Jamaica. If you're looking for a quiet, high-end Caribbean spot to get away from it all, Ocho Rios should be on your radar.
The Vibe of Ocho Rios
It's gorgeous here.
The area is very lush and mountainous, with a beautiful coastline. If you are familiar with Maui, imagine a place that brings together the best of Hana and Wailea. The town is well cared for and feels quite upscale. It's well known for its beaches, high-end shopping, and leisure activities.
The nature of this laid-back place makes renting a villa here a dream. Many homes are oceanfront or have easy beach access, pools, and other amenities. All the homes come fully staffed with a Butler, Chef (food not included), Gardener, Housekeeper, and Private Laundry Service. You will also need a driver to get around; drivers can be easily arranged at the time of booking.
The Terrace - at the Jamaica Inn
The resorts in the area also offer high-end dining at recommended restaurants. One of the restaurants our team enjoyed was The Terrace, a rather upscale restaurant located in the Jamaica Inn. A dress code requires "country club wear" for dinner: "appropriate" dress is considered trousers and collared shirts for men, and no sandals are allowed.
Traveler's Tip. Like many well-visited Caribbean oceanfront towns, Ocho Rios has a port. The town can become busy for a day or two when a cruise ship is in port.
Ocho Rios' Gorgeous Beaches
Dunn's River Beach
Tucked at the foot of Dunn's River Falls, this beach is famous worldwide as the waterfalls located just behind it are often included in tourism campaigns. The beach has plenty of welcome amenities, such as showers, changing rooms, and food stalls.
Mahogany Beach
The beach is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike as it offers water sports, music, and places to savor fresh seafood and drinks.
Turtle Beach
If you like to meet and interact with locals, Turtle Beach is your beach. The beach has famed Caribbean white sand and gorgeous blue, swimmable waters. On weekends, Turtle Beach can be a perfect spot to listen to reggae while enjoying an ice-cold Red Stripe.
Traveler's Tip: If you ever encounter marine life at Turtle Beach or anywhere in your travels, do not try to touch or disturb them; be respectful of and admire them from a safe distance.
James Bond Beach
The name says it all. James Bond Beach was the beach that Sean Connery emerged from in "Dr. No" in 1963. The beach is still famous for its clear, blue swimming waters. Bars along the beach serve up drinks with a view and a side of 007 nostalgia!
Reggae Beach
Another beach with an apt name. Reggae Beach is the place to hear live reggae on the sand. Both locals and tourists enjoy the beat and the awesome beachy setting. You can also indulge in some jerk chicken.
Sugar Pot Beach
Sugar Pot Beach is a quiet place to chill out. The beach is less touristy but does have a simple beach bar with food and drinks.
Ocho Rios Villas
Ocho Rios has incredible, fully serviced homes. Here are a couple of things we enjoyed during our visit.
Reverie
Escape to a sleek, modern retreat that embodies tropical luxury. Just a year old, this stylish home has an experienced staff that's been with the property since day one, ensuring impeccable, personalized care during your stay. Each bedroom is thoughtfully named after Jamaica's lush flora, infusing the space with a sense of tropical tranquility.
The home is surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain views in the front and panoramic ocean views in the back. The nearby beach is swimmable and serene, shared with neighboring homes in this quaint, up-and-coming community. We felt this villa was ideal for adults traveling in a group.
Seven Seas on the Beach
This charming, homey villa exudes warmth, character, and many thoughtful design touches. One standout feature is the striking mural adorning the side wall, a vibrant work by a talented local artist.
The villa is impeccably maintained, and its attentive and gracious staff ensures guests feel welcome from the moment they arrive. The private, shared beach—accessible from the backyard—is swimmable and perfect for long walks and unwinding by the ocean.
Perfect for families or groups, the villa's expansive outdoor spaces provide ample room for kids to play and adults to relax.
Contact our Jamaica Villa Specialists to learn more about these and other Ocho Rios villas today!
Read more tips in our Jamaica Travel Guide.
