How the heck am I to decide where to stay in Jamaica?
With six distinct and enticing areas from which to choose, it’s tough, down-right nerve-racking, trying to decide where to stay in Jamaica.
If you are wrestling with the question of where to stay in Jamaica, check out our primer about the different tourist areas in Jamaica, then decide.
Table of Contents
Discovery Bay/Ocho Rios area
Located in St. Ann, considered the garden parish, Ocho Rios is the second most popular tourist area.
The Ocho Rios area encompasses the stretch from Rio Bueno/Discovery Bay to Oracabessa, which includes Runaway Bay, Mammee Bay, and St. Anns Bay.
Of all the resort areas, this area has the most diversity in terms of things to do. Beautiful beaches, enchanting gardens, and lots of attractions abound.
Visit the famous Dunns River Falls or try the now-popular Blue Hole. Go river rafting or tubing, parasailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, or swimming with the dolphins. Go horseback riding in the ocean.
Want to golf? There is Sandal’s Golf Course other outside of Ocho Rios. (The one in Runaway Bay is presently closed.) If you are staying in Discovery Bay, the golf courses in Montego Bay are much closer.
Tour Green Grotto Caves to see intriguing rock figures. Raise your heart rate ziplining or on the rides at Mystic Mountain. Visit a James Bond 007 film set.
History says Columbus “discovered” Jamaica in 1494 when he landed in Discovery Bay. Columbus Park which commemorates his landing fell in disrepair and is now closed but go over to the Rio Bueno Harbor for some fun on the Rio Bueno River, the river which actually encouraged him to land.
For more history, check out Seville, Jamaica’s first capital and where Columbus was stranded for a year, just up the road from Discovery Bay.
Discovery Bay, the most western section of the Ocho Rios region, perhaps the most central location on the north coast, will allow you to tour all the different resort areas on the island to your heart’s content without having to drive too far. It is truly a convenient base from which to see the island.
Here is one of the other really nice things about Discovery Bay … It is on the more developed resort section of the island, the North Coast, but here you are not plagued by being neck to neck with other tourists. Large all-inclusive developments did not take hold here. Instead, we are blessed with more refined development that still preserves Jamaica’s essence.
How wonderful … the best of both worlds!
Montego Bay
Known as MoBay, to the locals, this is a bustling city with lots to offer and is perhaps the capital of tourism in Jamaica… white sand beaches, all-inclusive hotels and resorts, villas, restaurants, and night-life.
Tour historical plantation houses such as Rosehall, Greenwood, and Belfield.
Swim at Doctor’s Cave Beach with its supposedly healing powers.
Hang out on Gloucester Avenues Hip Strip with its duty-free shopping, nightclubs, and bars. Everyone knows Margaritaville and Pier One are the party places.
For upscale shopping, try the Shoppes at Rosehall.
Reggae lover? MoBay hosts the annual Sumfest, the largest reggae show in the world.
Are you a serious golfer? If so, this area has the most and the best courses.
Kingston
Kingston is the capital city, Jamaica’s heartbeat.
I wouldn’t generally think of Kingston as a vacation destination on its own but I almost never go to Jamaica without spending a day in Kingston.
Despite its reputation, which I think is highly exaggerated, Kingston has a vibe and energy that I just love.
Kingston is Jamaica’s cultural mecca showcasing the performing arts at Little Theater, the large collection of Jamaican art of the National Gallery of Art.
Play golf, watch a horse race at Caymanas Park, visit the shops at Devon House, watch cricket at Sabina Park, take a glass-bottom tour to see the sunken city of Port Royal, the richest and wickedest city in the 17th century.
And, of course, if you are a reggae fan, you have to go to the Bob Marley Museum. Even Barack Obama went there during his 2015 Presidential visit. Yep, that’s Bob’s jeep, still parked outside.
Portland
Tourism in Jamaica started here but failed largely due to the distance from Kingston’s airport and the development of Montego Bay with its own airport. The Ian Fleming International airport, just east of Ocho Rios, recently opened and although it has limited commercial flights, is expected to open up this section of the country to tourism.
Portland is a quiet, laid-back place, naturally beautiful with some of the finest scenery in Jamaica. It is truly a get away from it all experience.
See the bottomless Blue Lagoon, Reich Falls, Somerset Falls, Trident Castle, Frenchman’s Cove.
Years ago, this was the playground of movie stars like Errol Flynn, Ginger Rogers, and Bette Davis.
Many movies were films here. Remember Tom Cruise in the movie Cocktail?
For some of the best birdwatching in Jamaica, try the Rio Grande Valley.
Hike the Blue Mountains, source of one of the world’s best and most expensive coffees.
South Coast
Picturesque fishing villages and uncrowded beaches are the norm as is a truly laid-back lifestyle, reminiscent of Jamaica long ago … unhurried and with fewer large tourist developments.
Unlike the North Coast, the sand in many areas of the South Coast has a much darker hue than on the northern side of the island. Also while the North Coast is typically lush green with hills and valleys, the South Coast tends to be more arid, especially on the plains.
Tourism development sort of left the South Coast behind, which is not a bad thing.
When I think of the South Coast, I think of the Black River, Jamaica’s longest river and the Great Morass, our largest protected wetland habitat.
Then there are the Santa Cruz Mountains which fall sharply to the flat and arid Pedro Plains.
We have places like Treasure Beach, Bluefields, Little Ochi, Milk River Bath, Holland Bamboo.
This is the place for maybe those who want to blend in with the locals a little bit while go exploring quiet places.
Hike YS Falls. See how rum is made at Appleton Estates. Savor peppered shrimp in Middle Quarters.
Stand at Lover’s Leap and hear the legend of the two slave lovers who jumped together rather than being separated and were caught up in a golden net at taken to the heavens.
We can’t forget about Mandeville and the Cockpit Country, home to community tourism. Located high in the cool hills, these areas offer great birding, hiking, and spelunking.
Negril
Negril is about an hour and a half west of MoBay. It is home to the famous 7-mile beach and Ricks’ Café, known for its amazing sunsets.
Negril is sort of far from everything else so go to Negril if you basically intend to stay there.
Negril is a paradox … a laid-back and do-as-you-please attitude but also a Spring breaker’s paradise with nightlife galore.
Watersports are abundant here … cliff diving, snorkeling, water skiing, parasailing.
If you are a golfer, this isn’t the place for you, unless you don’t mind a long drive into Montego Bay for the better courses.
So, still thinking about where to stay in Jamaica?
The truth is, unless you have very specific needs, you can’t really go wrong with your choice.
Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean, but it is only 4411 square miles, just a little smaller than the state of Connecticut, USA. There is something for everyone here.
Want great calm beaches?
Negril has the reputation for best beaches with calm waters, white sand, and amazing sunsets. Montego Bay and Ocho Rios also have nice beaches. Discovery Bay has one of the best beaches – Puerto Seco Beach Club.
Want to surf?
The best surf spots are near the eastern tip of Jamaica, near Kingston, in Bull Bay.
Want nightlife?
Consider staying on the hip strip in Montego Bay or town-center of Ocho Rios. Definitely, don’t choose Port Antonio or South Coast. The nice thing about Discovery Bay is that you are close enough to nightlife but not in it.
Want activities?
The Ocho Rios region has loads of on and off-water activities compared to the other regions but the regions are different. The nice thing about Discovery Bay is that you are close enough to Montego Bay and Ocho Rios to visit both areas in under an hour. Day trips to other areas are also quite doable.
Want the shortest travel time from Montego Bay’s airport?
If so, stay in Montego Bay itself. Ocho Rios is 90 minutes away east. Negril is 90 minutes west. Discovery Bay is 45-50 minutes east of Montego Bay.
Where to Stay in Jamaica
I love all the different areas of Jamaica as each one has its own unique feel.
I live for new experiences so I choose to stay in Discovery Bay then do either short trips or day trips to explore the other areas depending on how much time I have. That is my solution to the dilemma of just where to stay in Jamaica. Works for me!
So, if you’re traveling as a group, consider staying at a villa like Mais Oui Villa in Discovery Bay for a private, exclusive, and personalized experience.
What Makes Mais Oui Villa a Unique Place to Stay in Jamaica
As you try to decide where to stay in Jamaica, consider Mais Oui Villa in Discovery Bay.
Here’s why Mais Oui stands out:
- A One-of-a-Kind Experience: Unlike most villas that are simply vacation rentals, Mais Oui offers a curated luxury experience with on-site amenities that rival a boutique resort.
- Exclusive Amenities: Private pool, rooftop ocean-view terrace, spa treatments, tennis and pickleball courts, and a game room.
- Ideal for Groups: The villa accommodates up to 16 guests in 8 bedrooms, perfect for families, weddings, and retreats.
- Fully Staffed Luxury: From a gourmet chef to a personal butler, guests enjoy five-star service throughout their stay.
- A Home with Heart: Mais Oui isn’t just a rental — it’s a place designed to create lasting memories with a personalized touch.
Support Locally Owned Small Businesses
Mais Oui Villa is a locally owned and operated luxury villa in Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Whether you’re planning a vacation, retreat, wedding, or special event, choosing a locally owned venue makes a difference. Your booking directly supports local workers, vendors, and the community—helping sustain jobs, empower artisans, and preserve Jamaican culture—all while ensuring a more personalized and memorable experience.
As an owner-operated property, we take pride in offering a level of care, attention, and service that larger resorts simply can’t match. Our exclusive concierge service and thoughtfully included amenities set us apart, providing an elevated experience without the hidden costs often found elsewhere.
Book Direct & Save: Love our villa? Book directly through our website for the best rates and personalized service: MakeItJamaica.com
Prefer to book through an online agency? If you feel more comfortable booking through a third-party platform, you can find us here (note that they charge additional fees):
- VRBO: Mais Oui Villa on VRBO
- Airbnb: Mais Oui Villa on Airbnb
However you choose to book, we look forward to welcoming you to Mais Oui Villa for an unforgettable stay in Jamaica!
While you are at it, check out these other blog posts:
Is a stay in Discovery Bay Jamaica Right for You
‘Til next time.
Think and dream Jamaica!
Sherry, Darrell, and Darrian
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