Last Updated on November 17, 2025
What It Was Really Like Inside Mais Oui Villa During Hurricane Melissa
Many people have asked what it was like inside Mais Oui Villa during Hurricane Melissa, how we prepared, and how our team and guests managed through the storm. This is simply our firsthand account — not a dramatic story, but an honest reflection of what we experienced together, what we learned, and what we’re grateful for.
A Storm Jamaica Will Never Forget
I doubt any babies born in Jamaica for at least the next generation will be given the name Melissa. If your name is Melissa, prepare for the jokes — because Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, is one we’ll never forget.
This is our firsthand account from Mais Oui Villa in Discovery Bay — not as victims or heroes, but as witnesses to the power of preparation, the importance of leadership, and the grace of community when nature reminds us who’s really in charge.
Reports of a Storm in the Region
We were in Jamaica for my birthday week and for pre-season staff training when reports about a tropical storm began circulating.
At first, predictions didn’t seem alarming — 50 mph winds are not than uncommon for an island accustomed to hurricane season.
Still, as property owners, we knew better than to take anything for granted.
When we realized the forecast was changing rapidly, we checked out of where we were staying for my birthday weekend and returned to the villa.
Under normal circumstances, we are not on property when guests are present — Mais Oui is a fully staffed villa. But with a hurricane approaching, there was no question about where we needed to be. We came back to the villa so we could stand with our staff, support them through the storm, and face whatever was coming together.
By Saturday morning, October 25th, the forecast had changed dramatically. Melissa was no longer a mild system — she was gaining strength, expected to reach 180 mph winds.
Preparing for the Storm
Sunday, October 26th and Monday, October 27th became our true preparation days.
Our team moved through their tasks with focus and determination — servicing the generator, securing outdoor furniture, checking drains, reinforcing vulnerable areas, and ensuring we had food, water, fuel, and supplies for several days. Bread disappeared from store shelves, but we stocked up on essentials and whatever else we could find.
As the forecast grew more serious, we even created a few humorous “Don’t come, Melissa” memes and shared them among the team, as well as on Instagram and Tiktok. They sparked moments of laughter that helped ease the tension before the storm arrived — a small but meaningful reminder of how Jamaicans use humor to steady themselves in uncertain moments.
No one can ever truly “prepare” for a Category 4 or 5 hurricane, but we did what we could — and prayed it would be enough.
Flights were being canceled. The airports would close on Sunday.
Our guests — twelve adults and one child — realized they were stranded.
We met with them, explained the reality, and discussed their options. With airports closed, roads becoming unsafe, and hotels filling quickly, staying put was the only sensible choice.
So we continued preparing, doing everything we could — and hoping it would be enough.
Riding Out Hurricane Melissa
By Monday, October 27th, the storm’s path had slowed and shifted. Hope flickered that it might veer back out to sea. But as the winds picked up, that hope faded. Hurricane Melissa was coming.
At 3:13 a.m. on Tuesday, October 28th, the power from Jamaica’s electric company (JPS) went out.
The generator kicked in, providing electricity for essential systems — the kitchen, the water pump, and lights in key areas.
Soon after, the internet failed as falling trees took down the cable lines. We were officially cut off.
Inside, we focused on keeping spirits calm and routines steady.
And through it all, we maintained our level of service as much as possible.
Each table was set properly, as if it were any other evening at Mais Oui. It wasn’t about appearances; it was about preserving a sense of normalcy, comfort, and dignity for everyone in the house.
One of the most grounding things during the storm was watching our entire staff care for our guests and our team.
It wasn’t just the chef in the kitchen — it was everyone.
The butler served with the same poise he always brings. The housekeepers became kitchen assistants and servers. The groundsman roasted breadfruit over an open flame — a deeply Jamaican tradition — giving our guests a taste of history and comfort when they needed it most.
Because every staff member holds a valid food handler’s permit, anyone — regardless of title — could safely step in to cook, serve, wash dishes, or polish glassware as needed.
In the midst of uncertainty, their teamwork created a sense of stability that carried all of us through the night. In that moment, they weren’t just staff — they were family, and they served as one.
And watching them move together so seamlessly reminded us of something we often take for granted — that a smaller, fully staffed villa can adapt quickly, respond personally, and take care of people in ways that are harder for larger properties to do during a crisis.
Outside, the winds screamed.
Two guest rooms leaked.
Our newly renovated premier suite flooded.
Water built up on the upper balcony faster than we could drain it.
Staff and guests worked together, guiding the water toward a floor drain in the atrium — a small feature that ended up making a big difference that night.
Guests and staff stood shoulder to shoulder, sweeping water out with mops and brooms, exchanging small jokes between gusts of wind. No one was above helping. No one hesitated. It was a reminder that community can form in the most unexpected places, even between people who were strangers 48 hours earlier.
Finally, sometime around 3 a.m. Wednesday, the winds died down.
We exhaled.
Hurricane Melissa had gone.
After the Storm
When daylight came, the scene was sobering.
Fallen trees. Broken branches. Solar panels twisted. Roof shingles tossed about. Fences bent.
But we were safe. The villa had stood strong.
Elsewhere, the news was devastating — towns to the south and west had been hit hard. Roofs torn off, flooding, lives disrupted.
It was impossible not to feel both thankful and humbled. We had been spared the worst.
And then came a moment that will stay with me forever.
Just before breakfast, our chef received word that part of her own roof had blown off during the hurricane.
She left to check on her home, and we assumed she would understandably need time to tend to her own crisis.
Instead, she returned, put on her apron, and made lunch for our guests as if it were any other day.
Her dedication — even while facing her own loss — was a profound reminder of the strength and heart that define Jamaican hospitality and the deep spirit of our team at Mais Oui.
We later learned that Montego Bay’s airport would be closed longer than expected. Guests’ flights were rebooked several times before they would finally depart safely through Kingston at week’s end.
Amid the fallen branches and scattered leaves, something caught my eye — a rosebush from my mother’s original rose garden.
My mother was Mais Oui’s first manager when the villa opened, and somehow that rosebush was still standing, and blooming.
In that moment, it felt like a message from her — a reminder of resilience, love, and the roots that keep us grounded no matter what storms may come.
That small rosebush, blooming against all odds, felt like a sign that all would be well.
Rebuilding and Moving Forward after Hurricane Melissa
We share this story not to boast or to suggest that we have some magic hurricane-proof formula, but to offer perspective — and to remind readers that Jamaica is already rebuilding and open for visitors.
In the days since the hurricane, cleanup across Jamaica has been well underway. Roads are being cleared, power is being restored, and communities are working together to rebuild stronger than before.
At Mais Oui Villa, repairs started almost immediately. Our team has been working steadily to restore the property, clean up debris, and address the areas that were affected. We are moving forward one step at a time — safely, carefully, and with the same commitment to our guests and staff that guided us through the storm.
The truth is, Jamaica’s tourism product is more than hotels — it includes a vibrant network of villas, guesthouses, and small properties that are the heart of our communities.
These locally run businesses play a vital role in the island’s recovery, ensuring visitors continue to experience authentic Jamaican hospitality while supporting local livelihoods.
As we rebuild, we do so with gratitude — for safety, for our team, and for the opportunity to continue sharing this beautiful island with those who choose to visit.
What Hurricane Melissa Taught Us
Hurricane Melissa reminded us of something we’ve always believed but had never experienced so profoundly: preparedness is not an accident.
It’s a responsibility.
It’s one of the reasons our guests remained safe, cared for, and calm through a on-in-a-generation storm.
It deepened our commitment to operating as a fully licensed villa, maintaining strict safety standards, and protecting every family who chooses to stay with us.
We are deeply aware of God’s grace in all of it. The storm could have lasted longer. The damage could have been greater. Things could have unfolded very differently. We do not take that mercy for granted.
This hurricane tested us — and strengthened our resolve to always be ready, always stay steady, and always lead with care.
Planning a Trip to Jamaica?
If you’re visiting during hurricane season, take time to understand local weather patterns, choose properties that take preparedness seriously, and always travel with insurance. Preparation isn’t pessimism — it’s wisdom gained from experience.
And if you’re traveling as a group — and if safety, readiness, and personal care matter to you — our team is here to help you plan with confidence.
Every visit helps Jamaica rebuild, not just at the large resorts, but at the licensed villas and small businesses that keep Jamaica’s tourism heartbeat strong.
Book directly through our website for the best rates and personalized service: MakeItJamaica.com
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: Book directly through our website for the best rates and personalized service: MakeItJamaica.com
‘Til next time.
Think and dream Jamaica!
Sherry, Darrell, and Darrian
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