Stay in Discovery Bay Jamaica – Top 5 Reasons Why

When you think of Jamaica, you probably think of either Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, or Negril with their large all-inclusive resorts. Typically lumped with Ocho Rios, you’ve probably never heard of Discovery Bay Jamaica.

Well, you’re in for a wonderful surprise.

    

See Discovery Bay Jamaica on the map.

Where is Discovery Bay Jamaica?

Located between the top two tourism meccas, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay, Discovery Bay has proven that it’s no step-sister.

It’s a bona-fide resort area, spanning about 10 miles, that is a well-kept secret from the average visitor to Jamaica but not to Jamaican families who have known about this area for years. Many have either built weekend homes here or vacation here themselves.

How far is Discovery Bay from Montego Bay: 50 minutes

How far is Discovery Bay from Ocho Rios: 45 minutes

How far is Disoery Bay from Falmouth: 15-20 minutes

 5 Really Smart Reasons to Stay in Discovery Bay Jamaica

Beach near Mais Oui Villa in Discovery Bay one of the top reasons to stay in Discovery Bay Jamaica

1. If you want to have the most diversity in attractions and experiences without having too long of a drive …

Located 50 minutes from Montego Bay, 20 minutes from Falmouth and 35 minutes from Ocho Rios, Discovery Bay delivers on that count.

Over 30 attractions or activities within an hour’s drive … more than a dozen within a 10-15-minute drive including some of the best on-river activities in Jamaica.

2. If you really have the travel bug and want the opportunity to see as much of the island as possible

Discovery Bay’s central location makes day-tripping really easy. There are over 30 attractions within an hour’s drive of Discovery Bay.

You could go to almost any location in Jamaica for a day trip from our area and not be bone-tired the next day.

You would waste precious vacation time just recuperating from the trek if you tried that while staying in Montego Bay, Negril or Ocho Rios.

YS Waterfall - a day trip from Discovery Bay Jamaica

3. If you want some privacy where you can just relax in peace …

Tourism in Discovery Bay Jamaica is primarily in the form of villas.

The town is never over-run with tourists … no hair-braiders on the streets, no high-pressure vendors trying to sell you things you don’t want.

Couple in the gardens at Mais Oui Villa in Discovery Bay Jamaica

4. If you don’t want to chance being on the rainy side of Jamaica

Discovery Bay – Rio Bueno area has perhaps the highest chance of having good weather of all the areas on the North Coast.

Showers here tend to disappear just as quickly as they came.

If there is heavy or prolonged rainfall in Discovery Bay, it is most likely a regional oddity affecting the North Coast.

5. If you expect a sense of place on your vacation and want some exposure to the real Jamaica, at your comfort level …

Lovely beaches abound but Discovery Bay offers so much more than the stereotypical Caribbean or Jamaican vacation centered around sun, sea, and sand.

The Discovery Bay/Rio Bueno area is intertwined in Jamaica’s rich history.

Columbus landed in Jamaica in 1494. Some say he landed in Discovery Bay and even more say it was in Rio Bueno Harbor.

Records suggest he sailed into Discovery Bay looking for freshwater. Finding none, he named the place Puerto Seco (Dry Harbor) and he sailed west to a similar horseshoe-shaped harbor. There he discovered a river which he named Rio Bueno.

Regardless of the debate, we are in the center of history.

Joe James Lobster Bowl Restaurant in Rio Bueno, across the bay from Mais Oui Villa, a unique place to stay in Discovery Bay Jamaica
Joe James Lobster Bowl Restaurant in Rio Bueno, across the bay from Mais Oui Villa, a unique place to stay in Discovery Bay Jamaica

So there you have it.

Those are our top 5 reasons why we chose to build our home, Mais Oui Villa, in Discovery Bay Jamaica. Hosts of happy guests tell us that we made a wonderful decision!

If you would like to learn more about Discovery Bay Jamaica, get answers to the top questions we get asked daily.

Where to stay in Discovery Bay Jamaica

For those who want an experience that marries privacy, luxury, high-touch personalized service, unparalleled amenities, and sustainability, look no further than our 8-bedroom staffed villa, Mais Oui, the perfect choice for family vacations and celebrations.

Get your family and friends together and come see for yourself.

Who Would Love Mais Oui Villa?

  • Multi-Generational Groups
    With its diverse amenities, Mais Oui caters to every age group — from toddlers to grandparents.
  • Families
    Traveling with kids? Mais Oui makes family vacations stress-free with high chairs, pack-and-plays, bottle sterilizers, and even a swing and slide for little ones.
  • Special Celebrations
    Whether it’s a milestone birthday, anniversary, or graduation, Mais Oui provides an unforgettable setting for creating lasting memories.
  • Retreats
    The villa is perfect for health and wellness retreats, offering privacy, tranquility, and the resources to support transformative experiences.
  • Small Weddings or Elopements
    With stunning garden spaces and an ocean-view rooftop terrace, Mais Oui doubles as a beautiful venue for intimate destination weddings.

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):

However you choose to book, we look forward to welcoming you to Mais Oui Villa for an unforgettable stay in Jamaica!

Private Jamaica villa in Jamaica with pool and hot tub - Mais Oui Villa in Discovery Bay
So many factors contribute to finding your perfect villa rental in Jamaica. Enjoy a pool-side spa at your villa in Jamaica

‘Til next time.

Think and dream Jamaica!

Sherry, Darrell, and Darrian

Visit our website: https://MakeItJamaica.com

Give us a call: 833.624.7684 (toll-free) or 914.709.0457

Like us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/MakeItJamaica

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Sign up for our newsletter and immediately get our Free Discovery Bay Insider Guide to discover what you won’t find in the guidebooks.

Support Locally Owned Wedding Venues

Thank you for visiting our blog! We hope you’ll consider a locally owned wedding venue for your big day and show some love to other independent venues around the world.

Pine Lake Ranch, The Stables at Cypress Creek, The Mill District, Riverbend Estate Venue, Circle of Seven Ranch, Swan Lake Overlook Events, Hidden Springs Venue

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About the Author Sherry

Sherry & Darrell, owners of Mais Oui Tennis & Spa Villa in Discovery Bay, Jamaica, consider themselves unofficial ambassadors for Jamaica. They look forward to using their insider knowledge to help guests create priceless vacation memories. Feel free to say hi!

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About the Author Sherry

Sherry & Darrell, owners of Mais Oui Tennis & Spa Villa in Discovery Bay, Jamaica, consider themselves unofficial ambassadors for Jamaica. They look forward to using their insider knowledge to help guests create priceless vacation memories. Feel free to say hi!