Last Updated on November 21, 2025
Hurricane Melissa Part 2 – Are Villas in Jamaica Safe During Hurricane Season
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How Preparation and Grace Helped Mais Oui Villa Through the Storm
In our earlier post, Surviving Hurricane Melissa, we shared what it was like to live through Jamaica’s most powerful storm — the long night, the teamwork, and the relief when it finally passed.
In this follow-up, we’re taking you behind the scenes to show what helped Mais Oui Villa come through as well as it did — and to offer insight for anyone wondering, “Are villas in Jamaica safe during hurricane season?”
We can’t speak for every villa, but we can share honestly about our own preparedness, our experience, and the grace that carried us through.
The Real Question: Are Villas in Jamaica Safe During Hurricane Season?
Let’s start with the truth.
No one can ever guarantee safety in a hurricane — not a villa, not a hotel, not anyone. Nature humbles everyone.
What we can do is prepare thoughtfully: through strong construction, good maintenance, and a team that knows exactly what to do when the weather turns.
That combination of preparation, calm leadership, and a little grace from above made all the difference at Mais Oui.
We don’t claim to prevent hurricane damage — no one can — but we do everything humanly possible to prepare wisely and respond with care.
The Unintentional Safeguards That Kept Mais Oui Safe
1. The Atrium Drain That Saved the Day
I had always wanted a water feature in the atrium beneath the skylight.
Our architect hadn’t included it in the plans, but I went ahead anyway — and because of that decision, we needed a drain in the floor that wasn’t part of the original design.
During Hurricane Melissa, that little bit of creativity became our saving grace.
When water began pooling on the upper balcony, the better part of valor was to open the door and let the water pour in — hundreds of gallons of it — trusting that we could channel it through that drain in the atrium.
It worked.
The water rushed through, and the drain I had insisted on years ago ended up keeping the interior of the house from flooding.
Moments like that reminded us that preparation matters — but so does grace.
2. The Third Water Tank
We had added an extra water tank long before Melissa — mostly as backup “just in case.”
When the water supply in our area went down, that third tank meant we had enough for twelve guests, six staff, and ourselves for several days.
What could have been a crisis turned into a manageable inconvenience and allowed us to maintain normal routines without panic.
3. The Trees We Chose to Remove
For years, graceful ficus trees lined the back perimeter wall.
They were beautiful, but they grew too tall, interfered with electrical wires, and shed constantly — creating an enormous amount of work for our gardener.
Then we discovered termite infestation.
Reluctantly, we removed them last year and hadn’t yet replanted.
During Melissa, that decision proved to be a hidden blessing.
With those trees gone, there was nothing tall enough nearby to fall toward the house.
Sometimes what you remove is just as important as what you build.
The Intentional Preparations That Paid Off
Over the years, and in particular after Hurricane Beryl in 2024, we made several upgrades to strengthen the villa — improvements we hoped never to need.
Hurricane Melissa proved their worth.
- Hurricane-rated windows kept the rain and debris out.
- Solar system to give us some support during the daytime, a God send when electricity from the national power company (JPS) went out
- Roof repairs from the previous year held steady through hours of wind and rain.
- The garden’s water-catchment system, originally installed for irrigation, provided an emergency backup supply.
- Lowering the pool water level before the storm reduced the chance of overflow and flooding, especially with forecasts predicting up to 30 inches of rain.
- Extra refrigeration and freezer capacity helped us store food safely through power fluctuations.
Each decision reflected the same mindset: think ahead, act wisely, and keep learning.
The Advantage of Being Small
People often assume smaller properties are more vulnerable.
In many ways, the opposite is true.
Large hotels have to coordinate departments and follow strict protocols.
At a villa, decisions can happen in real time.
When we needed to adjust meal times around power use, or change the menu based on guests’ desires and grocery store availability, or shift how we managed water conservation, those choices were made on the spot.
With a small, cohesive team, we didn’t need meetings or approvals — just clear communication and shared purpose.
That agility is one of the quiet strengths of a well-run villa — we can pivot quickly and personally.
It isn’t about being better than larger properties — just different, more personal, and able to move with the situation rather than around it.
Improvements We’ve Made Since Hurricane Melissa
Every storm teaches new lessons.
Since Melissa, we’ve strengthened Mais Oui even further:
- Automatic water-reserve connection — tanks switch over seamlessly if the main supply fails.
- Additional balcony drainage — no more pooling in heavy rain.
- Enhanced communication — Starlink satellite internet keeps us connected even if phones go down.
Preparedness isn’t a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing commitment.
Faith, Grace, and Gratitude
While preparation mattered, we know it wasn’t the full story.
We are God-fearing people, and we believe in the power of prayer.
When the winds howled and the lights dimmed, we prayed — for our guests, our staff, and for Jamaica.
We came through safely, and for that we are deeply grateful.
Things could have been much worse, and we never take that grace for granted.
What This Means for Future Travelers
If you’re thinking about visiting Jamaica during hurricane season, it’s understandable to have questions.
The truth is, most travelers never experience a storm at all.
But if one does come, a licensed and well-run villa can be one of the safest, most comfortable places to be.
Why Mais Oui felt secure during Melissa:
• licensed by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo)
• solid reinforced construction
• hurricane-rated windows
• multiple water tanks
• reliable backup generator
• a trained, caring staff
• calm leadership and communication
No one can control the weather — but we can control how we prepare and how we respond.
Building Back, Stronger
Since the storm, the resilience across Jamaica has been inspiring.
Neighbors clearing roads.
Teams helping each other restore homes and businesses.
People showing up with water, food, and support without being asked.
At Mais Oui, that same spirit is guiding our repairs and improvements.
So, are villas in Jamaica safe during hurricane season?
Hurricane Melissa reminded us that real safety isn’t about promises — it’s about preparation, teamwork, wisdom, and grace working together.
We’ll keep improving what we can control — our structure, our systems, and our service — while remaining deeply grateful for the protection we were given.
When preparation meets grace, even the fiercest wind cannot shake the spirit of hospitality that makes Jamaica home.
Where to Stay in Jamaica
If you’re planning a group trip to Jamaica and want a place that feels personal, prepared, and cared for, consider staying at a licensed villa.
Our experience during Hurricane Melissa reaffirmed how valuable it is to choose a property with strong construction, thoughtful systems, and a committed team. Mais Oui Villa in Discovery Bay offers a private, exclusive stay with the kind of attention that helps guests feel supported — in every season.
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
‘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
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