The glass-walled dining room at Bay Vista Villa with a long table set for dinner and the sea beyond

The villa

A little villa with a big view.

Four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a private pool and two acres of hillside garden, 3,400 square feet of house built around a courtyard, with the bay of Ocho Rios beneath every window.

8Guestsup to 9 by arrangement
4Bedroomsevery one facing the water
5Beds2 king · 2 queen · 1 single
5Bathrooms3 bedrooms en suite
PrivatePoolwith loungers and pool towels
up to 50Eventsguests · additional fees apply
2 acresGroundsfruit trees, lily pond, gazebo, giant chess
2 nightsMinimum stayDay use for events only

At a glance

Built in the sixties, reimagined in 2024, run like a Jamaican home.

The home is 60 years old, reimagined and rejuvenated by two sisters and run like a Jamaican home. They found it in January 2024, after four years of looking, and kept its bones: the angular rooms that all turn towards the sea, the tray ceilings, the double staircase, the red-brick courtyard. Then they filled it with Jamaican art and furniture, a quartz kitchen and a soaking tub, and opened the doors in January 2025. The Sunday Gleaner’s Dream House column told the story in June 2025.

The spaces

Room by room, terrace by terrace.

The brick driveway and gardens leading to Bay Vista Villa on Shaw Park Ridge
The winding double staircase in the entrance hall of Bay Vista Villa
The entrance hall of Bay Vista Villa seen from the landing, with Jamaican artwork on the walls
01

The arrival

A drive through the garden, double front doors, and an entrance hall with a winding double staircase. Jamaican art on the walls; porcelain and stone underfoot.

The red-brick garden courtyard at the centre of Bay Vista Villa, under a clear skylight
Potted palms and plants in the courtyard at Bay Vista Villa
Wooden bench seating and tropical plants in the courtyard at Bay Vista Villa
02

The courtyard

At the heart of the house is a red-brick courtyard filled with plants beneath a clear skylight. It feels like being outdoors while you are sheltered inside. There is a wooden bench for reading, and no better place in the house to sit and do nothing at all.

The glass-walled dining room at Bay Vista Villa with a long table set for dinner and the sea beyond
A long dinner table set with tropical flowers on the deck at Bay Vista Villa, under the great tree
Breakfast laid on the round table at Bay Vista Villa: fresh fruit, bread and juice
03

Dining inside and out

With views beyond the table. A glass-walled dining room with a table for ten and the sea beyond it, a breakfast room, and the deck under the great tree, where dinners run long and events happen.

The kitchen at Bay Vista Villa with its quartz island and grey cabinetry
The quartz island, stove and dishwasher in the kitchen at Bay Vista Villa
The kitchen at Bay Vista Villa with the door open to the garden
04

The kitchen

Quartz island, gas stove, dishwasher, full-size refrigerator, blender, coffee maker, kettle and the pots and pans a private chef expects. Guests’ chefs have called it well stocked; so have ours.

The private pool at Bay Vista Villa with a cocktail table set beside it and trees behind
A guest reading on a lounger beside the pool at Bay Vista Villa, cut-stone wall behind
The giant outdoor chess set on the stone terrace at Bay Vista Villa overlooking the hills and sea
05

The pool and gardens

A private pool set against the cut-stone wall, with loungers, pool towels, an outdoor dining area and a barbecue. Around it are the gardens, a giant chess set and the best seat on the property: a bench on the big rock at the front, with the bay laid out below.

A couple walking hand in hand along the brick path at Bay Vista Villa
Returning guests planting a tree in the grounds at Bay Vista Villa
Newlyweds walking the garden path at Bay Vista Villa
06

The grounds

Two acres of hillside garden between the sea and the green hills of St. Ann: ackee, guava, mango and a dozen other fruit trees, a gazebo, a lily pond fed by a miniature waterfall, a lawn for ceremonies and paths that photographers love. Returning guests have planted trees here, and you may be invited to plant one too.

The bedrooms

Four rooms, four palettes, one view.

Two bedrooms upstairs and two on the ground floor, every one facing the water. Every room has air conditioning, a ceiling fan, blackout curtains and a TV. Three bedrooms have their own bathroom; the fourth uses a shared one.

The four-poster king bed in the primary suite at Bay Vista Villa, with the balcony beyond
The primary suite at Bay Vista Villa with its four-poster bed and doors to the sea-view balcony
The soaking tub in the primary bathroom at Bay Vista Villa, with flowers floating in the water
The writing desk and armchairs in the primary suite at Bay Vista Villa

Heliconia Suite

King bed · Upstairs · En suite bathroom with soaking tub

The primary suite: a four-poster king under a tray ceiling, a writing desk, and its own balcony over the bay. The bathroom has a soaking tub, a walk-in shower and double vessel sinks on a floating wood vanity. This is where brides get ready. Most mornings start with a glorious sunrise.

The Yellow Bird Room at Bay Vista Villa, painted warm yellow, with French doors to the sea view
French doors opening from the Yellow Bird Room at Bay Vista Villa onto a small balcony
A queen bed with a tropical-print throw in the Yellow Bird Room at Bay Vista Villa

Yellow Bird Room

Queen bed · Ground floor

Yellow and earth tones, with French doors that open onto a small balcony and a magnificent sea view. Air conditioning, a ceiling fan and blackout curtains for the mornings you would rather sleep in.

The Forget-Me-Not Cozy Room at Bay Vista Villa with its deep-blue domed ceiling and white bed
The Forget-Me-Not Cozy Room at Bay Vista Villa, its bed dressed in blue-and-white linen
Blue curtains and a chandelier in the Forget-Me-Not Cozy Room at Bay Vista Villa

Forget-Me-Not Cozy Room

Queen bed · Sleeps 2 · Ground floor

A cozy room for two: a deep-blue domed ceiling, a small chandelier, blue-and-white linen and a life-size window framing the blue bay. The room guests photograph most.

Blue Serenity at Bay Vista Villa, with a king bed and a single bed in blue and white
A bed by the window in Blue Serenity at Bay Vista Villa, looking to the sea
Blue Serenity at Bay Vista Villa with its television and desk

Blue Serenity

King bed + single bed · Sleeps 3 · Upstairs

Upstairs, in calm shades of blue, with a king bed and a single bed, so it sleeps three: a room for a family, or for friends sharing.

Amenities

What is in the house.

What comes with every stay first, then everything in the house, then the extras that can be arranged at an additional cost.

Complimentary with every stay

  • Coffee, tea and spring water
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Caretaker on duty
  • Free parking

Comfort

  • Air conditioning in the bedrooms
  • Ceiling fans
  • Room-darkening shades
  • Bed linens and extra pillows
  • Towels and toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Iron and drying rack
  • Safe
  • Clothing storage

Kitchen & dining

  • Full kitchen with quartz island
  • Refrigerator and microwave
  • Stove and dishwasher
  • Coffee maker, kettle and toaster
  • Blender and baking sheet
  • Dishes, silverware and wine glasses
  • Cooking basics: salt, pepper and other basic seasonings
  • Barbecue utensils

Outdoor living

  • Private pool with loungers and pool towels
  • Outdoor dining area
  • BBQ grill
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Balconies
  • Giant chess set
  • Gazebo and lily pond
  • Two acres of gardens

Entertainment

  • TVs in all bedrooms
  • A separate TV room
  • Books and reading material
  • Board games
  • Children’s books and toys

Family

  • High chair
  • Children’s books and toys
  • Babysitter recommendations
  • Two ground-floor bedrooms

Safety

  • Smoke alarm
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Exterior security cameras
  • Gated property

Available at an additional cost

  • Welcome dinner on arrival (complimentary with stays of seven nights or more)
  • Floating breakfast tray in the pool
  • Stocking the refrigerator from your list
  • Airport pick-up and private drivers
  • Private chef, in-villa massage and tours
  • Events and celebrations, priced separately from your stay

Priced when you book; see Experiences or ask Michelle.

Not provided: Washer and dryer · Heating (you will not need it) · Carbon monoxide alarm (not reported).

Practical

The details worth knowing.

Check-in3:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Michelle or Robert meets you and shows you the house.
Check-outBy 11:00 AM. Late check-out depends on the next arrival.
Minimum stay2 nights. Day use for events only.
Guests8 overnight; a ninth by arrangement.
EventsUp to 50 guests for weddings, birthdays, private dinners and other celebrations. Additional fees apply: renting the villa for a stay does not include hosting a party or event.
ParkingFree, on the property, inside the gate.
AccessibilityYellow Bird and Forget-Me-Not are the ground-floor bedrooms. Heliconia and Blue Serenity are upstairs, reached by the entrance-hall staircase. The grounds are on a hillside with brick and stone paths. Tell us about your mobility concerns before booking.
StaffA caretaker is on duty. Housekeeping, chef and driver are arranged around your stay.
BookingOn Airbnb, or directly with Michelle: she confirms your dates and sends an invoice or a payment link. A deposit of one night’s accommodation confirms a direct booking.

Guest words

From people who have stayed.

The property is gorgeous, spacious, and impeccably maintained, with breathtaking views of Ocho Rios Bay on one side and beautiful mountain views on the other. One of my favorite spots was the charming bistro and bench area perched atop the large rock at the front of the property. We also loved the pool and stunning open-air decks. The beautiful flowers, lily pond, gazebo, and landscaping make the entire property feel like a private tropical retreat. We loved it so much that we’ve already reserved our third stay!
Theresa, New York · August 2026 · via Airbnb
Upstairs bedrooms offer amazing views of the city, beach, and Ocho Rios Bay, while the downstairs rooms open straight to the gardens with easy access for everyone. Our chef was at ease in the well-stocked kitchen. There are plenty of places to relax: multiple dining areas, a big deck and patio, a sparkling pool, and even a tranquil lily pond. Michelle, the host, was super responsive, and Robert, the on-site manager, made everything easy for our large group.
Theresa, New York · August 2025 · via Airbnb
Fantastic home and a fantastic host! We had an amazing time celebrating my mum’s birthday with a staycation. She enjoyed every moment of her stay and felt completely at home. It truly was a home away from home.
Jannell, Jamaica · August 2026 · via Airbnb

Rated 4.83 of 5 from 6 Airbnb reviews and 4.7 on Google (September 2026). Read them on Airbnb.

Questions

Before you book.

All questions

How many people can stay at Bay Vista Villa?

Bay Vista sleeps 8 guests in 4 bedrooms with 5 beds (two kings, two queens and a single) and 5 bathrooms. A ninth guest can sometimes be arranged; ask before you book.

Where exactly is the villa?

On Shaw Park Ridge in the hills directly above Ocho Rios, St. Ann, next door to Konoko Falls & Park. Ocho Rios Bay Beach, behind the Ocean Village Shopping Complex, is about 5 minutes by car; town and Dunn’s River Falls are about 15 to 17 minutes; Ian Fleming International Airport is about 31 minutes; Montego Bay’s Sangster International is about 1 hour 45 minutes.

Is the whole villa private?

Yes. You book the entire house, pool and grounds. The property is gated, and a caretaker is on duty to help without getting in the way.

Can we hire a private chef?

Yes, at an additional cost. Breakfast, dinner or a celebration meal can be cooked in the villa’s kitchen by a chef arranged through your host. A welcome dinner on arrival is available at an additional cost, or complimentary with stays of seven nights or more. Tell us about allergies and favourites when you book.

Does Bay Vista host weddings and events?

Yes, for up to 50 guests: weddings, birthdays, private dinners and other celebrations, on the deck, the lawn and around the house. Additional fees apply. Events are priced separately from accommodation, so booking a stay does not include hosting a party or event. Planning, décor and rentals come from Bay Vista itself, through Michelle’s company, The Wedding Planner Plus, which has planned weddings in Ocho Rios since 1998.

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in is between 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM; check-out is by 11:00 AM. Early arrival and late departure depend on the next booking, so ask.

Stay · Love · Celebrate

Make Bay Vista yours.

Check the calendar and book instantly, or tell us what you have in mind and we will build the stay around you.

Or talk to Michelle Replies usually within the hour. International guests welcome.