Tucked between Ocho Rios and St. Ann's Bay, Old Fort Bay is a gated community known for its beautiful landscapes. The beaches here are serene and quiet, and the surrounding hills are lush and verdant. This perfect location is a big reason why Old Fort Bay villas are some of the very best stays in Jamaica.
The name "Old Fort Bay" harkens to its 17th-century origins, where the Spanish built a large fort. By the mid-20th century, it became a coveted refuge for Jamaica's wealthiest families.
Since that time, Old Fort Bay has managed to keep its residential and authentic atmosphere. You won't find large-scale resorts or tourist traps here. Old Fort Bay is all about beauty and privacy, and it carries this legacy to this day.
As a micro-luxury community within Ocho Rios, Old Fort Bay offers an exclusive villa experience that combines gated security, fully staffed service, and access to some of Jamaica's most pristine beaches. Every villa comes with a dedicated team, ensuring your stay is effortless and unforgettable.
Rental Escapes makes renting a luxury villa in Old Fort Bay easy. First, choose your travel dates. Next, select your party size. From there, your Rental Escapes Villa Specialist will happily present you with the best available Old Fort Bay villas for your group. After, your Concierge customizes your trip, including transportation, chef service, excursions, boat charters, and more.
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Old Fort Bay offers something truly special: a villa experience that feels like your own private estate, with all the luxury and none of the crowds.
This gated, exclusive community is home to some of Jamaica's finest vacation rentals. Every villa comes fully staffed with a private chef, butler, housekeeping, and more, so you can focus on relaxing while your team takes care of everything else.
For groups and families, the value is unbeatable. Instead of booking multiple hotel rooms, you get an entire villa with private spaces, shared gathering areas, and personalized service. Plus, you'll have access to Old Fort Bay's private beaches and the amenities at the Old Fort Bay Club.
Your dedicated Concierge can arrange everything from boat charters and waterfall excursions to Martha Brae River rafting, shopping trips, and reservations at Ocho Rios's best restaurants. Whether you're planning a family reunion, a destination wedding, or just a luxurious escape, Old Fort Bay delivers.
One of the biggest draws of Old Fort Bay is its stunning beach access. The community's main beach features powdery white sand, calm turquoise waters, and virtually no crowds. It's the kind of beach you dream about: quiet, pristine, and perfect for swimming.
The Club Beach area adds a touch of history and scenic beauty, with views that have been captivating visitors for generations. And if you want to explore beyond Old Fort Bay, you're just minutes from other beautiful Ocho Rios beaches.
Many Old Fort Bay villas sit directly on the beach, giving you private access to the sand and sea. Your villa staff can set up beach chairs, umbrellas, and even arrange a beachside picnic so you can enjoy the shoreline in complete comfort.
Some of the best parts of staying in Old Fort Bay come from how personal the service feels. The staff are known for being warm, attentive, and genuinely eager to make the stay special, often handling requests the very same day and making everything feel easy without ever being intrusive.
Beach time right from the villa: In Old Fort Bay, the beach often feels like an extension of the villa itself. Paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling gear can be set up right on the sand, and if your group wants something more, your Concierge can help arrange additional equipment based on what everyone feels like doing that day. It is the kind of place where a simple morning swim can easily turn into a full afternoon by the water, with staff making sure chairs, towels, drinks, and lunch are all ready when you want them.
Boat charters along the coast: For guests who want to get out on the water, your Concierge can arrange private boat charters to explore more of Jamaica’s north coast. Some trips focus on snorkeling in calm, clear water, while others are built around fishing, cruising, or simply spending a few relaxed hours out at sea. It is an easy way to add a little adventure to the stay while still keeping the day private and flexible.
Service that goes beyond expectations: Back at the villa, what many guests remember most is how naturally the staff seem to anticipate what the group needs. A beach lunch can be pulled together with little notice. A last-minute outing can be organized quickly. Dinner can shift based on the mood of the evening. That level of friendliness and responsiveness is a big part of what makes Old Fort Bay feel so different from a larger resort stay.
With colonial architecture, wide lawns, and ocean views, villas at Old Fort Bay embody what makes Jamaica so special.
Old Fort Bay villas can be found all across the community, each neighborhood offering its own distinct character and appeal.
The Club area is home to classic estates with timeless architecture. Many of these villas are beachfront, offering easy access to the sand and the Old Fort Bay Club. The walkability here makes it ideal for families and groups who want to explore the community on foot or by golf cart.
The Palms section features modern homes surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. These villas blend contemporary design with natural beauty, creating a serene, private atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
Perched on the hillside, Ridge villas offer panoramic ocean views that stretch to the horizon. These elevated homes provide a sense of grandeur and privacy, with sweeping vistas that make every sunset unforgettable.
The Bay is where you'll find premium waterfront estates, many with direct beach access. These are the villas that define luxury—spacious, elegant, and positioned right on the water's edge.
No matter where you stay, expect old-world elegance mixed with modern amenities. You can also expect your villa to be fully staffed, including a chef, waiters, maids, and more. Your Concierge will work with you to customize your experience, from arranging private raft tours on the Martha Brae River to organizing luxury excursions to Dunn's River Falls.
With stunning architecture and a privileged location, luxury Old Fort Bay villas make for an ideal Jamaican getaway. They include:
Reverie: Set across an acre of land, Reverie offers a Zen-like experience both inside and out. There are multiple water features, a calm aesthetic, lush tropical landscaping, and a private gym. Plus, it's just three minutes from the beach. Your full staff includes a chef who can prepare custom menus based on your preferences.
Sea Salt at Old Fort Bay: Located directly on Old Fort Bay's soft sands, Sea Salt is a beach lover's paradise. It's full of authentic Jamaican artisan work and relaxing touches, including an atrium surrounded by shallow water, a tennis court, and a full gym. Combined with the full staff, you have the ultimate place to relax and hang out with friends and family. Your Concierge can arrange everything from boat charters to waterfall tours.
Villa Lido: Also directly on the beach, Villa Lido is a recently renovated masterpiece that combines modern design with warm, natural materials. Walls of glass open up to expansive ocean views and two large verandas. Take a dip in the pool, relax on the Baja ledge, walk along the sandy beach, or enjoy a game of pickleball. Your dedicated staff will ensure every detail is perfect, from beach setup to gourmet meals.
You must present a valid passport to enter Jamaica. If you're traveling from outside the US, Canada, or Europe, then you may need to present an additional tourist visa. Your Rental Escapes Concierge can assist with travel requirements and help arrange fast-track arrivals to make your entry smooth and stress-free.
Yes, Jamaica requires all arriving visitors to complete the C5 Electronic Passenger Declaration in advance. This obligatory online form combines both Immigration and Customs procedures into one convenient submission. Submit your form through enterjamaica.gov.jm before you travel.
Most travelers will fly into Montego Bay. From there, it's a 75-minute drive along the scenic north coast highway. Your Concierge can arrange airport transfers, rental cars, and any other transportation needs.
Old Fort Bay is very walkable, so you can get around on foot or by golf cart. Most villas include golf carts, and your Concierge can arrange additional golf carts if needed.
If you want to explore beyond Old Fort Bay, then your best bet is a taxi or private driver. Drivers know the area well and can double as tour guides, taking you to attractions around Ocho Rios.
While you can also rent a car, driving in Jamaica can be tricky, and the roads are narrow and busy.
Your Concierge can arrange private drivers, taxis, rental cars, and more.
Peak season is from mid-December to mid-April. The weather is perfect and the energy is lively, but still private. Be sure to book early if you want to visit at this time.
Shoulder season is from late April to June and November to mid-December. The weather is still great, but the island slows down. For many, this is the best time to go.
Off season is from July to October. The humidity is higher, and there's a higher chance of rain, especially in the afternoon. That said, this is also when you'll find the best deals on Old Fort Bay villas.
Yes, Old Fort Bay is one of the safest places to stay in Jamaica. It's a gated community with 24-hour security, and access is strictly controlled. There's also a community feel, and you're close to Ocho Rios in case you need assistance.
Relax at Old Fort Bay Beach: With powdery white sand, calm turquoise waters, and no crowds, Old Fort Bay is home to one of Jamaica's best beaches. Your villa staff can set up beach chairs, umbrellas, and even a small picnic.
Enjoy water sports: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling can all be arranged by your villa staff or Concierge. The calm waters make water sports here especially good for families.
Take a boat charter: From sunset cruises to snorkeling hidden coves, a boat charter will let you enjoy more of the coast. Ask your Concierge about the different options available.
Old Fort Bay has secure, gated access to its main beach areas, which are reserved for residents and villa guests. While Jamaica's coast is technically public, these beach areas are protected by community access control, creating a private, quiet setting that feels exclusive and secure.
Yes. Most Old Fort Bay villas come fully staffed with a private chef, butler, housekeepers, and laundress. Larger estates may also include gardeners, security, or additional wait staff. Your Concierge will confirm the exact staffing for your villa and can add extra staff as needed.
For fully staffed Old Fort Bay villas, it is customary to leave a cash gratuity for the entire villa staff (chef, butler, housekeepers, laundress) upon departure. The recommended rate typically ranges from 10% to 15% of the gross villa rental cost (excluding provisioning and club fees) and is distributed among the staff by the head of staff. Your Concierge will confirm the appropriate amount and process during your stay.
Yes. A private chef is included in nearly all Old Fort Bay villas. Your chef will customize menus based on your tastes and dietary needs, and they'll prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner according to your preferred schedule. Your Concierge can also arrange grocery pre-stocking before you arrive.
Old Fort Bay is great for families, couples, and groups thanks to its quiet beaches, gated security, and fully staffed villas. Families love the calm sea and walkable layout. Couples enjoy the privacy and private dining. Groups enjoy large estates with big pools, media rooms, and outdoor lounges.
Yes. Old Fort Bay is close to Ocho Rios, so day trips are easy. Popular options include Dunn's River Falls, Blue Hole, river rafting on the Martha Brae, Konoko Falls, dolphin encounters, catamaran cruises, and private boat charters. Your Concierge can arrange transportation and tickets.
Old Fort Bay is a private, gated residential community with quiet beaches and fully staffed villas. It offers a more exclusive, low-key stay. Ocho Rios is the nearby town with shops, restaurants, attractions, and nightlife. Staying in Old Fort Bay gives you privacy while still being just minutes from everything in Ocho Rios.
Yes. Your Concierge can pre-stock your villa with all groceries, snacks, drinks, and bar items before you arrive. Your chef will review your menu preferences and plan meals around your tastes.
Many villas include access to the Old Fort Bay Club, which offers a private beach, dining, and family-friendly amenities. Access varies by villa, so your Villa Specialist will confirm availability for your stay.
The food scene in Old Fort Bay revolves around in-villa dining. Your Old Fort Bay villa includes a private chef, who will prepare meals based on your preferences. You can set up meal plans with your Concierge before you arrive or just trust the chef to surprise you. Your chef will also tailor meals based on your feedback.
If you want to eat out, there's a casual-yet-elegant restaurant at the Old Fort Bay Club with Caribbean-inspired meals.
And you're always just a 10–15-minute drive from Ocho Rios, where you'll find a thriving food scene with plenty of great restaurants to enjoy.
Plus, your Concierge can arrange villa pre-stocking so all your favorite meals are ready to go when you get to the villa.
Spring in Old Fort Bay is warm and vibrant, with clear skies and gentle sea breezes. Average daytime temperatures range from 82–86°F (28–30°C). Rainfall starts light in March (around 1.5 inches / 38 mm) and rises a little by May (about 3 inches / 76 mm), but showers are usually short.
Summer brings hot, sunny days and balmy nights to Old Fort Bay. Temperatures hover between 86–90°F (30–32°C), and the sea stays warm and inviting. Rainfall increases, with July and August seeing around 4–5 inches (100–127 mm) of rain, often in quick, heavy afternoon showers.
Fall is the wettest season and the heart of hurricane season, though direct hits are rare. Temperatures stay steady at 84–88°F (29–31°C), while rainfall peaks in September and October, averaging 6–7 inches (150–178 mm) per month before dropping back to around 3 inches (76 mm) by November. Expect a mix of sunny mornings and short, heavy rainstorms.
Winter is the sweet spot at Old Fort Bay, with dry, breezy days and cooler nights. Temperatures are a little milder, usually around 80–84°F (27–29°C), and rainfall is low — typically 1–2 inches (25–50 mm) per month. The air feels crisp, the sea is calm, and the skies are mostly cloudless.
If you're planning a getaway to this beautiful part of Jamaica, Rental Escapes can turn your Old Fort Bay villa rental into a true luxury experience.
Our portfolio includes the finest luxury Old Fort Bay villas, including beachfront villas, fully staffed villas, and spacious estates perfect for large groups and families.
Your Rental Escapes Villa Specialist will help you find the perfect villa for your group, while your dedicated Concierge will customize your trip with private chefs, boat charters, waterfall excursions, and more, ensuring an unforgettable Old Fort Bay villa experience.
Contact us today to book your next dream vacation!
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Luxury Villa Rentals for 2+ people
