Old Fortbay Villas & Luxury Vacation Rentals

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.