Where to Stay in Jamaica for Families

Thanks to its exciting mix of distinct cultures, fun activities, and beautiful landscapes, Jamaica is a top Caribbean destination for families. And as we saw in a recent post, staying in a villa is often the best way to get the most out of your Jamaican family vacation. But this island has plenty of great towns all along its coastline, making it difficult to choose where to rent a villa in Jamaica. That’s why I want to take a closer look at where to stay in Jamaica for families.

This post will specifically look at six Jamaican destinations: Montego Bay, Tryall Club, Negril, Ocho Rios, Discovery Bay, and Runaway Bay. We’ll take a look at the pros and cons of each, as well as discuss which type of family each is best for. I’ll also offer a villa pick for each. Hopefully, by the end of this post, you’ll have a better idea of where the best place to stay in Jamaica is for your family.

Staying in Montego Bay

Jamaica’s second-largest city, Montego Bay (or MoBay) is a hub for Jamaican tourism in general. It’s vibrant, conveniently located, and full of life. This is where you’ll find the Hip Strip with its shops, restaurants, and nightlife. MoBay is also where you’ll find Jamaica’s best golf courses. It’s this diversity and convenience that makes Montego Bay such a popular choice for families. And though it can be more crowded than other destinations, most of our Montego Bay villas are located in gated country clubs like Half Moon and Rose Hall.

Pros of Staying in Montego Bay

• Shopping, dining, and nightlife
• Lots of history
• Convenient and accessible
• Golf courses and country clubs

Cons of Staying in Montego Bay

• More commercialized
• Can get more crowded
• More solicitation

Montego Bay is Best for:

• Families with golf lovers
• Multigenerational groups

Montego Bay Villa Pick:

BougainVilla on Spring Farm

6 bedrooms

6 bath

$1,900-$3,429/night

Located in the Half Moon Resort, BougainVilla is a recently constructed, modernist villa that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living. The gardens feature an appropriately bursting forest of bougainvillea, while the floor-to-ceiling windows lend the villa a bright, airy feel. It’s all complemented by local artwork, hand-picked furnishings, and an expansive pool deck with ocean views.

BougainVilla on Spring Farm – Montego Bay

Staying in the Tryall Club

Just outside of Montego Bay, you’ll find the Tryall Club. This is one of Jamaica’s top country clubs thanks to its wealth of amenities, lush landscaping, and great golf. It’s only a half-hour drive to the center of Montego Bay, giving you access to the city’s shops, restaurants, and amenities if you so choose. Still, the best reasons to stay here are the Tryall Club villas themselves. They’re suitably grand, immaculately furnished, and perfectly located either on or close to the beach. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities, including kids’ clubs, nature tours, and cultural workshops.

Pros of Staying in Tryall Club

• Gated community
• Convenient amenities
• Exclusive staffed villas
• Championship golf

Cons of Staying in Tryall Club

• Pricier than other options
• Half hour to Montego Bay
• Often fully booked

Tryall Club is Best for:

• Families with young children
• Families looking for a resort-like experience

Tryall Club Villa Pick:

Oceana

6 bedrooms

6 bath

$3,249-$8,751/night

Custom-built from the ground up, Oceana sits atop Garden Hill and offers commanding views of the Caribbean Sea and Montego Bay. Outdoor living revolves around the zero-entry infinity pool, one of the largest at the Tryall Club. Indoors are tastefully appointed, with a big emphasis on rich, natural materials. Plus, the villa also has several accessibility options, as well as a fully-equipped Echelon gym.

Oceana – Tryall Club

Staying in Negril

Located along Jamaica’s west coast, Negril is famous for its laid-back vibes and authentic Jamaican culture. It’s also where you’ll find Seven Mile Beach with its white sand and calm waters, as well as the more dramatic landscapes over by the West End Cliffs. Negril villas look to balance this same respect for nature with a celebration of Jamaican culture.

Pros of Staying in Negril

• Gorgeous landscapes
• Relaxed atmosphere
• Lots of natural attractions

Cons of Staying in Negril

• Some commercialization
• Less privacy
• Risk of seaweed

Negril is Best for:

• Families looking to relax
• Families traveling with teenagers

Negril Villa Pick

Almond Villa

4 bedrooms

4 bath

$1,499-$2,199/night

Fully staffed along Seven Mile Beach, Almond Villa’s rich gardens and natural materials reflect a harmonious relationship with nature. And with a large pool, billiards, personal chef, and a bartender, you’ll have plenty to do at the villa, while its convenient location along Seven Mile Beach means you’re close to all the action in Negril as well.

Almond Villa – Negril

Staying in Ocho Rios

Thanks to its proximity to so many of Jamaica’s best natural sites, including Dunn’s River Falls, Mystic Mountain, and Fern Gully, Ocho Rios has become a top tourist destination along Jamaica’s northern coast. Ocho Rios villas take things a step further with locations that are often beachfront, and breezy open designs that invite you to get out and explore.

Pros of Staying in Ocho Rios

• Proximity to attractions
• Compact size
• Good amount of shopping, nightlife, and amenities
• Beachfront villas

Cons of Staying in Ocho Rios

• Crowds (especially when cruise ships dock)
• Tourist centric
• Fewer public beaches

Staying in Ocho Rios is Best For:

• Active families
• Families with older children

Ocho Rios Villa Pick

Promiseas

8 bedrooms

8 bath

$4,000-$7,429/night

With a mix of natural materials, modern design, and unique water features, Promiseas is a stunning example of the kind of unique properties you’ll find in Ocho Rios. Most unique of all, though, is the private sandy cove and man-made underground cave, promising a magical retreat for you and your fellow guests.

Promiseas – Ocho Rios

Staying in Discovery Bay

Set along the northern coast of Jamaica, Discovery Bay is a pristine and picturesque bay. It’s celebrated for its natural beauty, as well as for its quiet atmosphere. Discovery Bay villas tend to be beachfront, offering some of the most relaxing and exclusive family vacation experiences you’ll find anywhere.

Pros of Staying in Discovery Bay

• Crystal clear water and soft sand
• Nearby to Green Grotto Caves
• Good snorkeling and diving
• Tranquil and relaxed vibe

Cons of Staying in Discovery Bay

• Limited dining and nightlife
• Limited shopping
• Villas rent out quickly

Discovery Bay is Best for:

• Larger groups that want to spend time with each other
• Families looking for a relaxing, private experience

Discovery Bay Villa Pick:

Happy Hour

7 bedrooms

7+1 bath

$5,143-$9,286/night

A recent construction along the gated community of Fortlands Road, Happy Hour is a bespoke villa with a private sandy waterfront. Paddleboard, kayak, or snorkel right outside your door. Take in a custom meal made by your private chef. Have some fun in the games room, play a round of tennis on the private court, or work out in the private gym. Happy Hour is all about making guests smile.

Happy Hour – Discovery Bay

Staying in Runaway Bay

While it’s similar to nearby Discovery Bay, Runaway Bay is even more secluded and pristine. It’s also home to some of the best golf on the northern coast. This makes Runaway Bay villas a perfect choice for travelers looking for the ultimate in privacy and seclusion, as well as for families with golf lovers.

Pros of Staying in Runaway Bay

• Tranquil and secluded
• Beautiful beaches
• Great golfing

Cons of Staying in Runaway Bay Cons

• Limited nightlife and dining
• Limited shopping
• Fewer attractions

Runaway Bay is Best For:

• Families that don’t want to leave the villa
• Families with golf lovers

Runaway Bay Villa Pick:

Hidden Bay by the Sea

6 bedrooms

6+1 bath

$1,929-$4,432/night

Perched along a rocky ledge above the sea, Hidden Bay offers dramatic views and, steps below, its own private beach. Inside, the minimalist style allows for unpretentious elegance. Outside, the decks and gardens laid above the ancient coral create perfect spaces to connect with your fellow guests. This is where life’s best memories are made.

Hidden Bay by the Sea – Runaway Bay

Summary of Where to Stay in Jamaica for Families

• For families with golf lovers: Montego Bay, Tryall Club
• For families with nature lovers: Negril, Discovery Bay
• For families looking for convenience: Montego Bay, Ocho Rios
• For families looking to relax: Discovery Bay, Runaway Bay
• For families with young children: Tryall Club, Discover Bay
• For families with older children: Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay
• For families with teenagers: Negril, Montego Bay

Still Wondering Where to Stay in Jamaica for Families?

Hopefully, by now you have a better idea of where to stay in Jamaica for families. If you’re still wondering which destination would be best for your family, though, then let our villa specialists help. Contact us today and we’ll be happy to go over the different destinations, as well as the best villas for your dates.