Location
Tradition has it that Discovery Bay is where Columbus first landed in Jamaica. This well protected bay is home to some of the most beautiful and spectacular vacation homes on the island. Most of these villas are located on the east side of the bay, close to the town centre. Although the town is relatively small, there is a very good public beach and small amusement park, and a good shopping mall with supermarket. Located just over a half an hour away from Ocho Rios, Discovery Bay shares the same attractions and activities.
Attractions:
Dunns River Falls - enjoy a guided climb up the world-famous falls.
Dolphin Cove - great fun for all the family! Swim with the dolphins: one of the premier attractions in Jamaica.
Fishing and Boating - the beach at Island Village offers a full range of activities.
Scuba Jamaica - Diving and Rentals
Prospect Plantation - go horseback riding, or simply enjoy the tour of this working plantation.
Golf - at the beautiful Sandals Resort golf course.
Chukka Cove - a full equestrian complex, offering everything from polo to trail rides. They also offer mountain bike tours and river tubing.
Green Grotto Caves - take an underground tour through these historic caves with a crystal-clear lake at the bottom located between Discovery and Runaway Bays. The first Jamaicans, the Arawak Indians (Tainos) found shelter in the caves initially. Proof of this is evident in the multiple fragments of pottery and adzes that are unearthed from time to time. During the period of take-over by the English, the caves were used as a hideout for the Spaniards who were being driven out of the country.
Sandals Golf & Country Club - located in the hills just above the eastern end of the Ocho Rios area, this course with its narrow fairways, offers a challenging test of your game in a spectacular setting.
Super Clubs Golf Club Runaway Bay - part of the Breezes resort, offers a championship caliber, 18-hole golf course right in the middle of the Runaway Bay resort area.
Firefly - Noel Cowards home in the hills above Port Maria offers one of the most spectacular settings, and possibly the best views in Jamaica.
Fern Gully - drive through this 2 mile long ravine filled with ferns and other exotic vegetation.
Coyaba River Garden and Museum - these gardens featuring lush tropical vegetation and the beautiful Mahoe Falls are a haven of tranquillity in the foot hills above Ocho Rios.
Cranbrook Gardens - lovely gardens with great walking trails.
Shaw Park Gardens - stroll through this lush tropical garden located on the Ocho Rios Ridge overlooking the town. Highlights are the spreading banyan tree and the cascading streams running through the garden.
Groceries Shopping:
Scotts Supermarket - in Discovery Bay is the most convenient place for your grocery shopping. They have a reasonably complete line of products and should meet most of your requirements. They accept VISA and Master Cards.
General Foods - in downtown Ocho Rios is the largest supermarket in the area, and has the widest variety of products. They accept most major credit cards.
Moneysworth Meats - in Ocho Rios is the best place to buy meats and poultry.
The Browns Town Market - located in the hills above Discovery Bay is a renowned country market, well worth the trip for the scenery as well as the produce shopping. Have your driver take you there; of if you are driving, have one of the staff accompanies you.
The Ocho Rios Market - on the eastern edge of downtown offers fresh fruits and vegetables. This can be an interesting experience, but we recommend that at least on your first visit, you have your villa cook, or one of the staff accompany you.
The White River - in Ocho Rios is a good source for fresh fish and possibly lobster. The fishermen sell their catch there in the mid to late afternoons.
Shopping:
Island Village - is the newest shopping and entertainment complex in Ocho Rios, featuring a variety of stores, restaurants, night life and a movie theatre.
Taj Mahal - offers dozens of stores selling jewellery, clothing, souvenirs, cigars and other items.
Ocean Village - in the centre of town offers a variety of stores, banks and restaurants
Harmony Hall - exhibits and sells paintings and sculptures by top Jamaican artiest. Downstairs is the delightful Toscaninis Italian restaurant.
Wassi Art Pottery - beautiful pottery and glass.
Dining:
Margaretville
Island Village
Flavous Enchanted Gardens
China City
Jerk Centre
KFC
Burger King
Evitas - is the place to go for its fabulous view of Ocho Rios. The menu is a delicious and intriguing blend of Jamaican and Italian cuisine.
The Ruins - built around a waterfall and stream in a semi-outdoor setting is a unique setting to enjoy Chinese and Jamaican cuisine.
Toscaninis - one of the favourite places to dine for both locals and visitors.
