PLEASE: NO PARTIES, NO OUTSIDE PERSONS - SEE RULES Located near Port Antonio, Jamaica, Belmont Villa is a magical place. It is situated on Alligator Head, a peninsula that overlooks San San Bay to the east, and the rough cliffs of Jamaica’s north shore to the west. Sitting on 1.8 acres of lush vegetation, Belmont enjoys peaceful tranquility and privacy, which make it an ideal getaway for a romantic retreat or a relaxed family vacation. For more information visit our homepage at belmontvilla. The property features expansive gardens and lawns, a large patio shaded by two almond trees (which perfectly hold two hammocks between their branches), a refreshing salt water pool and a romantic gazebo, all with magical views over San San Bay and Monkey Island, one of Jamaica’s most iconic natural sights. Belmont Villa has fully renovated interiors: a spectacular living room, featuring comfortable leather couches and offering sea views to the east and to the west. A kitchen that comes fully equipped with modern appliances and a center island that opens up to the spacious dining room, which features a large teak dining table that sits ten guests. All four bedrooms have modern en-suite bathrooms with showers and each opens up to a private or shared deck. There are king sized beds in three of the bedrooms, and two full/double sized beds in the fourth bedroom. Wi-Fi internet works reasonably well most of the time – though high speed data streaming is not always reliable. There is no landline phone, no television or any other kind of screens… believe us, this place doesn’t need it. The villa comes fully staffed with a chef, a caretaker, a housekeeper and a gardener, all of whom have worked at Belmont for many years and will welcome and care for you with true Jamaican hospitality. A driver can also be arranged at an additional cost. AMENITIES Bedrooms - Bedroom 1: king size bed, en-suite bathroom and shower, private deck, air conditioning, ceiling fan - Bedroom 2: king size bed, en-suite bathroom and shower, private deck, air conditioning, ceiling fan - Bedroom 3: king size bed, en-suite bathroom and shower, shared deck, air conditioning, ceiling fan - Bedroom 4: two full/double size beds, en-suite bathroom and shower, shared deck, air conditioning, ceiling fan Indoor - Open kitchen fully equipped with modern appliances - Large family room - Large dining room, table seats 10 - Wi-Fi internet access - Washer & dryer - There is no landline phone, television or any other screens Outdoor - Salt water pool - Gazebo - Wooden deck - Extensive outdoor furniture with various long chairs - Large and small outdoor dining tables (seat 8 and 5, respectively) - Snorkeling equipment - Kayaks Staff & services - Full staff: chef, caretaker, housekeeper, gardener - Overnight security guard - Driver upon request at additional cost Beaches & Things To Do Beaches - Frenchman’s Cove, one of Jamaica’s most beautiful and idyllic beaches, private property / entry fee, 10min walk - Winnifred Beach, popular beach where locals and tourists mingle, public beach, 15min drive - Boston Beach, small but nice little beach next to the famous Boston Jerk Center pits, public beach, 10min drive - San San Beach, beautiful setting with views on Monkey Island (same as from the property), private property / entry fee, 10min walk - Long Bay Beach, long beach with white sands and enormous beautiful waves, but unfortunately full of trash, hence a bit of a turn-off, public beach, 20-30min drive - Blue Hole / Blue Lagoon, brought to fame by the movie of the same name, starring Brooke Shields, mix of fresh water and sea water, somewhat run down private property / entry fee, 5min drive Things to do - Reach Falls: a lovely stretch of waterfalls and natural pools in a lush green forest, located about 45min east of Port Antonio, just past the town of Manchioneal. - Rio Grande Rafting: a peaceful drifting down the river on 25-foot bamboo rafts, sipping a beer and enjoying the beautiful scenery. The highlight is lunch at Belinda's riverside restaurant. - Scuba Diving: Jamaica is not the Maldives... but since the establishment of the East Portland Fish Sanctuary the fish population has increased nicely and with some luck you might see a turtle. The crew at Lady G'Divers are fun folks and will take good care of you. - Kayaks: ask our staff for the kayaks and snorkelling gear so you can explore San San Beach, Monkey Island and the Blue Lagoon on your own. Stay close to shore as it can get dangerous out where the waves break. Also, it is a good idea to wear water socks or sandals as there can be sea urchins during certain times of the year. More information online on the Belmont site. Broader region The Portland region of Jamaica is a lush paradise far, far away from the busy tourist beaches and cruise ship destinations of Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios. The broader region has been immortalized by dozens of Hollywood films like James Bond’s Dr. No, countless music videos and memorable commercials. In the 1940’s through to the 1960’s, the area was the private getaway for celebrities and royalty, like Ian Fleming, Errol Flynn, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Baron von Thyssen and the Aga Khan. Portland, Jamaica’s seventh largest parish, extends from the highest peaks of the Blue Mountains down to the easterly coast. It features a variety of complex landforms and a coastline dotted with caves, bays, rivers, waterfalls and cays. Port Antonio is the capital of Portland parish with a population of approx. 15k. Getting there - Belmont is located on the Alligator Head peninsula, overlooking San San Bay - San San Bay is approximately 15min east of Port Antonio in Portland Parish, Jamaica - Port Antonio is a 2.5 to 3 hour drive from Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) - Alternatively, it takes approximately 4 hours from Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ) - Both airports have several car rental agencies on site. Remember: road conditions are not always great (although they have vastly improved in recent years), traffic can be chaotic, and Jamaicans drive on the left side of the road. - We are happy to arrange for a driver upon request. Getting around - Having a car is definitely useful to get around the area and we would recommend renting one. - However, it is possible to manage without. The property is a few minutes’ walk from the main road where one can hail down route taxis for a moderate fee (do agree on a fee before getting in though). It is also possible to walk to Frenchman’s Cove Beach and San San Beach (5-10min walk). - There is no public transportation. What to bring - Sun screen and a hat: Jamaica is sunny and hot. Make sure you don’t get sun burned. - Umbrella: it rains very often in Portland, that’s why it is so green and lush. Showers rarely last for more than half an hour or so. Nevertheless, it’s good to keep an umbrella in the car. - Mosquito spray: thanks to the constant sea breeze, there are not a lot of mosquitos at Belmont, however, there are usually a few around at night and it is best to use protection in the evenings and mosquito nets in the bedrooms. - Cash. Not many places accept credit cards. There are ATMs at the airports and in Port Antonio. Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica! (Jamaican for "keep Jamaica clean") Belmont Villa is proud to support the Alligator Head Foundation (AHF), whose great work and efforts have led to the establishment of the East Portland Fish Sanctuary. The rental rate of Belmont Villa includes a US$10/day donation to the AHF, which we match 100% for a total contribution of US$20 for each day Belmont Villa is rented. Thank you for your support to keep Jamaica beautiful!