You can almost feel the ocean breeze whisk through your hair as you dream of your Villa Serenity vacation.

But you still have some questions. We get it, booking a villa in Jamaica can be a daunting task and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Here are some of our most frequently asked questions.

Rates

Where can I see a list of Villa Serenity rates?

Booking directly through our websites means you can be assured you’re getting the best price guaranteed. All discounts are automatically added to your rates at check out, so you won’t need to be searching for coupon codes.

Rates vary based on time of year, length of stay, and number of guests. You can check what your rate will be by entering your arrival and departure date, as well as the number of guests, on our “Book Now” page.

Your rate will be calculated and shown to you. Please contact us if you need help.

Ready to book? Click here.

Budget

How much will groceries and dining cost?

You will oversee groceries and dining costs during your stay in Jamaica unless you buy a meal and/or alcohol package. Luckily, you’ll have your very own personal driver so you can access the supermarkets.

Generally, you’ll need to budget $50 per person for food, not including dining out and beverages. If you’re coming to Jamaica to truly enjoy yourself and want to eat and drink well, you’ll be spending upwards of $150 per person, which includes alcoholic beverages.

The food costs depend on your palate, of course. Since you’ll be coordinating meals with your personal chef, they can recommend certain dishes. Generally local food and Jamaican dishes will be cheaper to make than more typical American food.

Alcohol, especially fine wine, and brand-label alcoholic beverages usually are comparable to American prices. Local alcohols are more affordable.

If this sounds too complicated, we also offer all-inclusive meal-cost options and pre-purchased alcohol packages as well.

Learn more here.

How does Ground Transportation work and how much does it cost?

We offer a number of packages with your stay at Villa Serenity. If you choose to add ground transportation to your trip, you’ll be treated to a licensed driver/tour guide. You can rest easy with the knowledge you’ll have a comfortable drive and a knowledgeable expert in the area.

Prices depend on how many people need to be transported.

If you don’t need a full-time driver during your stay in Ocho Rios, you can pick the round-trip airport transfer option. A friendly chauffeur will meet you and your party of 8 (or more if you book in advance) and take you to your luxurious villa.

The price of gas is partially included in the fees, however, if you use up the allotted amount of gas before your trip is over, you’ll be responsible for the cost.

Full-time van and driver for up to 7 passengers starts at $975/week. Airport transfer only is $240. All rates are in USD.

How do I handle tipping the villa staff?

Tipping is encouraged when you wrap up your stay with us at Villa Serenity. The staff in Jamaican villas and vacation rentals keep your visit as wonderful and smooth as possible. It is standard to tip 10% of the villa rental rate. In low season, it’s nice to tip at least 15%. So, in high season, you’d be tipping $1000 on a $10,000 stay.

But to clear up some common misconceptions, here is how you should do it.

• Tip on the last day of your stay.

• Split the tip and distribute it to staff individually. Alternatively, please place the staff member’s allotted amount in a sealed envelope with their name and give it to the house manager to distribute.

• Typically, the chef and house manager will get the bulk of the tip, but it depends on how many people served you during your stay and who stuck out to you. If someone went and above and beyond for you, give them a higher percentage.

• If you’re confused, and there is a large staff, tip the chef and house manager 20% each of your allotted tip, which leaves 60% of the tip to be split between the server, housekeeper, laundress, gardener, etc.

• If you have questions, please ask us!

Our staff loves to serve you and appreciates any tip you give them.

Ready to book? Click here.

Does my villa rental rate include tax?

Rates do not include tax. You will be subject to a 15% sales tax and a $2.00/per room per night Jamaican resort tax.

What are the payment requirements?

You’ll need a 30% deposit, along with a signed rental contract. This needs to be signed and delivered within 7 business days of making the reservation to hold your spot.

We accept checks, credit cards, wire transfers, PayPal, or Interac e-transfer.

The remaining balance becomes is due 90 days before arrival, or immediately after booking if the reservation is sooner than 90 days before the check-in date.

For Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s reservations, the deposit amount is 50% with final payments due 90 days prior.

Jamaica Basics

What travel documents do I need for Jamaica?

Anyone entering Jamaica is required to have proper travel documentation. This means a valid passport for everyone, including infants, in your party. In certain instances, you may need further documentation, to leave and enter your home country.

We recommend checking your passport expiration date before embarking on your trip. Your passport should be valid for at least another six months before take-off.

What currency does Jamaica use?

Jamaica uses the Jamaican dollar. The symbols for it are J$ or JA$. American cash is accepted in almost all touristy areas, and you should bring some American cash with you if you’re coming from the US. Generally, a couple of hundred USD is sufficient.

You can exchange your cash for Jamaican dollars or keep it for tipping. When you are looking at prices in Jamaican dollars, while the exchange rate fluctuates, 1000 Jamaica dollars is equivalent to $6.50 in USD to put things into perspective.

Where can I book flights to Jamaica?

What an exciting feeling it is to book flights! We like to use Google Flights to review everything the airline is offering. Just to compare, you can also check out CheapFlights.com, CheapOAir.com, Cheaptickets, Orbitz, Priceline, and Expedia. Jamaica is a popular tourist destination, so it’s not difficult to find flights that work for you.

Book your tickets about 6 to 8 weeks before your arrival in Jamaica for the best deals.

Make sure to book in advance, especially for peak season, as places get booked up fast!

What is Jamaica’s weather like?

Jamaica is a tropical island paradise. With consistent temperatures in the 80s and 90s all year round, you’ll get the beach vacation you’re craving. Lows at night are in the 70s, even in “winter” time.

There are fluctuations in the weather. May and June and September and October are the rainiest months to visit, but it generally is a refreshing tropical rain.

Hurricanes rarely hit Jamaica even during hurricane season in September and October.

What do we do in case of a hurricane?

Hurricanes are extremely rare in Jamaica. Even when other Caribbean islands have been hit with devastating torrents, Jamaica has remained relatively unscathed. In the past 61 years, only 7 hurricanes have hit Jamaica.

Hurricanes can normally be predicted in advance, so make sure to watch local news before embarking on your trip.

We do recommend purchasing travel insurance, even if you aren’t going during hurricane season. We at Villa Serenity use Rental Guardian. Travel insurance will protect you against bad weather or other emergencies and provides you peace of mind.

Will my cell phone work in Jamaica?

Yes! Common US carriers like AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon will have service in Jamaica during your stay. We recommend calling your service provider in advance and discussing international plan options prior to your trip. While your phone will work, roaming charges can add up fast, so it’s best to buy a plan that will cover you during your vacation.

Another option is to purchase a plan in Jamaica. This is sometimes cheaper than an international plan but can be a hassle for shorter trips. You’ll need to make sure you have an unlocked phone.

We recommend Digicel. You can purchase a prepaid plan in Jamaica that will give you a Jamaican number and minutes and data.

Villa Serenity also has a complimentary phone for you to use during your stay. Local calls are free. You can make international calls by purchasing a calling card from a store.

Is Jamaica a safe place to visit for tourists?

Jamaica is a safe place for tourists to visit, provided they follow common safety protocols. If you stay in the touristy parts of town, don’t get lost at night, and keep your belongings nearby, you will be safe during your stay.

Our villa in Jamaica is conveniently located in Ocho Rios, a city that is often ranked the safest in Jamaica. Ocho Rios has virtually no violent crime, but you still need to watch out for petty crime like pickpocketing when you’re on the streets. The increased police force in popular areas has limited even small theft as well.

Typically, the violent crime you hear about is down by gangs outside of tourist centers.

Furthermore, staying at a villa offers another layer of protection. Villa Serenity is gated and has 24-hour security. With a smaller staff than a resort, there is less coming and going.

If you have questions about your safety during your stay with us or before, or if you’re wondering what places you should avoid, please contact us.

Ready to book? Click here.

Terms and Conditions

What is your minimum stay?

In order to provide you with the best service, we require you to book at least a 7-night stay at Villa Serenity during Christmas and New Year, and at least a 3-night stay during the peak and low season. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you have booked accommodation at Villa Serenity and need to cancel or alter your booking, please contact us here. (https://www.jamaicaoceanviewvilla.com/book-villas-in-jamaica/) We will try to work with you to give you a refund or credit for your next stay, but we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to avoid losing any money.

Please be aware that an administration fee of $200.00 will apply to all cancellations. Full payments for your villa are required 30 to 90 days before arrival.

We recommend that all travelers coming to Jamaica purchase travel insurance. Insurance can be quite affordable and protects you against emergencies and cancellations.

We offer travel insurance to visitors from the continental US for your stay with us at Villa Serenity. If you are visiting us from outside of the continental US, you will need to purchase travel insurance covering international travel. Travel insurance can be purchased any time before your stay with us but cannot be purchased if you have started the cancellation process.

Can I bring extra guests?

With 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, you can sleep up to 16 people comfortably in the villa. If you’re going to bring extra guests, please contact us in advance. You will need written permission so that you do not incur extra costs.

Villa Basics

What does a stay at Villa Serenity include?

Villa Serenity includes breathtaking ocean views, a luxurious villa, a pool, and a private beach. You and your party will be treated like royalty: your every need and desire will be personally catered to by a chef, butler, housekeeper, and laundress.

Villa Serenity is air-conditioned, has free Wi-Fi, and a TV as well. There is also a dedicated game room with everything from board games to foosball.

What something a little extra? Be sure to check for additional package options to make your stay even more luxurious. Options like chauffeur service and fine dining packages are some of the most popular choices.

What does the villa staff do for us?

The villa staff truly makes the experience. Their attention to detail goes above and beyond what you may see. Unlike vacation rentals in the US, you’ll be waited on in Villa Serenity. This starts before you arrive, and every morning before you wake up.

A personal chauffeur will pick you up at the airport, so you avoid trying to figure out transportation in a foreign country. Your villa is meticulously prepared with luxurious fresh linens by the housecleaner and laundress.

During your stay, they will keep your linens clean and wash your clothes if you so desire: they’ll be returned to you smelling fresh and folded neatly. They’ll also add flowers to your villa for a homey touch.

Your personal chef will meet with you and discuss meal options and will often purchase the food for you as well as cook it. They’ll have steaming Jamaican coffee waiting for you on the porch when you wake up. You’ll then enjoy a full and varied Jamaican breakfast that you don’t even need to wait for. You’ll enjoy this service for every meal during your stay.

Your chauffeur will be available to drive you when you need them. They’re also very knowledgeable and will be your tour guide if your so wish.

This is just the beginning of everything the staff does for you at Villa Serenity. The staff truly makes it a one-of-a-kind experience.

Ready to book? Click here.

Where is Villa Serenity located in Jamaica?

Villa Serenity is located on the harbor town of Ocho Rios, the adventure capital of Jamaica. Located on Rio Nuevo Bay, you’re footsteps away from the sparkling Caribbean water. You’ll love the location of the villa. And, you’ll have a driver to take you into town if you need. Most attractions are within 15 minutes of the villa.

What time is check-in / check-out?

Check-in time is 4 pm at Villa Serenity. Check-out time is 11 am. If you have special circumstances, please let us know prior to arrival and we can try to work with your schedule. If other guests aren’t going to be staying in the villa on your arrival and departure days, we can generally accommodate most requests.

Choosing a Villa

How do I choose the right villa?

We know you have a lot of choices when it comes to villas in Jamaica. Before deciding, you’ll want to figure out what’s important to you. Private pools, resort access, private beaches, personal dining, and family-friendly are common considerations. You’ll also want to determine how many people will be staying with you.

Villa Serenity is the ideal location for families and large groups alike. With 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, ocean-view balconies, and personalized service, we can assure you that you’ll have a trip of a lifetime. As an all-inclusive resort with the privacy and personal staff, we know you’ll have a spectacular time at Villa Serenity.

So, what are you waiting for? Book with Villa Serenity today. Click here.