The Villa is just five minutes from Reggae Beach. This is Ocho Rios best kept secret. A quarter of a mile of clean white sand against a backdrop of lush tropical jungle.  It is surrounded by a coral reef, which is home to some of the most amazing sea life and a great place to dive. If you prefer a more lazy experience you can lie in the shade of a palm tree sipping cocktails from the Village Beach Bar and sample the fresh local dishes. This beach has everything from drinks to showers and music. It is open Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursday from 9 to 5. You must reserve a place and like many of the beaches around the island there is a charge. 

A few miles from the Villa is Harmony Hall and Prospect Plantation. Harmony Hall is a former Methodist manse that has been transformed into artist’s retreat and luxury resort. It regularly stages exhibitions, open on select Sundays from November to April. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet artists and collectors and there is also a new restaurant and bar.  10 am - 6 pm daily ring 975-4222

Close by is Prospect Plantation. This is the estate oflateSir Harold Mitchell, author, industrialist and politician and a great way to absorb the history of the island. You can learn all about the crops that thrive on the island including limes, bananas cassava and of course coconuts. The plantation tour lasts around an hour and a half and you see the estate from a tractor pulled cart. You are shown the cash crops as well as the produce so abundant on the island. There are also the gardens and the views are spectacular. Don’t forget to grab a drink to keep you cool during the visit.
Wassi Art Pottery Factory is famous for its decorated ceramics. As well as buying the wonderful creations, visitors can tour the factory watching how they turn a lump of clay into a beautiful work of at.