Rae and Claire’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Attractions to visit in the local area
Climbing up Dunn's River falls is a highlight of any trip to Jamaica and its a stone's throw from no.8 Chillin.
Costs $US25 per adult and $US17 per child (as of April 2019)or J$1000 and J$500 per child for Jamaican residents.
Arrive early as soon as the falls open around 8.30am. This way you will arrive before the cruise ship tours and will have more space to take in the falls. You need to be reasonably mobile to climb up the falls through the cascading water. There is the option to exit the falls halfway up if you wish.
Wearing water shoes is essential and you will need to purchase some if you don't have any.
800 íbúar mæla með
Dunn's River Falls og Park
Main StreetClimbing up Dunn's River falls is a highlight of any trip to Jamaica and its a stone's throw from no.8 Chillin.
Costs $US25 per adult and $US17 per child (as of April 2019)or J$1000 and J$500 per child for Jamaican residents.
Arrive early as soon as the falls open around 8.30am. This way you will arrive before the cruise ship tours and will have more space to take in the falls. You need to be reasonably mobile to climb up the falls through the cascading water. There is the option to exit the falls halfway up if you wish.
Wearing water shoes is essential and you will need to purchase some if you don't have any.
Tree top adventure attraction a 5 minute ride from no.8 Chillin. Be lifted through the rain forest on the sky explorer chairlift. Ride the bobsled or try the zip line through the tree canopy. Have a relaxing swim in the infinity pool or meal in the restaurant both offering an amazing view of Ocho Rios.
There is also a tropical garden to meander around and souvenir shops
Our girls (aged 7 and 11) loved this place once we had recovered from the thrill of the skylift and skimming the tops of the trees! The pool is fun and has a waterslide.
450 íbúar mæla með
Mystic Mountain, Rigningarskógur Adventures
Tree top adventure attraction a 5 minute ride from no.8 Chillin. Be lifted through the rain forest on the sky explorer chairlift. Ride the bobsled or try the zip line through the tree canopy. Have a relaxing swim in the infinity pool or meal in the restaurant both offering an amazing view of Ocho Rios.
There is also a tropical garden to meander around and souvenir shops
Our girls (aged 7 and 11) loved this place once we had recovered from the thrill of the skylift and skimming the tops of the trees! The pool is fun and has a waterslide.
A well kept secret five minutes outside Ocho Rios. A serene nature park with waterfalls and river gardens.
We took a guided tour with an experienced local guide who explained about the original inhabitants, the Taino Indians, and introduced us to a variety of indigenous birds and animals before we climbed up the waterfall. Entrance fees are US$20 for adults and US$10 for children up to 12.
Our kids (7) and (11) really loved this place. Its not as busy as Dunn's River Falls and you are free to spend as much time as you like swimming in the pools by the waterfall. They also enjoyed getting close to turtles and exotic birds.
109 íbúar mæla með
Konoko Falls
Pimento Walk Main StreetA well kept secret five minutes outside Ocho Rios. A serene nature park with waterfalls and river gardens.
We took a guided tour with an experienced local guide who explained about the original inhabitants, the Taino Indians, and introduced us to a variety of indigenous birds and animals before we climbed up the waterfall. Entrance fees are US$20 for adults and US$10 for children up to 12.
Our kids (7) and (11) really loved this place. Its not as busy as Dunn's River Falls and you are free to spend as much time as you like swimming in the pools by the waterfall. They also enjoyed getting close to turtles and exotic birds.
Jamaica's top rafting destination on a 3 mile relaxing adventure on 30 foot bamboo rafts along the Martha Brae river. The cruise takes about an hour, you will be steered by knowledgeable captains are extremely experienced; ours had been working the river for 30 years!
The trip includes a complimentary welcome fruit punch at the bar on arrival in scenic picnic grounds. The park includes souvenir shops, a swimming pool and a herb garden.
The village is located 3 miles from the town of Falmouth and around one hour's drive from Chillin.
We visited to celebrate my husband's birthday and combined this with a visit to Glistening Waters, which is about 10 minutes drive away. Our youngest child (7) in the picture above really enjoyed this genteel water attraction. She had not felt ready to do any white water attractions. I think this would also appeal to any older members of your group.
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Martha Brae Rafting Village
Jamaica's top rafting destination on a 3 mile relaxing adventure on 30 foot bamboo rafts along the Martha Brae river. The cruise takes about an hour, you will be steered by knowledgeable captains are extremely experienced; ours had been working the river for 30 years!
The trip includes a complimentary welcome fruit punch at the bar on arrival in scenic picnic grounds. The park includes souvenir shops, a swimming pool and a herb garden.
The village is located 3 miles from the town of Falmouth and around one hour's drive from Chillin.
We visited to celebrate my husband's birthday and combined this with a visit to Glistening Waters, which is about 10 minutes drive away. Our youngest child (7) in the picture above really enjoyed this genteel water attraction. She had not felt ready to do any white water attractions. I think this would also appeal to any older members of your group.
Glistening Waters is one of the most unique natural attractions you will ever visit. Take a boat ride on this magical bay at dusk (usually around 7pm, depending on the time of year).
The lagoon is only one of 4 places in the world that is home to microscopic organisms that emit a bio-luminescent light when agitated. As your boat cruises around the lagoon the water is disturbed and the organisms begin to glow. You see a lightshow illuminating around the boat. Tours last around 40 minutes and if you wish you have the opportunity to swim in the water and create your own light show!
If you wish take photographs high quality, high resolution, DSLR camera's work best.
There is a restaurant overlooking the marina where you can take a meal beforehand if you wish. On our visit we did not pre-book but only had to wait for around 15 minutes and were entertained by a dance show on an outdoor patio.
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Glistening Waters Restaurant and Marina
A1Glistening Waters is one of the most unique natural attractions you will ever visit. Take a boat ride on this magical bay at dusk (usually around 7pm, depending on the time of year).
The lagoon is only one of 4 places in the world that is home to microscopic organisms that emit a bio-luminescent light when agitated. As your boat cruises around the lagoon the water is disturbed and the organisms begin to glow. You see a lightshow illuminating around the boat. Tours last around 40 minutes and if you wish you have the opportunity to swim in the water and create your own light show!
If you wish take photographs high quality, high resolution, DSLR camera's work best.
There is a restaurant overlooking the marina where you can take a meal beforehand if you wish. On our visit we did not pre-book but only had to wait for around 15 minutes and were entertained by a dance show on an outdoor patio.
Food scene
Included in this section are places that we have eaten and are happy to recommend, either for the quality of the food (Scotchies) or setting (Oceans on the Ridge) or both (Sharkies). They are all restaurants that we found to be suitable for kids and large family groups with that offered us a good service.
Sharkies Seafood Restaurant is located right on the beach at Salem, Runaway Bay. There is a great view out to sea and a relaxed vibe. They offer a diverse menu including fish, conch, shrimp and lobster, plus a great kids menu to include options for little ones that may not fancy seafood.
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Sharkies Seafood Restaurant
Sharkies Seafood Restaurant is located right on the beach at Salem, Runaway Bay. There is a great view out to sea and a relaxed vibe. They offer a diverse menu including fish, conch, shrimp and lobster, plus a great kids menu to include options for little ones that may not fancy seafood.
Oceans on the Ridge offers a breath-taking hilltop view of Ocho Rios and the coastline around. There is large outdoor covered seating area where you can stop for a meal or possibly a cocktail and take in the views. Its a great place to visit en-route to Shaw Park Gardens which is nearby.
12 íbúar mæla með
Oceans on the Ridge
10 Main StOceans on the Ridge offers a breath-taking hilltop view of Ocho Rios and the coastline around. There is large outdoor covered seating area where you can stop for a meal or possibly a cocktail and take in the views. Its a great place to visit en-route to Shaw Park Gardens which is nearby.
Scotchies Ocho Rios is one of the most popular jerk spots on the island and is located just 5 minutes away from Chillin. Décor is rustic and the vibe is relaxed and authentic. The grill is open 11am -11pm and serves delicious jerk pork, chicken, and fish. Scrumptious sides include yam, sweet potato, rice
and peas, bammy, and festival friend dumplings and soup.
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Scotchies Drax Hall
Scotchies Ocho Rios is one of the most popular jerk spots on the island and is located just 5 minutes away from Chillin. Décor is rustic and the vibe is relaxed and authentic. The grill is open 11am -11pm and serves delicious jerk pork, chicken, and fish. Scrumptious sides include yam, sweet potato, rice
and peas, bammy, and festival friend dumplings and soup.
Neighbourhoods
Falmouth, the capital City of Trelawny Parish, is a small historic town situated between about halfway between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
Although now home to a new cruise ship port with attractions, Falmouth is worth a visit more for its Georgian architecture. It was a deep water port, that was a trading town for the sugar and was once very wealthy. We took a walk around the town and saw highlights including the Albert George Market that was built in 1894 as a home for the town market and named after the two children of Queen Victoria.. The palladian fronted courthouse faces the sea in a grand tribute to the former significance of the trading port. Vermont House, now the post office, is one of the finest examples of a merchant trader's house.
There are attractions nearby that you can combine a trip to Falmouth with such as Glistening Waters, Martha Brae rafting, Rose Hall plantation tours.
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Falmouth
Falmouth, the capital City of Trelawny Parish, is a small historic town situated between about halfway between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
Although now home to a new cruise ship port with attractions, Falmouth is worth a visit more for its Georgian architecture. It was a deep water port, that was a trading town for the sugar and was once very wealthy. We took a walk around the town and saw highlights including the Albert George Market that was built in 1894 as a home for the town market and named after the two children of Queen Victoria.. The palladian fronted courthouse faces the sea in a grand tribute to the former significance of the trading port. Vermont House, now the post office, is one of the finest examples of a merchant trader's house.
There are attractions nearby that you can combine a trip to Falmouth with such as Glistening Waters, Martha Brae rafting, Rose Hall plantation tours.
Once a fishing village Ocho Rios has developed into a busy town that makes an excellent base for exploring the North Coast within easy reach of a myriad of natural attractions. Despite its popularity the town retains a relaxed vibe, especially when there is no cruise ship in dock.
An advantage of the town becoming a key tourist destination is that it has a good variety of places to eat and a nightlife scene.
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Ocho Rios
Once a fishing village Ocho Rios has developed into a busy town that makes an excellent base for exploring the North Coast within easy reach of a myriad of natural attractions. Despite its popularity the town retains a relaxed vibe, especially when there is no cruise ship in dock.
An advantage of the town becoming a key tourist destination is that it has a good variety of places to eat and a nightlife scene.
Borgartillaga
Samgöngur
Transfer from airport
There are 3 options to transfer from the airport to Chillin'.
1) Car hire.
It is easy to pre-arrange car hire and collect a vehicle from Montego Bay or Kingston airport. There are several car hire companies available. For clean vehicles and good service we have used and would recommend Alamo www.alamo.com
Other companies that offer a service are;
Island Car Rentals https://www.islandcarrentals.com
Budget www.budgetjamaica.com
Avis www.avis.com
2) Using reputable tourist taxi service JUTA. Private transfer to villa in modern air conditioned vehicle and assistance with baggage (from $49 USD). Also available to hire to take you to local attractions and tours. See website www.jamaica-tour.com.
3) Can be arranged by request through our Management Company S Group by the property Manager at Chillin. Please ask us to arrange this for you.
Ferðast með börnum
Babysitting service available
Babysitting services can be provided by our housekeeper Theresa or by another member of the housekeeping staff for a charge of US$10 per hour. It is courteous to meet the cost of her transport home in the evening as public transport is unavailable then.
Ferðast með börnum
Cot/crib available
A cot/crib can be provided if required. Please ask us!
Ferðast með börnum
Fast food options for kids
We have 2 kids with Jamaican heritage who have grown up in the UK. Although they are getting more adventurous and now love certain dishes like festival and BBQ chicken, we do find ourselves eating fast food at some point from the following;
KFC Ocho Rios
Burger King Ocho Rios
Pizza Hut Ocho Rios
Island Grill Ocho Rios
Einstaklingur á ferð
Independent travel is a great way to see Jamaica
We believe we offer the perfect combination between independent solo travel and safety. Chillin is located in a gated community with 24 hour security. The property itself has a private secure car park and there is a caretaker permanently staying on-site.