Perfect for Independent Travelers

This accommodation is no longer operating as it was when I reviewed it.  I have chosen to keep this published just to show readers the kinds of accommodations that are possible to experience in Jamaica. 

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You may remember my review of Villa Bleu near Ocho Rios from last year.  It’s a beautiful accommodation option for groups traveling together.  However, there’s another piece of Villa Bleu that is absolutely PERFECT and super affordable for independent travelers or a small group of up to three people.

Nestled in the bottom right corner of that gorgeous villa above is an awesome, self-contained one bedroom apartment that’s fully equipped with everything one needs to comfortably enjoy their vacation.  This apartment has a separate entrance, a private grilled veranda, a full kitchen, bedroom and bathroom.  I had seen this apartment a year ago when it wasn’t fully finished yet and even back then I thought it would be the perfect little place to rest my head since I like to travel alone or with just one friend.

The Location

Villa Bleu is super easy to find and definitely stands out on the block with that beautiful color!  From the main highway going towards Ocho Rios I simply turned right up Steertown Road – the same turn to get to Scotchies jerk center.  Then you take the first left turn off Steertown Road, and then your first right.   Simple, direct and you’re within minutes walking distance to Scotchies, a gas station and several small local shops.  You’re also only a ten minute drive to Ocho Rios and popular tourist activities like Dunns River falls, Mystic Mountain and Dolphin Cove, if those are things you’d like to do.

Inside the Apartment

The veranda out front is ample size and has seating benches and chairs.  Walking through the front door of the apartment you’re greeted by the living area that is furnished with a sofa that folds down into a bed that would be comfortable for one person.  There’s a flat-screen TV and an awesome sound system in this living area and just beyond that there’s a little dining table and four chairs.  In the photos below you’ll see they already had the sofa folded down and made into a bed since there were three of us staying in the apartment.

Straight through from the living area is a full kitchen complete with 4-burner gas stove, microwave, fridge, water kettle and more pots, pans and dishes than I would ever use on vacation!  The kitchen is also equipped with a few staples such as spices, seasonings, tea and coffee.  In my opinion this is very SMART compared to many self-contained places I’ve stayed at.  It allows the guests to get settled in with necessities until they can get to a supermarket to pick up their own staples.

There is also a grilled back door off the kitchen which leads to the back yard.  We kept it open most of the time to allow the breeze to flow through the apartment.  There’s also a laundry line out back and an open fire grill if you’d like to do some barbecuing!  Perfect for jerking your favorite meat!

Just off the living area is a door to the large bedroom which is air conditioned and sooooooo comfy!  In fact, the first thing I did when I checked in is have a nice long, cool nap before venturing out on the road.  The bedroom is also large enough that there’s room for a single-person cot if you need it.  You’ll see in the photos below that they had it all set up in there for us.

And finally, located just outside the bedroom door is the full bathroom complete with a few shower essentials, hot and cold water, and tons of towels!  Don’t worry if you didn’t pack towels for sure!

The same as I mentioned in my full Villa Bleu review, the staff at the villa are also available with the apartment if you should want a true Jamaican home cooked meal.  Miss Kitty is the villa manager (and amazing cook!), Sharon is on hand as well, and Kemar is also on hand for maintenance and to assist guests with whatever they need.  One cool thing to note is that the big group who was staying in the large part of the villa when I was there were full vegans and Sharon was in the villa kitchen cooking up a vegan storm for them, so you know they’re experienced with all kinds of meal desires.

***UPDATE***

This accommodation is no longer operating as it was when I reviewed it.  I have chosen to keep this published just to show readers the kinds of accommodations that are possible to experience in Jamaica.