Villa $950 per week, Villa/van/driver $1750 per week

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at On Top of the World Villa. Additionally we were so happy that we decided to include the van/driver in our stay as that was one less thing to worry about. Lawrence, our driver, was very knowledgeable of the north coast attractions. His advice and help with dealing with the markets and places to eat was invaluable. We ALWAYS felt safe with him.

Tashae, the villa manager was fantastic! We all agreed to officially make her a part of our family after the first day of our stay! She went well above and beyond our expectations everyday. We were sad to leave her at the end our vacation.

The accommodations were clean & quiet, in a peaceful neighborhood. Excellent housekeeping and cook.

The accommodations were great as we were very comfortable and it was the perfect setting for a family vacation.

This was my 8th time to Jamaica and 7th to On Top of the World Jamaica Villa so I thought I would finally write a review.

This time began much like the rest with the driver picking us up from the airport. The transition from airport to van is easy. With some large airports the arrival area can be chaotic and overwhelming. Montego Bay airport is not that. The driver has always been waiting right as we enter the arrival area.

Once in the van it is a pretty smooth ride to the Villa now that the main roadway has been fixed up. I hear its about a 2 hour drive from the airport to the Villa, but I have never made it in less than 6 hours as we always stop at the local stops along the way and I would encourage other guests to do so as well. There are many bars and places to eat along the way that give you the true spirit of Jamaica. Drinks are cheap and you can usually barter on price, paying $200JMD or less for a Red Stripe, which is just over a dollar. This is much lower price than you would get in a more touristy place like Ocho Rios. Try a "cue" of white rum if you get a chance, it has a very unique taste and the locals claim it has many medicinal properties. The safe play is Appleton Rum, which tastes like a typical spiced rum.

Once at the Villa, we spend a fair amount of time just hanging out at the Villa relaxing on the veranda. The view is beautiful and the staff are very friendly and helpful. The first day we go to Port Maria and do the shopping for the week. I like the experiences of the town. Its one of the many free entertainment of Jamaica. Its a pretty active and fairly small downtown area so its easy to get around. There are usually a few tricksters on the street offering you some games to play. Shell game, cards, etc. If you choose to play, keep your wager fairly low as you are going to lose.

I've been to most of the attractions like Dunn's River Falls, Black Sand Beach, Boston Bay, etc. and they are all worth the visit, but mostly I just like sticking around the Port Maria area and hanging with the locals.

On the days that we don't have travel plans, we usually just walk down from the villa to one of the local shops, grab a Red Stripe, play dominoes and talk with the locals. Galley's is my favorite place.

If you are into the all inclusive resort thing, then this is not for you. If you like to experience the true Jamaican culture then you will be right at home On Top of the World.

A “Diamond in the Rough”

First off, there is nothing rough about this place. I had some concerns before I arrived. I had never been to Jamaica, but I have several friends who have stopped in Jamaica while traveling on a cruise ship. Their experience was they felt hassled during the short time they were on the island. They commented they would be skeptical about vacationing in Jamaica. Wow, were they wrong!

Our incredible vacation started with meeting the driver, Lawrence. He was ready for us the second we arrived. We knew we were in safe hands as we got to know him on the way back to villa. The trip from the airport to the villa turned out to be a scenic drive along the north coast. We stopped several times along the way at local bars and restaurants for a cold drink and some great food. Everywhere we stopped the people were extremely welcoming, friendly, and FUN.

When we arrived at the villa we were very surprised to find such a beautiful house, and BIG. The pictures do not do the property justice. But the real surprise came in the morning when we awoke to one of the best views we could have imagined. The property is high up on the hillside overlooking beautiful Cabarita Island and the town of Port Maria. You could see the small fishing boats heading out to sea each morning. It’s a surreal experience and one that will never be forgotten.

We had read some reviews about mosquitos being a problem around the villa and planned accordingly by bringing repellent. I don’t think anyone even took it out of their suitcase as the bugs were never a problem. We were in Cancun in December and the mosquitos were much more of problem. I guess anytime you are in a tropical location you should expect some bugs, but it was never an issue.

We visited several places like Blue Lagoon, Boston Bay, Long Bay, Bamboo Beach Club, and many of the local bars and restaurants around the villa. Lawrence was an incredible tour guide and always willing to offer suggestions and always around to make sure everyone was safe and having as much fun as possible. I have been on a many resort vacations throughout Mexico and the Caribbean, but I have never felt more immersed in the culture and welcomed by the local residents. I am a person who always prefers to vacation somewhere new each year. For the first time in my life I feel like I found the “right place”. This is a vacation you truly have to experience to understand….

My vacation at Top of the World Villa was in early January. What a beautiful spot! The villa was spacious and comfortable, the veranda was heavenly and we spent a lot of our time out there. I really enjoy laying out on the veranda and listening to the Jamaician music coming from the homes below. The driver (Co Co T) was a gem. We wanted to experience the country, the people, and their culture. Co Co T made sure we saw it all. We went to a hospital, a infirmary, a school plus all the local attractions in the area.. These were places we were interested in seeing. I am also glad he did the driving!! It was my birthday while there, my friends asked the staff for some help getting a cake. They got all involved in it and wanted to surprise me. They put a sign up and set a very festive table that evening. It was a surprise along with those darn candles you can't blow out!! Sunday we wanted to go to church so Tashae and Charmaine invited us to go to their church. That was so sweet of them to do. In the evening we watched videos and played cards. I usually take my pillow with when I travel, but traveling with just a carry on it wasn't possible. I was so afraid I would end up with this soft nothing of a pillow. Well they had the most comfortable pillows. It made my days so happy!

I was at "On Top of the World" Villa Jan 6th - 13th with friends. What a lovely place - The staff are very friendly, personable, and helpful.

We did sight seeing in Port Maria "Tour of the Town" is what the driver, Lawrence called it, Ochi Rios - Dunns River, Martguerita Ville, Flea Market, The Glistening Waters were very cool and others. The Manager, Tashae, and the cook, Charmine, invited us to attend church with them. We were welcomed by the Pastor and the congregation. We lounged on the Veranda - played games -watched movies and relaxed in the sun enjoying the view Had a GREAT time.

We read the review from the family that rented the villa the week before us and we didn't have any issues with bugs or mosquitos.

I would recommend to anyone who would like the real Jamaician Experience to come to The Top of the World Villa.