FEATURES
We have taken great care to preserve the existing environment of mature trees and clear springs, while integrating the modern infrastructure necessary to create an urban oasis by the sea capable of servicing several thousand people at one time.
Significant features of the village
include:
| managed public beach with bathroom/changing facilities | |
| outdoor amphitheater and stage for major events | |
| brick pedestrian pathways and shaded timber boardwalks | |
| spring-fed lily pond with marine and bird life | |
| Village Square for street performers and craft producers | |
| 220 seat Cinema/Theatre with video conferencing/satellite broadcast facilities | |
| children's outdoor playground and indoor arcade | |
| interactive Reggae Museum |
ENTERTAINMENT
Entertainment is the order of the day at Island Village, with a daily programme of activities including fashion shows, cultural performances, art/craft exhibitions and beach parties; the evenings feature live performances by leading local and international artists on the Great Lawn, and is the host venue for a range of calendar events.
At the neighbouring ReggaeXplosion, one can take an audiovisual tour of the history of Jamaican popular music, tracing its roots from the days of Mento and Ska through the Rocksteady era, the emergence of Reggae and the domination of Dance Hall; with stunning imagery and fascinating historical insights, ReggaeXplosion provides a unique and evocative multimedia experience.
On the beachfront Margaritaville holds sway with an action packed sports and entertainment programme; with linkages to renowned pop icon Jimmy Buffett, this popular Caribbean sports bar is destined to become Ocho Rios' party playground.
RETAIL
Island village also provides a wide range of retail options, including:
| Duty Free Shopping | |
| Digital Photo Studio | |
| Resort Boutique | |
| Book Shop & Magazine/News Stand | |
| Souvenir Kiosks and Craft Booths | |
| Cigar Lounge |
ENVIRONMENTAL
Provision is being made for an information post for Friends of Sea, a
local environmental NGO responsible for the establishment of the Ocho
Rios Marine Park; this post will offer information and solicit donations
from visitors to Island Village to help fund water quality and coral
reef
regeneration initiatives.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Island Village plans to undertake a major youth outreach initiative through the primary and secondary schools in St. Ann and St. Mary, designed to expose students to an integrated programme of tourism awareness and cultural education.
An integral element of this initiative will be field trips to Island Village, which would include a visit to ReggaeXplosion, tours of visiting cruise vessels and local hotels, brief seminars by TPDCo and Friends of the Sea, and participation in scheduled performances at the Island Theatre and the Village Square.
OUTLOOK
The economic outlook for Ocho Rios is bright: development activity is underway on several major attractions in addition to Island Village, such as the Ruins, Dolphin Cove, and Roaring River Falls, in anticipation of further growth in this tourism mecca.
Major renovations are also underway at the new Sandals resorts in the area, as well as at Boscobel Beach, signaling renewed strength in the hotel sector.
The cruise ship sector continues to grow at a record pace, as Ocho Rios reasserts its status as the preferred port of call in the western Caribbean.
