My husband and I just spent five wonderful days in the Honeymoon Suite at the Rio Vista Resort Villas on Snow Hill in Port Antonio, Jamiaca. If you are looking to find the real heart and soul of the island, you need to come here. The owners and staff are warm and friendly, the food is some of the best we've ever eaten anywhere and the atmosphere is pure magic. Let me go back to the food for a moment... Sharon, our hostess (owner) and chef extrodinare makes everything herself. We dined on the veranda and in the gazebo beside the pool by candle light every evening. You MUST have her cook for you if you stay here, you will never eat so well anywhere else.
The view from our room was of the Rio Grand river, as it winds down from the Blue Mountains. This was part of the magic. One never tires of the picturesque view. Morning mist hides the peaks of the Mountains, and the afternoon gives you different look as the Blue Mountains, suddenly appear from behind the foot hills & bluffs to watch the sun set on the sea.
We rafted the Rio Grand river, lazily enjoying the lapping of the water while our Raft Captain, Antony poled us along. We shopped in the local market ate jerk lobster at Boston Bay and swam in the ocean at Frenchman's Cove. Don't forget to stop and swim at the Blue Lagoon also known as locally as the Blue Hole. This is the spot where they filmed the movie The Blue Lagoon (from the '80's). It is an amazing swim. The cold water from the mountains enters into and mixes with the salty sea water. They have welled up the spring water at its source into the lagoon and they say that the mineral springs have healing capablities. The lagoon itself is said to be "bottomless" by some and about 186 feet by others. Either way, the water is so clear, that you can look down in and see how far it goes down.
On another outing we ventured up to Holywell Park, which is part of the Blue Mountain, John Crow Mountians National Park. Talk about adventure, the drive is amazing. The views from the trails in the park are unexpected and unbelieveable. You can see forever.
This resort and its owners, Henry and Sharon Miller, are a one on one treat, with real jamaican food and atmosphere, but a one of a kind experience and view. We would recommend this resort to anyone looking for the real Jamaica and not just the AI's "never leave your resort", version of a vacation.

We stayed in the honeymoon villa recenetly for 4 nights and had a wonderful time. Our villa was beautiful, with hardwood floors, our own balcany, fresh flowers, and a king size bed (there is also a tv and AC). Plus the view! Rolling hills, the blue mountains in the distance, and the Rio Grand River below. The grounds are beautiful and Henry and Sharon are so kind. Sharon is an amazing cook and made us fantastic meals. Overall, a highlight of our 2 weeks on the island!

My family and I recently stayed at Rio Vista Resort (group of 8, Nov 2003). The property is very well-maintained -- grounds, pool, and villas. The owners were very gracious and helpful.

Yes, the property is not directly on the beach, but you won't find many properties directly on the beach in PA anyway. Also, the property is not in-town, but you won't find many properties in-town either. You should expect to drive to most destinations around PA, regardless of your accommodations.

Overall, we found Rio Vista to be an excellent value (especially since some in my party required A/C) and I would definitely recommend the villas to anyone staying in the PA area.

My first visit to Rio Vista Villas certainly won't be my last!! The villas are moderately priced, clean and very comfortable, mind a few lizards, hey it's Jamaica what do you expect! The "big house" is open to you at any time. The owners, Mr. & Mrs. Miller, are always around to chat with or take care of your needs and the staff are very friendly and helpful. Mrs. Millers cooking is exceptional!! Just let her know what you want after breakfast and you'll get it for dinner!! We met so many nice and laid back folks including Simone, the current "Aida" and daughter of Nina Simone. Look, Port Antonio is a quiet working class town and Rio Vista is not on the beach but the property is well worth the trip and you can get taxis to take you to all the nearby sites ( Sommerset Falls, Frenchmans Cove etc...) Just one evening relaxing by the pool watching the Rio Grande river and the stars in the sky and you'll understand why.