Mais Oui Villa FAQs – Discovery Bay, Jamaica
Including questions you should ask before you book any villa.
Expectations and customs differ across countries and cultures. To help you plan with confidence, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about Mais Oui Villa. If you don’t see your question below, please contact us.
Make it Jamaica. Make It Mais Oui.
Anticipated Costs
How much does it cost to rent the villa?
Rates depend on four factors:
- When you will be visiting (high season vs. low season)
- How long you will be staying
- The number of people in your group and how many bedrooms you will use
- Whether or not you are having an event at the villa
Once you have this information, contact us for a custom quote.
Do you charge for children?
Yes. Anyone age 3 or older is included in the occupancy count. There is no additional charge for children aged 2 and under who share a room with an adult.
Do your rates include airfare?
No. Airfare is not included.
Do we have to share the villa with anyone else?
No. Mais Oui is rented exclusively to one group at a time. Unrented bedrooms are locked off.
Are the rates guaranteed?
Rates are subject to change without notice. Quotes expire after 30 days. Rates are guaranteed only after we receive a signed rental agreement and deposit. The official site for Mais Oui Villa is MakeItJamaica.com.
What else should I budget for?
Use F-A-S-T3:
- F: Food
- A: Activities
- S: Souvenirs (shopping)
- T: Tips (gratuity)
- T: Transportation
- T: Trip insurance
Are utilities included?
Electricity, water, and cooking gas are included. Two 100 lb propane tanks per weekly booking are provided for heating the hot tub. Additional tanks can be arranged at your expense.
Is there a cleaning fee?
No separate cleaning fee. Base staff services are included in the rate. Staff gratuity covers additional cleaning/overtime when guests are in-house.
Booking the Villa
How do we book?
- Finalize your group size, number of bedrooms, and dates; then contact us via the website or email/phone.
- We’ll confirm availability and finalize rates.
- Return the signed rental agreement with a 30% deposit to confirm your booking.
What is the minimum stay?
We prefer one week or more, but consider 3+ nights. Christmas and New Year’s require a minimum one-week rental at full occupancy. If your dates overlap both holidays, both weeks must be rented.
Is a deposit required?
Yes. A 30% deposit is required. We cannot hold dates without a deposit.
Do you hold dates?
No. Bookings are first-deposit-received.
When is final payment due?
60 days prior to arrival (90 days for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s). For bookings within 60 days of arrival, the full amount is due at booking.
Do you take credit cards?
Yes. MasterCard and Visa.
Can we pay the balance in cash on arrival?
No. The balance must be paid by the deadline prior to arrival.
What is your cancellation policy?
- Cancellations 60+ days before arrival (90+ days for Easter/Thanksgiving): 5% one-time cancellation fee, or one-time reschedule within 365 days (new dates non-refundable; must meet minimum stay).
- Cancellations within 60 days of arrival (90 days for Easter/Thanksgiving): no refunds. No refunds for any part of Christmas or New Year’s bookings.
- No refunds for non-use of services, no-shows, late arrivals, or early departures.
- Reductions in headcount after deadlines remain payable as per the rental agreement.
We strictly adhere to our policy. We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation/interruption insurance (including Cancel For Any Reason options).
The Location – Discovery Bay
Where is Mais Oui?
In Discovery Bay, overlooking Rio Bueno Harbor—about 45–50 minutes east of Montego Bay and 30–35 minutes west of Ocho Rios.
How far is the villa from the airport?
Approximately 45–50 minutes by car from Montego Bay (MBJ). Kingston (KIN) is about 2.5 hours away.
Which airport should we use?
Montego Bay (MBJ) is recommended for proximity and more economical transfers.
How far is the beach? What is it like?
There are two nearby options:
- A secluded scenic cove about a 2-minute walk (via stairs; conditions vary with season/tide; not handicap accessible).
- “Big Beach” at Rio Bueno Harbor, about a 2-minute drive. It’s spacious and great for picnics and jogging. Walking along the main road isn’t recommended due to traffic.
Heavy rainfall can temporarily reduce water clarity due to the Rio Bueno River, typically clearing within 24–48 hours. Guests also have complimentary access to Puerto Seco Beach Club (about a 5-minute drive).
What is there to do nearby?
There are many activities within 30 minutes of the villa. Explore ideas on our site under Experience.
How close is the villa to town?
Discovery Bay town center is about a 5-minute drive. The villa is in a residential area and not within walking distance of shops or restaurants.
Do we need a car? Is parking available?
You’ll need transportation to get around. We can arrange a private van and driver (recommended). On-site parking is available if you choose to rent a car.
The Villa – Logistics
What are check-in and check-out times?
Check-in: 3:00 pm or later. Check-out: by 11:00 am. Early check-in/late check-out may be available by prior arrangement and fee, subject to availability.
- Check-out between 12 pm–5 pm: 50% of the daily rate
- Check-out after 5 pm: 100% of the daily rate
How do we get from the airport to the villa?
- We can arrange a trusted private van and driver (our preferred option).
- Tour buses (set rates for small groups, with per-person add-ons) are available.
- Car rental is possible, but driving is not recommended unless you’re familiar with local roads and driving on the left.
Who do I contact if I have issues during my stay?
We’ll create a WhatsApp group prior to arrival to coordinate your stay. On site, communicate with the Head of House and staff for assistance; we’re also available.
Is smoking allowed?
No. The villa is strictly non-smoking indoors and on bedroom balconies. Smoking is permitted only outdoors on the pool terrace, roof deck, and gardens. A $250 per-room fee applies for smoke remediation, and violations may result in eviction without refund.
The Villa – Occupancy
Do we share the villa with others?
No. Your group has exclusive use. The number of open bedrooms matches your booking; unused rooms are locked off.
How many guests can stay?
As stated in your rental agreement. Additional overnight guests incur a per-person nightly fee (paid prior to arrival). Non-overnight visitors require a prepaid Day Pass. Fees are subject to change.
How many people per room?
Rooms and rates are based on double occupancy. Two rooms can accommodate more than two guests depending on your configuration. Air mattresses and floor/couch sleeping are not allowed.
Is Mais Oui great for couples, families, and groups?
Yes. Ideal for up to 7 couples (the 8th bedroom is smaller). Multiple indoor/outdoor living spaces and amenities suit multi-generational families and groups.
Is the villa suitable for elderly guests?
Yes. There is a ground-floor bedroom suite and level access to key living/dining spaces. Door widths do not accommodate wide wheelchairs.
Do you allow children?
Yes. Children are welcome. Guests are responsible for supervising minors at all times, especially around the hot tub, pool, roof deck, and pond. We recommend children under 12 not use the hot tub due to health risks.
Is Mais Oui a party house?
No. We do not host Spring Break–style parties. Discovery Bay offers a quieter, family-friendly atmosphere.
Can we host a large gathering or event?
Family-friendly events (e.g., weddings, anniversaries, retreats) up to 30 people can be arranged. Event fees start at US$1,500. Pre-approval is required. Stereotypical “party house” events are not permitted.
Can I invite additional guests to visit?
All non-overnight visitors require a prepaid Day Pass. Overnight additions require pre-approval and a per-person nightly fee. For safety, unregistered guests may not stay overnight. Strangers (people not known to you before the trip) may not be invited onto the property.
What are the bed configurations?
- Suite Mais Oui: 1 king (plus adjacent room with 1 full; not air-conditioned)
- Orange Sunset: 2 twins (convertible to 1 king)
- Green Lime: 2 twins (convertible to 1 king)
- Library Room: 2 twins (or 1 king + 1 full)
- Blue Mahoe: 2 fulls
- Red Ginger: 2 queens
- Papaya I: 2 twins (or 1 king)
- Papaya II: 2 twins (or 1 king)
See more details: Bedrooms
How many bathrooms are there?
7 full bathrooms and 4 half-bathrooms. Papaya Suite’s two bedrooms share one bathroom; all other bedrooms have en-suites. Half-baths: two in the tennis garden, one by the pool terrace, one upstairs off the roof deck near billiards.
The Villa – Safety
Is the villa licensed?
Yes. Licensed by the Jamaica Tourist Board with annual TPDCO inspections.
Do you have health and safety protocols?
Yes. Mais Oui is certified COVID-resilient with vetted protocols and trained staff.
What security features are in place?
Gated property with automatic gates, external security cameras, and a security service. Fire extinguishers and interconnected smoke detectors are on site.
Is the pool gated?
The pool itself isn’t fenced, but doors can be closed to limit access. A pool alarm is available on request.
The Villa – Amenities
Is the villa childproof?
Child-friendly, not childproof. No pool fence or lifeguard; no stair gates. High chair, stroller, pack ’n play, toys, books, DVDs, and games are available.
Is there a TV?
TVs are in the first-floor living room and indoor bar, and upstairs in the library lounge (connected to Wii and PS4VR). Bedrooms do not have TVs by design.
Do you have cable/streaming?
Yes. Local cable plus Roku with a Netflix account. A Blu-ray/DVD player and some discs are available.
Is there Wi‑Fi?
Yes, complimentary. Best for email and browsing. Bandwidth does not support heavy simultaneous streaming for large groups.
Is the hot tub always on?
Heated on request. Two 100 lb propane tanks per weekly booking are provided; additional tanks are billed if desired. To conserve energy and cost, use the timer only when needed—most guests heat it for a few hours after dinner.
Is the pool shared?
No. The entire property and amenities are exclusively for your group. Pool towels are provided.
Is the villa air-conditioned?
Bedrooms have individual mini-split AC units. Please keep windows closed when AC is on; misuse may trigger shutdown and require a service call at your expense.
Can guests use the kitchen?
Meals are prepared by the staff (a highlight of the stay). Guests may cook alongside the chef by arrangement (no rate reductions). A guest-access bar area has a refrigerator, microwave, blender, and coffee maker. There’s also an outdoor mini-kitchen with a grill by the pool—staff can assist.
Can the villa be rented without staff?
No. Mais Oui comes staffed. Staff gratuity is required regardless of how much you use staff services.
Are spa services available?
Yes, by appointment for registered guests only. Advance booking is recommended.
Are toiletries and hair dryers provided?
Yes. Bathrooms have wall dispensers for shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner. All full bathrooms have hotel-style hair dryers; a salon-style dryer is available on request.
Is there enough dishware and glassware?
Yes. We can also coordinate rentals from local planners if needed.
Is laundry service available?
Yes. Guest laundry is US$25 per 10 lb load.
Are pool towels included?
Yes. Please use pool towels (not white bath linens) at the pool/beach and return all towels before departure.
Meal Planning
Is the water drinkable?
Yes. Water is filtered before entering the house. We also collect rainwater on site. A hot/cold water dispenser is available. Bottled water can be added to your grocery list if preferred.
Where can we buy groceries?
Our staff typically shops on your behalf. The closest store in Discovery Bay is about a 5-minute drive but has a limited selection. We currently arrange grocery shopping primarily in Ocho Rios.
What grocery budget do you recommend?
US$65–$80 per person per day for three meals is a helpful planning estimate (not a price). You pay the actual store/market receipts. Your choices and portions determine the spend. Agree on menus in advance to reduce shopping trips and transport costs.
How does menu planning and shopping work?
We usually stock your first dinner and next-day breakfast. After breakfast on Day 1, the chef meets with your group lead to review receipts, plan menus, and align on budget and activities. The chef purchases on your behalf and can provide updates as you go.
There are no grocery stores within walking distance; a delivery fee or taxi fare is added to your bill as applicable.
Do you operate a restaurant? What’s the per-meal price?
No. The villa has a residential kitchen and offers family-style dining tailored to your group. For dinners, we typically prepare up to two entrees for variety. There’s no per-meal “restaurant” pricing unless we’re catering an event.
Miscellaneous
Will there be insects?
Jamaica is tropical, so insects (mosquitoes, ants, flies, lizards, etc.) exist. We use preventive maintenance and fish in our ponds to help control mosquitoes. Help us help you: eat only in designated areas, don’t leave food/trash in rooms, use repellent, and keep doors/windows closed after dusk.
We want you to feel confident choosing Mais Oui—and delighted when you arrive. If you have questions we haven’t covered, please reach out.
Quick Facts
- Approx. 11,000 sq. ft.
- Accommodates up to 16 guests
- 8 bedrooms
- 7 full bathrooms + 4 half-bathrooms
Contact
Owners: Sherry & Darrell Looney
Address: 5 Bengal Harbour Place, Discovery Bay, St. Ann, Jamaica
Website: makeitjamaica.com
Email: darrell@makeitjamaica.com
Phone: 1-833-624-7684 (toll-free) or 914-709-0457
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