The Excitement of Island Village
Island Village is the first of its kind in Jamaica - a pedestrian mall offering an array of activities and stores. It features the top Jamaican stores, selling a range of products such as duty-free items, clothing, souvenirs, specialty goods, CDs, books and art. There's also a Reggae museum, art gallery, arcade, cinema, casino, cyber café and water sports centre. With just one visit to Island Village, you'll get a sense of Jamaica - its beauty, culture and creativity.
The brainchild of Island Records and Outpost founder, Island Village lies on five acres of land between the Fisherman's Beach and Cruise Ship Pier in Ocho Rios. The property extends from the main road to a beautiful white sand beach that opens onto Ocho Rios Bay, and is adorned by colourful gingerbread cottages and elevated timber paths set among tropical trees and waterways. The centre of the village, called the Village Green, is an open space with ample stage for live performances.
In this aesthetically pleasing setting, Island Village offers the best and latest technology and attractions. Adding to Island Village's appeal is the Cove Cinema, a cutting-edge 200-seat multimedia facility; Eight Rivers Casino, an adult gaming lounge; Galaxy Arcade, sporting the latest video games; and Cyber Jungle, a digital communications centre. And on the edge of the beach, you'll find Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, a happening and always-popular beach bar and restaurant - day or night.
On the beach, accessed either from Margaritaville or the walkway, is a water sports centre that provides motorized and nonmotorised water sports. Gear for snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing and other activities is available from the two shops on the beach.
Island Village is one of Ocho Rios' premier attractions. Thanks to its range of products and services, it appeals to a broad spectrum of interests and lives up to its goal of highlighting Jamaican culture and creativity. So if you're in the Ocho Rios area, a visit to Island Village is a must.