A 10-acre estate set high upon a hill where ocean views collide with mountain breezes, a paradise unlike any other beckons to be experienced. Iya Ites—local dialect for Higher Heights— is a private property in the John Crow Mountains of Port Antonio, hidden in a lush tropical forest overlooking the crystalline waters of the Caribbean below.
Far away from the noise of the tourist crowds, Iya Ites is your invitation to an exclusive and authentic Jamaican vacation.
The estate at Iya Ites features five separate accommodations that can be rented individually or combined to host up to 11 total travelers. Breakfast is included with each stay, and additional meals may be arranged with the on-site chef. All guests of Iya Ites enjoy the communal use of our large pool and cabana, open-air yoga loft, restaurant and lounge, and gardens.
THE RIDGE COTTAGE AT IYA ITES
This listing is for the entire two-story Ridge Cottage which features a living room with a futon bed, bathroom, kitchenette, breakfast terrace, and an upstairs bedroom. The bedroom is surrounded by three terraces, boasting 360-degree views of the Caribbean Sea, East and West Harbor, historic Port Antonio, Errol Flynn and Port Antonio marinas, and the lush Blue Mountains. Though we bet you’ll be too consumed with the nature, beauty, and views, Ridge Cottage has a broadband internet connection.
(Please see our other listing for The Nanny House (ID: 3285727). Four separate bedrooms/bathrooms rented individually can be combined to accommodate up to 8 total guests.)
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
All guests at Iya Ites have access to the following shared spaces:
POOL: Relax in or around our large pool with breathtaking panoramic views and an endless sea breeze. The expansive cabana provides ample shade and has proven to be an exceptional spot for mid-afternoon napping.
RESTAURANT & LOUNGE: Iya Ites has an on-site restaurant serving breakfast which is included in each night’s stay. Take in the view while you enjoy an authentic Jamaican breakfast of ackee and saltfish or callaloo, with a serving of Johnnycakes, festival, bammy, fried plantains, or toast. Coffee, tea, juice, and fruit is also included.
Lunches and/or dinners can be arranged at an additional cost. (Jamaican food is our typical offering, but on-site chef Willie is happy to accommodate specific requests with advance notice.)
GARDENS: A vast assortment of flowers, palms, and fruit trees—each with varying colors, shapes, and scents—have been strategically planted throughout the property. Guests are encouraged to walk the grounds and indulge the senses—discovering the hidden tables and benches throughout the verdant wonderland. Sample the breadfruit trees, read in the pimento grove, nap under a banana leaf, or be captivated by the water lilies speckled beneath the outstretched almond tree. Iya Ites is the epitome of a tropical oasis.
WATERFALL: Three hundred steps through an untouched tropical rain forest leads to our own private waterfall and river-jacuzzi far away from any sounds of civilization. The only buzz you might hear is from a hummingbird whizzing by. We are sorry to inform you that the Waterfall is closed due to a recent natural disaster.
Other things to note:
We are happy to arrange a personal driver for transportation from either airport. A private charter flight into Port Antonio or a rental car upon your arrival is also available upon request.
Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston - 2hr 40 min drive (106km)
Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay - 3hr 40 min drive (196km)
Noel, the caretaker of Iya Ites, resides onsite and is available for guided island activities, transportation, local recommendations, or just a fascinating story of his childhood on the island. A stay at Iya Ites affords the rare opportunity to experience Jamaica like a local.
Prefer a more secluded stay? Not a problem, Noel will stay out of dodge—he has plenty to keep him busy around the property to maintain its beauty.
About Port Antonio:
Tucked away on the northeastern shore of Jamaica, Port Antonio is largely unknown to tourists, affording its lucky visitors a true taste of this tropical mountain paradise long known as Heaven on Earth. This charming seaside town is simply the very best of all Jamaica has to offer: natural glamour, rich history, authentic cuisine (its the birthplace of jerk), enchanting landscapes, sparkling ocean waters, magical waterfalls, and more than a handful of iconic destinations.
TOP ATTRACTIONS NEAR IYA ITES:
Navy Island (8 min)
Somerset Falls (15 min)
Blue Lagoon (20 min)
Frenchman’s Cove (20 min)
Rio Grand Rafting (30 min)
Long Bay Beach (35 min)
Boston Beach & Jerk Center (30 min)
Reach Falls (60 min)
POPULAR DESTINATIONS NEAR IYA ITES:
Fort George (8 min)
Errol Flynn Marina (7 min)
Titchfield Peninsula (9 min)
Folly Point Lighthouse (10 min)
Folly Ruins (11 min)
TOP RESTAURANTS IN TOWN:
Dickie’s Best Kept Secret
Jovi’s Seafood
Hip Strip Jerk Center
Piggy’s
Wilkes Cuisine
