Frommer's Review
The opening in 2002 of this exotic-looking cluster of shops, restaurants, bars, movie theaters, and reggae-themed attractions represents one of the largest private investments in the history of Ocho Rios. Scattered over 2 hectares (4 acres) on a beachfront within a few steps of the city's cruise ship terminal is a replica of an idealized Jamaican village, complete with elaborate gingerbread, hundreds of feet of boardwalk, and a medley of psychedelic colors that glow, rainbow-style, in the streaming sunlight. It's not without its own theme-park, Disney-ish overtones: They include soundstages strategically scattered within the sightlines of bars that serve the kind of high-octane cocktails that could fuel a heavily loaded jetliner from here to Kingston. Music and hotel impresario Christopher Blackwell, who takes credit for the "discovery" and marketing of Bob Marley, is half-owner of this venture -- thus you won't find any shame here about emphasizing reggae as both a lifestyle and an artistic venue.
Within the compound you'll find about 35 shops selling clothing, books, souvenirs, "reggae wear," and Bob Marley memorabilia; and four or five restaurants and bars. These include everything from a branch of Margaritaville, a theme-ish offspring of the Jimmy Buffett song where drinks splish splash throughout the day and night; and other eateries specializing in fast-food versions of Jamaican curries and jerk chicken or pork. There's even a movie theater and an audiovisual art gallery/minimuseum, Reggae Explosion, celebrating in audiovisual form the evolution of reggae from a local art to music recognized the world over. With the exception of Reggae Explosion, which is separately recommended, and the movie theaters, entrance to most aspects of the compound is free.
Small-scale reggae presentations occur spontaneously, often when a cruise ship is in port, and large-scale blockbuster concerts are scheduled about once a month, and are usually attended by hundreds, or even thousands. Except when there's a world-class concert -- usually when there's no cruise ship in port -- there's no admission charged for entrance to the compound, but an alert security staff ensures that "panhandlers, pickpockets, and lowlifes" (at least those residing in Jamaica) are kept off the premises. Since its opening, the place has welcomed more than a thousand visitors a day.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
