Horizon Cottages - Rasta Ranch & Sea Ranch
Belmont, Jamaica

Imagine having a 'private reef' to yourself with access to two single kayaks -- all you need to do is bring your snorkel gear and you get to see the glories of a living coral reef, right in you front yard.

Sweet, little private, boutique compound that offers the opportunity to spend day after day taking in the beauty of an abundance of birds flying over the sea, watching pelican TV, diving in for fish, plus a coral reef filled with a variety of marine life. Some guests even swim out and back (it's just under 1 mile) or use the kayaks provided.

Sea Ranch Cottage (cottage closest to the ocean) sits directly on the water, and Rasta Ranch Cottage is just behind. There is a small sandy beach just steps from your door.

Sea Ranch Cottage Photos Below:

Each furnished cottage features a large living/dining porch with privacy shades, ceiling and table fanned bedrooms with queen size bed, fully-equipped kitchen, private bathroom -- and unique open-air showers with reliable electric hot water, outside in a walled garden of flowering vines.

Jamaican paintings, carvings and books abound. CD/radio players. Sea kayaks, hammocks, jetty with chairs, tables and lounge areas -- there isn't much you need to do here other than decompress, listen to waves and watch the birds fly by...it your own little slice of Jamaican heaven.

If you do not feel like cooking yourself or dinnning out at a handful of good little restaurants (either within walking distance or very short drive -- you can always get it to go), Laga, on of your trusted Yardies can be hired for local marketing, cooking and dinner service - he uses a separate cookhouse with freezer-fridge and oven. His fee is US$20 + grocery supplies.

Rasta Ranch Cottage Photos Below:

One hour from MoBay and Negril, yet off the beaten track in a traditional fishing village, Sea Ranch and Rasta Ranch at Horizon have been featured in Caribbean Travel & Life: Jamaica's Hidden Coast.

Seaside pavilion and jetty. Sea kayaking, snorkeling and horseback riding nearby. Horizon comes w/ housekeeper, dinner cook, gardener and night watchman. Tour guides are also available for wherever you want to explore: YS Falls, the Blue Hole Gardens, Black River, Whitehouse market, Appleton Rum. 

This private seaside compound in an untouristed fishing village is a favorite of artists, writers, honeymooners, and adventuresome first-time visitors who come back again and again.

Each self-catering cottage sleeps 1-2 guests
it is not appropriate for children under 15

  • Good swimming snorkeling in 12-15 ft waters + live reef, about 1 mile out to sea

  • Housekeeper 3 times a week, nightly security. Please give a gratuity of US$25/3-days (US$8/day)

  • Cook (Laga) available for hire for dinner service for US$20 + supplies

  • Two Sea kayaks for guest use

  • Wi-Fi for BYO computer

  • Great books to peruse

  • 1 queen size bed, ceiling & table fanned, private bathroom - - A/C available for a surchage or US$15/night. This is paid on island directly when used. We ask that you only use the A/C at night when preparing for bed and sleeping

  • Private outdoor elec. water heated hot/cold shower in garden/sculptural walk-in showers

  • Completely outfitted kitchen

  • Living-dining porches

  • Seaside jetty

  • Safe beach that you can easily walk out to your waist

    "Utterly charming" says the Lonely Planet Guide to Jamaica of Sea Ranch & Rasta Ranch, "two sweet cottages in a private ocean front setting".

  • Walk to Mt Carey, strait up the hill will take you past the play field where the children played -- a beautiful view of the village and the sea. Laga is happy show you the way, it is a great chance to meet the locals; farmers riding there donkey or tending there gardens, children playing, etc

  • Or you can just take in the sweetness of just doing nothing at all except watch some "Pelican" TV and drink a Red Stripe (one of mi favorite tings to do on island)

  • The famous Peter Tosh is a son of Belmont. His monument is just down the road you can walk right over to it, the locals there will show you around -- you may find his CD's or t-shirt on sale as well

  • Kayak to the reef which is about 2.5 km out directly in front of Horizon were you will see alot of sea life

  • A trip to Negril for some dinner and night life (45 min. drive).

  • Close by, the town of Savanna-la-Mar for shopping can be arranged (20+ min.)

Each cottage sleeps two (2) guests
No Children Under 16

Minimum reservation:
Winter: 5 nights
Summer: 3 nights

Sea Ranch Yearly Rates
1-2 guests..........US$170/night

Rasta Ranch Yearly Rates
1-2 guests..........US$160/night

 

Christmas & New Years Weeks
1-2 guests..........US$175/night

OPTIONAL SERVICES INCLUDE:

  • Airport Transfers from Montego Bay, US$100 each way

  • Touring by land with experienced guides

  • Boatmen for fishing/snorkeling

  • On-call US certified/licensed masseuses for a full spectrum of holistic/relaxation massage and other spa services

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

  • A deposit in the amount of 50% of the cottage rental will Secure your RE-confirmed reservation.

  • Balance is due at least 60 days prior to arrival, 75 days for Christmas or New Year's Weeks.

  • Please inquire for shorter/longer term rentals and cancellation policy.

COTTAGE OVERVIEW:

  • This is a self-serving cottage - Food/Drinks: Are Additional and Brought in by you. Although LAGA can be hired to cook meals for you for US$20/meal + ingredient supplies

  • Budget about US$30-US$45/person/day for breakfast/lunch/dinner -- One can spend more or less, depending on shellfish, imported food buys, size of meals.

  • The ONLY obligatory staff gratuity is to your housekeeper: US$25-US$30 for a 3-night rental. Please leave it under your pillow on departure day.

  • A/C is an additional surcharge of US$15/night. This is paid on island directly when you want to use it. We ask that you only use the A/C at night when you are getting ready for bed/sleeping.

  • Additional tips to LAGA and TREVOR at your discretion, depending on services provided -- provision sourcing; produce/eggs, hiking up the mountain across the road, walking around town, etc.. Please make sure you give them something for their time.

All rates are subject to change without notice.

Reviews:

"My wife and I recently stayed here in June. We did a lot of research before we decided to stay here. We truly wanted to experience Jamaica and all of it's culture and people. Mission accomplished. We can't say enough about the genuine beauty of this place. From the beginning, we were greeted with smiles from Shirley along with Hopie and Lagga. We didn't get to meet the owners, but we felt right at home from the start.

We rented a car, and drove most of the island. This is not for the weak at heart. However, after a few days, it became second nature. Pictures do not do the cabin justice. We really enjoyed the beautiful outdoor shower, or as we called it.....our air conditioner. The cabin is very well equipped. Just steps from the water and a coral reef within a kayak ride away.

Lagga took us out on the boat and we caught a bonito. Lagga cooked twice for us, and we can't say enough about how good the food was. Hopie was amazing and we truly felt like family. We truly enjoyed living like a local and would recommend this place to anyone with a sense of adventure. It's definitely not for those who choose to stay behind the gates of a resort. But if you're looking for the "real" Jamaica, this it for you."
~ June 2016 guests from Beaumont, TX

"My husband and I loved every minute of our stay in the Sea Ranch cottage at the Horizon property in Belmont. The cottage was beautiful and went well above our expectations. Falling asleep to the sound of the waves, waking up to beautiful morning light watching all of the bird life, kayaking everyday out to the reef to snorkel, sitting on our the front deck for hours relaxing and enjoying the wonderful sights and sounds of the ocean. Our hosts Mary and Esau were wonderful and big thanks to Hopi for keeping us neat and clean :-) For those that don't know the area very well, there are plenty of good places to eat right in Belmont and we ventured to Whitehouse a few times to eat at one of our favourites "Jimmyz". We can't wait to go back to this awesome piece of heaven!"
~ February 2016 guests from Mineville, Nova Scotia, Canada

"Mary, Esau, Mia, Laga, Hopi, Trevor, and Timings too ( the guard dog), We had a fabulous time. Every ting was Irie Mon! We witnessed some of the most amazing sunsets. We ate some really awesome food. Laga is an awesome cook. He made us curried lobster one night, conch a day later and a massive feast of lobster on our last night there. It was soo good. We also ate at Roberts and Dore’s many times (turkey neck is so good!).

We are very glad we decided to try the real Jamaica experience instead of the concrete made for you resort. Being mere inches from the sea and hearing the constant sound of the gentle surf was soothing and relaxing. Kayaking out to the reef and snorkeling was …… IRIE!!! I have only seen that on TV until now.

Mary, Esau and Mia are wonderful hosts and made us feel welcome the minute we arrived. The cottage was exactly what we were expecting and was unbelievably perfect. Hopi, Laga and Trevor each touched our hearts in their own unique way and everyone made sure we had anything we needed. Being invited to jam and sing to some awesome Marley and Tosh tunes with Trevor and Laga on our last night there was the perfect and fitting end to an unforgettable vacation.

Wolde and Dion from RAJ Tours were also excellent. They both showed and taught us a lot about Jamaica and also safely traversed us across miles of hair raising roads that surely would have been the death of us all had I been driving (very narrow and the wrong side for us Canadians). Tammie and I thank you all for a wonderful experience. We can’t wait to come back! We WILL be back!
~ February 2016 - Jeff & Tammie Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada

"What a wonderful place! My husband and I wanted a "real" Jamaican experience; living around locals and enjoying the beautiful views. Horizon Cottages gave us this and more. Mary and Esau are gracious and friendly hosts, and the staff is absolutely wonderful. Hopi cleans the cottages and was so sweet and helpful; once she learned I loved her fresh-squeezed orange juice she insisted on making more for me every few days. Laga is a great cook and was so much fun to hang out and talk with, and Trevor was so willing to get us anything we needed and a great fisherman. The cottage itself is so charming; gorgeous views of the Caribbean, comfortable bed and interesting decorations.

If you want constant activity and noise, you're better off going to one of the resorts, where you'll meet lots of others on vacation. If you want to truly relax, experience the peace and beauty of Jamaica in its real form, then stay at Horizon Cottages. We feel like we met our "second family" here; can't wait to go back!"
~ February 2014 guests from New York

"My wife and I came here for a much needed vacation. We are used to staying on the resort, but I wanted to do something different and actually "feel" Jamaica. I looked at the pictures and read the reviews over and over again hoping that Horizon Cottages would be what everyone said it was...It was that and more.

Loxley with Barrett adventures picked us up from the airport. He was very laid back, very informative, and took us to all the right spots to get us exactly what we needed. When Loxley opened the gate for Horizon Cottages the jaws of my wife and myself dropped. It was unreal. They took our bags to our cottage and Hopi meet us there unpacked our groceries and made us fresh squeezed orange juice out of some of the best oranges I have ever tasted in my life. We went across the street that first evening and ate at Richards...very good.

The next day my wife and I formally met Trevor, Laga, and Shirley the property manager. Trevor and Laga are super cool. They took us out for a snorkel at the reef (which is beautiful). Trevor also accompanied us to White House via bus (which is a fun experience) to get more groceries and Red Stripe of course. Laga cooked for us 3 times and each time was delicious. Try the Curry Chicken and Callaloo. Shirley is really sweet, if we needed something it was handled, but we didn't need much so it was mostly waves and hello's. On our second to last day we walked down to Dorrett's for Chicken and Crab Backs...they were so good. I still think about the crab backs now.

My wife and I spent most of our time sitting in the living room/patio watching "pelican tv" and sipping cocktails. The staff wass very respectful of our privacy. The ocean is clean and warm so every morning I would Kayak and then go for a swim. The accommodations were exactly what was needed, nothing less nothing more. We are already planning our next trip back to Horizon. Thanks Nicole!
~ June 2013 guests from Little Elm, TX

"We had a great time at Horizon Cottages, this was our last stop of 3 in Jamaica and with no doubt our favorite. it is a Cottage right on the sea front, with the most amazing view. you have your own private small beach,well equipped kitchen and beautiful verandah, perfect for romantic couples. the people that manage the property are nice and kind and will make sure you have everything you need. We will be back!"
~ May 2013 guests from Holon, Israel

"Idyllic place to unwind, unplug and read some great novels in the shade of your porch overhanging the Caribbean. Lagga is a fabulous cook. Ask him to prepare some yellow snapper. Yum! The place is a bit remote but the benefit is you'll get a taste of real Jamaica. We don't usually vacation in the same spot twice, but we are hoping to make an annual pilgrimage to the Sea Ranch cottage. Respect."
~March 2012 guests from Harlem, NY

"This great vacation spot will give you the authentic Jamaican experience. It allows for the option to travel for entertainment, if desired; to meet the local people to experience their true way of life, or privacy, if that is what you desire. A perfect relaxation spot."
~ March 2012 guests from Hartfield, CT

"This great vacation spot will give you the authentic Jamaican experience. It allows for the option to travel for entertainment, if desired; to meet the local people to experience their true way of life, or privacy, if that is what you desire. A perfect relaxation spot."
~ November 2011 guests from Thunder Bay, Canada

"As soon as the gates were opened to the compound, I was blown away, I wanted a peaceful on the water get away, I got so much more. Sea Ranch is truly a place that people dream of. It,s so quaint, so romantic, I was totally amazed, and had a time of my life. I really felt as if I,d been living a story book life and truly enjoyed every page.. And was so thankful that Miriam { my girlfriend had found you } Thank you so much to whole staff and I will be back..."
~ July 2011, guests Sarasota, Fl.

"This has become my absolute favorite spot in Jamaica. A small, comfortable cottage right on the water. Your own little cove to swim, kayak, play. Fishermen came right up to offer fresh fish, lobster, conch, or drive you out to the reef for snorkeling (which is tremendous there). The community is very cool (it's right down the road from Peter Tosh tomb). Not easy to get wine or groceries there, but Dorette's down the road had the best food I've ever had in Ja. Loved this place and will be back again."
~ July 2011 guests from New Orleans

“We had a great time at Horizon it was more then we thought it would be it was so romantic and we feel so much love that we decide to get married. Mary and Esau helped us planning for the marriage and they were our witnesses, the people in Belmont are so friendly it was nice to meet them. Horizon will always be in our memories. Thank you for the things you did for us.”
~ February 2009 guests from Holland (they stayed for a month)

"We had such a wonderful time! Unforgettable - and such lovely hosts!"
~ January 2009 guests from Broolyn, NY

"It was the holiday of a lifetime!"
~ 2006 guests from England

"Horizon's new 'Sun, Moon & Stars Pavilion' and jetty for sunning, swimming, reading, hammocking, a friendly game of Jamaican dominoes, toasting yet another glorious sunset -- or just blissfully chilling out. No wonder the Lonely Planet Guide to Jamaica finds Sea Ranch & Rasta Ranch Cottages at Horizon "utterly charming"...."
~ Guests from Portsmouth, NH

"We just got back from Horizon Cottages last night -- and we just wanted to tell you thank you, thank you, thank you! It was everything we wanted, and more."
~ Guests from New York City

"I just get dazzled by how the sea reflections bounce right off the bedroom ceiling. IT'S RIGHT THERE!!! Why in the world would I want to go anywhere else but Jamaica and Horizon with all this pure and simple beauty."
~ Guests from Los Angeles

"Why do we keep coming back to Horizon? Going anywhere else is just unimaginable. We can hear the sea from every single spot on the property -- let alone see those amazing turquoise blue waters..."
~ Repeat guests from Boston

"The simple yet stark beauty of Horizon, coupled with the thoughtful comfort of the cottages and their little kitchens
just put us right over the top."
~ Guests from Massachusetts