Discovering the Enchantment of Bluefields Bay: Jamaica’s Best-Kept Secret
Bluefields Bay, tucked along Jamaica’s rugged South Coast, might just be the island’s most treasured hidden retreat, captivating visitors for over four decades with its secluded villas and timeless hospitality. Those in the know have quietly escaped to this paradise, gazing over mesmerizing emerald waters, only to leave with a vow of silence, fearing that widespread attention could erase its charm. A 1997 Washington Post article briefly exposed this secret, sparking a two-year booking frenzy, proving the fragility of its exclusivity. As of 06:30 PM +01, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, this blog delves into the allure of Bluefields Bay, its unique history, and why it remains a haven for discerning travelers.
A Retreat Carved from the Coast
While tourists flood Montego Bay Airport, boarding branded buses to all-inclusive resorts, a sleek white van driven by Percy, a tall and distinguished Jamaican with roots at Bluefields since the 1980s, offers an alternative. Percy steers south off the beaten path, regaling passengers with tales of how eccentric D.C. accountant Braxton Moncure and his architect wife Deborah transformed a rocky coastline into a luxurious retreat in the early 1980s, using CB radios for communication in an era without phone lines. Their vision birthed Bluefields, expanding from one villa to six, plus stunning suites, all perched above the bay’s pristine shores.
A Commitment to Community and Luxury
The Moncures’ legacy extends beyond architecture, with a profound impact on the local community. They’ve paved roads to rural schools, donated computers to classrooms, and provided monthly stipends to teachers through their foundation, which receives a portion of each booking. This philanthropy enhances the region’s infrastructure while preserving the bay’s serene appeal. Ninety minutes from the airport, Percy arrives at Hermitage, a breathtaking four-bedroom, three-bath villa with an octagonal open-air dining room, vaulted ceilings, and a stone patio featuring a pool that seems to merge with the ocean—a design masterpiece crafted by Deborah in a two-week creative burst.
Interior Elegance and Personal Touches
Inside Hermitage, every detail reflects Braxton’s meticulous curation. Freshly cut flowers adorn the space, alongside a regal table setting with a silver candelabra, a library of sun-bleached hardcovers, and a tortoise shell on the wall. Ornate Jamaican-made furniture, including claw-footed chairs and desks, evokes the warmth of an ambassador’s residence. The staff, led by 30-year-old head butler Dwayne—trained by Braxton since age 16—comprises a ten-person team of nannies, housekeepers, gardeners, night watchmen, and two private chefs, elevating “pampering” to an art form with service reminiscent of royalty.
A Coastal Oasis and Culinary Delight
Strolling past the pool, cement stairs lead to a private white-sand beach, where a classic Jamaican cabana offers frozen drinks and local IPA on tap, managed by Imani and Rudo, the latter doubling as captain of the outboard boat for reef excursions. The day peaks at the dining table, where Dwayne, now in a black bowtie, and his team serve appetizers on silver platters. The table, adorned with scattered blossoms, origami-folded napkins, and polished antique silverware, would impress Martha Stewart. Chef Shellyann Clarke, trained at Johnson and Wales, tailors menus to guests’ preferences, presenting world-class Jamaican cuisine that rivals global fine dining.
A Timeless Escape
Bluefields exudes a deliberate lack of urgency, initially unnerving but soon enchanting visitors into a state of complete relaxation. This seductive spell, nurtured by the Moncures and now carried forward by their son Houston and his wife Kate, ensures the retreat’s legacy endures. Though the villas’ availability remains uncertain as demand grows, the essence of Bluefields—luxury, community, and serenity—promises to captivate for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bluefields Bay
What Makes Bluefields Bay a Hidden Gem?
Bluefields’ secluded villas, old-world hospitality, and stunning emerald waters, combined with its low profile, make it a rare escape that guests guard jealously, fearing overexposure.
Who Founded Bluefields Bay?
Braxton Moncure, an eccentric D.C. accountant, and his architect wife Deborah carved this retreat from Jamaica’s South Coast in the 1980s, expanding it into a six-villa haven.
How Does Bluefields Support the Local Community?
The Moncures’ foundation uses booking proceeds to pave roads, donate computers, and pay teachers’ stipends, enhancing rural education and infrastructure.
What Is Unique About Hermitage Villa?
Hermitage features an octagonal dining room, vaulted ceilings, a pool blending into the ocean, and Deborah Moncure’s architectural brilliance, making it a standout retreat.
Who Is Dwayne, and What Role Does He Play?
Dwayne, the 30-year-old head butler trained by Braxton since age 16, leads a ten-person team with royal-level service, ensuring guests’ every need is met.
What Culinary Experience Awaits at Bluefields?
Chef Shellyann Clarke, trained at Johnson and Wales, offers personalized, world-class Jamaican cuisine, served with elegant table settings that elevate dining to an art.
What Activities Are Available at the Beach?
A private white-sand beach features a cabana with drinks and an outboard boat captained by Rudo for snorkeling, scuba diving, or sunset cruises near the reef.
How Far Is Bluefields from Montego Bay Airport?
The 90-minute drive, guided by Percy, takes guests off the tourist path to Bluefields, offering a scenic contrast to typical resort routes.
Is Bluefields Suitable for Families?
Yes, with nannies, private terraces, and family-friendly villas like Hermitage, Bluefields caters to all ages with tailored luxury services.
What Ensures Bluefields’ Future?
Houston Moncure and his wife Kate are preserving the retreat’s legacy, adding new elements while maintaining its unique hospitality and community focus.