Although we only had a few days and although it was the beginning of the rainy (aka hurricane) season, it was exciting to experience the heavy rains followed almost immediately by sunny skies. Everything was lush, and verdant and the Miller's herb, spice and flowers perfumed the air. We relaxed in the pool, savored Sharon Miller's outstanding cooking (try the coconut shrimp, Red Stripe fish, jerk chicken --and you'll never want to eat elsewhere; even our finicky-eater 11year old was won over) and felt serene as we took in the most beautiful views. We stayed in the main building, in "the studio" --the master suite with a veranda in the front that overlooked flowering trees and royal palms and our terrace in the back that overlooked the Rio Grande, hills and Blue Mountain. Henry knows everybody and (when asked because he's never pushy), he was happy to make arrangements for us. He will drive you to different places if his schedule allows, so be prepared to pay for the luxury of a safe and comfortable trip (he isn't a free taxi service. Private taxis cost about $15-$20 US). Our raft captain was Anthony (aka Brother-in-Law); he's very welcoming and informative. He took us on a short hike up to Scatterwater Falls, pointing out local plants on the way. We continued up to Foxes Cave with Mr. Reginald and his young son. He provided us with miner's hat lights! It was quite an experience! Complete with tiny bats hanging upside down (they don't bother you at all so don't panic), fresh water, glistening stalagmites. Back on the river raft, we floated by vendors. Purchase a miniature bamboo raft at the beginning of your trip ($10US) it's the most authentic souvenir. If you visit a beach, try San San and ask for the boatman Dee (330-3730) to take you on a raft to Monkey Island for snorkeling, fresh coconut water and on to the Blue Lagoon. It is a most relaxing afternoon. One caveat: bring bug repellant and cover your arms and legs in the evenings: the mosquitos are merciless. The Miller's provide a laid back, gracious, serene taste of paradise.

Our stay at the Rio Vista was wonderful. We hope to return again next year.

The setting is beautiful, and while it’s remote, that’s just what we wanted. We enjoyed taking taxis to various beaches because it gave us an opportunity to learn about Jamaican life, history and the current political climate – our various drivers were friendly and willing to teach us all about Jamaica.

The food at the Rio Vista is outstanding. Sharon Miller truly is a talented chef. We had curried lobster, tropical shrimp, jerk chicken, and other great dishes – we never were disappointed. One of our favorite meal items was the large pot of Blue Mountain coffee with breakfast!

Two highlights of the trip were visiting Frenchman’s Cove (a great place for body surfing at a pristine, sandy-bottom beach) and visiting Boston Jerk Center (where we sampled jerk pork and jerk chicken with Red Stripe beer). We also enjoyed the Rio Grande river rafting experience.

I had read in Frommer’s guide that other destinations in Jamaica are for the “tourist,” while Port Antonio is for the “traveler.” Since we proceeded to visit Ocho Rios and Negril, I must agree with Frommer’s. Staying at the Rio Vista gave us an opportunity to experience authentic Jamaica, and the hospitality of owners Henry and Sharon Miller was unsurpassed!

We visited Rio Vista Village for 5 nights in April 2006. After reading all the good reports on this side – I must admit we were a bit disappointed.
You need to bear in mind that this is Jamaica standard – it is simple and not at all luxurious. The villas are clean but a bit worn out, the kitchen equipment are very old, and not suitable for cooking. The water boiler was ok, but part from that – just don’t plan to cook! The food at the restaurant was good, but quite expensive (Breakfast from 9-12 dollars).
The pool is too small for adults and too deep for kids. The property is situated away from everything – which means you need to drive or have the owner Henry to drive you. He is more than willing to do so – but of course you have to pay for it – more than the cost of a taxi. We would have liked to have the possibility of walking to another restaurant in the evening – the menu is limited so five days are more than enough …. The food is served on the Terrasse, which has a beautiful view over the blue mountain and the Rio Grande River – but unfortunately, a sand mill is located just beneath at the river side, and they kept working from early morning to late night (long after we went to bed!) – The peace and quiet was disturbed all the time – it was quite earsplitting.
Would we stay there again? No – it is too expensive, too worn out, too far away from everything. But if that is what you like – the area is beautiful (Photo showing the view from our window) – and the owners are friendly and nice – all though they charged us extra for some of the food and wine. Unnecessary and unwise, better to increase your prices and stay honest!
The city Port Antonio doesn’t have much to offer –but make sure you don’t miss Frenchmans Cove – a wonderful beach!

Three of us in my family, including my husband's 83 y.o. mother stayed with Henry and Sharon Miller, the owners of the Rio Vista Villas for a week in February, and we can't wait to go back again in September!
Our villa was spotlessly cleaned every day; Mrs. Miller cooks the most delicious meals we've ever tasted (for an unbelievably reasonable price!); the grounds are a naturalist's dream; the views of the river below are gorgeous; and our hosts treated us as if we were "family". Mr. Miller gave us a tour of his gardens and pointed out the names of all the flowering trees, shrubs, plants, etc. I really can't say enough good things about the hospitality, the affordability, and the value for our money that we received during that week. We are going back and taking our son and his wife in September, even though we've already been to Jamaica twice now, and usually choose another locale after we've made more than one visit somewhere. You will not be dissapointed if you visit Rio Vista Villas!!!