A new year brings the perfect excuse to discover a new corner of the world, especially one as breathtaking as Jamaica’s South Coast. Tucked along its tranquil shoreline, Bluefields Bay Villas & Suites has long been a cherished part of the community, not only offering a luxury escape to paradise for its guests but also giving back to the island itself. After sustaining significant damage during Hurricane Melissa in October, the beloved resort is now ready to welcome guests once again, reopening this month with renewed purpose and resilience.
Owners Debbie and Braxton Moncure built Bluefields Bay from the ground up, creating a world-class retreat deeply intertwined with the local community, employing and partnering with locals for decades. Through their Bluefields Bay Villas Foundation, the resort has played a vital role in post-hurricane relief efforts, helping residents rebuild in the wake of the storm. Today, their son, Houston, and daughter-in-law, Kate, carry on this legacy, overseeing the resort’s day-to-day operations with Houston as the managing director, with the same commitment to service, sustainability, and community.
“Bluefields Bay is a place that exists outside of reality,” Houston explains. “Time doesn’t matter, and the rest of the world just feels distant. It’s a place where one lets themselves disconnect and enjoy the natural beauty of the world that they are occupying.”
From private villas to personalized concierge service, the Bluefields Bay experience is tailored to every guest, ensuring a truly luxurious escape no matter the occasion. Guests can look forward to all-inclusive gourmet food and beverages, indulgent in-villa spa treatments, a variety of watersports, and private pools. Plus, the added convenience of professional nannies available right in the villa. After Hurricane Melissa, the resort – along with many local businesses – closed for several months, dedicating that time not only to rebuilding its own property but also to supporting and helping restore the surrounding community.
“This storm tested both the resort and our community, revealing some truly remarkable strengths in all of us,” Houston says. “We’ve been pushed to work harder than ever before, and in that process, we’ve discovered new creativity and a level of teamwork we didn’t know was possible. It reminded us just how resilient we are as individuals, as a team, and as a community. Everyone has stepped up for one another, and we’ve learned so much about each other along the way. As we prepare to reopen, there is an overwhelming sense of gratitude and excitement. It feels incredibly meaningful to welcome guests back and begin this new chapter together.”
Long before the hurricane struck, the Bluefields Bay Villas Foundation was already deeply invested in uplifting the local community. Over the years, the foundation has strengthened infrastructure, equipped schoolchildren with essential resources, and provided meaningful support to the local fishing community.
“The Bluefields Bay Villas Foundation was created to provide a structured way for the resort to give back to the community we’re a part of,” Houston says. “Two percent of every villa rental supports the foundation, which has traditionally focused on environmental and educational projects. In the wake of the storm, its efforts have shifted entirely toward feeding local families, providing clothing, and helping with essential housing repairs.”
Houston is thankful for all of the non-governmental organizations that rushed to help Jamaica in the hurricane aftermath. The resort is especially grateful to World Central Kitchen, who provided hot meals to the community.
As Bluefields Bay opens its doors once again, the resort invites guests not just to experience its unmatched luxury but also to directly support a place that continues to rebuild with strength and resilience. Whether planning your next getaway or looking for meaningful ways to give back, Bluefields Bay stands as a reminder of what can emerge when a community – and those who care for it – come together.
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Bluefields Bay donation information related to Hurricane Melissa:
https://bluefieldsvillasfoundation.org/
“This storm tested both the resort and our community, revealing some truly remarkable strengths in all of us,” Houston says.