The journey to Ivy Cove began with a call from the owner, Maura Watson. “Come down to the villa,” she said. “Let’s talk where the sea is.” A simple invitation that held a promise of something more. I was writing a feature for Kareem’s Quest about this Westmoreland property, and meeting her on-site felt essential. I wanted to feel the air, hear the water, and see for myself what makes this place so special.
Watch my full video of this Place at the bottom of the article
Quick Facts
- Who is it for: Ivy Cove is ideal for groups of friends, large families, and especially for couples looking for a private, intimate wedding weekend.
- What it is NOT: This is not a bustling, all-inclusive resort with non-stop entertainment.
- Tip: Take full advantage of the two-person clear kayaks and single-person kayaks.
- What stands out: The unique, waist-high cove with its calm, crystal-clear water.
- What to carry: Groceries for your stay, as each unit has a fully equipped kitchen. Also, a good book, and maybe some art supplies or a laptop for creative work.
- What is it similar to:
- Places that are close by:
Location: Whitehouse, Westmoreland, Jamaica.
Contact: (876) 402-9171, book@brandivys.com
As I arrived, the first thing that struck me was the silence. It wasn’t an empty silence but a deep, peaceful quiet, punctuated only by the soft shush of the waves. The villa, a striking white building, stood against the backdrop of an endless blue sky and the deep greens of the surrounding foliage. Its clean, modern lines were softened by the natural landscape, particularly the manicured lawn that stretched to the water’s edge. Here, an old, towering tree provided shade for a wooden swing and a few lounge chairs, creating a scene of perfect stillness.
A Dream, A Promise, and a New Beginning
We settled on the lower veranda, a cool breeze passing through as we spoke. The story of Ivy Cove, as Maura recounted it, was one of personal resilience and an unexpected deal. Recently divorced from her Jamaican husband and needing a fresh start, she had a vision of building a home on Jamaica’s coast. She had worked as a realtor for a client, Mr. Malcolm McLeod, who owned large tracts of land in the area. This was prime beach property, but he was unwilling to sell. Maura, knowing him well, made a bold proposition: she would build him a condo in exchange for the land. “He agreed,” she said, “as I had all the risk.”
The property’s name came from a place of respect and gratitude. Mr. McLeod’s late mother was named Ivy. When Maura asked for permission to name the villa after her, he was happy to agree. The result was a four-unit quadplex, with each two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit spanning 3,000 square feet. Maura confessed that money was tight during the five-year build, but her builder, Peter Carbone, was patient. “I went with simple elegance,” she explained, detailing the clean whites and grays, the natural wood features, and the beautiful local Jamaican artwork and carvings that fill the space. Each unit, she added, was designed with huge outdoor verandas and balconies to maximise the connection to the sea, allowing the sounds and smells of the ocean to become part of the experience.
The Cove’s Special Calm
We walked from the veranda down to the water, the sand cool under my feet. The sea at Ivy Cove is unlike any other I’ve seen. It’s a shallow stretch of water, its surface so calm it almost looks like a lake. “The cove has a vibe and energy like no other,” Maura told me. “It’s shallow, and we often see starfish, stingrays, and snappers swimming by.” For Maura, a former lifeguard and a certified diver, the sea is a profound part of her life. She pointed out a fisherman’s boat gliding past in the distance, a common sight here. She mentioned that they even see a dolphin from time to time, and daily, pelicans dive for fish right off the shore.
As we stood there, a soft sound carried on the breeze—the distant chirping of birds and the sloshing of the water against the shore. She gestured to the westward horizon. “The sunsets at Ivy’s are spectacular.” The water itself feels almost like a warm embrace, a perfect place to wade and simply be still. Guests can take advantage of the complimentary kayaks—both two-person clear kayaks and single-person kayaks—to explore the water.
A Place for Connections and Creativity
While Ivy Cove has become a go-to spot for weddings, Maura clarified that it’s ideal for many different types of gatherings. “Most weddings rent two units for two or three nights,” she said. The property can accommodate up to 24 people, which allows families to enjoy privacy and extend the celebrations over a long weekend. The well-kept lawns and beach are a photographer’s dream, providing the perfect natural backdrop.
But beyond weddings, the villa has hosted family reunions, birthday parties, and even music videos. Maura shared a story that truly captured the villa’s unique atmosphere. A well-known dancehall artiste, Pablo YG, was a guest and ended up writing his biggest hit, “Rich and Richer,” right there at the villa. “Pablo said when he stayed in our condos that song came to his mind and it sure was a hit for him,” Maura said with a smile, a genuine moment of pride in her voice.
This story highlights a core aspect of the Ivy Cove experience: it’s a place that fosters creativity and connection. Maura’s goal is to create an atmosphere of peace, tranquility, and calmness. Guests, she explained, often hate to leave and many return.
A Quiet Passion
As our conversation wound down, I asked Maura what her personal favourite part of Ivy Cove was. She didn’t hesitate. “I love to watch guests laughing and enjoying Ivy’s,” she said. “When I see couples and families kayaking or grilling on the beach, that warms my heart.” Her joy isn’t in the business itself but in the happiness the property brings to others.
From its ambitious beginning to its quiet present, Ivy Cove shows a woman’s dream and a place’s inherent power to soothe and inspire. It’s a place where the human element is at the forefront, where the sea’s gentle lullaby invites you to relax, and where a simple beach house has become a setting for life’s most cherished moments.
How long does it take to get to Ivy Cove, Westmoreland, from these central points:
- Kingston (Norman Manley International airport): 2 hrs, 51 mins
- Montego Bay (Sangster International Airport): 1 hr, 23 mins
- Ocho Rios: 2 hrs, 59 mins
- Negril: 1 hr, 0 mins
Video of the Week
Ready to Go Beyond the Quest?
You’ve followed Kareem’s Quest, seen the photos, and now you’re feeling the call of the island. It’s time to stop scrolling and start planning your personal Jamaican adventure!
We created two definitive e-magazines to serve as your ultimate local guide, letting you build the perfect itinerary:
Get the Ultimate Jamaica Tour Guide Booklet. This is your blueprint for maximizing culture, cuisine, and famous landmarks. Use it to plan itineraries and visit the best places across the island.
For the Adrenaline Seeker: Grab the Jamaica Adventure Lovers Booklet. Packed with expert advice on thrilling river excursions, challenging mountain trails, and secluded off-road destinations.
Follow Kareem’s Quest
Useful Information about Jamaica
Click to check Jamaica’s Foreign Exchange Rate.
What is the weather like in Jamaica
The climate in Jamaica is very warm, with an annual average of 32 degrees/ 89.6°F. It is usually warm to hot all year round.
What is the time zone in Jamaica
Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5)
Immigration/ Custom Form
Every visitor is required to fill out a C5 form before entering Jamaica
