Butterfly Hill

Planning a trip to Treasure Beach is simpler than it looks, but a few things catch first-time visitors out. Work through this checklist in order. Each step links to the full answer.

1. Choose your dates

  • The driest, busiest months are December to April. Late April, May and late November are warm, quiet and better value.
  • Hurricane season runs 1 June to 30 November, with the greatest risk from August to October. If you travel then, buy travel insurance that covers weather disruption when you book.
  • Christmas and New Year book earliest, often eight to twelve months ahead. Most other dates are available two to three months ahead.

Read when to visit Jamaica, month by month and what the weather is really like.

2. Check the cost

  • Villa rates depend on the season and your group size. See the rates page.
  • Food is extra, and so is a staff gratuity of at least 15% of the rental total.
  • Flights, transfers and excursions are on top.

For a full budget, see what a trip to Jamaica actually costs and the large-group guide for a cost per person.

3. Flights and the airport transfer

  • Fly into Montego Bay (MBJ). The drive to Treasure Beach is about 2.5 to 3 hours.
  • Choose a flight that lands before mid-afternoon so you arrive in daylight, because the last stretch of road is unlit.
  • Arrange a driver in advance rather than on arrival.

See which airport to fly into and getting to the villa from the airport.

4. Documents

Check your passport validity and any entry requirements for your nationality well before you travel. The full list is in what documentation you need to travel to Jamaica.

5. Money

  • Bring a mix of US dollars in small notes and some Jamaican dollars.
  • Do not rely on cards in Treasure Beach. Cash machines are in Black River and Santa Cruz, not in the village.
  • Set aside cash for tips.

See money in Jamaica and how much to tip.

6. What to pack

  • Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and insect repellent.
  • Light, breathable clothing and a light layer for the evenings.
  • Do not pack camouflage clothing. It is illegal for civilians in Jamaica.

See the dress code and what to leave at home.

7. Health and safety

  • Buy travel insurance that covers medical care.
  • Bring any prescription medicines you need.
  • Carry a torch for evening walks, as roads are unlit.

See whether Treasure Beach is safe and whether the water is safe to drink.

8. Getting around and things to do

Many guests do one or two excursions in a week and spend the rest by the pool and on the beach. Good first choices are Floyd’s Pelican Bar and the Black River Safari. See what there is to do in Treasure Beach, how to visit Pelican Bar and whether you need a rental car.

9. Booking the villa

  • Butterfly Hill is a whole-villa rental with a private chef for breakfast and dinner, a housekeeper and a groundskeeper.
  • The minimum stay is three nights.
  • A 50% deposit is due at booking, with the balance due 60 days before arrival.

Ready to check dates? Check availability, or call +1 807 624-7667 and we will answer any questions personally.