SANDY BAY, Hanover — Continuing on the work done to create Chukka Ocean Outpost in this seaside town in 2020, GW Architects Limited Jamaica is again the architect of choice as the popular adventure park adds 10 boutique villas to its offerings.

“It’s going to possibly cost somewhere close to US$5 million for the first phase,” Chukka Caribbean Adventures Executive Deputy Chairman John Byles told the
Jamaica Observer’s Real Estate on the Rock.

“The architect is Garfield Wood,” he added.

Now in the design phase, the plans include over-water villas that blend seamlessly into the seascape; cliff-side villas offering dramatic views and tranquil seclusion; spacious four-bedroom villas ideal for families and groups; along with a creative and eco-conscious hotel that embodies the rustic spirit of the Chukka brand.

“The idea is to give Jamaican investors alternatives to participate in the tourism economy through Airbnb-style short-term rentals located directly within the park,” Byles said of the villas.

“Guests will be able to stay where they play, enjoying the full adventure experience while investors are generating income through their investment. We are exploring [the idea] that these units, which will be offered for sale, may also be part of a real estate investment trust (REIT) structure, allowing broader participation,” he added.

REITs are companies that own, operate or finance income-generating real estate. They are seen as a way to diversify portfolios, a source of regular income streams, and good options for long-term capital appreciation.

Byles is confident that having Airbnbs positioned directly inside the heart of the action will give them an edge in the competitive short-term rental market. It’s all about location, he stressed.

“Not all Airbnbs are created equal,” he said.

“Those in resort towns with music, entertainment, and activities nearby always perform better than those that are remote without activities. That’s what we’re creating here — a product that’s not only compliant and licensed but also delivers top-tier rental returns because it’s exactly where people want to be during the day as a proven model elsewhere,” Byles added.

For more than 21 years he has focused on the development of experiential tourism. That is complemented by in excess of 30 years in business development and strategic planning.

Chukka Sandy Bay opened in December 2020, and this latest shift will transform it into a “stay-and-play” resort, offering guests direct access to exhilarating adventures and nature-based experiences.

According to Chukka, the project is being guided by Travelife standards — a leading benchmark for sustainable tourism — and is focused on advancing environmental conservation, community engagement, and cultural preservation, setting a new standard for conscious travel in the Caribbean.

“Central to the vision is a commitment to biophilic design — an architectural approach that fosters deep connections between people and nature by integrating natural elements into the built environment. This philosophy has influenced the existing Chukka Ocean Outpost and is influencing every aspect of the master plan — from layout to materials to guest experience — aiming to create a resort that doesn’t just exist in nature, but belongs to it,” said Chukka.

GW Architects describes Veil Villas as “uniquely designed… contemporary villas designed for individuals to interact and indulge in nature, as each villa is within an ideal environment to capture and complement the essence of the Sandy Bay area”.

They are designed to incorporate natural lighting and ventilation, natural landscape features and other elements, all with the aim of creating a more productive and healthy built environment for guests.

“We’re committed to creating something that showcases and protects nature,” Byles stressed.

“We want guests to feel immersed, whether they’re here for an adventure-filled weekend or a longer, more reflective stay. Jamaica has a spirit that’s hard to match, and we want to extend that biophilic experience into the design of these spaces,” the tourism executive added.

The villas will also unlock deeper, curated experiences with the surrounding communities, made possible by the smaller, boutique scale of the project.

“Guests won’t just have access to the park,” Byles noted.

“They’ll also be invited into the community through curated experiences that highlight local culture, cuisine, and craftsmanship. These are the kinds of connections that are harder to make at larger resorts; but here, they’ll be woven into the stay,” he explained.

Chukka Ocean Outpost is already a showcase of Jamaica’s ecological and cultural diversity, featuring signature experiences such as over-water infinity pools with crashing waves below, zip lines that soar from land to over water, bamboo rafting with local fishermen, and horseback rides through diverse landscapes.

The planned expansion will deepen those offerings and elevate the destination into a fully integrated eco-adventure retreat.