Looking for a perfect honeymoon spot or romantic getaway? Why not escape to paradise and travel to the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica where your dream Caribbean vacation awaits?
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or seeking fun in the sun, this all-inclusive resort offers the perfect environment for a love story to evolve. As Sandals Ochi is an adults-only resort, it’s the perfect place for relaxing and spending time with your loved one(s).
You will find my honest review of Sandals Ochi in Jamaica below. This includes everything you should know about the resort’s accommodations, activities, excursions, onsite restaurants, and more.
Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica
From the moment you step foot on the resort’s pristine grounds, you will be greeted with high-end amenities that will impress most travelers.
When I arrived, I was greeted with cranberry-kissed champagne and a refreshing cold towel.
What makes Sandals Ochi unique is that the property offers both beachside and mountainside room and villa experiences on its 100-plus acre resort. No matter what you choose, the views are stunning, and the staff will do everything to make you feel welcome.
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Accommodations at Sandals Ochi Resort
There are two areas of accommodations at this property to choose from–hillside or oceanfront, and you can request butler service at either. When it comes to the rooms, you will find 19 categories, ranging from romantic honeymoon suites to luxurious villa suites.
I was booked at the Riviera Beachfront Tower overlooking the beach and ocean so I got to meander through the luscious gardens to arrive in the Riviera area of the resort.
Dotted alongside the path are the spacious Butler Poolside Villas, which feature four-poster beds and mahogany furnishings. Beyond the beach are piers and cabanas where you can have privacy and sip your favorite hand-crafted cocktail by the sea or unwind with a glass of wine.
All of Sandals Ochi’s rooms and suites are well-appointed. The room I stayed in needed updating, so when you book your trip, ask for a room that’s been recently remodeled.
I noticed there were a lot of contractors remodeling certain areas. The new ones are beautifully decorated and offer plenty of amenities like a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator with beverages, air conditioning, a hair dryer, a coffee maker, a safe deposit box, and more. A lot of the villas even have a private pool!
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Activities
At Sandals Ochi, you have access to a wide range of activities that will make your Caribbean vacation truly unforgettable. This is something I also noticed at Sandals Dunns River, which is just 6 miles from here.
Water sports on the property include snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, and you can take a sunset cruise on the crystal-clear waters. Scuba lessons can be arranged as well.
I appreciated the Red Lane Fitness Center and lifted weights a few times while I was on my trip. It was well-equipped and had every type of free weight and/or machine to create a substantial workout while you are on vacation. Group fitness classes are also offered on the property and range from strength conditioning and ab classes to pool aerobics.
Some of the other activities that you can do include golf, tennis, table tennis, basketball, beach volleyball, and squash. There are many more, though.
If you’re more of a night owl, you might want to head to one of the resort’s beach parties with fire dancers. If this isn’t your thing, it’s good to know that you will also find talent nights, karaoke evenings, live shows, and live bands at the resort.
On top of all that, spa treatments are available at an additional cost too (make sure to bring your credit card, though, because you can’t pay with cash).
All in all, there are plenty of fun activities at Sandals Ochi – this is not a destination where you will get bored easily!
Swimming Pools and Beaches at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort
There are a whopping 105 swimming pools at the resort. This includes 7 shared pools and 98 private or semi-private pools that come with some of the rooms and suites.
Manor Pool, one of the shared pools, is a favorite among guests. One day, while I was eating delicious Jerk Chicken at the Jerk Shack nearby, they had a DJ playing reggae music, and tons of people were enjoying the large swim-up bar.
One of the best things to do when you’re visiting the Caribbean is to spend time at the beach, so it’s good to know that there are three dreamlike beach areas at the resort. While two of the beaches are a bit louder by the bar, the water sports beach is quieter, and I ended up relaxing on the dock in that area.
Excursions
Apart from its pools, beaches, and a large variety of activities, Sandals Ochi also offers plenty of fun excursions on the island. From horseback beach riding and catamaran cruises to hiking in the Blue Mountains and treetop ziplining, options are abundant.
You can book your excursions once you arrive at the resort or a day (or even a couple of hours) in advance. There’s no need to book them before your trip.
Food and Beverages
Food and beverage options are dotted all around the resort, with 11 bars and 16 restaurants to choose from. There are many curated dining experiences where you can take in breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. I loved eating fresh mahi mahi tacos or having salads with sumptuous grilled shrimp.
One evening, we dined at Kelly’s Dockside, an over-the-water and over-the-top romantic setting, and enjoyed exquisite cuisine prepared by chefs using only the freshest ingredients. As I feasted on filet mignon, the waves lapped over the dock just feet away, and the ocean breeze created the most magical setting.
In my opinion, the most unique, quaint, and coolest place on the whole property is The Rabbit Hole. It’s the Caribbean’s first Speakeasy.
Its setting is near the main pool at the Manor House, and the “rabbit hole” you enter is surrounded by ivy, so it blends into the environment so well you’d never know a top-secret bar is tucked into the resort. We were entertained by a remarkably talented female entertainer who belted out everything from beloved Broadway songs of the past to pop favorites of today.
Other Things You Should Know Before Visiting Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Jamaica
Before completing this review, here are some other useful things to know if you’re planning on staying at Sandals Ochi in Jamaica.
- Caribbean temperatures stay the same all year round, about 82°F during the day, but the dry season (mid-December to mid-April) is the best time to visit the island.
- Sandals Ochi is an adults-only resort.
- There’s a dress code at the restaurants in the evening – proper attire is required.
- Private airport transports are available at an additional cost. The resort is a 90-minute drive from the airport.
- Except for the butlers, tips are prohibited.
- It’s good to reserve a table in advance if you would like to dine at one of the resort’s most popular restaurants.
What to Pack for Sandals Ochi Beach Resort
This is my go-to packing list for any beach destination:
- Sundresses: Pack a few timeless dresses that can be casual or dressed up. This maxi dress can be worn with heels or sneakers and resists shrinking and wrinkling. If you are looking for a spaghetti strap, boho flowy look, check out this beach vacation dress.
- Lightweight cover-up or shawl: I love this HappyLuxe Shawl because it’s silky-soft to the touch and is designed with 95% Tencel and cashmere. Perfect to throw on if it gets chilly.
- Shorts: Classic Levi shorts are always an essential, and for something more lightweight, you can’t go wrong with cotton shorts.
- Cute tops: This babydoll top is perfect whether you are 25 or 65! Pair with shorts and you are ready!
- Stylish sandals: I love these Sam Edelman Women’s flat sandals; they can be worn daytime or evening and can be dressed up or down.
- Lightweight shirts: Pack a lightweight shirt that can be thrown on over a bathing suit or dressed up with shorts. They are great for added sun protection or a layer if you are a little chilly.
- Jewelery: Pack a few pieces to accessorize your outfits. These WaterDrop Earrings are versatile and classic. I also recommend jewelry that can make a statement. This Anne Klein two-tone bracelet watch fits the bill!
- Small crossbody bag: Perfect if you are just carrying your phone, room key and lipstick!
- Workout clothes: For those keeping on top of their routine, these women’s running shorts are lightweight, soft and comfy, and the quick-dry material keeps you cool when you are working out.
What to Pack for the Beach
Of course, to fully enjoy the beach, it is good to be totally prepared so you maximise your time on the sand.
- Swimsuit: This bathing suit will be stunning on every woman. The diagonal cut gives it an edge, and the scallops add femininity.
- Beach cover-up: Everyone needs this swim cover-up! Daughter Allison loves it, so if she gives it the style seal of approval, we need it in our cart!
- Flip flops or rubber sandals: These Archies sandals have excellent arch support, they are also lightweight, cushioning and relieve any foot pain.
- Sunglasses: An essential, of course! I love these cat-eye ones in the style of Jackie Kennedy Onassis.
- Sunhat: I love a stylish panama hat for any hot weather destinations, this one has a wide brim and can provide UPF 80-rated protection. It is also breathable!
- Quick drying towel: If your cruise or hotel doesn’t provide beach towels, remember to pack your own. This one is really handy, it is quick drying, compact and sand repelling. Also available in a range of lovely styles.
- Towel clips: Stop your towel from blowing off your sunlounger with these clips. They are small and lightweight, so they take up very little space in your bag.
- Packable beach bag: A mesh beach bag is great, it takes up almost no space in your luggage, and you won’t end up with a bag full of sand after a day at the beach.
- Hat clip: This handy clip saves your sunhat from being squashed in your beach bag. Simply attach it to your bag and clip the other end to your hat.
- Cooling towels: These towels are designed to cool you down quickly when activated with water, making them ideal for taking to the beach.
- Reusable water bottle: This insulated water bottle is an essential item for all my trips. It keeps water cool for hours and saves you from spending money on expensive bottled water.
- Portable neck fan: A portable neck fan provides instant relief in hot weather. This compact fan is worn around the neck and targets the face and upper body, keeping hands free to hold your drink!
Essential cosmetics for the beach
We don’t need a full face of make-up at the beach, but keep these few essentials handy to feel fresh and protect your skin in the sun:
- Mini cosmetics bag: Keep your essential cosmetics in a handy little bag to save rummaging around your beach bag for your lip balm!
- Lipbalm with SPF: Don’t forget about protecting your lips! This Jack Black Lip Therapy is my forever essential item.
- Sunscreen: Sunscreen is really important even if you think there isn’t a lot of sun; both of these sunscreens are recommended by dermatologists as one of the best and protect against UVA and UVB rays. I use this EltaMD one for my face and this Aveeno one for my body.
- Face mist: The salty air can make your skin feel quite dry, so keep it hydrated with a refreshing face mist. Keep it in your beach cosmetics bag for a spritz throughout the day.
- Moisturizer: Pack a little bottle of moisturizer in case your skin starts to feel a little dry, particularly your hands!
- Wet wipes: A little pack of wet wipes comes in handy for cleaning hands or refreshing your skin after a dip in salty water. These ones smell amazing, perfectly beachy!
- Electrolyte packets: Spending time in hot weather can dehydrate you quickly, and sometimes water isn’t enough. Pack a few electrolyte packets to add to your water to replenish lost electrolytes and boost hydration.
Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Jamaica Review: Final Thoughts
So why wait? Treat yourself and your lovebird to an unforgettable experience at Sandals Ocho Rios, where romance meets luxury in the heart of the Caribbean.
I hope you have found what you were looking for in this review of the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Jamaica and that it will give you a better understanding of the level of quality to expect at Sandals.
If you’re asking me, Sandals Ochi is an amazing place to stay if you’re looking for a luxurious adults-only resort in a magnificent setting by the beach…or its natural rainforest in the hills!
Every day is Valentine’s Day at Sandals. Book your travel deal here.
If you are looking for a different kind of vacation in 2024 and want to explore the world on a river instead of an ocean, check out the magnificent European adventure I had on a Viking River Cruise for my 60th Birthday.
Related posts:
- Sandals Dunns River Review: A Top Destination for Luxury Travel
- Tranquility and Sophistication at Tierra Tropical Beach Club and Restaurant
- TWA Hotel at JFK Airport: An Honest Review
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