By: Jenny Bond, a Marvelous Mouse Travels vacation planner
Sandals Ochi, an adult-only all-inclusive resort in Jamaica's Ocho Rios, is a prime location for exploring Jamaica's nearby adventures, but also has plenty of activity onsite to never even leave the resort!
The resort is split into two sections with different personalities, almost feeling like two resorts in one. The Hillside is comprised of the Great House Village and the Butler Village, and has a luxurious feeling with most of the butler rooms located here. The Seaside section is closest to the beach and is comprised of the Riviera Beachfront Tower, Riviera Seaside Village, and Ochi Beach Club. Most of the rooms are luxury or concierge rooms, although there are a few butler suites in this area as well. Both sections have restaurants, pools, a spa, and entertainment. Ochi Beach Club doesn't have any rooms, but surrounds a lovely beach cove. A shuttle runs regularly between the Hillside and Seaside sections for easy transportation.
Sandals Ochi has rooms for all kinds of couples at various price points, making it a great option for both the budget-conscious couple as well as the couple looking to splurge on a special occasion. One of my favorites is the Romeo & Juliet Sanctuary One-Bedroom Villa Suite with Private Pool in the Butler Village. It is the ultimate choice for luxury and privacy, and a great option to consider for a honeymoon or anniversary.
Not only can you celebrate your honeymoon or anniversary at Sandals Ochi, but you can even have your wedding or retie the knot ceremony here. With a stay of 3 nights or more, a basic wedding is even included for free! However, the overwater wedding chapel is a dream wedding setting for only an additional $750.00 (at the time of this blog)!
With 16 restaurants and 11 bars onsite, there are plenty of options to quench your appetite and thirst at Sandals Ochi. From casual eateries with pizza and burgers to buffets and elegant dining, there really is something for every palate. Four restaurants require reservations, which you can make once you get to the resort. Kelly's Dockside has a lovely location out on the water and is a great one to consider for a sunset dinner. Soy is also a must if you like sushi and is a popular option for appetizers before a dinner reservation at Kimonos...or anywhere, really! I highly recommend getting a Club or Butler Level room so you can add room service to your dining options as well!
There is not a shortage of things to do while you are at Sandals Ochi. Entertainment options onsite include a piano bar, outdoor movies, themed nights with shows (Carnival Beach Party, anyone?), and The Rabbit Hole, the Caribbean's only speakeasy! You'll have to learn the password to enter...and it changes daily!
Watersports and land sports are both included, and there are a lot of great options from rock climbing to snorkeling, and even scuba diving! If you are certified, you can dive daily at no extra cost. If you are new to scuba, you can learn to dive for a small fee.
Golf green fees and transportation are also included at the Sandals Golf & Country Club, which is a short drive away. It is a gorgeous golf course with friendly staff, and the clubhouse is brand new!
If you want to have some adventures offsite, there are many excursions available which you can book ahead of time or even during your trip. Options include everything from a catamaran cruise to hiking Dunn's River Falls and so much more.
Sandals Ochi is a resort full of choices. You can have private luxury or a lively beach setting. You can choose from a large assortment of dining, entertainment, and activity options....or you can do nothing at all!
Use a travel agent for your next Sandals vacation to help you choose the best resort and room option for you.
