Overview
The Sandals Ochi Beach Resort is a special destination that offers the perfect balance between adventure, indulgence, and romance. This one completely transcended my “ordinary” idea of what a resort is like.
It’s a culinary having with over a dozen restaurants, an enchanting ambiance, swimming pools to scuba diving, and breathtaking accommodations. While it sure isn’t short on opulence, there really is something for every taste and budget.
I was actually surprised at how much I received for the price, not even taking into consideration the world-class service and amenities I was able to take advantage of!
The enormous 110-acre all-inclusive is understandably a hot sport for weddings and honeymoons, yet it’s the perfect location to celebrate any partnership. It may be just 5 minutes from downtown Ocho Rios, but it’s located on a private beach immersing you in paradise.
Sandals Ochi Beach Resort Review
| Room Types | Dining Options | Amenities | Water Activities | Land Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |
| One-Bedroom Suites | Vista Sky | 105 pools, 22 whirlpools | Snorkeling | Tennis |
| Private Pool Suites | Valentino's | Fitness Center | Kayaking | Golf |
| Romeo & Juliet Suites | Soy Sushi Bar | Business Center | Paddle Boarding | Squash/ Racquetball |
| Villa Suites | The Reef Terrace | Spa | Sailing | Beach Volleyball |
| Penthouse Suites | Neptune's | 11 bars, w/ 3 swim-up bars | Scuba Diving | Pool Volleyball |
| Manor House | Knee boarding | Table Tennis | ||
| Kelly's Dockside | Water Skiing | Shuffleboard | ||
| Great House Cafe | Bowling | |||
| + 8 More | Croquet/Horseshoes |
>> Check Availability and Pricing on Sandals.com <<
Getting to Sandals Ochi
Located in Ocho Rios, Jamaica it’s nestled amidst a whopping 100 acres of tropical beauty, the resort just exudes a fascinating atmosphere – from the rolling green hills to the pristine beaches. Needless to say, it is the biggest Sandals resort in all of the Caribbean, overlooking the postcard-perfect sea.
To make it a bit easier to navigate, it’s split into two sides with a road running between the two halves. Jitneys operate between the two lobbies almost all day and night, so it’s not a hassle to get around.
Without the jitneys, it’s simply too risky for pedestrians to be crossing as the road is very busy. They also do a great job of booking wedding parties together so you’re not all running back and forth to each other’s rooms.
I am so grateful for their convenient shuttle service to and from the airport, as well! The Montego Bay airport is about 1.5 hours from the resort, so all you have to do when you go through immigration after arriving is head to the Sandals booth and they’ll get you sorted out.
Rooms
The Sandals Ochi Beach resort comes with an impressive 529 rooms, which caters to couples, honeymooners, and those who are just married. Remember how I said that the resort was split into two sides? The rooms are on the seaside, and the luxury villas with Butler service are on the hillside.
The villas are a bit longer of a drive and spread out behind the Great House, but with the jitneys, it’s not a problem.
Each of the rooms features a kind of elegant colonial-style decor with dark woods and sleek neutral colors. Each comes with a 4-poster bed with white linens, along with AC, a 40″ LED flat screen, fully-stocked minibars and fridges, coffeemakers (thank goodness), microwaves, an amenities kit, and either a patio or balcony.
While not every single one comes with a water view, I did select the Riviera Seaside section which does include beachside vistas. They come in various categories from the standard Riviera Bamboo Grove Deluxe, all the way to the Villas and Beachfront Butler Suites.
Another fantastic option on the other side is the All-Butler Village, with suites in the Great House along with the option of various poolside villas. I was tempted to reserve one of the villas as they looked quite private and quiet, but you do share a pool with 3 other units, which could be the opposite of that.
The Best Time to Visit Sandals Ochi
Jamaica boasts a consistently nice climate, making it a year-round haven for adventurers. My preferred times to visit are during the dry and idyllic periods from July to August and December to April.
November and December offer temperatures ranging from 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, perfect for a holiday escape. Keep in mind, though, that mid-December to April tends to attract larger crowds. For those who can handle the heat, June to August is prime time, and despite some additional rainfall in June, it’s the best overall climate with fewer tourists.
If you’re on a budget, the rainy season from May to November offers incredible deals on accommodations and flights, and the rain is generally a gentle drizzle rather than a downpour. Personally, I’m a fan of Jamaica no matter the season. The climate is rarely extreme in any way.
What’s Included at Sandals Ochi
With 100+ acres at your disposal, you likely won’t even have enough time to try all of the features and activities included here! I certainly tried to, putting the limitless scuba diving and tennis courts to good use.
If you’ve never been scuba diving before, I can’t recommend taking advantage of this enough. They actually have professional, certified scuba instructors there to take you out and show you everything!
In addition, there are plenty of other water and land-based activities (more on that further down), from billiards to beach parties to enjoy!
As this is a romantic environment, I loved the fact that they included sparkling wine, unlimited Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wines, as well as fresh fruit throughout our stay. Top-shelf liquors are no added costs, and I loved the bars that offer unlimited cocktails and beverages. I didn’t even have to leave the room to enjoy the food and dinks, as room service is free and tips are prohibited (except for butlers)!
>> Check Availability and Pricing on Sandals.com <<
Dining Options
Vista Sky
- Serves: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Food: Seafood (with specific focus on fish)
- Dress Code: Resort Casual
- Reservations: Not Required
Valentino’s
- Serves: Dinner
- Food: Italian cuisine
- Dress Code: Evening Attire
- Reservations: Required
Soy Sushi Bar
- Serves: Dinner
- Food: Sushi, Seafood
- Dress Code: Resort Casual
- Reservations: Not Required
The Reef Terrace
- Serves: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Food: Southern Favorites, Comfort Foods
- Dress Code: Resort Casual
- Reservations: Not Required
Neptune’s
- Serves: Dinner
- Food: Mediterranean, Seafood
- Dress Code: Resort Casual
- Reservations: Required
Manor House
- Serves: Dinner
- Food: Jamaican, Caribbean
- Dress Code: Resort Casual
- Reservations: Required
Kelly’s Dockside
- Serves: Dinner
- Food: Mediterranean, Seafood
- Dress Code: Resort Casual
- Reservations: Required
Great House Cafe
- Serves: Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Snacks
- Food: Jamaican Specialties
- Dress Code: Resort Casual
- Reservations: Not Required
Tapas on the Riviera
- Serves: Lunch, Dinner
- Food: Small Plates, Worldwide
- Dress Code: Resort Casual
- Reservations: Not Required
The Mariner
- Serves: Lunch, Dinner
- Food: Light Snacks, Seafood
- Dress Code: Resort Casual
- Reservations: Not Required
Dino’s Pizzeria
- Serves: Lunch, Dinner
- Food: Gourmet Pizza
- Dress Code: Resort Casual
- Reservations: Not Required
Kimonos
- Serves: Dinner
- Food: Teppanyaki Style
- Dress Code: Resort Casual
- Reservations: Required
Le Gourmand
- Serves: Breakfast, Dinner
- Food: French Cuisine
- Dress Code: Resort Evening Attire
- Reservations: Not Required
Bella Napoli Pizzeria
- Serves: Lunch, Dinner
- Food: Pizza
- Dress Code: Resort Casual
- Reservations: Not Required
The Jerk Shack
- Serves: Lunch, Dinner
- Food: Caribbean, Jamaican Jerk
- Dress Code: Resort Casual
- Reservations: Not Required
Entertainment
Bars: With 11 different bars and top-shelf liquor at no additional cost, cocktails, wine, and beer is never in short supply here. Bars include the Swim Up Pool Bar at the Ochi Beach Club Pool, The Mariners Seaside Bar, Latitudes overwater Bar, Sundowner Bar, Ocean Beach Bar, Miss Ethel’s Piano Bar, The Amphitheater Swim Up Bar, The Polo Lounge Piano Bar, Swim Up Pool Bar at the Greathouse Pool, The Rabbit Hole Speakeasy Bar, The Bar at Kimonos
Live Shows: After-hours parties, open mic night, talent shows, fire dancers, steel pan bands, reggae grooves, theme nights, beach parties, White Party, karaoke
Other: Chocolate buffet, shuffleboard, lawn chess, croquet, basketball, beach volleyball, board games, pool tables, bocce ball, squash, horseshoes, climbing wall
>> Check Availability and Pricing on Sandals.com <<
Amenities
Pools – It’s crazy to think about, but Sandals Ochi has an impressive 105 swimming pools! Of all of them, The Manor Pool is the biggest, with 3 different levels. I find this is a great meeting place, as you can take a dip, relax in the submerged sun loungers, and even enjoy the firepit that’s literally a part of the pools! Not to mention the swim-up bar with friendly bartenders.
There are 4 whirlpools at the Ochi Beach and Riviera sections, but the Butler Village also comes with private pools for every few villas.
Fitness Center – The state-of-the-art fitness center is open 24 hours a day, so you can always fit in a workout. The machines are all from Life Fitness, along with Cybex, stairclimbers, treadmills, free weights, exercise bikes, ellipticals, and aerobic classes
Business Center – The resort comes with a very clean and modern business center complete with various computers and a printer, along with 4 meeting rooms that hold 500 people.
Spa – The spa treatments here are simply phenomenal, but they do come at an extra cost. It’s a great way to spend time together with your significant other, and you’ll be ready afterward to enjoy all those water sports!
Activities
Snorkeling – Snorkeling here is simply amazing, with clear waters and white sand. It’s very easy to get started and see an impressive array of sea creatures!
Kayaking/Paddle Boarding – Whether you choose kayaking or paddle boarding, you’ll be able to see the ocean from another perspective while getting in a workout! The “below the sea” type kayaks are very unique, and offer an even better view of the coral and other sea critters below.
Sailing – Glass bottom boats are included, offering a visual experience not often seen on a sailing experience. I found this to be a more relaxing way to explore, as we weren’t working out or focusing on staying balanced!
Scuba Diving – Unlimited snorkeling is offered at Ochi, with professional instruction included, and use of top-notch equipment. See tropical fish, reefs, and much more through the clear waters. Complimentary Newton Dive Boats will take you out to the best spots for seeing the sealife!
Water skiing/Wakeboarding – I’m a huge fan of board sports, but hadn’t tried either water skiing or wakeboarding out until my trip to Ochi. With pro-level Mastercraft boats to tow you around and professional instructors, you’re in good hands!
Tennis & Golfing – This is simply one of my favorite golf courses, with 18 holes and gorgeous views. The par-71 course even includes mountain and pristine sea vistas. There are both tennis courts outdoors and table tennis if you’re looking for a closer-distance game.
Wedding Accommodations
This is one of the most amazing places to hold a wedding, with huge spaces for the event itself, as well as the breathtaking overwater Serenity Wedding Chapel. There is enough room for even the biggest wedding parties, and after the ceremony, you can all enjoy the first speakeasy in all of the Caribbean: The Rabbit Hole!
The weddings here are so much fun to go to, as everything is taken care of and the staff always thinks of everything. Not to mention, the beautiful seaside views are simply unmatchable!
Pros of Sandals Ochi Resort
Located on a large, private beach near downtown Ocho Rios – it’s easy to access from downtown while still offering the privacy you can expect from an upscale resort.
- Romantic, adults-only – this is ideal if you want to avoid resorts with children or excess noise.
- Spacious, upscale rooms with various options – some of the rooms come with optional butler service, while many come with picturesque ocean views.
- All-inclusive rates – include unlimited meals and snacks at 16 restaurants, as well as room service and alcohol
- Many outdoor pools – with some including swim-up bars – the property offers a whopping 105 pools, 22 whirlpools, and plenty of space.
Cons of Sandals Ochi Resort
- Massive size – Property can be confusing to get around – it can be rather challenging to navigate, given the massive property size
- 1.5 hours from the airport – while it could be even further away, the 90-minute drive can be a bit of a hassle
- Beach – The beach is a bit small when you take into consideration just how huge the property is.
FAQs About Sandals Ochi Resort
Is Sandals Ochi resort couples only?
Not at all! It is adults-only, which just offers a bit more relaxation without worrying about having kids around.
Is Sandals Ochi beach private?
It is private, so you can expect a very clean beach with plenty of lounging chairs and allocated sections for swimming and catching some rays.
Is Sandals Ochi a party resort?
Not necessarily. It’s much more an upscale resort, however, don’t think that there’s not fun to be had! I had so much fun at the beach parties with the live music, and it was a great way to meet others from around the world.
Are there nude beaches at Sandals Ochi?
No, there are not nude beaches at Sandals Ochi. The closest one would be in Mandalay Bay.
Optional Experiences at Sandals Ochi Resort
Sure there is a ton of things to do at Sandals Ochi but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get off the property and explore some other things to do. Here are the ones we did that we can recommend:
White River, Blue Hole, Zipline & ATV Experience
This 4-hour tour is a fantastic way to see and enjoy the natural beauty of Jamaica, with professional guides leading the way! Start out at the infamous Blue Hole, where you’ll get to climb up waterfalls, jump into the crystal-blue swimming pools, and much more. After that, zip through the jungle canopy past the lush greenery and critters before heading down on the ground.
You’ll then make your way to a 17th-century Spanish Bridge to float the river on a tube, then dry off by zooming around on an ATV! After that, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite so enjoy authentic Jamaican Jerk and some drinks!
Taste of Jamaica Cooking Class and Estate Tour
Jamaica has some of the most delicious food in the world, as well as some of the most incredible natural scenery. Why not enjoy both in one perfectly arranged tour? With this one, you’ll be able to sit back and relax in a colonial-style Jitney Carriage (similar to the ones on the resort property) while they take you through a 1,000-acre estate. Listen to the sounds of the wheels, the birds chirping, and soak it all in before you dig into a dish of Jamaican Jerk Chicken!
You’ll not only get to taste it though – you’re going to help in creating it! This is a fantastic way to learn how to make the traditional dish and take those skills with you wherever you go. After, go on a casual walk through the bird aviary, where you’ll be able to see all kinds of local, tropical birds!
Luminous Lagoon Experience
If you already have a packed schedule, this is one of the best possible tours I could suggest. It’s an absolutely beautiful experience, that will really give you insight into the magic that Jamaica holds. Lasting just 35 minutes, you’ll get to go on a fascinating night cruise where you’ll get transported to the Luminous Lagoon. This lagoon is known worldwide for its countless microorganisms that emit a fascinating blue glow when touched!
Your guides are experts on the matter and know exactly where to go for you to see the highest concentrations. Enjoy this relaxing, smile-inducing cruise over the glowing blue waters and the cool nighttime air.
Lover’s Rock Catamaran Cruise Ocho Rios
Ochi is all about romance, and what better way to enjoy an evening than on a romantic sunset cruise on a catamaran with that someone special? Lasting 2.5 hours, it’s the perfect way to start off the night with some cocktails before coming back to land for some dinner at the resort. The catamaran is one of the most well-maintained, comfortable vessels I’ve had the pleasure of sailing on, and the service was top-notch.
While you sail along the picture-perfect waters, you’ll get to watch as the golden sunset covers the water in its red and yellow hues while sipping on all kinds of exotic cocktails! The appetizers are tasty, too!
>> Check Availability and Pricing on Sandals.com <<
Resort
Amenities
Room
Value
We enjoyed the Sandals Ochi Resort immensely!
