We visited Sandals Ocho Rios (also known as Sandals Ochi) in Jamaica in mid-October, and honestly, it blew every expectation out of the water. This adults-only, all-inclusive resort delivered on every level—service, food, atmosphere, and those gorgeous ocean views. We stayed in a butler suite, and let me tell you—the butler service was a total game-changer. Our assigned butlers were intuitive, attentive, and always two steps ahead of us. From setting up dinner reservations to decorating our room for my birthday and engagement surprise (yes, I got engaged here!), their level of care made the experience unforgettable.
They even spelled out “Happy Birthday” in flower petals on the bed and prepared a dreamy bath. It’s those little details that stick with you long after you leave.
We wrote this full review so you can figure out if Sandals Ocho Rios is right for you!
Sandals Ocho Rios Information:
Address: 130-131 Main Street, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Check Availability Here: Sandals Ocho Rios
Ratings:
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Food/Cleanliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ambiance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer Service: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kid/Family Friendly: 0/5 (Adults-Only)
Accessibility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Check out this insightful article by The Gallivanting Gallos on whether the Butler Service at Sandals is worth it?
Dining at Sandals Ocho Rios
Sandals Ochi is known for its incredible variety of cuisine—and it absolutely lives up to the hype. There are a whopping 16 restaurants and 11 bars on-site—including a tucked-away speakeasy that gives off old-school Caribbean flair. You can never go hungry here.
Before this trip, I was not a huge sushi fan. That changed fast! The sushi restaurant on-site completely converted me. It was so fresh and flavorful that I ended up eating there multiple times. The Jerk Shack was another standout—the smell alone will draw you in, and the food delivers every time.
Other favorites:
- Valentino’s for upscale Italian
- Neptune’s for fresh, oceanfront seafood
- Bella Napoli for wood-fired pizza
The buffets were always well-stocked, well-maintained, and surprisingly delicious. And the drinks? Let’s just say they don’t skimp. One of the nicest touches is you can actually pre-select your preferred liquors for the mini-bar before your stay, and they restock it often.
How to Get to Sandals Ocho Rios
After landing at Montego Bay’s MBJ Airport, you’re greeted at the private Sandals lounge stocked with drinks and snacks before taking the scenic shuttle ride to Ocho Rios. From there, a Sandals shuttle will take you to the resort in Ocho Rios—a scenic ride that lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Our driver even gave us the option to stop at a roadside jerk shack with a gift shop and restrooms. The journey along the coast is stunning, so be sure to grab a window seat.
Excursions & Island Adventures
We booked an excursion to the famous Dunn’s River Falls through Island Routes, the resort’s preferred tour provider. It was the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. You’ll form a human chain to scale the terraced waterfalls—stopping for swims and waterfall photo ops along the way. The excursion took just over 3 hours, which felt just right.
Other popular excursions include:
- River tubing down the White River
- Catamaran cruises with sailing and snorkeling
- Exploring the Blue Hole
- Jamaican style bobsledding at Mystic Mountain
Sandals Ocho Rios offers a number of local excursions hosted by Island Routes. I highly recommend checking some of these out whether you’re staying at a resort in the area or arriving by cruise!
Click Here to see cruises going to the area.
If you are looking to be pampered, in every sense of the word, this resort is for you. Yes, it’s expensive, but it is worth every single penny.
Before we left we took advantage of a deal to return within a few years and get a huge discount. In those few years we ended up having a baby and covid hit. We were still able to use that deal to return.
Customer Service:
From the moment we made our booking to the second we left, the staff at Sandals Ocho Rios went above and beyond. Everyone is genuinely warm and eager to help, often greeting you by name. Whether it was our butlers surprising me with birthday treats or the concierge team helping arrange a last-minute dinner, the service felt personal and heartfelt.
Kid/Family Friendly:
In short, no – and that’s the point. This resort is strictly adults-only (18+), with a romantic focus geared toward couples.
If you’re looking for a luxury all-inclusive resort that’s family-friendly, I recommend checking out Beaches Ocho Rios, their sister property that offers similar high-end service with a kid-friendly twist.
Accessibility:
While the resort is spread out across two sections (the hillside and the beachside), there’s a continuous shuttle that runs between the sections making getting around the resort a breeze. There are stairs in some areas, but ramps and assistance are available upon request. If accessibility is a concern, be sure to request a room that best suits your mobility needs.
Flying to Jamaica? You can take advantage of the Copa Airlines Stopover Program to get here! Click the link for more information!
Final Thoughts
If you want to be pampered from head to toe, eat incredible food, and sip cocktails with ocean views, Sandals Ochi is for you. The butler service alone makes it worth the splurge. And the vibe? Romantic, relaxing, and a little bit luxurious. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want a break from reality, this resort delivers.
We loved it so much we booked a return trip with their special rebooking offer—and even after a pandemic and having a baby, Sandals honored our deal. That says a lot.
Looking for the good, the great, and the seriously overrated? Our reviews page spills it all.
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Click Here to find this hotel and others like it in Ocho Rios on Booking.com
Is Sandals Ocho Rios the same as Sandals Ochi?
Yes! Sandals Ocho Rios is often called Sandals Ochi. They are the same all-inclusive resort in Jamaica, split between hillside and beachfront areas.
Is Sandals Ocho Rios adults only?
Yes, Sandals Ocho Rios is strictly adults-only and caters primarily to couples looking for a romantic, kid-free getaway. Try ‘Beaches Resorts’ for a similar experience but one that is family friendly.
Is the butler service at Sandals worth it?
We stayed in a butler suite and absolutely think it’s worth it. The service was intuitive, personal, and made our stay unforgettable—especially for special occasions.
What is there to do at Sandals Ocho Rios?
From beach lounging and 16 restaurants to excursions like Dunn’s River Falls and snorkeling catamaran cruises, there’s no shortage of things to do here.
How far is Sandals Ocho Rios from the airport?
The resort is about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Montego Bay Airport (MBJ). Sandals provides a scenic complimentary shuttle.
Are excursions included at Sandals Ocho Rios?
Most excursions—like Dunn’s River Falls or river tubing—are an additional cost, but they can be booked easily through Island Routes, the resort’s tour partner.
