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One of the things I love about the Sandals brand of all inclusive, adults only, luxury resorts is there is a resort for every travel style and budget. And if you are on a tighter budget, Sandals Ochi is a great option for an awesome vacation. Located near Ocho Rios, Jamaica, this is the largest, and often best priced Sandals Resort. I got to stay here recently and had a fantastic time. Keep reading for my full Sandals Ochi review.
Sandals Ochi Review
Sandals Ochi is one of seven Sandals Resorts in Jamaica and one of their 18 properties located throughout the Caribbean. As a Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club member (the highest travel agent they have) I have been to all of the Jamaica Sandals resorts (and Beaches Negril). I do love them all, but I have to tell you, they are all a little different and certainly have their own unique personality.
Where is Sandals Ochi?
Sandals Ochi is located in beautiful Ocho Rios Jamaica. This resort is about 90 minutes from the Montego Bay airport and just twenty minutes from the recently opened Ocho Rios airport.
Ocho Rios airport is serviced by flights on American Airlines from Miami. Montego Bay does have more flight options from the US, and the drive to the resort is not bad at all – nothing like driving to one of the three Sandals Resorts in St Lucia. The drive is all along a highway and when you book a Sandals vacation, your round trip airport transfers are always included.
You can also fly into Kingston, Jamaica, if that works better. It’s about the same distance from Kingston to Sandals Ocho Rios as it is from Montego Bay.
Ocho Rios is also a great spot for awesome excursions – on our visit we did a half day to Dunn’s River Falls, and on my recent visit to Beaches Ocho Rios, my daughter and I did the Blue Hole and White River river tubing. Next time I want to do Mystic Mountain. When you book your Sandals trip with me, I help you plan all these great excursions!
Sandals Ochi Layout
Before you book your Sandals Ochi vacation, it’s important to understand the layout of the resort and which section you are booking into. I actually could not believe Sandals Ochi is one big resort – it really could be divided into two smaller proper resorts, like Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados.
There is a little tram that can take you around the resort, so even if you don’t love walking that wont be a problem. If you do have issues with stairs, I highly recommend you book on the beachside
On the beachside, you have a high rise building with great ocean views. In this building you will find Sandals Butler and Concierge level rooms.
Behind the high rise you have smaller buildings with luxury level rooms.
Down on the beachside, you have the Ochi beach club, amphitheater, and several restaurants: Bella Napoli Pizza, Kelly’s Dockside on the pier, Tapas on the Riviera, Valentino’s (this is inside), and Vista Gourmet/Sky Terrace.
At the Ochi Beach club you will find Kimono’s, The Mariner for your Jamaican specialties, Neptune’s and Soy.
Up on the hillside, you have what seems like a whole separate resort. I stayed up here in a one bedroom butler villa with a shared pool exclusive to the guests of that building.
This is where many of the butler villas are located and the amazing Romeo and Juliet suites – these are like having your own apartment complete with private pool! There is a seperate bedroom and then a living room/sitting room. You would never have to leave your suite!
On the hillside you will find the speakeasy, piano bar, and 6 restaurants along with the large party pool.
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What to do at Sandals Ochi
In addition to having golf green fees included at the nearby Upton Estate Golf Course, and fantastic excursions nearby, the size of the resort lends itself to something for everyone.
This resort is situated on over 100 acres and has 515 rooms. There are technically 105 pools on site, many of these private.
There are two Red Lane spas, one with a tropical solarium.
The Ochi Beach club provides a great beachside, party atmosphere.
This resort also has over 5000 square feet of meeting and conference space, making it ideal for corporate groups and retreats. (And yes, I book corporate groups)
There is also dozens of bars and over 16 restaurant options – some you can experience something different everyday at Sandals Ochi. Given the size of the property, this a great resort for a longer stay
Tips for Visiting Sandals Ochi
I know you will love your stay at Sandals Ochi, but here are some tips to make your stay even more special:
Wednesday Night at the Great Pool is the white party with chocolate buffet.
Enjoy movie night on Mondays and Fridays
Be sure to find the speakeasy, The Rabbit Hole, open from 8pm -2am. You can ask a team member for the daily password.
There are two Spas – if you are looking for the sauna its at the spa up on hillside
There is a barber on call, the resort just needs 24 hour notice if you want to schedule an appointment
Rent a cabana when you arrive – the ones at the Ochi Beach Club are in the best location, but are the most expensive.
If you are two couples traveling together, or four, there is the option to basically buy out an enclave and have your own private complex. I can definitely assist with arranging this.
Be sure to check out the Piano player in the polo lounge (this is also where the coffee bar is located on the hillside)
Check out the Foam party at the main pool
Sandals Ochi can perform Catholic weddings (And yes, I book destination weddings as well, and no one does them better than Sandals) They also have a gorgeous overwater wedding chapel!
Visit Tapas on the Seaside for late night food
Order surf and turf at the Sky Terrace
Try to find the hidden pool, behind the hideaway cottages
If you are looking for quiet, find the Quiet pool in middle of the lower section of the resort.
Play Tennis, or take lessons from the tennis pro
Up on the hill there are pickle ball courts
Go find the private patios on the far side of beach club, up on the cliff, very romantic place to relax.
Golf is included at the nearby Upton Estate Golf and Country Club. Shuttle transportation is provided and guests just pay for food and drinks at the golf course, as well as a small fee for cart rental.
Sandals Ochi Review
I know this resort prices out well, so I was concerned it would be lacking, but I loved this resort. There is so much to do, and so many areas to hang out in, you will never get bored. I love all the nooks and crannies to get lost in.
This resort also attracts a younger crowd (there were some couples there who barely looked 18, which is the minimum age to stay at a Sandals) which keeps it fun and lively.
I walk every morning, and loved walking around this resort and my glutes loved the hills! But at times you will need the shuttle to get around the resort – the little bus comes frequently and the size of the resort was a big pro, verses a con, for us.
If you are looking for a party Sandals, luxury on a budget, or golf all included, this is a homerun property. I would not recommend this resort for folks who like smaller, intimate settings, or quieter resorts. Again, there is a Sandals for everyone, which is why its ALWAYS best to book your Sandals Vacation with a travel professional (like myself!) who can navigate all the destination, resort, and room options. Your Sandals getaway is just a click away, CLICK HERE to get started!
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