My recent Sandals Ochi Stay: a Perfect Blend of Nightlife, Relaxation, and Jamaican Charm
When I first arrived at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica it was absolutely perfect weather! In September, it wasn’t too hot, but not chilly.
Sandals Ochi is an All Inclusive resort located in beautiful Ocho Rios, Jamaica and is perfect for couples and adults looking for an all-inclusive getaway that won’t break the bank. It is a Caribbean resort where vibrant energy and serene moments can coexist, a combination you may not know you need until you get there!
On my last trip, I really enjoyed spending several days at Sandals Ochi, and here is a quick review of the resort and a few of my highlights from that stay:
Mornings to Remember in Jamaica
Every morning, I’d wake up and step out onto my balcony, greeted by the gentle rustle of the prolific Caribbean foliage and a gentle Jamaican breeze.
I drink my coffee black, so you can’t hide sub-standard coffee from me under a mask of creamer and sugar. There is something absolutely magical about sipping real, local, Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee as it is a distinctively heavenly coffee.
Sipping coffee on my private balcony was a part of my little morning ritual, and set the tone for a day of relaxation and adventure!
Breakfast was another highlight. Some mornings I ordered breakfast to my room as I worked on my laptop for a bit while eating breakfast as we had a busy days of resort tours ahead. I did enjoy breakfast at the restaurant overlooking the main pool, where I *may* have shared a bit of my meal with one of the resort’s friendly cats. They were a sweet and unexpected part of the Sandals Ochi charm, quietly keeping me company as I enjoyed fresh tropical fruit, made-to-order omelets, and of course more of the heavenly Blue Mountain coffee.
Please note: I am VERY much an animal person, but the cats here will leave you alone if you want them to!
Exploring the Beach Club Side Of Sandals Ochi
One of my favorite afternoons was spent on the beach club side of the resort, where I decided to snorkel a bit near the main beach area by the rocks. I require a prescription snorkel, as I cannot wear contacts so I brought my own, but the resort absolutely has snorkels available for guests without a charge (not all inclusive resorts are ACTUALLY all inclusive, and this is one of those reasons I love Sandals – even the water sports are included!)
I didn’t walk down to the snorkel area, but decided to see what I could find at the swim beach near the rocks since the water was so clear. Within moments of hopping in, I found myself surrounded by schools of colorful fish. It felt like I was swimming through a living aquarium! The picture above does not do it justice!
The beach club vibe is laid-back and fun, with servers and an area with a DJ making it the perfect spot to soak up the sun, enjoy a signature Bob Marley frozen beverage (also included) or snorkel around.
Beach Party Night - fun but not crazy
Sandals Ochi isn’t just about relaxation — it knows how to throw a fun party, too.
One evening, I went to a beach party with music filling the air, dancers swaying to Caribbean rhythms, and performers putting on a dazzling show. One of the highlights was a fire-twirler who captivated the crowd with daring tricks and fiery displays. I danced with some of the ladies traveling with me under the stars, feeling immersed in the vibrant and welcoming spirit of Jamaica.
To give you a litmus for the party vibe, it wasn’t anything weird of wild, but the kind of fun a couple with kids at home in their 30’s, 40’s or 50’s would feel comfortable in, but lively enough for a younger honeymoon couple.
A speakeasy with a password? Yes please!
One of distinctive amenities at Sandals Ochi is the fun Speakeasy, The Rabbit Hole. This little tucked away spot requires a password to get in (don’t worry, all of the warm Sandals staff know the password).
Once you walk in, your eyes are treated to a fun and funky (in a good way) Alice and Wonderland themed vibe with an incredible bar and talented live entertainment. This is a great spot to stop in after dinner for a drink!
Finding the perfect room at Sandals Ochi
The perfect room will vary for each guest, but for this trip I stayed in a Club level room, because I knew I would be working a bit and the room service was important to me.
Now, I’d like to share a bit about the accommodations because Sandals Ochi really shines at it has budget friendly options with amenities to suite your needs:
- Luxury Level: this is a nice option if you’re looking for something stylish and comfortable without overdoing it. These rooms are perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want to experience Jamaica in comfort.
- Club Level: For this trip, Club level was perfect because I love the little extras, like turn-down service, in-room dining service and having my in-room bar stocked with premium drinks. It feels like a step up without being over the top.
- Butler Level: For those who want to be spoiled a bit (or a lot), the Butler Level is incredible, and my absolute favorite way to experience Sandals. Most of these options have a private pool, and your butler will make sure every detail of your day is effortless, from reserving beach spots with your favorite drinks in the cooler, arranging dinner reservations and picking you up in a golf cart. You will be ruined forever once you stay in a Butler level room!
Sandals has a LOT of room options and each level has its charm, so the choices may feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, that is why you have Mom Approved Travel! It is our pleasure to help you figure out which fits your Sandals Resort vacation style and needs!
Excursions and Exploration
One of the things that makes Sandals Ochi so special is its location. Ocho Rios is home to some of Jamaica’s most iconic attractions, and the resort makes it easy to explore excursions like Dunn’s River Falls, floating peacefully through lush landscapes on a river tubing adventure, or even participating in a Sandals Foundation experience to really get a feel for the culture and understand why Jamaica is so special.
These experiences add so much depth to your trip and will help you feel connected to Jamaica’s natural beauty. We love helping our clients choose their excursions through trusted partners so that they can really experience Jamaica!
Why Sandals Ochi Stays with Me
As I left Sandals Ochi, I couldn’t help but reflect on how well this resort captures the spirit of Jamaica: warm, vibrant, and endlessly welcoming. From relaxing mornings with coffee on my balcony to snorkeling in incredible Caribbean waters, tasting all the food, and enjoying resort and off-resort experiences, it was the kind of trip that stays with you long after you’ve unpacked your bags.
If you’re ready to explore the magic of Sandals Ochi with your person or a group of friends, let’s start a conversation by filling out our short Mom Approved Travel Information Request Form!
Whether you want to dive into those iconic Caribbean blue waters, sip cocktails at a speakeasy, or simply relax under the Jamaican sun, this resort has it all, and your Mom Approved Travel Advisors can’t wait to help you experience it for yourself!
