The family-friendly Beaches Resorts are part of the Sandals brand and deliver the same high level of service, luxury, and amenities as the Sandals adults-only all-inclusives.
Although these are family-friendly all-inclusive resorts, there are still plenty of reasons for couples to visit and they are popular for honeymoons and destination weddings.
One of two Beaches resorts in Jamaica, Beaches Ocho Rios is set on 22 lush acres along Jamaica’s north coast. This Beaches Ocho Rios review will tell you all you need to know to decide if it’s the best Beaches resort for you.
Beaches Ocho Rios Overview
More affordable than Beaches Negril, the other Beaches resort in Jamaica, Beaches Ocho Rios was named a top ten best beach resort by Parents Magazine. It offers an amazing waterpark with 11 waterslides, 3 swimming pools, a dedicated scuba practice pool, and a small but lovely private beach on calm water.
You can also enjoy complimentary greens fees at a championship golf course, where kids can play after noon. Beaches Ocho Rios reviews are mostly positive, although this is the lowest rated Beaches resort. Guests especially like the service, setting, and activities.
Beaches Ocho Rios Rooms and Suites
Beaches Ocho Rios rooms include luxury and concierge level accommodations with less variety than at other Beaches resorts (no 2-, 3-, or 4-bedroom suites). There are no butler-level suites here, either, but all of the options are elegant and spacious.
The most luxurious choice is the Caribbean Oceanview Penthouse One Bedroom Concierge Suite, which has breathtaking beach views and an enormous private furnished deck as well as a separate living room and dining area, wet bar, and spa-like bathroom with whirlpool tub.
Other popular choices are Honeymoon Beachfront Walkout Concierge Suites with a separate bedroom and private deck; Beachfront Concierge Terrace Suites with separate bedrooms and large terraces; Oceanfront Concierge Suites with separate bedrooms and private balconies; and Family Sized rooms and suites with sitting areas and private balconies. Most offer king or double beds plus pull-out sofas, and some have room for foldaway beds as well.
Beaches Ocho Rios Amenities & Activities
Beaches Ocho Rios Jamaica has a small private white-sand beach along a protected cove with calm water, which makes it perfect for families with small children.
Guests enjoy all sorts of complimentary watersports including kayaking, aqua trikes, Hobie Cat sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. As at Sandals resorts, equipment and instruction are included for everything. Scuba diving is also included for certified divers and instruction is available for a fee.
The huge range of complimentary activities at Beaches Ocho Rios also includes day and night tennis, shuffleboard, table tennis, beach volleyball, soccer, billiards, basketball, outdoor chess, bocce ball, croquet, and pool tables. Facilities include 5 pools, a dedicated scuba practice pool, a fitness center, and the Red Lane Spa. There’s also plenty of daily and nightly entertainment.
Plus, Beaches Ocho Rios gives guests free green fees and complimentary transportation to an 18-hole championship golf course, where children are allowed to play after noon. It also offers a kids’ golf program. The Sandals Golf & Country Club has ocean and mountain views, a practice range, chipping and putting greens, a pro shop, a restaurant, and a snack shack.
The Beaches Ocho Rios waterpark is large (27,000 acres) and features five giant waterslides, starter slides for smaller kids, a splash zone with water cannons and waterfalls, four pools, hot tubs, and lunch options.
There are other facilities for kids and teens as well, including Kids’ Camp with certified nannies, an Xbox play lounge, Port Royal Arcade, and the Club Liquid teen disco (which turns into an adult nightclub later on). Sesame Street characters pop up throughout the resort, and you can book area excursions for an extra cost. It also features the Caribbean’s first Certified Autism Center.
If you want to explore the area, Beaches Ocho Rios is close to some of Jamaica’s top attractions, like Dunn’s River Falls.
Beaches Ocho Rios Food and Drink
There are 7 Beaches Ocho Rios restaurants including Italian, French, international, waterfront seafood, barbecue, a pizzeria, and a gourmet creperie. Couples can also book romantic candlelight dinners.
There are 6 bars including swim-up bars and an adults-only bar, the Opa Sunset Bar which overlooks the water. All drinks are part of your package, including premium liquors and Robert Mondavi wines. Each room has a stocked minibar and a coffeemaker with Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.
Beaches Ocho Rios Location
One of two Beaches resorts in Jamaica, Beaches Ocho Rios is located in scenic Ocho Rios on the northern coast, close to some of Jamaica’s most famous attractions. It is about an hour and a half from the airport, and Beaches Ocho Rios airport transfers are complimentary.
If you’re wondering which Jamaica Beaches is best for you, check out our article on Beaches Negril vs. Ocho Rios.
Beaches Ocho Rios Inclusions
Like Sandals resorts, practically everything is included at Beaches resorts. Your rate will cover luxurious accommodations, all meals and snacks at all restaurants, all nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks including premium liquor and Robert Mondavi wine, stocked inroom minibars, unlimited watersports and land activities, scuba diving, daily and nightly entertainment, kids’ activities and facilities including a Kids Camp with fully certified nannies, unlimited access to the Pirates Island waterpark, access to the fitness center, free WiFi, roundtrip airport transfers, and all tips and taxes.
Google Rating: 4.2
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5
Ashley has always loved to explore new places and indulges her passion for travel whenever she can. She has been to 12 countries and 32 states so far.
Ashley has worked as a freelance writer for more than 20 years, specializing in the areas of travel, marketing, personal development, and the pursuit of happiness.
Favorite destinations include Sorrento and Capri, Italy; Haarlem, Netherlands; Paris; Sydney and K’gari, Australia; Rotorua and Waiheke Island, New Zealand; the American West; Palm Beach; the Florida Keys; and her hometown of New Orleans. Ashley has a goal of visiting every state plus many more international destinations.