Sandals Ochi; Our Honest Honeymoon Review

Whether you want to party or have a bit of privacy, Sandals Ochi is one of 7 all-inclusive Sandals resorts in Jamaica that offers the best of both worlds.

The place is huge! Onsite you’ll find 11 bars (including the Caribbean’s first Speakeasy), 16 amazing restaurants, and a hot new beach club. Nearby, you also have access to Sandals Golf & Country Club. But you can also find some time alone for just the two of you, with the many private areas available on the adult-only property’s 100 acres.

Sandals Ochi Prices & Deals

Sandals Ochi is one of the most affordable Sandals Resorts with prices starting at $250 a night per person. There are also great deals like last-minute free nights and great discounts when you book more nights. You can check these deals here.

Sandals Ochi Beaches

At Sandals Ochi there is one long beach separated into 3 different areas. All areas are calm with white sand beaches.

At the Sandals Beach Club, there is a section of the beach that has beach chairs in the sun and some with shade provided by trees. The beach is very nice with white sand and a few anchored floats you can relax on. There is also a pool behind this area with a swim-up bar if you want to change things up and the Neptunes restaurant is located on the sand.

There is a stretch of beach located in the Riviera Seaside Village. This is completely surrounded by the docks at Sandals Ochi and is located near several food options and bars.

Last is the longest stretch of beach in front of the Riviera Beachfront Tower. Here is where you can try all the watersports and relax in a beach chair with shade provided by the trees.

All are excellent options and are some of the best beaches for relaxing in Jamaica.

Sandals Ochi Pools

Sandals Ochi has 105 freshwater pools, 22 whirlpools, and one scuba dive pool.

The Great House Pool – If you are looking for party vibes and fun, this is the pool for you. There are actually 3 pools in this area. The main pool has a swim-up bar and where the activities for the day happen. One of the smaller pools pictured above is right next to the Great House Cafe so you can easily get a drink and some lunch and eat and drink while in the pool!

The Riviera Pool

This pool is much quieter than the Great House Pool, but still has a swim-up bar and good music playing. This is Michelle’s favorite pool and has a pizza restaurant next to it.

Ochi Beach Club Pool

Located right off the beach is the Ocho Beach Club Pool. It has its own swim-up bar as well.

Hidden Pool

If you are looking for someplace quiet, this is for you. You can almost always find an empty chair here.

Riviera Garden Pool

This pool is more hidden then the “hidden pool”

Your Own Pool

With all the villas that come with pools, you can just enjoy the afternoon in your own pool. If you have butler service, they can keep you supplied with food and drinks while you have a good time.

The Food at Sandals Ochi

With 16 restaurants to choose from, you never have to worry about going hungry! Of course, each restaurant is included with your stay, so you can try someplace new every day or revisit your favorites over and over.

If you do not feel like going to a restaurant, feel free to give your butler a call and you can enjoy in-room dining as you please.

Valentinos

Enjoy a hearty meal that warms the soul, with unique seafood and chicken creations from the refined palate of Tuscany. Bordered by the Caribbean Sea, Valentino’s brings the distinct flavors Tuscany to a picturesque landscape, topped off with great wines and an intimate dining setting.

Our Recommendation: Order the Lamb Chops and the Insalata Caprese

Soy Sushi Bar

The sushi house offers exciting flavors and exotic sushi creations made-to-order. No reservations are required and they open at 6 pm. We visited Soy for appetizers before going next door to the hibachi grill-style restaurant, Kimonos.

Our Recommendation: Tempora veggies and shrimp, the banana tempura dessert, Seared Tuna Tataki, and the Dragon Eel.

Dino’s Pizzeria & Bella Napoli Pizzeria

Create your own personal pizza masterpiece or choose one of the Dino’s signature blends. Made-to-order pizza combinations range from the traditional margherita to the Calabrese and Hawaiian pizzas, all made with the same long-leavening, high-quality dough.

Reef Terrace

Discover Caribbean favorites with a perfect view of the Caribbean. Start off with a bowl of Jamaican Spice Pepper Pot soup, a Jamaican favorite with chicken, vegetables, and callaloo, followed by Spicy Jamaican Wood-fired Snapper, served with scalloped potatoes and cinnamon-braised plantains. 

Our Recommendation: Try the Jerk Chicken Wings and roasted coffee marinated pork loin.

Great House Café

Enjoy a quick snack, light meal, or to feed your yearning for a Jamaican delight. Each menu item pays tribute to the diversity and flavor of Jamaica. From hot-off-the-grill favorites including jerk chicken, to Cajun-dusted French fries, hot sandwiches, and Jamaican patties, the cuisine and atmosphere of the Great House Café is always bursting with flavor and excitement.

Our Recommendation: Order the quesadillas!

La Gourmand

Enjoy white glove service for this à la carte Classic French Cuisine dinner spot. Resort Evening attire and reservations are required.

Our Recommendation: The braised lamb shank and french onion soup are both amazing!

Manor House

Here you can grab Jamaican à la carte dishes around dinner time. Only innovative Jamaican-Caribbean dishes are served at the Manor. Enjoy unique creations such as the Tranquility, Red Stripe marinated scallops wrapped in seasoned cabbage with yam cake and mango jerk emulsion.

Our Recommendation: The braised Oxtail

The Jerk Shack

For lunch or dinner, you can try authentic Jamaican Jerk specialities in a rustic jerk shack atmosphere with an open exhibition kitchen. A Caribbean experience is not complete until you’ve tasted this Jerk hut’s luscious offerings.

Make sure you try festival, its like a fried dense cornbread.

The Southern Table

Eat your heart out for a buffet breakfast or lunch, or come around dinner time for à La carte cuisine from the American South. At the Southern Table, even strangers will feel like family when sharing a tall drink and delicious comfort foods that incorporate simple, garden-grown ingredients.

Our Recommendation: Pork Belly & Green Tomato and Smoked Pork Short Ribs.

Make sure you come for breakfast since the buffet is awesome. You can order fruit smoothies and omelets made to order. No reason to come here for lunch.

Vista Sky

This gourmet restaurant serves fish and seafood with delicate flavors and careful preparation. Feel the breeze enjoying the outdoor terrace overlooking a beautiful cliffside view of the Caribbean Sea.

Our Recommendation: Surf & Turk all the way!

Neptune’s

For years, the chefs of Neptunes have made it their mission to provide the most authentic reflection of Mediterranean heritage through robust menu offerings and a sundry setting. From the splendor of the rustic, open-air restaurant design, to the beauty of the turquoise sea, guests are offered a true, coastal Mediterranean experience directly on the beach, against the backdrop of the beautiful Jamaican Riviera.

Our Recommendation: The Moroccan Style Lamb Stew was amazing!

Kimonos

This is the Japanese, tepanyaki-style restaurant on the resort. It was fun but not as impressive as other places I have been in the US. None the less, it is worth it if you like Japanese flavors and are with a fun group.

Tapas on the Riviera

Located right on the water, Tapas has a mixture of foods perfect for lunch. They also have soft serve ice cream you do not have to wait for.

Our Recommendation: Try the sliders.

Other delicious dining options we did not try yet include:

• Kelly’s Dockside, featuring grilled á la carte specialties
• The Mariner Seaside Bar & Grill, offering Jamaican specialties, sandwiches and light lunch

Sandals Ochi Entertainment

One thing that is a strong point for Sandals Ochi is the entertainment. It is easy to find something fun going on somewhere at the resort.

At the Great House Pool area there is always music bumping with DJs and events through out the day.

At the Ochi Beach Club there are even more events going on throughout the day and each night.

During our trip to Sandals Ochi, we went to the All White Night, which included chocolate desserts. We also enjoyed going to the Rabit Hole, a speakeasy-style club with an amazing band and lounge singer.

Suites & Villas at Sandals Ochi

One of the things we love about Sandals Resorts is the different rooms and suites.

Luxury vs Club vs Bulter Suites

When you are choosing your room, you will see them called luxury, club level, or butler level rooms.

Luxury-level is the lowest level and the thing to know about these rooms is there is no room service.

Club-level rooms get room service and have more alcohol at the in-room bar. You also have a club concierge and room that has snacks and drinks, but we rarely use this when we are there.

Butler-level rooms mean you have a butler to take care of anything you need.

Villa vs Riviera vs The Great House

Sandals Ochi is huge, so you will find accommodations in 3 different areas.

The Riviera is closest to the beach, so if you want to be lounging by the beach all day, this is for you. It is also closest to the Sandals Beach Club where a lot of events and parties are hosted. You are also close to the amphitheater and there are also multiple restaurants close by.

The Great House rooms are located right next to the largest pool. If you want to spend your days in a more party environment with DJs a swim-up bar and be in the same building as multiple restaurants, you will love the Great House.

The Bulter Village is more spread out with more privacy. You will need to walk a short distance to get anywhere but is amazing if you want more seclusion. It is perfect if you have a butler since they can make your semi-private pool an oasis for you.

Here are some examples of some of the suites and rooms available.

Butler Village Honeymoon Romeo & Juliet One Bedroom Villa Suite with Private Pool Sanctuary

A uniquely intimate retreat offering the ultimate in privacy. Entering via its own walled courtyard, this exclusive 1200 sq. ft. suite comprises a luxurious bedroom at one end boasting a king-size four-poster bed, exquisite mahogany furniture, and substantial and large en-suite bathroom with double vanity, walk-in shower, and sunken bathtub.

The other end features a stylish lounge with a fully-equipped kitchenette. The vast courtyard itself provides the ultimate focal point with its very own Roman pool with soothing water features, an outdoor rain shower, and a hot tub where you and your loved one can share unforgettable intimate moments.

Riviera Honeymoon Beachfront One Bedroom Butler Suite

This stunning suite is beautifully arranged for maximum space and luxury whilst enjoying some of the finest ocean views in the Caribbean. Each comes with its own personal butler and comprises an enormous living room, wet bar, flat-screen TV, and sitting area with French doors leading onto the oversized balcony where sun loungers, seating area, and extraordinary views of the Caribbean Sea await.

The expansive bedroom offers similar luxuries with a king-size four-poster bed, flat-screen TV and an open plan bathroom that boasts a sunken Roman-style whirlpool, walk-in shower, his and her sinks and a separate make-up parlor.

Riviera Honeymoon Beachfront Penthouse Club Level

Sitting at one of the most privileged points in the entire resort, this penthouse features a wonderfully sized bedroom and living area boasting a mahogany four-poster bed, matching furniture, flat-screen TV, bar area, and a well-appointed en-suite marble bathroom which houses a shower/bathtub combination.

Completing the experience is a large private balcony that has some of the most spectacular and far-reaching views of the Caribbean Sea.

Butler Village One Bedroom Poolside Villa Estate Suite

Located on the first and second floors, amongst an exclusive collection of secluded villas, each suite features a spacious bedroom boasting a four-poster bed, mahogany furnishing and a bathroom with a shower/tub combination.

The villa’s generous living room offers a relaxing sitting area and bars with French-style doors leading directly to their own personal veranda from either the living room or bedroom and, just steps away from a semi-private pool. For the ultimate luxury, guests enjoy the attention of their own personal butler.

Great House Oceanview

This room simply offers the best of everything. With soft, calming decor and lighting perfectly complementing the room’s characteristic hardwood floor and furniture, these spacious rooms are just seconds away from the widest choice of restaurants, bars and pools on the island.

Each comes with a flat-screen TV and is completed by a private balcony that offers spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and the lush garden estate as standard. The bathrooms have a shower/bathtub combination. For your refreshment, your room includes Robert Mondavi varietal wines and a refrigerator stocked with bottled water, juice, soda, and local beer.

Riviera Grande Luxe

Located on the most-desired top floors of the Harbour Club Building, these generously sized retreats feature calm decor to complement the abundance of natural light. Each open-plan hideaway encompasses a substantial bedroom with a four-poster hardwood bed and attractive mahogany cabinets and a marbled en-suite bathroom, with a shower/bathtub combination.

The room is completed with a delightful sitting area leading to a private balcony that offers plantation-style views of the resort’s gardens and the nearby St. Ann Mountains.

Butler Village Poolside One Bedroom Villa Suite

These delightful one-bedroom suites are surrounded by lush mango groves and wild orchids. Each suite is generously proportioned and comprises an expansive bedroom and living area both boasting beautiful dark wood furniture, terracotta floors, an elegant bathroom with a tub and shower combination, and a flat-screen TV.

In addition to a separate bar area, each suite is finished with an oversized balcony or veranda beside the villa’s semi-private pool that is shared with up to 3 other rooms.

Is Sandals Ochi a couples-only resort?

Yes, in their own words Sandals states “Because we wanted to make your vacation as romantic and relaxing as possible, only couples may stay at Sandals. But we open our arms to welcome singles, friends, and families to our fabulous Beaches Resorts.”

Is Sandals Ochi a party resort?

This resort is a great destination if you’re looking for a good time. With a hot new beach club, 11 bars, and 16 restaurants, you can always have a good time. But if you’re looking to enjoy some downtime, this resort has plenty of areas to allow for serene, quiet relaxation as well.

How far is Sandals Ochi from the airport?

Both the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston are approximately one hour and 40 minutes away from Sandals Ochi Resort. Sandals provide complimentary transportation to and from either airport and the resort. Just approach the Sandals counter or lounge in the airport.

Does Sandals All-Inclusive include alcohol?

All drinks are included and unlimited at Sandals Resorts. This includes premium spirits and top-rated Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wines.

What is included?

At Sandals resorts, when they say all-inclusive, they really mean you can arrive at the resort without having to worry about what is included and what is not.

Unlimited Fine Dining

Sandals Ochi claims the #1 All-Inclusive Dining Experience in the Caribbean. They have 16 restaurants that cover all sorts of cuisines, from Caribbean favorites to Italian and French, to American southern and seafood. Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinks are all included in your stay.

Unlimited All-Inclusive Drinks

For drinks, Sandals only serves premium brand liquors that are always included and unlimited. As part of the 5-Star Luxury Included® experience, Sandals only serves premium brand liquors that are always included and unlimited. You can order whatever you would like, including specialties you would expect at a tropical resort, like a Pina Colada, Margarita, Blue Lagoon, or a Bahama Mama.

In all rooms, there is a mini-fridge stocked with water, juice, soda, Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks Wine, and local beer.

Additionally, every room includes a coffeemaker with Jamaican Blue Mountain Blend coffee.

Tips

At Sandals resorts, even tips, taxes, and gratuities are included for most services you would usually tip for! There is no need to worry about tipping the bartender, the bellman, or your server at one of the specialty restaurants.

Your butler can and will accept tips. We recommend tipping a butler $20 a day, depending on how much you use their services.

Spa therapists and airport transport drivers should also be tipped.

Roundtrip Airport Transfers

Sandals provide complimentary transportation to and from the Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay. Transfers are also provided from the Kingston Airport.

Included Activities

Here, you have access to unlimited water sports. Enjoy aquatrikes, kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and glass-bottom boats. Additionally, scuba diving is included! For certified divers, you can dive up to twice a day with two tanks a day! These waters include some of the world’s most renowned reefs, so there are lots to experience.

Scuba courses are not included but start at $120.

If golf is your thing, your green fees are included at Sandals Golf & Country Club, where you can enjoy a round or two along the emerald fairway overlooking the sea. Transport to and from the golf course is complimentary.

Enjoy many other on-site activities, including rock climbing, table tennis, beach volleyball, squash, and more.

If you are looking for a workout, the Red Lane Spa has complimentary classes, and workout equipment available.

Entertainment

Along with these amazing activities, this resort also knows how to throw a party. There’s an onsite piano bar, chocolate buffet, talent night, Caribbean night, live bands, karaoke, and even a beach party with fire dancers.

A Free Wedding at Sandals

Stay 3 nights or longer at a Sandals resort and your wedding is free!

Room Service

If you book a room that includes butler service, room service is available 24 hours a day. For Club Sandals accommodations, room service is available between 7am-10pm.

What’s Not Included

You can come to Sandals without spending an additional penny, but there are a few opportunities to spend a little bit more.

Spa treatments are available at an additional cost. Could you imagine how many therapists and spa rooms they would need if they were included in the price?

Additionally, the spa staff is some of the few employees that can accept tips, along with butlers, the staff from off-property tours, and the transfer drivers, since they are not employed by Sandals.

While Scuba diving is included in your stay, the courses are not. Be prepared to pay for them or even better, get scuba certified before you come.

Around the pool, you can rent private cabanas at an additional cost. There are over 30 tours available to book through Sandals include a Jamaica swamp safari village tour, ziplines, snorkeling cruises, dolphin encounters, deep-sea fishing, ATV adventures to name a few.