The best of both worlds can be found at Sandals Ochi, which has a lively energy combined with pockets of peace all within one resort. The largest Sandals resort featuring a wide variety of room types, restaurants, bars, and activities, it’s an incredible choice for couples and their Jamaican getaway. This is also the most affordable Sandals, making it the perfect spot for budget-friendly breaks.
Why We Love Sandals Ochi
New Direct Flights from Miami: American Airlines now offers non-stop flights from Miami to Ochos Rios (where Sandals Ochi is located). This significantly decreases the travel time to get here (normally 90 minutes from Montego Bay airport).
The Vibes: Sandals Ochi is huge, so you can find lively areas for the partiers or something quiet and relaxing or everything in between.
The Number of Restaurant Options: There are 16 restaurants to choose from at Sandals Ochi, so food remains interesting and varied throughout your vacation.
Free Golf: Ochi has complimentary shuttles to and from the Upton Estate Golf & Country Club, and green fees are included.
The Speakeasy Bar: The1920s-themed bar Rabbit Hole adds a cool layer of uniqueness and fun.
Cons of Sandals Ochi
The Resort is HUGE: There are two different sides of the resort, which can be inconvenient when you’re staying on the hillside area and want to venture to the beachside.
Who Would Love Sandals Ochi
Sandals Ochi is a lovely, lively resort with so many activities. The resort is ideal for couples looking for plenty of things to do as well as a fun and festive atmosphere. It’s also perfect for those who want plenty of variety in their dining and drinking options, or anyone who wants a cheaper rate. Golf enthusiasts and couples who want to explore outside the resort will love Ochi, since golf is included and the resort is near popular attractions.
Before you arrive
I recommend downloading the Sandals app as it is super user friendly and allows you to make dinner reservations in advance and see the resort map. I would encourage researching some excursions you’d like to check out so you’re ready to book them upon arrival. Also, pay close attention to room types and location when booking at Sandals Ochi to make sure you stay in the area you will spend the most time in.
Arrival
After arrival at the airport, head to the Sandals lounge for access to the free shuttle service to the resort. If you are arriving at Sangster Airport in Montego Bay, the drive to the resort is about 90 minutes as opposed to the Ochos Rios airport, which is about 20 minutes away. Checking in is a breeze with the Sandals app. Once checked in, staff will lead you to your room and the rest just involves vacation bliss.
Rooms
We stayed in the Poolside Club Level Villa room, which is a recently renovated option and included a semi-private pool right outside the door. Cost was a median average compared to all other options, and I enjoyed having a pool nearby for early mornings.
Other options at Ochi fall into three categories: Butler Elite, Club Sandals, or Sandals Luxury.
Butler Elite are the higher end rooms with personal butler service and 24-hour room service, ranging from $250-$1000+ per person, per night. Club Sandals rooms have concierge service and room service 7am-10pm included. These rooms range from $215-$300 and up a night per person. Sandals Luxury rooms will be the cheapest, ranging from $199-$275+ per person; these do not include room service but do have in-room minibars. Most of these have tropical garden views, but there is one oceanview option.
One major consideration when choosing a room at Sandals Ochi is where it is located. If you want to be near the beach, look for rooms in the Riviera Seaside or the Honeymoon Hideaway areas. If you prefer more privacy or want to be up on the hill, look at the Butler Village, Great House area, and Honeymoon Romeo & Juliet suites.
Beach
There are 3 main beach areas: the Riviera Seaside Village, main beach with Ochi Beach Club, and the Riviera Beachfront Tower. We loved Ochi Beach Club with its proximity to restaurants and the pool with swim up bar. The Seaside Village is a nice second with plenty of bars to choose from. Riviera Beachfront Tower is the spot with all the watersports fun.
Pools
It’s hard to believe this without seeing the size of the Ochi resort, but it houses 105 pools and 22 whirlpools! While some are private or semi-private, like our accommodation had, there are SO many pools to choose from. The Beach Club Pool was our favorite with its location being on the beach.
Food
Ochi has 16 specialty restaurants; it’s impossible to get bored with the cuisine. A word of advice for anyone staying at Ochi- make dinner reservations as soon as possible! Ochi is a large resort with many guests heading toward the same destinations for dinner, so making reservations right when you get to the resort will make your life easier.
We loved Neptune’s for Mediterranean dinners with a view. The Seafood Paella is chef’s kiss. During the day, the Great House Cafe was excellent for quick snacks and jerk chicken in between pool and beach outings.
Entertainment
Ochi has a speakeasy! We loved this unique addition to the resort. It’s called The Rabbit Hole and has an Alice in Wonderland theme. Stop by here for a drink and some swanky entertainment for a night. Don’t forget to obtain the password from a staff member! Ochi also has themed nights, beach parties, and live music every night. There’s never a shortage of entertainment options throughout the resort.
Activities
Sandals Ochi is one of the largest and most diverse Sandals Resorts, offering an impressive variety of included activities. From watersports and land activities to entertainment and nightlife, there is something for every couple looking for fun, relaxation, and adventure.
1. Watersports & Beach Activities
Sandals Ochi provides unlimited watersports, making it a great choice for ocean lovers. Some of the included water activities are:
• Scuba Diving – Certified divers can enjoy two free dives per day at some of Jamaica’s best dive sites. For beginners, PADI® certification courses are available at an extra cost.
• Snorkeling – Snorkeling gear is provided, and guests can explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
• Paddleboarding & Kayaking – A great way to take in the stunning coastline at your own pace.
• Sailing & Hobie Cats – Guests can set sail on small catamarans to enjoy the beautiful Caribbean waters.
• Windsurfing – Available for those looking for a bit more adventure on the water.
• Waterskiing & Wakeboarding – Sandals Ochi is one of the few Sandals Resorts that offers waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing, all included in the stay.
2. Land Activities & Sports
For guests who love to stay active, Sandals Ochi offers a variety of land-based activities:
• Golf at Upton Estate Golf & Country Club – Unlimited green fees and transfers to Sandals’ championship golf course. Club rentals and caddies are available for an additional fee.
• Tennis & Pickleball – Play on lit courts, with professional instruction available.
• Beach Volleyball – Join in on a friendly game on the soft white sands.
• Shuffleboard & Bocce Ball – Classic resort games for relaxed fun.
• State-of-the-Art Fitness Center – Fully equipped with cardio machines, free weights, and group fitness classes.
3. Nightlife & Entertainment
Sandals Ochi is one of the liveliest Sandals resorts, offering:
• The Caribbean’s First Speakeasy – The Rabbit Hole – A 1920s-themed speakeasy with live jazz and handcrafted cocktails.
• Live Music & Shows – Enjoy reggae bands, fire dancers, steel drum performances, and theatrical productions.
• The Ochi Beach Club – A vibrant beachfront club with DJs, pool parties, and private cabanas.
4. Poolside Fun & Swim-Up Bars
Excursions
Sandals Ochi is in a perfect location to enjoy fun excursions. Close by are some of Jamaica’s best attractions including Dunn’s River Falls, Blue Hole, river tubing, ziplining, and ATVs.
We stopped by the Island Routes desk to see what was available to book and enjoyed the Blue Hole and river tubing combo. We also went to Dunn’s River Falls on a separate excursion.
Comparison to other Sandals Resorts
Sandals Ochi stands out as a large, affordable, lively resort in comparison to the others in Jamaica.
Couples looking for a more tranquil experience might choose Sandals South Coast for its secluded setting in a pristine nature preserve. For beach lovers wanting to spend most of their time on or near the water, choose the laidback Sandals Negril on Seven Mile Beach. For more variety, Sandals Royal Caribbean or Montego Bay might be a better option; when booking either of these, guests also have access to the other’s restaurants and activities, so it broadens the possibilities!
For the most upscale vibe, check out Sandals Royal Plantation or Sandals Dunn’s River. Royal Plantation is the smallest Sandals, with 74 oceanfront suites that all come with personal butler service. It provides a truly pampered experience, although the decor is somewhat dated (due to the preferences of repeat guests).
Dunn’s River is the newest Sandals resort in Jamaica and our new favorite. Everything is elevated here and the food is incredible. It has some spectacular suites as well. Both of these are also in Ocho Rios, so they are close to local attractions as Sandals Ochi. Guests at Sandals Royal Plantation also get access to everything at Sandals Ochi.