Do you like the idea of staying in the largest Sandals Resort in Jamaica which is also the most affordable option for your wallet?
If you have answered yes to this simple question, then Sandals Ochi might be for you. This is a huge beach resort that is basically divided into two giant areas: one beachside and one hillside. Both offer great rooms, and it will depend on whether you want to stay on a hill with great views of the sea, or if you want to be just in front of the beach to enjoy the ocean breeze.
Just a quick heads up: you can always hit that Request a Quote button and send us a question about Sandals Ochi, or any other resort, for that matter. Contacting us is free, and we’ll be more than happy to lend a hand.
Let’s get one thing out of the way: being split into two can be considered a pro and a con as well. Some guests love it, while others hate it. The main advantage is that the division gives each area more privacy and a feeling of being completely at peace, and each area has several restaurants and bars as well. The main disadvantage is that the walk between the two areas can take more than ten minutes, which is even worse for guests that may suffer from any disability.
A Sandals Ochi representative went to TripAdvisor to talk about the pathway connecting both areas. In his words, “The Hop (a mini-van) will take you to the beachside and back. The hop is available until 2 AM, with the vehicle running every 10 minutes. You may walk if you wish, however, we don't recommend it.”
He doesn’t recommend it because Ochi is really two resorts merged into one, separated by the main road through Ochi. This is a public road with speedy vehicles, so always stay alert if you decide to walk it. However, we agree with the Sandals staff members that it’s better to just take the shuttle.
Sandals Ochi is also considered a great romantic getaway. You will see many couples there celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying their honeymoon. It also helps that Sandals Ochi is the most affordable Sandals resort. This makes it an excellent choice for first-timers who want to experience a beach resort and see if they enjoy this lifestyle. Well, I think they do, honestly, judging by the online reviews. Sandals Ochi has a 4.5/5 overall rating on TripAdvisor with almost twenty thousand reviews from all over the world!
One last thing: there is free Wi-Fi in every room and across the resort. I mention this because Wi-Fi was only introduced to Sandals Ochi about three years ago, and the accommodations page on the official website does not show that rooms have Wi-Fi. You will have access to basic Wi-Fi, which is suitable for web browsing, sending emails and posting that picture of you and your Piña Colada to Instagram. Premium internet is available for an additional charge if you want to make better video calls, play Fortnite on your laptop or stream your favorite season of The Office.
Reviews of Sandals Ochi
The Good Stuff
Prices: We all love to save money while on vacation. Sandals Ochi is renowned as the most affordable Sandals resort in Jamaica, offering rooms for about $220 per night, per guest during low seasons. It's an excellent choice for couples looking to experience a beach resort for the first time while enjoying luxury. Even the butler suites are reasonably priced during select dates, with some rooms costing around $350 per night, per guest, which is considerably less than most other Sandals resorts.
Golf: I'm no Tiger Woods. In fact, my knowledge of golf mostly comes from playing Mario Golf on my Nintendo 64. But what I do know is that Sandals Ochi is a fantastic destination for golf enthusiasts. Just 15 minutes away from the resort, you'll find golf courses with complimentary transportation provided. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, there are courses available for all skill levels.
Pool heaven: Sandals Ochi might have the greatest number of pools per square feet in the world. The resort has almost one hundred and ten pools! Yes, that’s not a typo. Most of the Butler Elite rooms and fancy buildings have their own private pools which are, of course, smaller than the traditional shared pools with a swim-up bar.
The Rabbit Hole Speakeasy bar: this is one of the coolest things in Sandals Ochi, so make sure to visit it. The Rabbit Hole is some sort of “secret” bar inside the resort, one you can only have access to if you tell a staff member the secret password. No, the password isn’t “password”. I think. Once inside, it feels like stepping into a 1920s bar, with jazz playing in the background and vintage decor. The ambiance is phenomenal, and the drinks are excellent. According to a Sandals Ochi staff member, the best time to visit is between 9pm and 10pm to enjoy live music.
The gorgeous water: Jamaica isn't known for large beaches like those at Turks & Caicos. Instead, you'll find mostly small coves that resemble private beaches. At Sandals Ochi, you'll enjoy a beach just like this one, reserved mostly for resort guests. I don’t think that there is anything particularly interesting about the beach - it’s rather small and doesn’t look special - but the water is amazing. It’s crystal clear and very calm, making it look like you are in a swimming pool.
All inclusive: As is the case with Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Sandals Ochi is also all-inclusive. This means that almost every activity is free for you to enjoy, and every restaurant at your disposal is also free. Even tips are included in your package (although you can tip your butler if you are staying in a Butler Elite Suite). Want to save money? You can't go wrong with Sandals.
The Bad Stuff
Split-up resort: We've discussed this before, and let's revisit it: Sandals Ochi is essentially two resorts in one, with restaurants, rooms, and activities situated on both the beachside and the hillside. This setup provides the resort with more options and activities, but it also means there is a public road separating the two areas. To move between them, you can either walk along the road or take the "hop," a Sandals-provided minivan that runs the route approximately every ten minutes.
It’s frustrating to wait for transportation just to move between different parts of the resort or to access the beach from the hillside. The entire journey also takes about ten minutes, which can eat up a significant portion of your vacation if you consider how often you need to move around. We also advise against walking along the pathway, as it crosses a public road that may not be safe. It's better to wait for the van.
The beach: I don’t think there is anything particularly amazing about the beach at Sandals Ochi. In theory, there is only one beach, but it’s divided into three different sections, segmented by buildings and walkways. The beach is relatively small and can feel a bit cramped, with not much sand area. While technically not private, Sandals has created a cove-like atmosphere primarily for resort guests, minimizing encounters with vendors and outsiders. But, hey, at least the water quality is excellent.
How to get to Sandals Ochi?
Flying to Sandals Ochi
When you fly into Jamaica, you will likely land in Montego Bay at Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Guests of Sandals Ochi also have the option to arrive at Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) or Norman Manley International Airport (KIN).
Jamaica is located south of Florida. A flight from Miami to Jamaica takes about 1 hour and 55 minutes, while a flight from California takes about 6 hours.
Most guests visiting Sandals Ochi report arriving at Sangster International Airport (MBJ). There is a free transfer from the airport to the resort, and the entire trip takes about 90 min-2 hours. This can feel long, especially after spending hours on a plane. However, the journey to the resort is beautiful, offering plenty of opportunities for great photos.
Club MoBay
Did you know that Montego Bay airport offers a service similar to Disney's Lightning Lane? Yeah, sounds crazy, but let me explain.
For around $35 per passenger, you can access a faster line that eases the immigration process. Many people complain that the immigration queues at Montego Bay are long, and this is a quick solution to avoid the wait. You can also buy a bundle for $85 that includes this expedited service as well as access to a VIP lounge with free food and drinks, allowing you to relax a little and kick off your vacation in Jamaica.
Most people online love this service and highly recommend it. Just Google forums specializing in vacations in Jamaica or visit Reddit, where you'll find many people talking about MoBay. For more information about this service, make sure to visit the Montego Bay website or contact us.
Transportation Options to Sandals Ochi
Once you've completed immigration, look for the small Sandals kiosk nearby and introduce yourself. Remember, transportation from the airport to the resort is included in your stay! You'll board an air-conditioned bus for the journey to your resort. The bus drivers are from a third-party service, and it's okay to tip them if you wish.
Where is Sandals Ochi?
Sandals Ochi is located almost 61 miles away from MBJ. That means that you are going to take around 90 min-2 hours from the airport to your final destination, where you are welcomed by the staff and then taken to your private room. If you're staying in a Sandals Cub room, you have access to a private check in and they even give you a bottle of champagne.
If you need a specific address, Sandals Ochi is located in 130-131 Main St, Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island and the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean Sea.
Staying at Sandals Ochi
For more information about room options, be sure to visit our guide titled “Room Options at Sandals Ochi”.
One unique detailabout Sandals Ochi is that they offer two different areas for you to choose from: hillside and beachside. Both areas have Luxury Suites, Sandals Club Rooms and offer Butler Suites as well, even if the so-called “Butler Village” is located on the hillside area of the resort.
The resort is divided into:
- Butler village (hillside)
- Riviera Cottages (beachside)
- Riviera Beachfront Tower (beachside)
Sandals Ochi has a more classic feel compared to most resorts. It evokes the image of a tropical resort nestled in a beautiful forest or a well-maintained garden. Some rooms do look a bit old and in need of renovations, but the good news is that some of the buildings - both near the beach and on the hillside - were renovated about two years ago. You can always ask during check-in if your room was updated recently and request a change if needed.
Sandals is perfect for couples and lovebirds, so every room was created with two people in mind, and this is no exception at Sandals Ochi.
Rooms are separated into three distinct levels: Luxury, Club Sandals and Butler Elite. Luxury is actually the budget option, while Club Sandals tends to bring more upscale rooms and a few additional perks to guests, like a private check-in, a private lounge and a mini-bar with more items. The Butler Elite rooms offer guests their own private butler, who can make reservations for couples, bring meals to their rooms, and assist them in various ways during their stay.
Luxury Rooms start at around $220 per night, per guest. Club Sandals rooms increase that price to about $300, while Butler Suites start at $330. Every room gives you free airport transfer to the resort and has free Wi-Fi. We give more detailed information about rooms and prices in our dedicated Sandals Ochi guide.
Of course, many variables come into play when making a reservation, such as how many months in advance you book your room, the specific day and month of your visit, holidays, the number of guests in a single room, and more.
For instance, one of the most affordable rooms in early October might cost you $1300 for three nights, but that price can increase to about $3500 in February. We're here to help you with the details and how to get the best deals.
Dining at Sandals Ochi
For more information about dining options, be sure to visit our guide titled “Dining Options at Sandals Ochi”.
Sandals Ochi might be one of the most affordable Sandals resorts in Jamaica, but it offers a staggering number of choices when it comes to restaurants. They have 16 restaurants waiting for you, all included at no additional cost and offering different cuisine types and options! Just to put things in perspective, Beaches Ocho Rios - the most affordable Beaches Resort, located only 15 minutes away from Sandals Ochi - only has 7 restaurants.
Sandals Ochi offers a diverse range of dining options, from sushi and Japanese cuisine to Italian, seafood, and, of course, pizza. Le Gourmand, a fancy French restaurant, is perfect for a romantic night out and receives great reviews from guests. Soy Sushi Bar is also a fan favorite, where you can finally fulfill your dream of eating as many sushi rolls as you want.
While the food is okay, don't anticipate five-star dining experiences. This is to be expected, after all, since Sandals has to prepare a huge amount of meals for a great number of guests. Also, not all restaurants are open at the same time. They typically operate at specific hours, ensuring there's always an option available for a quick bite.
Keep in mind that some restaurants, such as the popular Le Gourmand, require fancy attire and reservations. Be sure to make these reservations as soon as you arrive at the resort. If you're staying in a Butler Elite Suite, your butler can assist with making these arrangements for you.
Here's a sneak peek of the restaurants available at Sandals Ochi, along with the types of food they offer. We've categorized them by their locations on the hillside and beachfront sides of the resort to make trip planning easier. As you can see, a majority of the restaurants are situated near the beach.
Hillside
- The Southern Table (american)
- Manor House (caribbean)
- Great House Café (seaside grill)
- Dino’s Pizzeria (pizza)
- The Jerk Shack (jerk)
- The Rabbit Hole Speakeasy bar (bar)
Beachfront
- Le Gourmand (french)
- Vista Sky (seafood)
- Valentino’s (italian)
- Soy Sushi Bar (sushi)
- Kimonos (japanese)
- The Reef Terrace (caribbean)
- Neptune’s (seafood)
- Kelly’s Dockside (seafood & grill)
- The Mariner (Seaside Grill)
- Bella Napoli Pizzeria (pizza)
- Tapas on the Riviera (tapas)
Activities at Sandals Ochi
For more information about activities, be sure to visit our guide titled “Activities at Sandals Ochi”.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Sandals Ochi, ranging from classic snorkeling and scuba diving for certified divers to kayaking, golfing, and even a glass-bottom boat ride suitable for families. You also have access to the Red Lane Fitness Center, equipped with various machines to support your healthy lifestyle during your vacation. I, uhhh, don’t know what that is so I can’t comment on that.
Here is a list of what you can find at Sandals Ochi for the absolutely amazing price of… free!
- Scuba Diving
- Kayaks
- Windsurfing
- Hydrobikes
- Snorkeling
- Paddle Boarding
- Land Sports (volleyball, tennis and basketball)
- 24-hour Fitness Center
- Beach parties, Karaoke shows, Live shows, talent nights…
Golf
One of the main reasons guests decide to stay at Sandals Ochi is to relax and play golf. According to their official website, “complimentary green fees and round-trip transfers are included for everyone at our very own Upton Estate Golf & Country Club, awarded four-stars by Golf Digest”. The golf courses are located only 15 minutes away from the main resort.
All guests at Sandals Ochi in Jamaica receive complimentary green fees, but you'll need to pay for golf club rentals, a caddy, and a golf cart. Check out our guide on activities at Sandals Ochi for more information about golfing.
Sandals Ochi Weather Guide
Good news, friends. Like most tropical destinations in the Caribbean, temperatures remain fairly high throughout the year in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. While there are both dry and rainy seasons, as expected, there's a good chance you'll be greeted by bright sunshine when you visit this gorgeous beach resort.
The best weather is during December to March, with sunny days and very low chances of rain.
January has the lowest chances of rain in the year, while October has the highest chances of rain in Ocho Rios.
July is the hottest month of the year, with daily highs of 90°F and lows of 80°F. February is the coolest month, with average highs of 86°F and lows of 75°F. As you can see, it's never scorching hot nor too cold.
Best Times to visit Sandals Ochi
February, March and April are great months for a vacation. These months offer the best combination of weather and availability, with very low chances of rain. Those are also some of the most expensive months.
December to mid-April is considered the peak season in Ocho Rios. During this time, prices tend to be higher than usual, and the resort is typically more crowded. December is particularly busy, not only due to the holidays but also because many people seek to escape winter and enjoy the cozy weather in Jamaica.
Late August, September, October, and early November typically offer the lowest accommodation and activity rates in Sandals Ochi, and it’s not rare to see the resort at only 60-70% capacity. If you're seeking peace and quiet, along with the possibility of special deals, planning a visit during this time frame is advisable. However, it's important to note that these months also coincide with the highest chance of rain.
If we had to pick the perfect months to visit, we’d probably go with February-April.
Packing list for Sandals Ochi
Packing for a beach resort isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. While you’ll need several swimsuits, don’t forget to pack at least a few nice outfits for romantic evenings, formal events, or special dinners with the love of your life.
Also, bring essentials like sunscreen and bug repellent from home, as these items are usually much more expensive on-site. It’s always wise to come prepared and bring all the essentials with you instead of waiting to buy them at the resort. Your wallet will thank you later.
We will separate this list into essentials to bring on your beach resort trip and a few nice-to-haves.
Essentials
At least 3-4 swimsuits: Since you're going to a beach resort, swimsuits are essential. Think of it like going to Alaska without a warm coat. For a week-long trip, bring at least three swimsuits so you can change styles daily and have an extra in case one gets lost. They also will not dry hung up overnight, so make sure to bring more than two.
3-4 swim cover-ups: For the ladies, swim cover-ups are incredibly useful at a beach resort. They are great for transitioning from the beach to a nearby restaurant and provide warmth against the chilly wind after a swim.
Rash guard: It protects from the sun. It doesn’t let you burn. You do the simple math and quickly realize it’s a very good item to bring to a beach vacation.
Shorts & t-shirts/skirts & casual dresses: Especially for the guys, shorts and t-shirts are essential. You'll wear them frequently, even pairing khaki shorts with a cozy shirt for dinner. This combo ensures comfort and relaxation during your beach stay.
Flip flops/comfortable sandals: Since you'll be walking a lot on sand and exploring the beach, sandals or flip flops are a must. Let your feet breathe and enjoy the feel of the beautiful, warm sands.
Nice outfits: Bring at least two to three elegant outfits, such as trousers paired with a dress shirt and dress shoes, or an elegant dress. This will also give you a great reason to dress up and enjoy the night parties.
Sun hat: you know those big hats that almost make you look like a Samurai? Yeah, you are probably going to need one of those in a beach resort. They look stylish and they really protect from the sun. Remember, at a beach resort, the sun will be like a new member of your party for the duration of your vacation.
Beach bag: remember to pack a beach bag to take to the… uh… beach. They’re simple, lightweight and perfect for you to throw it on the sand without feeling bad for it. Put all you need inside and you are good to go.
Sunglasses: they protect your eyes from the sun. You only have two eyes, and you should love them, so keep them safe since you will be under the sun for a long time.
Sunscreen: Don't forget to pack your sunscreen! Bring your favorite one, and consider bringing more than one since you'll be using it a lot. While sunscreen is available on-site, it's much more expensive than what you're used to.
Lip balm: sunscreen and lip balm are a perfect pair. Unfortunately you can’t slather sunscreen on your mouth (or maybe you can, I don't know) so it’s a good idea to pack a Lip balm to protect against cracked lips. They’re not expensive, they are very small and won’t occupy a lot of space, so let’s put them into the essential list.
After-sun lotion: Since you'll be spending days under the sun, it's important to take care of your skin. These lotions are perfect for moisturizing your skin after sun exposure and soothing any redness or inflammation.
Some cash: there is a very good chance you won’t ever need cash during your vacation, but it’s always good to bring something in case you need to tip an additional service like a spa treatment, your butler or your bus driver. Cash is also used for transportation outside the beach resort. Better to be safe than sorry!
Nice-to-haves
Bug Spray: this can be a lifesaver against those pesky mosquitoes, though in some beach resorts, it may feel like insects don't exist. Mosquitoes can be particularly bothersome during rainy seasons when humidity rises. It's usually a good idea to bring one along if you have space in your luggage.
Laundry detergent: if you plan on doing laundry during your vacation, you should bring your own detergent. Don’t pack a lot, tough. While some of the most expensive rooms may have washing machines, many do not, and using them often incurs additional charges. For shorter vacations, I’d recommend packing more shirts and skipping laundry, but the choice is yours.
Water shoes: If you plan to walk near the water, especially around rocks and corals, water shoes are essential. They protect your feet and provide added stability while exploring.
Waterproof portable speaker: Planning to enjoy Taylor Swift by the beach? Portable speakers can add to the fun. Just remember to keep the volume at a considerate level, as not everyone may share your love for “Shake it Off” at full blast.
Portable charger: we just know that some of us will spend 25h a day on our cellphones, taking pictures for Instagram in front of the most beautiful vistas in the world. It might be a good idea to pack a portable charger if you plan on using your cellphone a lot while you are out at the beach or just exploring.
Should I go to Sandals Ochi?
You should already have an idea if this beach resort is for you. You will have a great time in Sandals Ochi if:
- You don’t want to spend a lot
- You have never been to a beach resort before and want to know if you like them
- You want to try a looot of different food options
- You like playing golf
- You don’t mind moving around between different areas
One of the most important things to know is that Sandals is geared towards adults and couples. This is an adults-only resort, so children are not allowed. If you're planning a vacation with children or your entire family, you'll have a better experience at sister brand Beaches Resorts. Oh, you know what? We also have in-depth guides for every Beaches Resort out there!
Book your dream vacation at Sandals Ochi!
Now that you know a lot about Sandals Ochi… why not learn even more!? Yeah, our guides do not end here. We have guides about almost anything you can think of. How about the room options at Sandals Ochi? Or the list of restaurants you can find there? We have those too. You want to know more about the activities offered? We got you covered. Wait, now you want to know about the specific pH levels of the water during June on a rainy night? We don't have that guide yet, but don't tempt us!
Feel free to message us anytime for the best deals, more information about room options, activities, or anything else you need. We'll be there for you faster than your butler reserving a chair by the pool at 4am.
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