Ahhh, Ochi! One of the most beautiful places in all of Jamaica, with stunning beaches and amazing people. How about mixing that energetic lifestyle with one of the coziest, most intimate, and exclusive Sandals Resorts ever? Well, you certainly can’t go wrong with Royal Plantation. It’s one of the most compact and romantic Sandals resorts you can find, filled with features unique to this location.
Sandals Royal Plantation only has 74 rooms, and guess what? They are all Butler Suites. Yep, if you ever decide to stay here, you will have a butler helping you out whenever you want. The good news? Rooms at Sandals Royal Plantation aren’t even that expensive, and Butler Suites are certainly more affordable than the ones found at newer resorts like Sandals Saint Vincent and Sandals Royal Barbados.
Staff members all over this place also get great reviews. Seriously, everyone has amazing opinions about the butlers and overall staff in Royal Plantation. They always have your coffee ready in the morning, they are ready to offer you an afternoon tea and they are always smiling and ready to help you in any way possible. These guys rock.
Keep in mind that you can always contact us if you have any questions about Sandals Royal Plantation. Want to know more about the restaurants, activities, rooms, or anything else about one of the most charming Sandals resorts out there? Just click the Request a Quote button and let’s talk. Reaching out is completely free, and you never pay extra when you book with a travel advisor like us.
This is the perfect place for those who want to relax and enjoy complete peace, more so than at any other Sandals resort. Sandals Royal Plantation has only five restaurants and not a ton of activities, but they offer a free shuttle service to Sandals Ochi, which is just five minutes away. You can enjoy everything Sandals Ochi has to offer at no additional cost. Oh yeah, you can also enjoy the nearby golf course and practice those swings that are just about 15 minutes away.
The beach is also great, located in a small, private cove with crystal clear water. Royal Plantation is already quiet, and the beach manages to be a divine sanctuary where you can just rest and enjoy the sound of the water. Yeah, this resort is all about those romantic moments.
What about a few downsides? Well, Royal Plantation is small, and there isn’t a lot to do, so you shouldn’t come here expecting amazing parties or a wide range of activities. Some of the rooms are also a bit outdated and could use renovations. However, if you don’t mind these aspects and value great service, peace, and romantic moments above all else, you’ll have an amazing time in this little slice of heaven called Royal Plantation.
Reviews of Sandals Royal Plantation
The Good
Peaceful & romantic: Seriously, this might be the most peaceful Sandals resort… ever. Royal Plantation is small and compact, with private beaches and cozy pools, and it attracts guests that want nothing more than to just relax. Want to enjoy your coffee or read your book while you listen to the crashing waves or birds singing? Nope, you aren’t in a Disney movie, that’s just part of the Royal Plantation charm.
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 Royal Plantation 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.
Butler Suites… everywhere: Yes, every single room at Sandals Royal Plantation is a butler suite. If you stay here, you’ll have access to a butler who is ready to assist with anything you need, from your morning coffee to various bookings and reservations. And you know what’s even better? Butler suites at Royal Plantation aren’t as expensive as you might think - you can book one for about $350 per guest, per day during the low season.
Great staff: What’s even better than butler suites? Great service from the butlers, of course! The staff at Royal Plantation consistently receives outstanding reviews from nearly every guest - just check Reddit and TripAdvisor. Since this is a small resort focused on personalized butler service, the staff members are highly experienced and know exactly what to do. They are more than ready to assist you with anything, anytime.
Sandals Ochi: Sandals Ochi is just five minutes away, with a free shuttle running from 7:45am to 11:45pm. If you want to experience more restaurants, pools, and activities, you should definitely visit Sandals Ochi, then return to Royal Plantation to relax and enjoy a romantic night with the love of your life. And yes, you can use all of Sandals Ochi’s amenities at no extra cost.
All inclusive: As is the case with Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Sandals Royal Plantation 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. You can, however, tip your private butler, and you should, since these guys are amazing. Want to save money? You can't go wrong with Sandals.
The Bad Stuff
Not much going on: There isn’t much happening at Sandals Royal Plantation, to be honest. It has fewer restaurants, activities, and parties than other Sandals resorts. Don’t come to Royal Plantation expecting an energetic lifestyle. Most of the guests here are a bit older, around 50 and up, and they typically come here to relax. However, you can always visit Sandals Ochi if you’re looking for a little extra excitement during your Jamaican getaway.
Outdated rooms: The rooms at Royal Plantation are a bit rustic, and some could use renovations. It’s not that they’re bad, just simpler compared to the Butler Suites at newer Sandals resorts. For example, many of the newer Butler Suites feature fitness rooms, private pools, tranquility soaking tubs, and other luxurious amenities that you won’t find at Royal Plantation. However, there’s an advantage to this: keeping the rooms more traditional helps keep the prices down, as a full renovation with updated rooms and features would likely increase the cost of staying at Royal Plantation.
How to get to Sandals Royal Plantation?
Flying to Sandals Royal Plantation
When you fly into Jamaica, you will likely land in Montego Bay at Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Guests of Sandals Royal Plantation 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 Royal Plantation 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 Royal Plantation
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.
At some other Sandals resorts, Butler Suites offer the option of a private, exclusive transfer to the resort in an SUV or even a Rolls-Royce. However, these options are not available at Sandals Royal Plantation.
Where is Sandals Royal Plantation?
Sandals Royal Plantation 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 Royal Plantation is located in 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 Royal Plantation
It’s easy to choose a room at Sandals Royal Plantation for one simple reason: there’s only one room type available! If you stay at Sandals Royal Plantation, you’ll be in a Butler Suite with a partial or full ocean view. This means you’ll have a dedicated staff member to assist you with anything you need. They can make dinner reservations, bring you breakfast, help with your luggage, set up a nice spot on the beach for you, and much more.
There are, however, 11 sub-categories of rooms at Sandals Royal Plantation. While they are generally very similar, the views may vary. The features in each room are mostly the same, with the exception of the most expensive Butler Elite Suite - the Villa Plantana - which includes a private pool.
Let’s examine the prices for the most affordable Butler Elite Suite at Sandals Royal Plantation, depending on the time of year. Prices are per person, per night.
Dining at Sandals Royal Plantation
At first glance, it might seem like Sandals Royal Plantation has limited dining options, with only 5 restaurants on-site, all of which are complimentary for guests. However, you can also visit Sandals Ochi and enjoy its 16 additional restaurants. This brings your total dining options to 21, which is certainly quite impressive.
If you want to check the restaurants available at Sandals Ochi, you can always check our in-depth guide by following this link.
Here are the restaurants available at Sandals Royal Plantation, including the type of cuisine and any details regarding dress codes or reservation requirements:
- Le Papillon (French cuisine, Resort Evening Attire required, reservation required)
- The Terrace (Caribbean cuisine, reservation required for dinner)
- Royal Grill (Grill, reservation required for dinner)
- Tea Terrace (Afternoon tea)
- Wobbly Peacock (British Pub)
Activities at Sandals Royal Plantation
If you are staying in Sandals Royal Plantation, there is a good chance that the only activity you want to try is called “sit down and relax”, or maybe “sit down and eat all day”. Or maybe it’s just “sleep until 11am?” I’m not judging. I love those! What I mean is that Sandals Royal Plantation definitely isn’t known for having any kind of unique activity or mind-blowing party. This is a resort for those that want to relax and enjoy a romantic moment with their partner.
The good news is that you can also enjoy golf, which is just 15 minutes away, or take the free shuttle to Sandals Ochi to access all their pools and activities at no additional cost.
This is what is available to you when you stay at Sandals Royal Plantation:
- Golf (15 minutes away)
- Everything that Sandals Ochi has to offer (5 minutes away)
- Fitness Center
- Snorkeling
- Kayaks
- Windsurfing
- Aquatrikes
- Glass Bottom Boat
- Land Sports (beach volleyball, table tennis, pool, etc…)
Golf
One of the main reasons guests decide to stay at Sandals Royal Plantation 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 Royal Plantation 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 exclusive guide named Activities at Sandals Ochi for more information about golfing.
Sandals Royal Plantation 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 Royal Plantation
February, March and April are great months for a romantic 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 Royal Plantation, 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.
Why book Sandals with us?
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Contacting us is completely free, and even better, you never pay more by booking through a travel agent like us. In fact, you may save money because our agents have access to exclusive deals and promotions available only to them.
We can assist you with expert tips, recommendations on the best dining, accommodations, activities, and much more. By clicking the Request a Quote button, you can ask questions and receive advice without spending a dime.
Packing list for Sandals Royal Plantation
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 Royal Plantation?
You should already have an idea if this beach resort is for you. You will have a great time in Sandals Royal Plantation if:
- You value peace and quiet above all else
- You want a (very) romantic vacation
- You love the idea of having a butler to help you out
- You like playing golf
- You don’t care about parties or unique activities/entertainment options
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 available!
Book your dream vacation at Sandals Royal Plantation!
Now that you know a lot about Sandals Royal Plantation… 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 Royal Plantation? Or the list of restaurants you can find there? We have those too. 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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