One of the best things about all-inclusive resorts is that there are dozens of activities that are, you guessed it, all inclusive. During our weekend at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Jamaica, my friend Ann and I did our best to try everything (even despite lots of rain!).
I highly recommend the following:
Laying by the beach
This isn’t particularly groundbreaking, I know, but no Jamaica trip is complete without a little surf and sun. Plus the beaches at Sandals Ochi are gorgeous, and despite the size of the resort it was always easy to find open chairs. Which means less stress, and more sunshine!
Not a bad place to spend the day, right?!
Remember how I mentioned the rain? Well I looked over at Ann during one of the afternoon showers and laughed out loud when I saw this. Nothing comes between us and the beach, not even a little rain!
Water Sports
Sandals Ochi has everything that you could possibly want to do out on the water. There is everything from kayaking and windsurfing to snorkeling and scuba diving. All of the water sports, even the scuba diving, are unlimited, so you can go as many times as your heart desires.
There are also swim-up pool bars, which I’m pretty sure count as exercise as well!
Floating in the pool
One of the best things about Sandals Ochi is that there are no children allowed. I know, not the most politically correct thing to say, but I said it anyway.
No children means that you can relax in the pool without worrying about cannonballs and being splashed. There are floaties everywhere, which means that you can lay back with a magazine or a drink (or both).
One of my favorite things that we did that weekend was an Island Routes catamaran tour, more affectionately known as the Island Routes “booze cruise.”
The boating gave us gorgeous views of Ocho Rios. But the real draw was the fun, below-deck dance party!
Here I am trying to start an above-deck dance party.
Success!
My favorite part was when we were dancing at the bow of the ship with some of the crew, holding onto the railing for dear life while the boat bounced through the waves.
SO. MUCH. FUN.
Ain’t no party like an Island Routes party!
Caribbean Pana-rhythm at the Amphitheatre
I absolutely LOVE this band! They perform weekly at the resort, and combine amazing dance moves and tricks with steel-drum cover songs. If you see one show at Sandals Ochi, it should be this one!
The Rabbit Hole
This is Jamaica’s first speakeasy, and it’s located right on the grounds of the resort. You need a password to enter, and the minute you walk though the doors (which really do look like a rabbit hole) you’re transported into the 1920s.
The drinks have the best names! Bee’s Knees or Fancy Brandy, anyone?
Ultra Sizzle Pool Party
Every Friday night, Sandals Ochi hosts a pool party down by the beach. It is easily the best evening activity in all of Jamaica!
Ann and I headed down there with our new friends, who we to this day still have no idea what they look like without makeup!
The party is amazing, and can easily be summed up with this photograph:
Everyone is handed a glow stick, and you can party in or out of the water!
Since we were overdressed (read: not wearing our bikinis!) we decided to have a dance party on the sand.
And were subsequently recognized the entire weekend. “Oh, weren’t you those girls dancing on the platform at the pool party?” Yes, yes we were.
While these are my favorite activities, Sandals Ochi has so many more to offer, like golfing and spa-ing. And eating. You can find a complete list here.
To book an Island Routes boating excursion, click here. (Just FYI, Island Routes adventures need to be booked separately and are not included in your resort stay).
You’re going to love your trip to Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, I guarantee it!
~A
For all of my Jamaica travel posts, click here.
Thanks for your post! I’m getting married there next summer!
How exciting! Congratulations!!