The first town in Jamaica to be developed specifically as a resort, OCHO RIOS (usually just called "Ochi") abounds with neon-fronted duty-free stores, fast-food chains, bars, clubs and visitor-oriented restaurants. Local culture takes a back seat to the tourist trappings here, so it's not a good place to get an authentic flavour of Jamaica. It's not the best choice amongst the island's "big three" resorts for the classic Caribbean beach holiday, either – the strip of hotel-lined sand just can't compete with the beaches of Negril and Montego Bay, and the club and bar scenes are less vibrant. Nonetheless, the nightlife is improving, and Ochi compensates for its scenic deficiencies with a certain infectious energy.
“Jamaica, We're definitly going back.”
Spa at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach and Villa Resort
Pamper yourself at this luxurious spa resort located in a beautiful tropical gardens.
I &S, Alberta Canada
We vacationed Feb 2-10/07. We were a little nervous because I booked and then started looking at the reviews. The property is a little older than I expected (We have been to a quite a few 4-5 star resorts) but the grounds are simply beautiful, the vegetation has grown up around the resort making it an almost paradise, very lush, beautifully kept and very private feeling. At first I was disapointed when we were told that our room was in the Bamboo Grove building because it looked as if it were quite a ways from the beach on the map of the property. This is not true at all. Everything is very close but because of the trees and bushes it is very private. The food was excellant and the service was friendly and warm. You did not need reservations at any of the a'la carte restaurants for dinner and the wait time was only a few minutes if at all. (6:00 - 7:30 p.m. ) Valentino's was my favorite with the white glove service, candlelight and nice music. Being refered to as M'Lady didn't hurt either. The weather was fabulous and the pools were very clean. We took the shuttle to Dunn's River Sandals and it has had some major renovations it is very nice. It is smaller and fancier but also more expensive. They have a very good tor desk, we took the Safari / Dunn's Falls tour through the country side and enjoyed it immensely. The snorkling was pretty good. We went out on the boat 3 times once to a sunken ship. We also used the kayak and the water trike. There are hobie Katt lessons but we ran out of time. There are also tennis lessons, a spa, I had a massage on the pier over looking the ocean which was wonderful, a rock wall, lawn shuffle board, hammocks under the palms, darts, and many many other things to do. Don't be afraid of the photographers, they take photos and then you can buy them later if you want ( photos or on disk)and they don't pressure you at all. We didn't do this enough and wished we had. But be careful to remember the photgraphers number and day and check for you photos regularly if you want to see them. They only keep them for 3 days.
