Ultimate Adults-only Getaway: A Week in Ocho Rios Jamaica at Sandals Resort
Jamaica! Land of the perpetual chill. I needed to take a break from months of working nearly 50-hour weeks. I love the city but was dying to sit and enjoy the warm sun with a cocktail. So in October, my friend Rachel sent me a text that said, "Jamaica this Spring. Deposit of $200 due at the end of the week." To which I replied, "Sure." Because why the hell not? If your friend texts you to visit a tropical paradise, you go to heaven. Just to let you know, no questions were asked. Even when she explained the valid reason for the trip (our friend Mika was getting married), I didn't care because I was already picturing myself with a face full of Jerk Chicken while floating on a raft in the clear blue sea.
Hospitality is the game’s name in Ochi, as the city is affectionately named. The second you land in the country, someone will help you with your bags or put a drink in your hand. When we stepped off the shuttle, we were greeted with a glass of champagne which is the best way to get a 5-star rating from me. Good thing I don't give out the ratings, or most locations could bribe their way to a top listing with a few complimentary drinks. Sandals Ochos Rios is an absolute couples retreat. But don't feel awkward or discouraged. It's an excellent location for a girl trip and a fantastic place to spend less time worrying about your appearance and bonding with your best friends. More importantly, it means there are no children!
Be sure to bunk with your best mate because there are no double beds. Only queens and kings. Ideally, someone who doesn't snore, toss, turn, or have nightmares. Rachel and I have been friends for eight years, so we had no problem splitting up and doing different activities while the other took some time alone in the air-conditioned villa. I spent the least time indoors because, Hello, kayaking in the Caribbean! As part of a wedding group booked through a travel agent, we got a great deal of $1300 per person for six days. The rate included travel insurance, flights from Atlanta to Montego Bay, a shuttle from/to the resort 2.5 hours away, a hilariously entertaining driver/guide, room, all-you-can-eat meals at 16 restaurants, drinks, and water sports. That works out to less than $100/day!
The resort was a low-key dream, with beaches and pools everywhere. Nothing too elaborate, but we weren't looking for catering servers and black-tie events. The landscape is bright and straightforward, with cute blue and green buildings and a tropical resort. Sandals is an all-inclusive space with 16 restaurants featuring various international cuisines and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Each morning I skipped coffee in favor of a strawberry-mango daiquiri made with dark Jamaican rum, and I'm not sorry about it. I'm pretty sure five days of free drinks doesn't make you an alcoholic, but virgin versions of these drinks are available. I wrote this post while sitting here, double-fisting daiquiris. Additional Info:
Located about 2.5 hours from Montego Bay. A bus or shuttle is required to reach the resort. Arrange in advance, or you may be tricked.
The Rabbit Hole speakeasy requires a password, so make friends with the staff and other guests to figure it out.
The restaurants aren't all open simultaneously or every day, so pay close attention to the daily newsletter.
Service can be an exercise in patience, so plan to spend lots of time in the less formal restaurants. The more casual, the longer you will wait.
Reservations must be made with the individual restaurant and can't be made with your concierge or the front desk. Same with water sports. You must walk to the sporting shack and sign up.
Booking your room early could result in a $75 spa credit.
Hotel has laundry service, but it's pretty expensive. $13 to press a dress! Use the iron in the room.
Ocho Rios Jamaica
OPEN 24 HRS A DAY
(888)726-3257
