Set along the lush northern coast of Jamaica, where rainforest meets reef and rum meets rhythm, Sandals Ochi is a resort of contrasts — and deliberate design. This is not a place that fits neatly into one box. It is bold and breezy, intimate and expansive, social and serene. Above all, it is undeniably Jamaican, delivered with the polish of a brand that knows its audience well.
Split between a hillside estate and a lively beachside promenade, Ochi offers two distinct atmospheres within a single stay. One is tailored for relaxation. The other, for celebration. And somehow, they coexist in perfect balance.
Hillside Hideaway: Private Pools and Plantation Calm
Our suite was located in the Butler Village, tucked into the verdant hillside behind the main resort. This part of Sandals Ochi feels like a private enclave, a world apart. Winding stone paths lead past flowering shrubs and hidden pools to spacious villas, each with its own semi-private pool and dedicated butler.
The suite itself was colonial in style — dark woods, white linens, cool tile underfoot — with French doors opening onto a quiet terrace. Days began with coffee delivered discreetly, and ended with Champagne waiting on ice. Our butler team was exceptional, always present but never overbearing, handling restaurant bookings, poolside snacks, even unpacking and pressing our clothes.
This side of the resort is peaceful, shaded, and designed for slow afternoons in the sun. It feels like a retreat within a resort.
Beach Club Vibes and Caribbean Flair
Down the hill, a different world awaits. The Beach Club area is where Ochi comes to life. Here, things are livelier — music drifts from poolside speakers, cocktails are poured with flair, and the energy picks up with the tide.
Multiple pools and swim-up bars line the coast, with loungers and cabanas always within reach. The private beach is small but perfectly kept, with calm turquoise water ideal for swimming, sailing or simply floating with a rum punch in hand.
For those who crave social connection and a little glamour, this is the place. From the Over-the-Water Wedding Chapel to late night piano bars, Sandals Ochi understands that not all luxury needs to be silent.
Dining: Variety with Jamaican Character
With sixteen restaurants spread across the resort, dining at Ochi is a journey in itself. From sushi and Italian classics to classic Caribbean grills, every meal is included and effortlessly available. What stands out is the balance — you can enjoy candlelit dinners in quiet courtyards or grab fresh jerk chicken by the beach at midday. The culinary variety is wide, but it never feels forced.
We especially enjoyed Le Gourmand for refined French cuisine and The Manor for dinner under the stars, with live steel drums setting the tone. Meanwhile, The Jerk Shack served some of the best food of the trip — smoky, spicy, deeply authentic.
The wine list, curated through Sandals’ partnership with Robert Mondavi, is generous and well matched to the menus. Premium spirits and craft cocktails are also part of the all inclusive offering, available day and night.
Activities, Spa and All the Extras
Sandals Ochi offers an impressive roster of activities, from snorkelling and paddleboarding to golf and beach volleyball. Watersports are fully included, and the calm bay makes for easy sailing and reefside exploration.
The Red Lane Spa, though not included in the all inclusive plan, is well worth a visit. Treatments are rooted in island botanicals and expertly delivered. We booked a couples’ massage in a private cabana by the sea — a beautifully simple luxury that stayed with us.
Evenings brought their own rhythm. Live music, beach bonfires, a speakeasy hidden behind a vintage door — it is possible to find both intimacy and energy here, depending on your mood.
The Verdict
Sandals Ochi is not about understatement. It is about choice, contrast and complete immersion in Jamaican spirit. For couples who want luxury without rigidity, elegance without silence, and the freedom to move between worlds — this resort delivers.
Whether you prefer private poolside calm or Caribbean celebration by the sea, Ochi gives you both. And it does so with confidence, charm and a rum cocktail never far from reach.
Discover more at: http://www.sandals.com
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