Sandals Ochi Review: Our Honest Take After a 4-Night Sta

Jesse Morris • June 24, 2025

Is this Lively, Budget-Friendly Sandals Right for You?

When it comes to all-inclusive Caribbean resorts, Sandals has built a reputation for romance, relaxation, and premium experiences. Recently, we had the opportunity to spend four nights at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. With 100 acres, 529 rooms, and 12 restaurants, it's the largest Sandals resort in the Caribbean—and one of the most affordable. But is it the right choice for you?

In this blog, we break down our honest thoughts on everything from the food and service to the room, amenities, and overall vibe. Whether you’re considering a romantic getaway, a group trip with friends, or even a destination wedding, we hope this first-hand review from the team at We Book Travel helps you decide.

Our Arrival Experience

We visited Sandals Ochi over the U.S. holiday weekend in June 2025 (Juneteenth), arriving through Montego Bay International Airport. It's worth noting that Sandals Ochi is nearly two hours from the airport, and while the resort provides a complimentary shuttle, we opted for a private BMW transfer—a decision we highly recommend. Our driver had drinks and snacks ready, and the private ride made the long journey much more comfortable.

First Impressions: A Massive Resort with Two Distinct Vibes

Sandals Ochi is divided into two main areas:

The Hillside (home to the Butler Village, villas, and spa)

The Oceanside (beachfront rooms, pools, and restaurants)

Because of its size, most guests use shuttles to move between the two sections. Those who book Butler-level accommodations receive a dedicated cell phone to call for on-demand golf cart transportation anywhere on property—a fantastic perk that made getting around easy and efficient.

Room Review: One-Bedroom Butler Villa with Semi-Private Pool

Our suite was located in the Butler Village and had been recently refurbished. The room was spacious, clean, and stylishly decorated. It featured a semi-private pool shared with three other villas, but we had it entirely to ourselves during our stay—making it feel like our own personal oasis.

The bed was very firm, which may not be ideal for all travelers. After mentioning it to our butler, they brought us a mattress pad, which helped. If you're sensitive to mattress firmness, we suggest requesting an extra pad right away.

We also loved the fully stocked mini-bar, which included a curated selection of beverages that was restocked daily. From wine to rum punch to soda and bottled water—it was all included.

Butler Service: Worth the Upgrade?

We had two incredible butlers who rotated shifts, so one was always available. With butler service, everything is taken care of for you:

Dining and excursion reservations

Room service

Transportation around the property

Personalized touches (drinks, snacks, setup by the pool, etc.)

We found the butlers to be professional, personable, and proactive. For those who are budget-conscious, butler service may not be essential—but it definitely enhances the experience. Also, the butler-level rooms tend to be the nicest on the property.

Dining at Sandals Ochi: 12 Restaurants, Room for Improvement

Sandals Ochi features 12 restaurants with a wide variety of cuisine, including Italian, Asian, seafood, French, and Jamaican. We never had a bad meal—but we never had an outstanding one either.

Most dishes were mild in flavor, likely to appeal to a broad range of guests. If you're hoping for bold, authentic Jamaican spice, you may be underwhelmed. That said, we didn’t ask for anything to be made spicier—so it’s possible that with a request, the chefs could turn up the heat.

We visited the Jerk Shack, which is a must for a quick, casual bite, especially if you're looking for local flavors. For dining variety, Sandals guests also enjoy exchange privileges with nearby Sandals resorts, though traveling off-property wasn’t necessary for us during our short stay.

The Rabbit Hole: Speakeasy Vibes and Great Entertainment

One of the coolest features of Sandals Ochi is The Rabbit Hole, a hidden speakeasy bar that requires a password to enter (ask your butler or concierge!). Once inside, the vibe is moody and retro, with live music, craft cocktails, and great energy. This unique venue definitely adds to the liveliness of the resort.

Pools, Beach, and Daily Activities

There is no shortage of pools at Sandals Ochi—some bustling with music and swim-up bars, others quieter and more laid-back. We loved having our semi-private pool, but we also spent time at the main pools, which had plenty of lounge chairs and were never overcrowded—even though the resort was at 80% capacity.

The beach is on the smaller side, so if expansive beachfront is a top priority for you, other Sandals properties may be a better fit. Still, the setting is beautiful, and it was easy to find chairs and shade.

Throughout the day, the resort offers everything from tennis and pickleball to beach parties, dance lessons, and live entertainment. It’s a fun, high-energy environment—ideal for couples or friend groups who enjoy staying active and social.

Sandals Red Lane Spa: As Expected

The Red Lane Spa at Sandals Ochi has quite a few options for those looking to get a spa treatment. My wife enjoyed a 90-minute deep tissue massage at the Red Lane Spa. Her feedback? It was consistent with other resort and cruise ship spas—nothing to write home about, but still relaxing and worth the time.

Wildlife & Atmosphere: Cats, Mongooses, and Island Charm

You’ll see a lot of cats and mongooses around the resort. The mongooses help control the snake population and are shy by nature—they won’t come close. The cats are semi-social and more than happy to snack on any dropped food, but don’t expect them to be cuddly.

Wedding Venues: Perfect for Destination Celebrations

We toured the on-site wedding venues, and they are stunning—from beachfront altars to garden gazebos. The wedding planning staff at Sandals Ochi is top-notch, experienced, and ready to bring your dream destination wedding to life.

If you’re considering a wedding in Jamaica, we can help match you with the perfect venue and handle the booking process start to finish.

Who Sandals Ochi Is Right For

Budget-conscious travelers who want a Sandals experience at a lower price point

Active couples or groups who enjoy nightlife, beach parties, and mingling

Guests who prefer variety in dining and activities

Couples considering destination weddings with beautiful settings

Who it may not be best for:

Travelers seeking peace and quiet

Guests who want a large, walkable beach

Foodies looking for high-end culinary experiences

That said, the beauty of working with a travel advisor is that we can match you with the Sandals property that fits your exact preferences.

Final Thoughts: Would We Return?

We would consider returning to Sandals Ochi—but we’d likely choose a quieter Sandals location next time, simply based on our personal travel style. However, we absolutely recognize the value this resort offers, especially when compared to other Sandals properties.

With outstanding service, generous amenities, and lots of fun, Sandals Ochi is a great option for couples who want more action and don’t mind a large, lively environment.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Sandals Getaway

At We Book Travel, we help couples, families, and groups find the perfect all-inclusive resort—whether it’s Sandals Ochi or one of the many other fantastic properties across the Caribbean and Mexico.

Need help choosing the right resort, booking butler service, or planning a destination wedding? We’ve got you covered. Let us take the stress out of planning so you can focus on the fun.

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