Unveiling Jamaica’s Premier All-Inclusive Resorts: Sandals South Coast, Ochi, and Royal Plantation
Written By: Geoff Millar, Owner – Ultimate All Inclusive Travel
This month we will look at the last 3 Sandals Resorts. Sandal’s focus for the next few years will be on expanding their Beaches Resorts. In my opinion, the Beaches Resorts are some of the best family all-inclusive resorts out there.
Sandals South Coast
The first resort we will look at is the Sandals South Coast. It was one of the most damaged resorts from the last hurricane. It is still damaged and is scheduled to reopen in May 2026. Water flows through, under, and around Sandals South Coast, with a modern design inspired by the ocean’s restorative power. Rolling tropical acres and rhythmic waves set the tone for a peaceful stay in your choice of rooms. Whether you’re in a Rondoval Villa, a Swim-Up Suite, or an Overwater Bungalow, you’ll never be far from the gentle tide. With bars and restaurants on (and over) the water, calm is all around on the southern coast of Jamaica.
From over-the-top Rondvals, Overwater Bungalows, to beachfront Swim-Up Suites and Beachfront rooms with inspiring views, Sandals South Coast offers a getaway that’s far from the everyday. All rooms are Jr. Suite size and larger. All accommodations come with upgraded amenities, free WIFI, and 24 hr. Room service.
The Caribbean is a treat for your senses, and we make sure it’s a feast for your taste buds, too. Our talented local chefs serve both island favorites and global flavors. With nine restaurants and seven bars at Sandals South Coast, there’s something to satisfy every craving at this all-inclusive resort. Sandals South Coast 9 exceptional restaurants feature fresh, authentic regional dishes from Italian and Asian to Caribbean and Jamaican. Dine along the beach, at intimate tables, or on the piazza—all meals are included, along with six varietals of Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® wines.
In the water or on dry land, there’s something for everyone at Sandals South Coast. You can do as much as you want to do—even PADI® Certified Scuba Diving in spectacular waters—or absolutely nothing at all because it’s all included, all unlimited, all the time. While other all-inclusive resorts claim to include all water sports, Sandals has the largest water sports operation in the Caribbean, complete with top-of-the-line gear and professional instructors to guide you. So, dive beneath the water or fly across its surface propelled by wind, motor, or muscle power. Whatever you choose, Sandals offers the largest array of motorized* and non-motorized water sports out there. Plus, all transports are from our fleet of boats with certified captains.
From the sands to the courts, Sandals includes unlimited land sports, so there are no limits to what you can play, or when you can play. Ready to play? Whether you’re fine-tuning your golf swing or ruleing the pickleball court, Sandals has you covered. With fitness centers, group classes, and a lineup of sports like tennis and volleyball. Best part? It’s all included — so grab your paddle, racket, or clubs, and get in the game.
This Resort is in a great location with a large beach, great for swimming and walking. It has an over the water Wedding venue. The ride to South Beach from the airport is unique.
Sandals Ochi (Sandals Och Rios)
The next resort we will look at is the Sandals Och Rios or Sandals Ochi. It is a large resort with one part on the hill above the beach and one on the Beach. This resort used to be two different resorts and when took over by Sandals they combined the two resorts into one. Sandals Ochi embodies the whole range of what Jamaica has to offer. On one end, there’s a sunny beach club bubbling with energy. On the other hand, you’ll find serene Butler Villas nestled in a 100-acre garden. Whichever home base you choose, there’s dozens of bars and restaurants to check out for a change of pace, including a speakeasy (if you know how to find it). If golf is your thing, our Upton Estate Golf & Country Club is close by, and green fees are included.
From spacious Butler Villas to Romeo and Juliet Suites with private courtyards, Sandals Ochi features accommodations that will take you away from the everyday.
Sandals Ochi in Jamaica offers 529 rooms and villas across two sides—the energetic seaside and the lush, 100-acre hillside—with accommodations ranging from Butler Village suites with semi-private pools to Club Level rooms and standard luxury rooms. Key options include 1-bedroom butler villas, Romeo & Juliet suites with private plunge pools, and renovated hillside cottages. All accommodations come with upgraded amenities, free WIFI, and 24 hr. Room service.
At Sandals Ochi, 16 restaurants take you on a culinary journey with dishes from the Orient, Northern Italy, the Caribbean, and France. With exceptional service, romantic settings, and perfectly paired Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® wines, every meal is a memorable experience. The Caribbean is a treat for your senses, and we make sure it’s a feast for your taste buds, too. Our talented local chefs serve up both island favorites and global flavors. With 11 bars and 16 restaurants at Sandals Ochi, there’s something to satisfy every craving at this couples only all-inclusive resort.
In the water or on dry land, there’s something for everyone at Sandals Ochi. You can do as much as you want to do—even PADI® Certified Scuba Diving in spectacular waters—or absolutely nothing at all because it’s all included, all unlimited, all the time.
While other all-inclusive resorts claim to include all water sports, only Sandals has the largest water sports operation in the Caribbean, complete with top-of-the-line gear and professional instructors to guide you. So, dive beneath the water or fly across its surface propelled by wind, motor or muscle power. Whatever you choose, Sandals offers the largest array of motorized* and non-motorized water sports out there. Plus, all transports are from our fleet of boats with certified captains.
From the sands to the courts, Sandals includes unlimited land sports, so there are no limits to what you can play and when you can play.
Ready to play? Whether you’re fine-tuning your golf swing or ruling the pickleball court, Sandals has you covered. With fitness centers, group classes, and a lineup of sports like tennis and volleyball, the Sandals Ochi offers something for everyone. Best part? It’s all included — so grab your paddle, racket, or clubs, and get in the game.
This is a very large resort with the beach front section and the hillside section. It tends to be the least expensive Sandals Resort.
Sandals Royal Plantation
The last resort we will look at the Sandals Royal Plantation. I feel this is Sandal’s nicest resort. It is a smaller boutique type of resort. In the early days this resort was not listed as a Sandals resort but had its own designation at a higher level resort. All accommodations are butler level; spa treatments are included, and dining options are at a higher level. They even have an English tea in the afternoon. You also have exchange privileges with the Sandals Ochi.
Sandals Royal Plantation serves up truly personal service in a secluded tropical paradise. Tucked into a coral bluff overlooking a private cove beach, this resort features all Butler Suites, all with stunning views. Looking for a change of scenery? Enjoy afternoon tea in the garden among the roaming peacocks or get into the swing of things on the greens at our Upton Estate Golf & Country Club. Top it all off with a toast to the sunset at Jamaica’s only Champagne and caviar bar.
The Caribbean is a treat for your senses, and we make sure it’s a feast for your taste buds, too. Our talented local chefs serve up both island favorites and global flavors. With five restaurants and two bars at Sandals Royal Plantation, there’s something to satisfy every craving. At Sandals Royal Plantation, five exceptional restaurants serve up delicious international dishes in a romantic atmosphere, turning every meal into a memorable experience. From classic French and Italian favorites to authentic pub fare, our chefs use only the freshest ingredients to create incredible meals.
In the water or on dry land, there’s something for everyone at Sandals Royal Plantation. You can do as much as you want to do—even PADI® Certified Scuba Diving in spectacular waters—or absolutely nothing at all because it’s all included, all unlimited, all the time. Every water sport imaginable is included along with top-of-the-line equipment and professional instruction. Sandals includes a full range of water sports.
From the sands to the courts, Sandals includes unlimited land sports so there are no limits to what you can play, when you can play including: Golf along an emerald fairway overlooking the sea at Upton Estate Golf & Country Club, where green fees are included. Golf Digest gave this Par-72 course a 4-star rating, and it’s easy to see why. Enjoy a driving range with a chipping and putting green, with complimentary transportation to and from the course.
This resort is my favorite Sandals. It is small upscale and they treat you like royalty. It is pricey but worth it.
This concludes our tour for the month. We will begin a new Resort chain next month. Until then safe travels and good selling.