By Hillary Latos
Nestled between the St. Ann’s Mountains and the Caribbean Sea, the luxurious Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort has been rebranded as Sandals Ochi Resort feels almost like two resorts set on 100 acres of lushly tropical rolling hills and pristine oceanfront. Whether you are looking for an oceanfront room or are seeking privacy in a butler-serviced villa in the verdant hills, the 529 rooms and suites have different characteristics that appeal to a variety of tastes that combine the best of what Ocho Rios has to offer.
Only 90 minutes from Montego Bay, the Northern coast offers a stunning coastline with exotic flora. Throughout the resort, it’s easy to find a romantic respite with candlelit beachside dining, firepits, and loveseats nestled amongst the lush landscape. Following a $60 million dollar renovation, what was formerly the Sandals Grande Rivera Beach & Villa Golf Resort has been rebranded as the Sandals Ochi Resort with a stylish South Beach vibe. At the heart of the new image is the vibrant Ochi Beach Club filled with trendy eateries and a beachfront party scene. What sets the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort apart from other all-inclusive Jamaican resorts is their extraordinary dining program that has been curated by top executive chefs from around the world. The most difficult decision of the day is deciding on where to dine for dinner amongst a choice of 16 gourmet restaurants that offer a wide variety of international cuisines, from fine dining to casual beachside bistros. Classic haute French is executed to perfection at Le Gourmand as well as classic Puglian cuisine at Valentino’s. For Asian flavors, Kimono’s offers an exhilarating Teppanyaki style experience as well as delectable sushi and exotic elixirs at the adjacent Soy. For low country comfort food The Southern Table feels right out of the Carolinas. Taste the spicy flavors of the Caribbean at Manor House or the island’s famous jerk style cuisine at the Jerk Shack. Dine over water on succulent seafood and steaks at the romantic lantern lit Kelly’s Dockside Bar & Grill which is available for butler service guests.
After a day at the swim-up bar, the party continues until 3 am with over 10 bars at your disposal, from a beachside pub to a piano lounge to the exciting new speakeasy, The Rabbit Hole, that changes its secret password entry daily. Step back in time to the Prohibition-Era in a chic ambiance that pays homage to a bygone era complete with a jazz singer and vintage cocktails that are as tasty as they are potent.
To experience the ultimate in VIP service, stay in one of the suites in the All-Butler village who have been trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers and attend to and anticipate your every need throughout your stay. The luxuriously appointed villas are divided into four suites with a private pool and individual balconies which are perfect for friends or couples travelling together. After your stay you will wonder how you ever lived without one.
For more information:
sandals.com