If you want to stay in the middle of all the action on the north coast of Jamaica, the former fishing village of Ocho Rios is an attractive option. Home to famous Dunn’s River Falls, the Mystic Mountain adventure park with its Jamaican bobsled ride, Dolphin Cove, and Green Grotto caves — plus a lively downtown with a Margaritaville restaurant and a Scotchie’s jerk shack nearby — Ocho Rios has resorts that are short drive from attractions and dining while offering plenty of on-site fun, as well.
Here are our favorite places to stay in Ocho Rios.
Jamaica Inn Low-rise and low key, the Jamaica Inn is an elegant alternative to Ocho Rios’ all-inclusive resorts. There was a time where you might have found Ian Fleming or Katherine Hepburn at the bar, and guests still while away the hours with classic diversions like croquet as well as indulging in al fresco spa treatments, sipping afternoon tea, and getting dressy for dinner. Accommodations are a mix of suites and cottages, each individually decorated.
Sandals Ochi A hundred acres of beachfront property and easy access to the Sandals Golf and Country Club make this Ocho Rios all-inclusive resort a nice choice for people seeking privacy as well as activities. The resort’s 16 dining and drinking options include a rooftop restaurant and the Rabbit Hole, billed as the Caribbean’s first speakeasy.
Sandals Royal Plantation No need to pick and choose which rooms at this all-inclusive resort have butler service, because all accommodations at this all-suite property have butlers, making it unique among Sandals resorts. Unlike a lot of all-inclusive hotels, the Royal Plantation has a history — it’s reputation as a celebrity magnet dates back to the early 1960s, and some of the original architecture remains in place. The adults-only resort’s champagne and caviar bar also informs the Royal Plantation’s upscale offerings.
Beaches Ocho Rios This family friendly all-inclusive packs a lot of activities into its modest 22 acres, including the Pirates Island waterpark with water slides and a lazy river, water and on-land sports, and kids clubs for children of all ages. Even the more modest rooms here include extra space for families, with sitting areas with sofa beds.
Couples San Souci Sans Souci translates as “without worry,” and that’s certainly the atmosphere promoted at this adults-only resort on White River Bay. Tucked away between the mountains and the beach, Sans Souci is small by all-inclusive standards — just 150 rooms — and is full of quiet spaces including an au natural beach. Other than a private cottage the rooms are all suites, and the spa and wellness vibe is reinforced with a daily veggie bar laid out at lunchtime.
Couples Tower Isle Why choose between an all-inclusive and a private island resort when you can have both at Couples Tower Isle? In addition to the usual unlimited food, drinks, entertainment, activities, and nightlife, this Ocho Rios resort features eight new Oasis Spa Villas that come with unlimited spa treatments. And when you’re relaxed enough to take it all off, the resort’s private island is an au natural hideaway for getting that all-over tan.
Moon Palace Jamaica The promise of an “awe inclusive” experience is met at least in part at the Moon Palace with an exciting FlowRider wave simulator for surfing and bodyboarding action. Beyond that, the resort features a spa, nightclub, kids playroom, an arcade and gaming center, and the usual assortment of included waterspouts options — kayaking, paddle boarding, etc. In-room minibars are refreshed daily, and the all-inclusive package includes 24-hour room service and dining at a half-dozen restaurants.
Riu Ocho Rios Not only does the Riu boast a free-flowing booze bar in each room, the hotel has cruise ship style 24-hour all-inclusive dining, including room service. Family friendly offerings include the Splash Water World water park, a half dozen pools, everyday entertainment, a playground, and kids clubs.
Hermosa Cove The crown jewel of this lovingly built and appointed boutique hotel has to be the Cottonwood Treehouse, a whimsical one-bedroom cottage lofted above the surrounding tropical gardens. But the truth is that most of the accommodations at Hermosa Cove have a storybook quality about them, including the gingerbread Calabash House, the stone faced, three-story Nautilus House, and a variety of villas with their own private pools.
Blue House Boutique B&B Not every Jamaica trip has to be a beach vacation, and if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway up in the hills and surrounded by rainforest and tropical wildlife, the Blue House is your place. With just five rooms, individualized attention is a given; the gourmet Jamaican-Chinese cuisine served nightly for dinner is an unexpected but welcome bonus.