In this is Travel with Val report, Valarie D’Elia heads to Ocho Rios, Jamaica to check out the re-launch of Sandals' largest all-inclusive resort.
Devotees may know it better as Sandals Grande Riviera, an all-inclusive couples resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. But following a $60 million, three-year renovation, it has a different name and a fresh look.
"It’s like new and clean and crisp and sexy. It has a real luxury level to it. They're always trying to renew and re-lift, like give a facelift; you know give a little nip and tuck here and there," says Jennifer Doncsecz of VIP Vacations Inc.
The newly-minted Sandals Ochi Beach Resort boasts 529 accommodations in all, including villas, luxury rooms and suites, as well as an all-butler village, adding up to more features than at any other Sandals property.
"We have more restaurants, more bars, more pools than any other resort. We have the Ochi Beach Club if you want to get crazy, if you want to have some crazy fun, and that is unique to us. We have the Speakeasy Bar,” says Tamon Allen, Butler Service Manager at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort.
The 100-acre resort overlooks the Caribbean Sea from a leafy hillside affording both mountain and ocean views. As I learned on a media visit, the beach can be a jitney ride away depending on your accommodations. There are 20 room categories from which to choose and several options for length of stay and pricing.
"Sandals Ochi has very good entry level rooms to get that taste of the Caribbean and of an adults-only, couples-only all-inclusive.
The all-inclusive aspect incorporates transfers, dining, cocktails, Wi-Fi, as well as a choice of land and watersports including scuba for certified divers. Some packages come with spa and excursion credits.
For more information, visit Sandals.com.