5 reasons to stay at the brand new Sandals Dunn's River, Jamaica

Debbie Ward

Debbie Ward

Sandals' couples-only all-inclusive resorts have been around for 40 years, so the group knows all about creating great beach holidays, particularly on its home island of Jamaica.

The recently-opened Sandals Dunn's River, Jamaica
The recently-opened Sandals Dunn's River, Jamaica - photo courtesy of Sandals Resorts

Its newest resort Sandals Dunn's River* at Ocho Rios opened in May 2023, totally revamped and restyled from when the brand managed the property in the past.

There are some new swanky room options if you're going all out for a honeymoon or special occasion and plenty of other innovations to enjoy whichever part of the resort you stay in.

And of course, being all-inclusive, food, drinks, watersports like paddle boarding and kayaking and even diving (if you're qualified) are covered. There's also free access to Sandals' nearby golf course.

People enjoying the waters of Dunn's Falls, Jamaica
People enjoying the waters of Dunn's Falls, Jamaica © Prayitno Hadinata - Flickr CC BY 2.0

As a bonus, the resort has a great location, just 10 minutes from Jamaica's most famous tourist attraction, the photogenic Dunn's River Falls, which you can climb up through stepped pools with the help of a guide.

Getting to Sandals Dunn's River: browse the latest online offers on all-inclusive holidays with Sandals*.

Butler-led stargazing

Picture yourself standing on the roof terrace of a private villa in the balmy night air, nibbling canapés while your butler shows you different constellations through your telescope.

This romantic prospect is possible if you book one of the new Coyaba Sky Villa Swim-up Rondoval Butler Suites*, which are new to Sandals and debuted at the Dunn's River resort. By day, laze on the roof terrace's day bed or soak together in the large free-standing tub.

Bird's eye view of the roof terrace
Bird's eye view of the roof terrace - photo courtesy of Sandals Resorts

And when you fancy a swim, you can head out the back door of your cute circular villa and launch yourself straight from your private patio into the river-like pool alongside. The highest category Sky Villas also have their own private pools.

The villas are perfect for a blissed-out honeymoon or anniversary. And if you want to get married or renew your vows at a Sandals resort, you're entitled to a free ceremony with stays of three nights or longer whatever room you're in.

Suites with balcony-length pools

Ever seen a pool on a balcony? Sandals' SkyPool Butler Suites* have them and Dunn's River is the first of its Jamaican resorts where you can try them out.

These aren't just plunge pools either, we're talking wide enough to make three or more swim strokes across, all the while feeling extra smug because you're overlooking the public pools and the white sand beach below.

Taking in the view from a SkyPool suite
Taking in the view from a SkyPool suite - photo courtesy of Sandals Resorts

Like the main pools, the balcony pools are clear-sided, so you get a cool aquarium effect. Of course, that means balcony skinny dipping is out, but if you want to use the free-standing bathtub that's also on the balcony there's a curtain for privacy.

In the suite itself, a day bed just behind the patio doors and an oversized sharing tub in the bathroom are romantic touches, and like all Sandals rooms, there's a free minibar.

Want that bath filled for you or sundowner cocktails delivered to your door? That's where your butler comes in, who you can call from a dedicated mobile phone.

Find out more: heading to Jamaica soon? See what to expect and pack in our five-day weather forecast for Ocho Rios.

The largest selection of rums in Jamaica

It wouldn't be a Caribbean holiday without a rum cocktail and where better to indulge than a bar with more than 30 varieties of the tipple?

The resort's Dunn's Rum Club* boasts the largest selection of local and imported rums in Jamaica. Sip neat or choose one of the rum-forward cocktails from the menu (highly recommend the Rum Old Fashioned).

Though there are several bars around the resort, including a beach bar with a lounging platform above, Dunn's Rum Club is best for making an evening of it. There are leather sofas and a pool table while DJs liven things up on certain nights. On the patio outside, firepits create a relaxed atmosphere.

Inside chic Dunn's Rum Club
Inside chic Dunn's Rum Club - photo courtesy of Sandals Resorts

Another highlight is the food. There are 12 all-inclusive restaurants and cafés at Sandals Dunn's River, with eight open in the evening.

Dunn's Rum Club serves tapas with a Jamaican slant; think slow-cooked jerk pork belly, smoked marlin spread, braised oxtail sliders, heavenly pepper shrimp with a scotch bonnet sauce, plus boozy international desserts, like rum baba.

It was the joint best food I had over a week at the resort, along with the curries and fish parcels at the Jerk Shack* on the beach (open lunchtimes and by reservation in the evening), proving that simple and local is often best.

Instagrammable interiors

Sandals has seriously upped its decor game in recent years and as its newest resort, Dunn's River has some of the most stylish touches.

Think chairs and tables hewn from chunks of reclaimed wood, poolside day beds with retro striped parasols, cool lighting and some seriously covetable chunky crockery.

Local artists have helped create fun sculptures for the restaurants. There are even living walls with moss grown in the shapes of a hummingbird and Dunn's River Falls. Meanwhile, if you're into selfies, you can cheat and hire one of Sandals' photographers for a couple's photoshoot around the resort.

Bottomless barista-made coffee

For a break from the sun or a caffeine boost any time of day, head to the cool, calm embrace of Sandals Dunn's River's new barista-led coffee shop Blum*.

The stylish interiors of Blum coffee shop
The stylish interiors of Blum coffee shop - photo courtesy of Sandals Resorts

Jamaica's Blue Mountain coffee is one of the best in the world so you're in for a treat. Hang out in Blum's stylish air-conditioned interior or on the patio outside and take your pick from a tempting menu of hot and iced drinks, all using those famous island-grown beans. More unusual combos include the Turin, an espresso layered with hot chocolate and cream.

Looking for next-level indulgence? There are boozy options too, some with shots of Jamaican rum cream, as well as Caribbean-inspired sweet treats like plantain tarts, banana bread and coffee cake. Perhaps just wait a while till that next swim.

Weather in Ocho Rios

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
Sea temperature °C

The above guide shows the climate in Ochos Rios. Find out more about the conditions across the island all year round in our complete guide to the climate in Jamaica.

Ready to experience Sandals Dunn's River? Search the latest deals and online savings on luxurious breaks to the Caribbean.

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Debbie Ward

Debbie Ward

Posted on Thursday 21st September 2023 in: Beach Caribbean Winter sun

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