Curator’s statement
My husband and I have visited the beautiful island of Jamaica on four separate occasions and have come to love Ocho Rios (or “Ochi,” as the locals call it). Its people, laid-back culture, Bob Marley vibes, and rum punch make it a fun and relaxing vacation spot where you can truly unwind and leave your worries behind. Ochi is also where we discovered the luxury of all-inclusive resorts.
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Where to stay in Ocho Rios
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Things to do in Ocho Rios
Jamaica has some of the bluest water you will find! Sometimes the best “activity” is no activity.
Enjoy your all-inclusive resort
Of course, the best part about an all-inclusive resort is that you don’t have to leave the property to enjoy wonderful excursions and activities such as snorkeling, diving, catamaran cruises, private islands, bicycling, and other water activities. I love the ease of staying within an all-inclusive resort and enjoying everything it has to offer.
Lounge at the beach
Jamaica has some of the most beautiful crystal-clear blue waters you’ll ever see! Each of the all-inclusive resorts have gorgeous beaches for lounging, complete with resort staff ready to get you whatever you want to eat or drink. Our favorite part of Jamaica is enjoying a truly relaxing vacation.
Take in a show at your resort
All-inclusive resorts often offer a show or musical event on site. We especially enjoyed a steel drum band show by Silver Birds. It was energetic and incredibly entertaining—maybe a little loud for some, but we didn’t mind.
Dunn’s River Falls
If you must venture out of your resort, Dunn’s River Falls is a must-see in Ochi. Be prepared to hike a bit, and you will need to bring water shoes and shoes that you don't mind getting a bit muddy if it's the rainy season. I recommend going here when there is not a cruise ship in port for fewer crowds.
River rafting
A tradition in Jamaica, river rafting is a fun adventure where you will float down the river on a bamboo raft pushed along by your guide. Relax and enjoy the beauty of Jamaica’s flora and sounds of nature all around you.
Connect with a local guide
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the Jamaican culture, I recommend connecting with a local guide to show you around. It can be great to get out and explore the local scene, complete with a trip to a village grocery store, restaurant, and/or private beach. This excursion is for those with an adventurous spirit who enjoy experiencing the culture of a country as it may be an eye-opening experience.
Places to eat & drink in Ocho Rios
Couples Tower Isle’s Bayside restaurant has amazing food and atmosphere. This was our favorite restaurant experience. Be sure to book your reservation early!
Couples Tower Isle
Our top restaurant pick is Bayside at Couples Tower Isle. The food is amazing and the ambience is lovely. On the evening we ate here, we were treated to an amazing natural “lightning” show off in the distance over the water, which made for a romantic evening!
Moon Palace
Pier 8 at Moon Palace was a casual yet upscale dining experience. The view from this outdoor seating restaurant was beautiful and the live band added a great vibe. The food was delicious as well!
Hotel RIU Ocho Rios
With several restaurant options on site that booked up too quickly for us, we enjoyed the à la carte Kulinarium due to its daily variety and local favorite dishes like jerk chicken and rice and peas.
Need to know
Choosing an all-inclusive in Jamaica is a smart choice. Whether you stay at one of these three resorts or somewhere else, be sure to make sure it has guest safety protocols in place.
The best time of year to travel to Jamaica is in the winter months (December to February). The summer can be brutally hot and it is common for even high-end resorts not to have air conditioning in the lobby and other open spaces.
Book your transportation on the island ahead of your travel dates. It is not recommended to rent a car as the roads are not marked well and taxis at the airport are likely to charge higher rates. Keep in mind that transportation costs are higher due to the price of gasoline on the island. Tipping a good driver is a kind gesture as this is often their main source of income.
Club Mobay (Montego Bay airport) and Club Kingston (Kingston airport) are optional, but great additions for any traveler. They provide VIP concierge services upon arrival and lounge access prior to departure, allowing travelers to get to their resort quicker and with less airport and customs hassles.
Travel Advisor
Stephanie Avello
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Jamaica page.