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Sandals Ochi: The Resort I Wish I Had Discovered Sooner

I’m going to say it right now:
I want to kick myself in the rear for not tuning into Sandals Ochi sooner—not for myself and definitely not for my clients.

After experiencing it firsthand, I keep thinking, “Why did I wait so long to really experience this resort?”
Sandals Ochi is one of those properties that has a lot going on, and I mean that in the best possible way.
Do You Want to Party? Ochi Has You.
This resort really seems to understand what travelers are looking for.
Want to relax?
They’ve got you.
Want a pool day?
They've got you.
Want games, entertainment, music, and a little more energy?
Yep. They've got you.

And if you're looking for something a little more exclusive, Ochi even has its own speakeasy.
And here's the fun part—you have to know the password to get in.
That little detail alone makes the experience feel like an adventure.

The Pools, Games & Entertainment
If you're someone who likes having things to do on vacation, Ochi is going to make you happy.
There are pools, games, entertainment, activities, beach club, and plenty of opportunities to socialize.

You can spend the day doing absolutely nothing—or you can fill your schedule from morning until night.
It's your vacation.

The Service
One thing that really stood out to me was the service.
There was a consistent smile and genuine hospitality throughout the resort.
And with a property this large, that's important.

Let's Talk About the Food
I have to mention lunch because, honestly, some of the best casual meals I had all week were here.
Pizza. Jerk chicken, Quesadillas, French fries, nachos with guacamole (hey this isn’t Mexico)
And that jerk chicken had a little extra spice, which I personally loved.
Sometimes you don't need a fancy, elevated lunch.
Sometimes you want a good pizza by the pool or some spicy Jamaican jerk chicken.
Ochi delivers.

Getting Around Is Easier Than You Think
Now, I know what some people may think when they hear how large Sandals Ochi is:
“I'm going to be walking forever, aren't I?”
Nope.
Ochi has a great transportation system that gets you where you need to go around the property.
And if you're staying at Ochi, you also have access to the beach club.
The beach is across the road, but don't let that scare you.
The transportation makes getting back and forth easy, and once you get to the beach club, you have access to the amenities and everything that's included.
And honestly?
It really doesn't take that long to get there.

There's a Lot Included
Another thing I appreciated about Ochi is how much is available to you.
Between the pools, activities, entertainment, restaurants, bars, transportation, and beach club access, there's a lot packed into this resort.
You can make your vacation exactly what you want it to be.

My Biggest Takeaway
I honestly can't speak highly enough about this property.
Would I recommend Ochi to every single traveler?
Probably not.
If you're looking for a tiny, quiet, intimate boutique resort, this isn't it.
But if you want options, Ochi is hard to beat.

And after actually experiencing this resort, I'm kicking myself a little for not paying closer attention to it sooner.
Because now I know exactly what kind of client I'm going to recommend it to.
Sandals Ochi isn't just a resort you stay at. It's a resort you can build your vacation around.
And that's something I really appreciate. Ochi, you definitely surprised me—and I'm so glad I finally tuned in.

If Europe is on your bucket list, there’s an unforgettable option for you to consider: a Viking Rhine River cruise!

Imagine starting in Amsterdam, cruising through the heart of Europe along the Rhine, and ending your journey surrounded by the incredible scenery of the Swiss Alps. Think about all of the breathtaking sights you’ll be able to take in along the way, the mouthwatering food you can experience, and the relaxation that comes from sitting back and taking in the view.

Start in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the perfect place to begin. Picture yourself exploring the canals lined with beautiful buildings, charming streets, museums, and charming cafés. Maybe you’ll want to spend a little bit of time seeing the city by bike – which is very common here – and immersing yourself in the unmistakable European atmosphere.

I like to recommend that my clients spend a little time here before getting on the river cruise because it gives you the opportunity to see the city more in depth before settling into a completely different pace of travel.

Once you board the Viking river ship, you can unwind and take in the views that only the river brings.

River cruising is one of the most relaxing ways to travel. You unpack once and your room stays in one place. moves with you. Instead of hauling your luggage to new train stations in each city you’re visiting and checking into another hotel, you get to settle in and enjoy the journey.

Rhine is spectacular, too. You’ll get to see the one-of-a-kind towns, historic architecture, vineyards, castles and beautiful countryside right from the ship. And sometimes the scenery outside your window is just as memorable as the destination you're visiting. Head out to the deck with a glass of wine and watch Europe pass by.

River cruising also offers the best of both worlds! You have the perfect combination of rest and discovery. You can get off the ship and explore a new destination, walking through historic streets or the magical countryside, visiting a castle, or filling your belly with mouthwatering local food.

Then return to the ship, unpacked and settled in, and let someone else worry about getting you to the next stop. It's European sightseeing without feeling like you have to race through Europe.

Switzerland Next

Just when you think the trip couldn't get much better, you reach Switzerland. The scenery changes completely and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before! Words can’t really describe the majestic nature of this part of the world – the towering mountains, sweeping valleys, crystal clear lakes, and villages with welcoming locals.

Ending a European river journey here gives the trip a completely different finale. You've gone from canals in Amsterdam, to castles and villages along the Rhine, to the dramatic mountain scenery of Switzerland.

That's what makes this feel like a true bucket-list journey.

Why I Think This Trip Is Special

There are lots of ways to see Europe. But I love the idea of this one because you're not simply checking destinations off a list. You're experiencing different sides of Europe during one trip. You’ll see city life in Amsterdam, the countryside of Europe via the Rhine, castles, a broad spectrum of European food and wine, mountains, and so much more! And you won’t have to worry about transportation and other logistics that come with visiting multiple countries in one trip.

Ready to plan your river cruise?

If you want to see Europe but don't love the idea of constantly packing and unpacking, this could be a great vacation option for you. River cruises are smaller and more intimate than large ocean cruises and focus heavily on the destinations. Your bucket list trip is waiting, and I can help you plan it!

I'll help you figure out what type of European experience is best for you and make sure all the pieces are planned out. That way, you won’t need to stress over the details and can focus on creating memories that last forever.

I just wrapped up an incredible week in Jamaica, and this trip was about much more than sitting on the beach with a rum punch in my hand. While I love experiencing the beauty and relaxation of this incredible island, I also wanted to use this time to explore some of the one-of-a-kind resorts there, so I can continue to match my clients with world-class accommodations.

I experienced four resorts during this trip—and each one was a new experience for me.

And there’s an extra milestone I’m excited to announce: with my stay at Couples Swept Away, I have now personally experienced all four Couples Resorts in Jamaica!

As a travel advisor, that matters to me. It gives me the firsthand experience needed to help each of my clients find the vacation that suits them best. In other words, I work hard to recommend specific resorts because I’ve actually been there and experienced it on the ground. While the pictures, brochures, and website help – it doesn’t replace the actual experience of eating the food, walking the grounds, getting a feel for the culture and atmosphere, and putting your toes in the sand.

Each resort has its own feel and what I mainly learned is that there is not one ‘best’ resort in Jamaica. This is a personal decision! Each person has an idea of what they want their vacation to be and there is a resort that’s best for you! Maybe you want quiet and personalized service, or you want plenty of entertainment options. Maybe a quiet beach with a book or a nap is what the doctor ordered, or you’re wanting to give your taste buds an adventure at new restaurants.

I got to see the ins and outs of each resort during my trip, so keep reading for my honest feedback. Most importantly, you’ll figure out who I think each resort is best suited for.

Resort #1: Sandals Dunn’s River
A newer, modern Sandals experience with beautiful grounds, incredible water, multiple restaurants and bars, great pools, water sports, and some surprises—including a Rum Bar that is definitely worth visiting!

Resort #2: Sandals Royal Plantation
A completely different experience. Every room is luxury: butler level and the service is highly personalized, the atmosphere is peaceful and refined, and the ocean is spectacular. And if you want more action, you have access to Sandals Ochi and Dunn’s River.

Resort #3: Sandals Ochi
If you want options, Ochi delivers. Pools, games, entertainment, restaurants, bars, a beach club, transportation around the property—and even a speakeasy where you need the password to get in. This was so fun!

Resort #4: Couples Swept Away
This one was especially meaningful for me because it means I’ve have now experienced all four Couples Resorts in Jamaica! It gave me the chance to see what makes the Couples brand different and ultimately, help connect who I think will really love this property.

My conclusion is that there’s no one resort that’s better than the others. Each one is different and has a distinct vibe. That’s where my role as a travel advisor comes into play: I work hard to get to know you and what you’re dreaming of for your vacation. That way, I can match you with the property that makes the most sense for you.

I've done the exploring. Now let me introduce you to an island I love dearly – Jamaica.