This is a guest blog post by our oldest son, Richie Greer of EFF Lifestyle. He recently stayed at the Sandals Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica for his honeymoon and provided this account.

If you are looking for a romantic vacation for a honeymoon, anniversary, or other special event with the one you love, consider a stay at an all-inclusive Sandals resort. We recently spent an unforgettable week at the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and had such a great time, we’ve already booked a stay at another Sandals resort next year!

Luxuries Galore: The All-Inclusive Offerings at Sandals Ocho Rios

Sometimes you’ll book a stay at what you think is an all-inclusive resort, but once you get there you find out that most of the amenities have additional costs. Not at Sandals Resorts. Everything we needed for a terrific honeymoon vacation was included! This means transportation to and from the airport, all meals, snacks, alcohol, gratuities, and entertainment. They take care of every imaginable aspect, allowing you to relax and indulge in a wide array of endless amenities:

• Delectable dining at 16 outstanding restaurants, offering diverse cuisines. Get a taste of sumptuous Italian, Caribbean, or British Pub cooking, to name a few.
• Quench your thirst with refreshing beverages at 11 lively bars available throughout the property, including a rooftop bar offering stunning vistas and a swim-up bar in the pool for those who never want to leave the water.
• Luxuriate in accommodations boasting 24-hour room service and soothing amenities like beachfront views, private pools, and well-appointed bathrooms.
• Partake in exciting water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and windsurfing. Also, you can explore various land sports, including beach volleyball, basketball, and lawn chess.
• Rejuvenate your senses at the state-of-the-art Red Lane® Spa to unwind and enjoy a true Jamaican vacation that caters to your well-being.

Food & Drinks

There was never a reason to leave this seaside retreat to satisfy our hunger for delicious cuisine as it had seven waterside restaurants to choose from (again at no extra cost, not even gratuity). Complimentary room service is also included. The best part is food available at all times of the day, and you will never have to pay extra!

The resort at Ocho Rios had a beachfront pool with a bar you can swim up to and premium spirits are free. Bars open at 10 am and close at 3 am, meaning you have drinks available almost all day long while on vacation! our room even came with a fully stocked mini-bar to take advantage of at our leisure!

Water Sports

There are also plenty of free activities at the resort that are included in your stay. They have a full range of complimentary non-motorized water sports such as kayak, stand-up paddle board, snorkel equipment, and more! Whether your idea of a day at the beach includes lounging by the sea or playing in the surf, you will not need to carry around your wallet.

Other Entertainment

If that is not enough, there was additional entertainment every day and night. In the afternoons, there were poolside games. Each night you can expect several different types of entertainment like karaoke, a piano bar, and dance parties. Our favorite was The Rabbit Hole, a speakeasy bar where you actually had to know the password to get in! Want to get a little exercise in? The resort had beach volleyball, shuffleboard, basketball, a fitness center, and more. Sandals also has some of the best golf courses on the island with unlimited rounds and complimentary green fees.

Rest in Unparalleled Comfort: Rooms at Sandals Ochi

Obviously, rooms are included at the resort, but what you might not know is that there are 3 different room levels so you can select the one that will fit your desires and budget. Choose from a variety of options like the Honeymoon Hideaway Luxury Club Level, offering decadent garden views, or the Butler Village Poolside One Bedroom Villa Suite, featuring a semi-private pool and patio. With the resort’s exclusivity, you can escape the bustle of the common tourist life and unwind amidst unparalleled tranquility.

Regardless of your choice, you’ll bask in luxurious amenities, including a well-stocked mini-bar replenished daily, king-size beds adorned with elegant linens, and the dedicated service of a highly-trained staff. The rooms at Sandals Ochi redefine the concept of a perfect, intimate haven.

A Friendly Reminder: Exceptions to the Inclusivity

While the all-inclusive package provides a significant number of perks, there are a few things you should be aware that it doesn’t cover:

• Spa services and treatments, which are available for an additional cost.
• Off-property excursions and activities.
• Premium wines, champagnes, or certain top-shelf liquors.

The only thing we paid for was a few excursions around the island.

Some add-ons that we considered, but didn’t choose included couples massages at the spa and a private candlelit dinner on the beach. Our days and nights were already so full with the other activities, that we didn’t find it necessary to enhance our stay.

For tips on saving money on luxury travel, click here to read this article on Luxury Travel That Doesn’t Bust The Budget.