Sandals Dunn’s River, Ocho Rios

A river of pools on the north coast

Sandals Dunn’s River stands on Mammee Bay Road in Ocho Rios, on the north coast of Jamaica. It is an all-inclusive resort for adults only. The first Sandals Dunn’s River opened in 1991 and operated until 2010, and after a spell under other management Sandals reacquired it, renovated it extensively and reopened it on 24 May 2023.

The resort buildings, the beach and the pier from above. Photograph: Sandals Dunn’s River.

The plan of the grounds follows the name. A chain of pools runs through the resort and flows like the river it is named after, with the buildings set back from a secluded beach. The design is modern and airy, inspired by nature, with a boutique feel.

The curving pool, with a thatched pavilion at its edge and the beach beyond. Photograph: Sandals Dunn’s River.

Marrying on the beach

Sandals has published one couple’s wedding at Dunn’s River. It took place on the beach at twilight, beneath an A-frame arbor dressed in local flowers. The reception table was long and set among the palm trees, and a four-course dinner followed. The Sandals wedding team arranged the day from the ceremony onwards, and the cake came from the resort’s own culinary team.

The beach in front of the resort, with parasols and loungers on pale sand. Photograph: Sandals Dunn’s River.

Guest numbers and the arrangement of the beach for a ceremony or a reception are agreed with the resort’s team when a couple enquires.

Rooftops, skypools and swim-ups

Three kinds of accommodation are named. The Coyaba Sky Rondoval Villas each have a rooftop terrace, where couples can have a rooftop picnic with a telescope and a personal constellation guide. The Beachfront Skypool Suites each have a balcony, an elevated infinity pool and a soaking tub for two, looking out over the sea. The Swim-Up Suites are arranged so that the pool is within reach of the terrace.

A rondoval villa with its rooftop terrace, beside the pool. Photograph: Sandals Dunn’s River.

A suite terrace with an infinity pool, a soaking tub and the sea beyond. Photograph: Sandals Dunn’s River.

Twelve restaurants, nine bars

Dining is part of the all-inclusive stay: 12 specialty restaurants with menus that cover Jamaican jerk, Italian, Japanese sushi, Pan-Asian, classic French, Mediterranean, South American and international cooking, with breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks included. A culinary concierge desk handles dietary needs, and nine bars pour top-shelf spirits and wines.

One of the sushi restaurants, with a counter and tables. Photograph: Sandals Dunn’s River.

Water, golf and the neighbouring resort

Water sports, snorkelling and scuba for certified divers are included, along with sailing, paddle boarding, kayaks and glass-bottom boat trips. Green fees at the nearby 18-hole Upton Estate Golf and Country Club are included, with shuttles to and from the course, and guests have full access to the neighbouring Sandals Ochi, including its restaurants and bars.

A sailing catamaran in the bay off the resort. Photograph: Sandals Dunn’s River.

Getting there

Ian Fleming International Airport is about a 30-minute drive from the resort. Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston are each about 90 minutes away. Round-trip airport transfers are included in the stay.

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