IN JAMAICA, SANDALS DUNN’S RIVER IS OPEN IN OCHO RIOS
A New Sandals All-Inclusive Adults-only Resort Opens in Jamaica
Melanie Reffes
Special Correspondent
Ocho Rios, Jamaica Oct. 2023: Honored as the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand at the 2023 World Travel Awards, Sandals Resorts is an industry leader and tourism trailblazer. “To be named the Caribbean’s leading hotel brand for the 30th consecutive year is a testament to the incredible team members and valued guests that make up the Sandals family,” said Gebhard Rainer, CEO, Sandals Resorts International (SRI). Sweetening the pot, the all-new and recently opened 260-room Sandals Dunn’s River celebrated its first big win as the Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort and the Caribbean’s Leading New Resort. Adults-only, the 17th beachfront resort in the upscale Sandals Resorts portfolio sits pretty in Ocho Rios on a site selected by Sandals Resorts International founder, the late Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, when the first Sandals Dunn’s River debuted over 30 years ago. “Ocho Rios has been the backdrop of some of my family’s most pivotal moments, including along this very beach where my father grew up and turned a perhaps once unimaginable dream into one of the world’s most well-known hotel brands,” said Adam Stewart, executive chairman, SRI,”. I cannot think of a better way to honor his legacy and acknowledge the incredible future of our brand than to welcome our very first guests to Sandals Dunn’s River. www.sandals.com
Sweet suites
On the north coast, 90 minutes from Montego Bay, the new 260-room Sandals Dunn’s River is one of 7 beachfront Sandals Resorts in Jamaica, with 3 in the Ocho Rios area; Sandals Ochi and Sandals Royal Plantation are the other two. Sweet dreams are guaranteed in a myriad of options from the Tufa Terrace SkyPool Butler Suites, a first in Jamaica with glass panel edge infinity pools spanning the length of balconies and Coyaba Sky Swim-up Rondoval Butler Suites with Private Pools and open-air rooftops outfitted with telescopes. A Stargazing Concierge ( another first for the brand ) is available to answer any stargazing questions and snap memorable photos. “Rondoval Villas are the most popular with honeymooners because they are designed with the utmost privacy in mind and provide a luxury stay that is sophisticated and sexy, ” said Deryk Meany General Manager. More beds for heads include the Mammee Bay Beachfront Butler Suites with sea-saluting balconies and the Travertine Beachfront Club Level Rooms named after the giant limestone steps at Dunn’s River Falls. Worth the splurge, there are 30 butlers at the resort taking care of everything from booking a massage in the Red Lane Spa to making dinner reservations and reserving sun loungers on the beach. www.sandals.com/dunns-
To-dine-for
A dozen dining options include 24-hour room service, sushi at Hamani, Greek fare in Edessa, Asian fusion at Banyu, pasta at Cascata, a taste of Jamaica at the Jerk Shack, and the breakfast buffet at the open-air Saltaire worth waking up early for. For the best cuppa Joe on the island, make a beeline to Blum Coffee Shop (short for Blue Mountains) where the expert baristas brew a variety of coffees. Stay for a pastry ( or two) baked fresh. For night owls, Dunn’s Rum Club is where lively bartenders shake and stir colorful cocktails, and for a nightcap; Lapidus Lounge pays homage to Morris Lapidus, the architect who designed the site’s first resort called the Arawak Hotel.
Jamaican roots
The source water that flows through Sandals Dunn’s River is from the natural reserves of the Dunn’s River Falls. In the lobby, guests are treated to the brand’s first-ever signature scent aromatic with whiffs of florals, sandalwood, and musk. The resort provides jobs for 830 employees; nearly all are Jamaicans. ” This is important to us because locals take so much pride in what Jamaica has to offer and are delighted to share that with our guests, “ said Deryk Meany, general manager and 5th generation Jamaican. There is no shortage of gratis activities from sailing, kayaking, and snorkeling to dance classes, pool time, and lounging on the beach. To explore the area, book a tour like deep sea fishing, rafting the Martha Brae, and horseback riding at the Island Routes kiosk in the lobby. www.islandroutes.com. For golfers, gratis green fees invite golfers to the nearby and newly refurbished Sandals Upton Estate Golf & Country Club, and for even more variety, go for a twofer with complimentary shuttles and access to Sandals Ochi with 16 restaurants and 11 bars.
Brand reliable
The gold standard in the Caribbean, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) operates 24 properties throughout the Caribbean under 4 brands including the adults-only all-inclusive Sandals Resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, and Curacao. A new Sandals Resort will open in March in St. Vincent. All-inclusive Beaches Resorts welcome families in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica. www.sandals
