Beaches Ocho Rios
When we decided to go away for Christmas, something we’ve been talking about for years, we had some pretty big requirements. We wanted a resort that was family-friendly, all-inclusive, had activities we could do as a family, had plenty of restaurant choices, and was a place where we could relax and play together. Beaches Ocho Rios fit all of these and we soon began counting down the days until our Christmas vacation!
We arrived three days before Christmas because we wanted to be back at the lake to ring in the new year with friends…a tradition we’ve celebrated for over 20 years. After a 4 1/2 hour flight from Boston, it was time to head to the resort. The drive from the airport was one of the only downsides since it’s a 2-hour drive. The upside was the van was air conditioned we knew there would be sweeping views of the coast. The bad side was we arrived after dark, in the rain. It was great to have airport transfer included, since it was one last thing to worry about and our driver was friendly and knowledgeable and told us lots of facts about Jamaica.
Our First Impression
We were afraid since it was an island destination, the resort would not have a Christmas feel, but that could not be farther from the truth. The entrance to the lobby was transformed into a winter wonderland, with palm trees lit up with white Christmas lights. Gorgeous decorated trees and ornate table displays filled the lobby.
We immediately felt the holiday spirit as we were given a glass of champagne and were seated in cozy chairs to complete our check-in.
Take a peek at our suite!
We stayed in a Caribbean Honeymoon Oceanview Concierge Veranda Suite Double. These large suites were the perfect family retreat since everyone had their own space. The room was decorated in Caribbean decor with lots of natural light. The room featured traditional mahogany furniture, including two double beds. It also had a flat screen television, ceiling fan, air-conditioning, coffee/tea maker, electronic safe, iron and ironing board, and microwave. There was also a mini fridge that was stocked daily with complimentary water, beer, soda, and juice. I wish we could have turned the temperature of the fridge down because the drinks were not very cold. The room also had a bottle of both red and white wine as well as a bottle of champagne. 
The room had a spacious sunken sitting area with a pullout couch, ottoman, and a large desk. The only complaint I had with the suite was the Wi-Fi. Even though we paid for premium Wi-Fi service, I could not use my iPhone from anywhere in the room, even though it was connected to the Wi-Fi. Our laptops only worked when we were near the sliders. We didn’t really mind since we were rarely on our electronics, but it might irritate you if you had planned on working while there.
Our favorite feature of the room were the sliding doors which led to a large walkout balcony. The balcony had a table and chairs that we would often sit out on and relax or drink our morning coffee. We had a stunning view of the pool area and the Caribbean Sea.
POOL AREA
Beaches Ocho Rios has 5 pools. Our favorite was the main pool that had a fun swim-up bar. We loved playing volleyball and swimming together during the day, stopping only to get a smoothie or cocktail to get out of the sun. Like most resorts, you have to reserve a chair in the morning since they were at full capacity towards the end of our trip. We loved listening to steel drum Christmas carols while sipping on cocktails. The bar crew were incredible and always quick to ask if we needed anything. My girls loved sampling the many frozen nonalcoholic cocktails they made. I also loved that there were water bottles in ice buckets around the pool area since it would get so hot during the day. It was a great reminder to hydrate!
The pool in the French building was never busy and had an amazing view. It was a great place to order crepes then enjoy them poolside as you looked out over the beach.
BEACH
Beaches Ocho Rios has their own private beach, which means you will not be bothered by people trying to sell you things while you’re relaxing. The beach had powdered white sand, crystal clear water, and a gorgeous view!
If you love beaches with long stretches of sand then be prepared for the small size. Although it is small it is still really fun. We loved playing on the rafts and would laugh until we cried trying to push each other off.
There is a bar right on the beach so you don’t have to go far for cocktails or a cold Red Stripe, Jamaica’s local beer. My girls loved that there was a self-serve ice cream machine down by the beach. I don’t even want to know how many times they used it!
WATERPARK
I thought only my kids would like the waterpark, but we all had so much fun racing down the slides! There are slides for every level and even one that I had to be dared to go on…which I did…only once… and never again!! My girls felt comfortable going to the waterpark by themselves and we felt fine about it because the lifeguards did a great job paying attention to keep everyone safe.
There was also a shallow area for kids to swim.
WATER SPORTS
There were tons of water sports at Beaches Ocho Rios including paddleboards, snorkeling, glass bottom boats, Hobie cats, snuba, and more. My husband and daughter loved doing the kayak together.
LAND SPORTS
We played shuffleboard almost every night and even had a few games of tennis while we were there. You could easily get rackets and balls from the front desk. Remember to bring sneakers if you want to be allowed on the court.
The resort also had a colorful basketball court.
As well as a life-size chess set.
The last time we stayed at a Beaches resort the girls were 4 & 6. Now that they’re 10 & 12, it was fun to watch them feel independent as they explored the resort together as pre-teens. They thought it was fun to do some activities alone and even went to lunch once while we were at the spa. It gave them the opportunity to have sister bonding time and then come back for family time. This was the first time I’ve let them go off alone and it was because the resort felt extremely safe.
XBOX PLAY LOUNGE
The lounge was filled with everything a gamer could want including controller-free games that everyone can play, to blockbuster titles for every style and skill level with unlimited free play. Families are also welcomed to play together. Since my girls like to play videogames, I thought they would spend time here, but because it’s so cold in New Hampshire right now, they wanted to spend every second outdoors.
TRENCH TOWN
Trench Town is more than a game room…it’s a teen-focused hangout spot that reflects Jamaica’s vibe and urban culture with graffiti wall murals and concert posters plastered on the walls. In this space, kids can feel free to hang out and listen to music, or watch some TV – all in a space created just for them. There are lots of things to do like foosball, air hockey, and electronic basketball cages. Again, my kiddos didn’t spend much time here since it’s indoors, but it would have been great for rainy days or afternoons where you want to get out of the sun.
There are so many beautiful spots around the hotel where you can relax.
FEELING HUNGRY? CHECK OUT ALL THESE RESTAURANTS!
LA PARISIENNE
Our family’s first experience at a French restaurant was at La Parisienne. It had a classy ambience and impeccable service, while still managing to make my kids comfortable. We loved seeing the chic décor-blue velvet walls, modern art, rich colors, and magnificent chandeliers as we walked through. We ate a lovely meal on the terrace with a beautiful view of the Caribbean.
THE VENITIAN
Italian food is a favorite for our family, so we were excited to try The Venetian. The old-world décor was depicted with dark wood and brick accents, making us feel like we were in a Venetian palazzo. My girls loved the antipasti station with clams, mussels, and charcuterie. I love that most of the restaurants have sit-down service for dinner, since I’m not a huge fan of buffets for dinners.
BAYSIDE
This fun restaurant represents the rich diversity of the islands and also offers delicious International cuisine. We ate breakfast here every morning (Mimosas were wonderful!) and many afternoons since they had a delicious Caesar salad station that I craved each day. Look at this beautiful gingerbread house they created!
NEPTUNE
Named after the Roman god of water and the sea, it’s no wonder that Neptune is an amazing Mediterranean seafood restaurant. We loved dining in the open-air porch area with the water in the distance and the waves crashing around us.
We actually ate here twice and one night they included a lobster tail for each of us with our meals. (Make sure you request this option!)
BAR-B-Q
This classic BBQ restaurant is nestled poolside and serves up the best comfort foods. We loved their burgers and jerk chicken and pork. You can also order food and bring it back to your room or to the pool area. There is another seating area that we would go to because it had an incredible view!
JOSPEHINE’S
Josephine’s is a gourmet crêperie serving authentic French crêpes and delicious desserts. This one-of-a-kind eatery is a must-visit for guests that crave the sweetest things in life. My girls loved the signature treat: crêpe au chocolat – crêpe filled with chocolate and almond ganache.
BELLA NAPOLI
Sometimes kids just want some of their favorite food…like pizza! At Bella Napoli, they can enjoy brick-oven pizza made fresh with mozzarella, homemade tomato sauce, and tasty toppings. This is the perfect place to go for lunch.
CANDLE LIGHT DINNER ON THE BEACH
We had a memorable meal right on the beach on Christmas night.
The 4-course meal was perfect…red rose at my seat, eaves crashing, full moon!
It costs extra but it was worth every penny!
RED LANE SPA
My husband and I had a relaxing time at the spa. He had a deep tissue massage and I had the hot stone. I felt like Jello afterwards.
STAFF:
I can’t say enough about the staff at Beaches. They truly go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. They really care about the resort and you can tell they are proud of it. Tom Cruise and Alex were hysterical and made my girls laugh every day! They were the most attentive staff I have ever experienced at a hotel and I truly appreciated their hospitality.
Tips for Planning your Stay:
When you get there, make reservations at any of the restaurants that you can. I’m not sure if this is an option for all rooms or if it comes with certain packages.
If your room includes concierge service, make sure you use them. They are a wealth of knowledge and helpful on planning meals and excursions.
My girls recommend for kids to have a Bob Marley drink. (nonalcoholic)
Some restaurants are a little dressier, although there were always people not dressed up.
Snapshots offers free photo sessions and you can purchase their prints later on.
Read the daily Footprints resort newspaper that comes with turndown each night. It offers restaurant times, buffet cuisine, and entertainment options.
Every night there is a show with entertainers like magicians, local dancers, fire breathers, game shows, karaoke, etc.
Phone Number: +1 888-232-2437
Check-in: Check-out: 11:00
Give them a follow:
Website: https://www.beaches.com/resorts/ocho-rios/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeachesResorts/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BeachesResorts/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beachesresorts
