We in Jamaica Mon!

by Roaming Panda

I'm very fortunate to work for a great company with some wonderful perks. One of which is an annual incentive trip. Last year, we went to the Bahamas and this year we're heading to Jamaica!

First time to the island for me and we're staying in the all-inclusive Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ochos Rios. We landed in the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, but it's another hour and half bus ride to the resort. With all the travel, our time on the island was short, leaving us only 2 full days to roam around. 

The resort itself is beautiful and covers a massive area with easy access to the beach. Countless pools and restaurants are scattered throughout for you to find with a number of water sports and other activities included at no additional cost. 
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There are two sections to the resort connected by the free shuttle onsite. Make your way to the other side and you'll find a large pool, additional dining options, and a swanky speakeasy that will make you feel like James Bond.

Our company sponsored a catamaran outing complete with snorkeling and a hike up Dunn's River Falls. I wish I had some pics of the stunning waterfall but I wouldn't bring anything that isn't waterproof. I did capture footage from my GoPro which I will provide a link to later. Scaling the waterfall was intimidating and challenging but you are rewarded with some great views and the satisfaction of not tumbling to your death. 

Food on the resort is hit or miss. I heard the French restaurant was amazing but didn't get a chance to try it myself. The breakfast buffet is pretty solid, and if you can find the self-serve Jamaican beef patty stand, you're in for a treat. Overall, I would say the food throughout is average, but when everything is all inclusive, who cares. 

We did opt to use our room credit toward a candlelight dinner. This is an extra expense, but the experience is worthwhile. You get your own private table overlooking the water, bottle of bubbles, a personalized 4-course meal, and your very own white-glove waiter serving you throughout your experience. If you're looking to have a quiet and romantic evening, this is the way to start it. 
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If you're interested in seeing a bit more of Sandals and the Dunn's River Falls, check out the video below: 
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Our time in Jamaica was short, but the pristine waters and the hospitality of the locals will resonate for a while. If you have a chance to stay at a Sandals resort, I would highly recommend it and the one in Ocho Rios is a standout. To check out the rest of the pics from Jamaica, click HERE. Till next time.