We love Sandals Resorts, and over the years, we’ve visited eight different Sandals properties. This year, we decided to check out Sandals Dunn’s River, and we were definitely not disappointed!
One thing we especially love about the newer Sandals properties is their more modern feel. The updated resorts feature elevated dining concepts, contemporary design, trendy bars and gathering spaces, and a more refined luxury atmosphere compared to some of the older properties. The overall vibe feels fresh and upscale while still maintaining the laid-back Caribbean charm Sandals is known for.
From the moment we arrived, Sandals Dunn’s River felt special. We were welcomed with a cold towel and a welcome song, followed by a welcome drink in the Club Lounge. Vacation mode activated! Between the beautiful beachfront setting, incredible dining, the spa, included water sports, and lively entertainment, there was never a shortage of things to do.
The Resort & Dining
The resort itself is absolutely beautiful. The design feels fresh and modern while still embracing the lush tropical setting Jamaica is known for. Water features, open-air spaces, and gorgeous pools are woven throughout the property, creating an atmosphere that feels both lively and relaxing at the same time.
One of the standout features is the dining. Sandals Dunn’s River offers 12 specialty restaurants, giving you a huge variety of options throughout your stay. Everything is included, including gratuities, which makes the experience feel very easy and seamless once you arrive. Our favorite restaurant was Zuka, the Latin American restaurant, and our favorite dish was feijoada (black beans, pork belly, chorizo, short rib,
sautéed kale, steamed rice, farofa). The meat was so tender it fell right off the bone!
Included Water Activities & Golf
If you enjoy being active on vacation, this resort really shines.
Included water activities included:
Waterskiing
Tubing
Hobie Cats
Paddleboarding
Kayaking
Snorkeling
Scuba diving for certified divers
Glass-bottom boat rides
We took advantage of both the included snorkeling trip and the glass-bottom boat ride. During the snorkeling excursion, we were able to snorkel the nearby reef, and during the glass-bottom boat ride, we even spotted a stingray, which was really fun to see.
There was constantly something happening on the water, and the beach area stayed active throughout the day.
Golf is also included for Sandals guests at the nearby Upton Estate Golf & Country Club, an 18-hole course located in Ocho Rios. Green fees and transportation are included, which is a really nice perk for golfers staying at the resort.
The Red Lane Spa
One of my personal highlights was spending time at the Red Lane Spa. I had a deep tissue massage and a facial, and honestly, it was heaven. The spa also features separate men’s and women’s sauna areas, along with a relaxing shared pool area in the center. It was the perfect place to slow down and unwind after busy days in the sun and on the water.
Access to Other Sandals Resorts
One of the nice perks of staying at Sandals is the ability to visit nearby Sandals properties.
One evening, we headed over to Sandals Ochi for dinner at Kelly’s Dockside, which was such a fun change of pace. We also checked out The Rabbit Hole, their speakeasy, which added another unique experience to the night. Visiting another Sandals property gave us the opportunity to enjoy a completely different vibe for the evening.
Entertainment & Nightlife
There was honestly so much to do.
One of my personal highlights was spending time at the Red Lane Spa. I had a deep tissue massage and a facial, and honestly, it was heaven. The spa also features separate men’s and women’s sauna areas, along with a relaxing shared pool area in the center. It was the perfect place to slow down and unwind after busy days in the sun and on the water.
Some of our favorite spots in the evenings were the Ocarina rooftop bar and Lapidus Lounge, which is tucked away near the restaurants. Neither spot ever felt overly crowded, and we loved having our own little oasis to unwind, grab a drink, and relax before or after dinner.
The Rum Club became a late-night favorite and stayed lively well into the evening. Beyond that, the resort offered:
Live music
Theme nights
DJs
Beach parties
Poolside entertainment
Piano bar entertainment
Cultural performances
The overall vibe felt energetic without being overwhelming. You could easily stay busy all day and into the night or find quieter areas to relax.
One Thing to Know
The biggest challenge we noticed was pool chair availability during peak times if you did not have Butler service. Guests tended to claim pool chairs early in the morning, and availability became limited fairly quickly around the main pools.
That said, we found it much easier to get chairs at the beach, and it gave us a nice opportunity to enjoy a different atmosphere away from the busier pool areas.
Final Thoughts
Sandals Dunn’s River combines a beautiful beachfront setting, modern luxury, excellent dining, included activities, and lively entertainment into a really fun adults-only Caribbean getaway.
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort with beautiful beaches, elevated dining, plenty of activities, and a more modern feel, I highly recommend Sandals Dunn’s River.
And if you’re considering a Sandals or Beaches Resorts vacation, I’d love to help. Sandals Resorts are adults-only and located throughout the Caribbean, while Beaches Resorts are designed for families and multigenerational trips.
Each property has its own personality, atmosphere, beach, dining style, and overall vibe, so choosing the right resort really does make a difference. I can help match you with the property that best fits the type of vacation experience you’re looking for.
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