Sandals Royal Plantation

When travelers think of Sandals, many things may come to mind, and not all of them are luxurious -- indeed, this chain's packaged image typifies the large-scale all-inclusive experience for many Caribbean vacationers, and plenty of their resorts are on the lively side, to say the least. The adults-only Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios flips that script and does so with sophisticated style. This is immediately clear upon setting foot in the lobby, a refined space that sets the tone for the duration of a stay here. Adorned with polished, checkered marble flooring, gloriously ornate wooden furniture, and oversized Mediterranean statues, the aesthetic is cohesive, luxe, and elegant. Bold, tasteful accents, like pink throw pillows in the lobby lounge, add a dash of modernity and flare. It has historical jet-set cred, too: Ian Fleming and Noel Coward both checked in here on vacation.
From the beach to the outdoor restaurant to the cozy lobby lounge, every common area feels tucked into its own nook or alcove. This creates a feeling of intimacy and seclusion, no matter where guests are on the property -- a feat that's helped by the fact that there are only 74 ocean-view suites. The resort’s soft sand beach is adequately sized given the number of guests here at any one time, and the quality of the sand, water, and overall atmosphere eclipse almost any hotel beach in Jamaica. On the downside, the pool is surprisingly small, given the hotel’s size and category. However, the surrounding outdoor terrace is expansive with beautiful sea views. The relaxed, sophisticated vibe and single, king-size beds in most rooms make this property ideal for couples, who almost exclusively make up the clientele here.

Sandals Royal Plantation sits amid dozens of other beachfront hotels and resorts along busy Route A3. While there is a small market across the street, there is little else within walking distance. Ocho Rios’ downtown tourist district -- with dozens of shops, restaurants, and attractions -- is less than five minutes away by car. A few minutes farther west are two of the area’s most popular tourist draws, Dolphin Cove and Dunn’s River Falls. Comparatively wilder Montego Bay and its Hip Strip will take at least 90 minutes to reach depending on traffic.
The hotel is situated east of Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay; the journey from Montego Bay airport to Sandals Royal Plantation takes about 90 minutes. Unlike most area resorts, this Sandals offers free, roundtrip airport shuttle transportation. Guests looking to get off-property at any point can use either taxi or shuttle services, both of which are quite reasonable. Taxis are readily available and the island’s shuttle bus and van service is the most ubiquitous and cheapest mode of transportation.

Like the resort’s common areas, room decor overall is elegant and refined, but it’s a bit simple and the colonial style won’t appeal to all guests. Expect old-fashioned artwork, gilded mirrors, and dark, carved, antique-style furniture that’s heavy and showing visible signs of wear. Fabrics are largely in neutral or subdued earth tones.
All of the 74 suites are spacious, and the entry-level suites (including the Regent Oceanfront Butler Suite, Viceroy Honeymoon Oceanfront Butler Suite, and Marquis Oceanfront Butler Suite) offer similar floor plans and features, with only subtle differentiations in decor. All offer ocean views and an outdoor space to take it all in from -- either a patio or balcony, though some only have small French balconies. Flagship units (including the Governor General Oceanfront One Bedroom and full-staff Villa Plantana) provide additional balconies, spacious living and dining areas, and the best views on the property.
Rooms feature an excellent list of modern amenities, including air-conditioning, flat-screen smart TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Also provided are whirlpool tubs, minibars stocked with free premium liquor, wine, beer, and bottled water, sitting areas, electronic safes, and ironing equipment. The resort is perhaps the only property in Jamaica that provides around-the-clock private butler service with every room.
Large bathrooms have upscale fixtures and materials throughout, though again, there are some elements that need to be modernized. Polished marble countertops, dual sinks, and ornate fixtures are standard in every category, but the countertop coloring and tile vary. Shower/tub combinations are found in lower-category rooms while upgraded suites feature an additional whirlpool tub or large Roman tub. Sandals’ own Red Lane Spa bath amenities are standard in every room, as are hairdryers, slippers, and bathrobes.

Even in an area replete with luxury resorts, Sandals Royal Plantation stands out with a long list of additional amenities. Among them: four a la carte restaurants and no buffet dining, a beautiful full-service spa, and arguably one of the most stunning private beaches in Jamaica.
There’s also a small souvenir shop on site. Like other Sandals properties, the hotel also offers wedding ceremonies and receptions in some stunning locations, including gazebos on the dock and looking out over the ocean.

Sandals Royal Plantation takes “all-inclusive” seriously. Covered by the all-inclusive rate are unlimited dining at the four restaurants, unlimited premium liquor, Robert Mondavi wines, and Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, and in-room minibars. Also free are unlimited scuba diving, all land sports and water-sports activities (including free instruction), daytime activities, and nightly entertainment. Free Wi-Fi, parking, and shuttles to the golf course and Sangster Airport add additional value. For those looking to get married, weddings are free for stays of three nights or longer. All tips, taxes, and gratuities are included in the comprehensive rate, though most guests tip staff on top of their rate.

Sandals Royal Plantation has four total fine-dining restaurants and a terrace with afternoon tea service. Each offers strictly a la carte dishes, and there are no buffets anywhere on the property. Food quality is highly reviewed as excellent, though the selection can be somewhat limited.
The Terrace -- the hotel’s primary restaurant -- serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The space is relatively casual, and guests can dine indoors or alfresco on a large, sea-view terrace. Royal Café and Grill serves lunch and dinner daily on a deck situated a few feet from the beach. Both menus are short and mostly seafood-centric (think: ceviche, surf-and-turf, and calamari), though there are also salads and sandwiches. The hotel’s flagship Le Papillon is its most formal restaurant. With rich, velvet wallpaper, ornate, Parisian-style chairs, and elaborate table settings, the atmosphere is elegant and upscale. Reservations are required at this French restaurant, and we found the formal dress code to be strictly enforced.
Additional options include The Wobbly Peacock -- a traditional English gastropub situated adjacent to the lobby lounge -- and Tea Terrace, which offers complimentary afternoon tea service with dessert on the patio in the late afternoons. Decor at the former features exposed brick columns, a dark mahogany bar, and paisley seating. Live piano music is offered on select weeknights. While first and foremost a bar, dinner service is available until late with a menu that features gourmet twists on traditional pub food. The Tea Terrace offers afternoon tea service and light pastries in an outdoor space overlooking the pool and Caribbean Sea. Neither space requires reservations, and the dress code is casual.
Unlimited premium liquor, Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks wines, Appleton Estate Jamaican rum, and Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee are all free. Jamaica’s only champagne and caviar bar, C Bar, is definitely worth a stop – but caviar and certain wines require an additional charge.
If those aren’t enough options, guests can also head to sister property Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, which has 16 restaurants available.

Situated in a small, stand-alone building, the Red Lane Spa is refined but on the old-fashioned side, with colonial-inspired dark wood seating, scroll print area rugs, ornate chandeliers, and marble on the floors and walls. The spa offers an extensive menu of treatments, including body scrubs, facials, and solo or couples’ massages. A steam room, plunge pools, and several small, secluded outdoor gardens are provided exclusively to spa guests.  A number of beauty treatments, including manicures and pedicures, are also available.

The Sandals Royal Plantation’s private white-sand beach is arguably the most beautiful hotel beach in Jamaica. The secluded location is tucked into a series of alcoves that feel miles from anywhere.  Lounge chairs (some cushioned) and umbrellas provide more than enough shaded seating. A good portion of the sand is adjacent to rows of trees that provide additional shade. A cabana-style bed that's just feet from the water and several in-water swings offer additional, unique relaxation spots. There’s no bad time to go: The water is crystal clear, calm, and swimmable any time of year. Guests are afforded the unlimited use of all water-sports equipment, including windsurfing, Hobie Cats, snorkeling, sailboats, kayaks, and paddleboarding.

The resort’s only pool is small and basic, particularly given the hotel’s size and category. On the plus side, the surrounding deck provides adequate shaded seating with umbrellas and a dozen lounge chairs. Steps away, an additional terrace houses two whirlpool hot tubs that, combined, are approximately the same size as the pool. Drinks are delivered by poolside butlers, and there’s also a swim-up bar. Like the rest of the property, the vibe throughout the space is quiet and relaxed.

The on-site gym is adequately sized with a clean, basic setup. A handful of modern cardio Life Fitness machines and a weight bench with a stack of free weights are available, as are balance balls and basic yoga equipment. A range of fitness classes, like Tabata and Aqua Fitness, are also offered. The hotel has tennis courts, which are free for guests to use, and it also provides free access to a putting green, driving range, and free transport to the nearby Sandals Golf Club, as well as free green fees (keep in mind that caddies are mandatory at the course and those do come at an extra fee). Other fitness options include basketball and rock-wall climbing.