I just returned from a wonderful one week vacation at Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. This was my third time staying at this small, intimate resort and again, everything was just perfect. It’s a small all oceanfront resort with just 74 butler suites so never crowded and the staff is amazing. You also have full exchange privileges and transportation to the larger more active resort next door, Sandals Ochi which has 550 rooms. It’s great to have the option of enjoying Sandals Ochi’s restaurants and entertainment but also have the small intimate feel of Royal Plantation.
I have always stayed in the Peacock Butler Suite (HR) in the past which was very nice with a french balcony with a great ocean view and a beautiful suite. This year, I stayed in the Plantation Oceanfront Butler Suite (PRR) and must say, the added amenities are worth looking at. The nice french balcony in addition to a walk out balcony and more bathroom space that we needed but it’s always nice to have extra sink space!!! A walk-in shower, roman jacuzzi tub and sink in one area with the toilet and another bathroom area with two sinks, large vanity and a walk-in closet with lots of room for everything. I’m not a great packer so it had lots of room to hang and lay out everything so I truly felt at home the moment I unpacked!
The staff made us feel welcome from the time we arrived with the customary cold towel and glass of champagne which is Sandals style and our butler to handle all dining arrangements and any spa services or tours we wanted to enjoy. Everyone, from the staff at the front desk to the bartenders both in the Wobbly Peacock Pub and on the beach and the dining staff made us feel so welcome it truly does feel like home. How they remember names is a mystery to me and I wish I could learn their secret!
There are two beach areas, the West Beach and East Beach and we tried both out on this visit as well as the pool and jacuzzi area, it’s a small resort but has all the options you could possibly need on vacation.
The food was very good and we dined in all the restaurants and enjoyed the Jamaica Night buffet on Friday night which gave you a chance to try Jamaica flavors all from the ease of dining on the Terrace.
The Wobbly Peacock was always a great meeting spot and the nightly entertainment started at 8 pm and ended around 10 pm and a great variety.
The resort is 1 ½ hours from the Montego Bay Airport and an easy drive, we hired a private driver and stopped at “Scotchies” before arriving at the resort for some great jerk chicken & pork. Sandals does provide complimentary transfers from the airport to the resort but this was a fun option for us for our first day in Jamaica. The resort does have quite a few steps but there is an elevator that goes down to the West Beach area if needed.
I would recommend this resort to anyone and am sure you would not be disappointed. Thanks Sandals for making our third vacation at Sandals Royal Plantation a great one!!!
I would be happy to go over the room categories and amenities at this resort as well as any of the other Sandals properties as they are my specialty!
