Book this if You have a time machine—this resort is currently CLOSED.
Why People Love It
Was the most affordable entry into the Beaches brand
Compact layout meant no long walks for little legs
Included golf clinics for kids (a rarity)
Quick Take: Currently shuttered for a massive and necessary overhaul; book Beaches Negril instead.
Reviewed by @claviaDunkley6198015: I honestly didn't expect to fit this much into one trip! From climbing Dunn's River Falls to that insane swing, every day was a new rush. Staying here made hitting all these spots super easy. If you love adventure, you need to book this now.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
The hype
Families loved the price and the waterpark but consistently complained about the tired, musty rooms.
Reality check
The 'Greek Village' rooms were notorious for mold issues and dated interiors before the closure.
You want to know what it WAS like (historical context)
You are waiting for the 'New' version to potentially reopen in late 2026/2027
You enjoy small, cove-style beaches over long strips
Cleanliness & Maintenance
5.5
Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Pre-closure reviews cited missed dust and rushed service.
Bathroom hygiene: Major weak point. Frequent reports of black mold in grout and musty shower curtains.
Maintenance: Poor. Peeling paint, broken AC units, and leaks were common complaints leading to the closure.
Linens & towels: Often described as 'worn' or 'scratchy' rather than the plush standard of other Beaches resorts.
Odors & scents: Distinct damp/mildew smell in the Greek Village ground floor rooms.
Sleepability™
4MODERATE
MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
Main pool DJ music echoing into Caribbean Village rooms
Late-night hallway noise in the Greek Village
Traffic noise from the nearby main road
Before you book
Good to know
This was the only Beaches resort with golf included on-site (shuttle required)
The beach is a private cove, not the famous Seven Mile Beach found in Negril
Airport transfer from Montego Bay took a grueling 90-120 minutes
What to pack
Dramamine (for the winding bus ride from Montego Bay)
Bug spray (mosquitoes were an issue near the lush gardens)
US Dollars (for tipping the airport transfer driver)
Room Genie
Best picks
Caribbean Village Oceanview Suites (were the most updated)
French Village rooms (furthest from the noisy main pool)
Rooms to avoid
Greek Village Ground Floor (historically damp and prone to mold)
Rooms near the main stage (vibrating bass until 10pm)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“N/A - HOTEL CLOSED. If booking elsewhere, ask for 'Top floor, away from the main stage/pool for quiet.'”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is Beaches Ocho Rios open?
No. It closed on May 31, 2025, for major renovations by its third-party owners.
When will Beaches Ocho Rios reopen?
The future is unclear. Sandals Resorts International has stated a 'possibility of a continued relationship' but no date is set.
Can I stay at Sandals Ochi with kids?
No. Sandals Ochi is strictly adults-only (18+). You must book Beaches Negril for families.
Was the waterpark good?
Yes, the Pirates Island Waterpark was a highlight, featuring huge slides and a surf simulator.
How far is it from the airport?
It was a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Montego Bay (MBJ) airport.
Did it have a beach?
Yes, a small, private cove beach. It was calm but very narrow compared to Negril.
Insider Tips
✨
The 'East Beach' was a hidden gem often ignored by guests, offering more privacy.
✨
You could get free glass-bottom boat tours daily (weather permitting).
✨
The creperie served the best coffee on the property, far better than the buffet.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Greek Village' had no elevators, making it a nightmare for strollers.
💡The resort was actually owned by a third party, not Sandals directly, which led to the maintenance lag.
💡The beach is man-made and the sand is coarser than Negril's powder.
💡You could hear the traffic from the main road in the lobby and some rooms.
💡The 'Golf Kids' program was the only one of its kind in the Caribbean.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Beaches Ocho Rios A Spa & Golf – All Inclusive is located and what's nearby.