Sandals Dunn’s River

The beach at Sandals Dunn’s River is a picturesque escape with its powdery white sand and scenic Caribbean backdrop. It stretches along the north coast of Jamaica, providing ample space for a stroll or for some sunbathing. 

The beach is also private, so you don’t have to worry about crowds. There is always a quiet spot to soak up the sun or read a book under the cabanas.

Pro tip: You also get free access to the Ochi Beach Club at the nearby Sandals Ochi, which is one of the best beach clubs in Ocho Rios. For a more social vibe, head over there to enjoy the swim up bar and excellent DJ music.  There is a free shuttle from Sandals Ochi to Sandals Dunn’s River that runs every few minutes.

As far as the water sports available, we tried paddleboarding, kayaking, and even sailing on the calm Caribbean Sea. The water is warm and inviting, perfect for swimming or snorkeling.

Here is what to expect for a day on the beach Dunn’s River: 

• Beach: The long, private, white-sand beach is set amongst the pristine north coast of Jamaica.  
• Waters: Tranquil and warm waters are perfect for a swim or snorkeling. The Caribbean glows bright blue, absolutely gorgeous! 
• Ochi Beach Club: Access to the neighboring Ochi Beach Club with a nice pool and swim up bar. 
• Beach Bars: Several convenient beach bars like Laughing Waters Bar or the Plaza Bar where you can relax, order tropical drinks, and get snacks. 
• Activities: Unlimited water sports are available on the beach, including kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, and paddleboarding.
• Lounging: Plenty of loungers with umbrellas and cabanas on the beach. For those who prefer relaxation, there are hammocks hanging between the palm trees.
• Marine Life: Tropical fish and coral formations can be seen from a few meters from the shore. The Scuba excursions bring the underwater adventure to another level!
• Sunsets: At sunset, the sky turns shades of pink and orange, reflecting on the water. It’s the perfect time for a romantic walk along the shore or a beachside dinner.

There are 12 first-rate restaurants throughout Sandals Dunn’s River offering dishes from all around the world. Every restaurant has a distinctive atmosphere so you’ll find the perfect option for any craving.  

Remember that you also get access to all 16 restaurants at neighboring Sandals Ochi, so you get a total of 28 restaurants. 

Here’s a breakdown of the restaurant options at Sandals Dunn’s River:

1. Saltaire: Fresh seafood in a breezy oceanfront setting. We couldn’t get enough of the grilled mahi-mahi.  The breakfast buffet here is also fantastic and starts at 7:30 AM. 
2. Cascata: Upscale Italian in a romantic atmosphere. The homemade pasta melted in our mouths, my favorite was the rigatoni & beef brisket ragu.  Dinner hours are 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM and reservations are not required. 
3. L’amande: French cuisine that felt like Paris. We still dream about the coq au vin. This is one of the more upscale options for dinner so evening attire and reservations are required. 
4. Edessa: Greek and Mediterranean dishes bursting with flavor. The lamb souvlaki was tender and delicious. This was also my favorite restaurant for the made-to-order breakfast. 
5. Banyu: Pan-Asian fare with stunning views. The orange dragon sushi rolls were works of art. This restaurant is open for dinner from 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM and is more casual. 
6. Zuka: Fun Latin American inspired restaurant. The tropical ambiance here was very cool.  I highly recommend the chuleton ahumado for dinner and the apple fig cocad for desert.  
7. Dunn’s Rum Club: The perfect place for Jamaican craft cocktails and small bites. Grab pre-dinner drinks or enjoy a nightcap. The pool tables here were a lot of fun to shoot billiards with friends. And it’s open late until 2:00 AM!
8. Galene: Casual seaside grill situation right on the beach. The jerk chicken sandwich hit the spot for a lunch snack, but the fresh catch of the day is always good too!
9. Isola: Wood-fired pizzas made to order. Great for a quick bite by the pool for lunch.
10. Blum: Healthy cafe with smoothies and salads. The coffee is made from local Blue Mountains beans and is absolutely delicious. The green juices were also tasty.  The good thing is this restaurant is open all day, from 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM. 
11. Hanami: Authentic Japanese in a serene setting. The tempura was light and crispy, but my favorite was the seared albacore crispy onion roll. Since it is a more casual setting, reservations are not required. 
12. The Jerk Shack: The Jerk Shack is definitely one of my favorites!  No-frills Jamaican BBQ on the beach. We couldn’t resist seconds of the jerk pork with roasted sweet potatoes.  I also highly recommend a Red Stripe to wash it down with. 

Pro Tip: Book a private candlelight dinner served with your personal butler. The staff will set up the table at your suite or on the terrace overlooking the ocean.  The dinner is only $199 per couple to have a decorated table with flowers and candlelight under the stars, which is well worth it! 

There are 5 massive pools, including 2 lazy river pools, and 2 whirlpools at Sandals Dunn’s River.  Each one offers something special. 

Our favorite is the glass edged infinity pool that lines the entire beachfront with breathtaking ocean views. It’s perfect for relaxing and taking in the scenery.

For a fun time, the main pool also has a swim-up bar. You can sip tropical drinks without leaving the water!

In the back of the resort property are the swim-up pools for the Rondoval Suite village. Here you have direct access to your suite via the river pool.  Last but not least, the beachfront Skypool Suites feature an elevated private infinity pool right in your own suite. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the pool amenities:

• Main Pool: A glass edged infinity pool that stretches the entire length of the beach.  It offers fantastic views of the glowing azure sea! 
• Lazy River Pool: A winding pool that also provides private access to the Rondoval Suites.
• Skypool Suites: Your own private infinity plunge pool that overlooks the ocean.
• Whirlpools: There are 2 whirlpools here that are especially nice in the evening or after a snorkeling in the ocean. 
• Ochi Beach Club Swim-up Bar: You also get access to the Ochi Beach Club pool with a swim-up.  This is great for a more social atmosphere.
• Poolside Cabanas: Luxury poolside cabanas are available to reserve if you want a VIP poolside experience with butler service.

When we weren’t relaxing on the beach, there were endless activities included at Sandals Dunn’s River. SCUBA diving was by far my favorite activity.  I only needed to take a 3 hour course and then I was able to go explore tropical fish and coral with a certified instructor. But there are plenty of other options from kayaking to beach volleyball.   

Here are all the activities you can do at Sandals Dunn’s River: 

• Water Sports: Windsurf, paddleboard, snorkel, kayak, Hobie Cats, and more are available right on the beach. 
• Certified Scuba Diving: Go for a guided dive with certified instructors.  For beginners, you just need a 3 hour course and you can do an open water dive!
• Beach Volleyball: Play a friendly game of beach volleyball on the beautiful private cove beach. 
• Fitness Center: Open daily with a nice selection of premium equipment. There are also group classes. Yoga and group workout classes.
• Tennis: Courts are available day and night, with complimentary coaching.  
• Rock Climbing Wall: Go climbing on the largest rock wall in the Caribbean! 
• Glass Bottom Boat: The glass bottom boat cruise is an awesome way to explore the coastline and see the marine-life.

Relaxation And Spa

For a bit of pampering, we love unwinding at the Red Lane Spa at Sandals Dunn’s River. This peaceful oasis offers a range of soothing treatments to melt your cares away.

The spa’s signature Tropical Paradise massage is a guest favorite. It uses Caribbean-inspired techniques to ease tension and promote relaxation.

For couples, the candlelit aromatherapy massage is pure bliss. You and your partner can enjoy side-by-side treatments in a private suite.

After your treatment, take time to relax in the spa’s tranquil lounges and gardens. It’s the perfect way to feel renewed.

• Spa Treatments: The spa offers a variety of treatments including massages, facials, body wraps,hydrotherapy, and aromatherapy.
• Body Scrubs: Many guests rave about the coffee scrub that leaves skin glowing.
• Manicures and Pedicures: Expert beauty treatments for your hands and feet.
• CBD Massage: Massages with CBD infused oil to melt away fatigue and muscle tension. 
• Himalayan Salt Stone Treatment: Full body massage with warm himalayan salt stone. 

Off-Site Adventures

For those who want added adventure, Sandals Dunn’s River is surrounded by amazing natural attractions.

I made the journey to Dunn’s River Falls, the famous cascading waterfall that empties directly into the sea. For golf aficionados, the nearby Upton Estate golf club is a great way to spend a day. 

But there is really something for everyone from deep sea fishing to ziplining through the treetops. The good news is you can easily book all of these at the Island Routes desk in the lobby of the resort. 

We put together a list of the top 6 things to do nearby:

• Dunn’s River Falls: Only a 10-minute drive from Sandals Dunn’s River, exploring Dunn’s River Falls is a must.  Visitors can climb the iconic 600-foot waterfall, which features naturally terraced steps of limestone. For those not wishing to climb, there are beautiful views and calm pools to enjoy. From my experience, it’s best to wear closed-toed shoes if you want to climb the falls. Excursions out to Dunn’s River Falls cost $70 per person.
• Mystic Mountain: Mystic Mountain offers thrilling adventures. This is the closest you’re going to get to being on the Jamaican Bobsled team! Here you can ride the Sky Explorer chairlift for stunning views, then zoom down on the bobsled ride. It’s 20 minutes away and tickets start at $90 per person.
• Blue Hole: Blue Hole is a hidden gem straight out of Narnia with bright turquoise waters. Here you can swim, cliff jump, and swing from ropes into the natural swimming pools. There are also ziplines and river tubing options if you want to make a day of it.  It’s a 30-minute drive and entrance is around $20.
• Golf Outing: Enjoy the Upton Estate Golf Club that includes a putting green, driving range, and a full 18 hole par 72 course. The view is absolutely beautiful as the course is up in the hills overlooking the ocean. The fee transfers and greens fees to the golf course are included! 
• Nine Mile (Bob Marley’s Birthplace): Nine Mile is Bob Marley’s birthplace and final resting place. They have a tour of his childhood home where you can learn about the reggae legend’s life. It’s about an hour away and tours cost $25.
• Dolphin Cove: Dolphin Cove lets us swim with bottle-nose dolphins in a natural cove, and even get a kiss from them! There are also sharks and stingrays to see up close. It’s 10 minutes from the resort, with packages starting at $200.

Nightlife

Every evening comes with live music, beach parties, and themed nights. For late night beach parties, there are two options at the resort.  Head over to the Ochi Beach Club where there is live DJ music and a pool with a swim up bar.  Another option is Dunn’s Rum Club, which serves up delicious craft cocktails and is open until 2:00 AM. 

The nightly live shows feature fire dancers or reggae performers that are definitely worth checking out.  Make sure to check the activity schedule for the entertainment and themed parties!  

Here are the different theme nights:

• White Night offers a sophisticated atmosphere with elegant dress.
• Caribbean Beach Party features local music, fire dancers, and traditional cocktails on the beach.
• Carnival Dance Party is a high energy and provocative Carnival style celebration. 
• Reggae Night immerses you in authentic Jamaican culture with live reggae music and steel drums.
• Silent Disco Night uses silent disco headphones for a care-free dance party. 

Off-resort, you can take a transfer into the Ocho Rios city center and find a lot of bars and clubs that are open until 4:00. Margaritaville is also a fun place to grab drinks and dance to great music. If you go into town, I highly recommend traveling in groups, making use of official transportation options, and staying in the tourist zones that are more safe. 

There are 14 room categories that cater to everyone’s preferences and budgets.  In all, Sandals Dunn’s River has 260 luxurious rooms, making it one of the most exclusive of all the Sandals Resorts.

The property is separated into two main areas, the beachfront suites and the secluded Rondoval Butler Village back in the tropical gardens.  

For example, we stayed in a One Bedroom Skypool Suite which is perfect for beach lovers like us, but here are the different room levels to choose from:

Luxury Level Rooms:  The Sandals Luxury Level rooms are entry level rooms with amenities such as a private balcony, king-size bed, smart TV, and a fully stocked refrigerator. These will be rooms like the Travertine Luxury Room, which are still very nice with tropical garden views. Luxury Level rooms are perfect for those seeking a 5-star stay at a lower price point, especially since you don’t spend much time in the rooms anyway!

Club Level Rooms: Club Sandals Level rooms include all of the Luxury Level offerings but with added concierge services. These rooms will have ocean views and come with large private balconies with a tranquility soaking tub. An extra perk is they come with a fully stocked bar with premium liquors and access to the Club Sandals Lounge.  The best value here is the Travertine Beachfront Room With Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub. To get a huge discount, keep an eye on the 777 deals!

Butler Elite Level Suites: The Butler Level Elite suites include a personal butler to tend to your every need, 24 hours a day! These include large one bedroom suites with spectacular oceanfront views, swim-up suites, and the Rondoval Suites. My personal favorite is the Skypool Butler Suite that overlooks the beach with your personal infinity soaking pool.  For unmatched privacy, the Coyoba Rondoval Suites are very spacious and come with their own private pool sanctuary. A benefit of the Rondoval Suites is you can have a rooftop candlelight dinner and explore the stars with a telescope and a guide.

Sandals Dunn’s River brings a new meaning to the term “all-inclusive”. It’s one of my favorite Jamaican resorts because they offer so much that it’s hard to keep track of it all.  Considering all of the amenities included, it was definitely worth it to us.

Let’s unpack everything that is included:

• Stay At 1 Play At 2: Get access to all of the amenities at neighboring Sandals Ochi. You essentially get two vacations for one!
• Golf: Get free greens fees and transfers at the championship Upton Estate golf club. 
• Unlimited Food And Drinks: With 12 world class dining options and 9 bars, all-inclusive is taken to the next level. You can choose which restaurant you want for any vibe.
• Water Activities: Unlimited access to water sport options like PADI certified scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, and more!
• Land Sports:  Enjoy tennis and tennis instructions from a certified trainer.  There is also beach volleyball, basketball, rock climbing, table tennis, shuffleboard, billiards, bocce ball, and more.
• Pools: Access to 5 pools and 2 whirlpools, in addition to the pools at Sandals Ochi. 
• Glass Bottom Boat Rides: The glass bottom boat cruises are a laid back way to explore the coastline for free.  Make sure to get reservations in advance as seating can run out. 
• Entertainment: Day and night music and festivities going on around the resort.  The beach party night was our favorite, but there is always something to check out!
• Luxury Accommodations: All of the suites strike a fine balance of luxury and comfort. Even the “entry level” Luxury Level rooms stand out as being quite nice for the price.
• The 5-Star Service: The staff goes above and beyond to exceed your needs, which is why Dunn’s River is one of the most revisited Sandals Resorts. If you go with the butler level service, you can request anything you want 24 hours a day!
• Airport Transfers: Free transfers to and from the airport are always included.
• In-Room Wine and Spirits: An assortment of premium wines and spirits are always stocked right in your room.
• Private Beach: The beauty of a long private beach just steps away from your accommodation is hard to beat.
• Fitness Center: The fitness center is open 24 hours here.  You can do group classes or have a trainer as well. 
• No Tipping Policy: Last but not least, no tipping is permitted at Sandals! You can indulge in whatever you want without the need for gratuities.  This creates a stress free atmosphere, but more importantly, you won’t have extra fees at checkout.

There are many other amenities available but not included in the price. These are items like the on-site Red Lane spa, private candlelight dinners, and other off site excursions.  You can book all of the offsite tours at the Island Routes desk in the main lobby.

Sandals Dunn’s River is situated on the north coast of Jamaica along a pristine stretch of Mammee Bay. The closest airport is the Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) in Ocho Rios, which is only 30-minutes from the resort.  There are now direct flights from Miami to Ocho Rios every Saturday and Wednesday.   

The other more common option is the Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego bay, which is 90 minutes away.  Regardless of the airport you choose, transfers both ways are included!

There are several direct flights from major cities in the United States to Montego Bay and Ocho Rios airports.  Because Jamaica is relatively close to the mainland, flights are shorter than most other Caribbean Islands. For example, a flight from Miami to Montego Bay takes just over an hour and half.  To see an interactive map of the resort location click here. 

Sandals Dunn’s River is a dream destination for anniversaries, honeymoons, and weddings. After all, there is a reason why Sandals is consistently a top rated resort for honeymooners.  

As a travel agent who has helped plan hundreds of dream Caribbean escapes for couples, I can assure you Dunn’s River will more than deliver on the promise of romance.

It’s hard to beat the 5-star, adults only, experience for you and your partner. Additionally, the pricing at Sandals Dunn’s River is relatively affordable so you have more flexibility with your budget to add extras like a private candlelight dinner or a couples massage. 

Importantly, the free Sandals honeymoon package sets the stage for an unforgettable vacation, including:

• Greeted with sparkling prosecco
• Rose petals scattered on your bed for the first night
• Breakfast in bed for one of the mornings you choose
• Red Lane Spa treatments for select wedding packages
• Special photo session
• Private candlelight dinner for an additional $199 per couple

You can also get a free wedding ceremony if you stay for more than 3 nights. Also remember that if you book five or more rooms for your destination wedding, you get discounts and perks like room upgrades, private dinner service, catamaran cruises.  Feel free to contact me for any questions about your honeymoon plans for destination wedding plans!

How is the beach at Sandals Dunns River?

The beach at Sandals Dunn’s River is a private white-sand beach that stretches along Mammee Bay on the north coast of Jamaica.   

Is Sandals Dunn’s River Adults Only?

Yes, Sandals Dunn’s River is an adult only resort that is tailored for romantic getaways like honeymoons, anniversaries, or destination weddings.  That said, it is not a couples only resort, so individuals and friends alike are welcome to stay here!

Is golf included at Sandals Dunn’s River?

Yes, golf greens fees and transfers are included at the Update Estate Golf Club which is only a few minutes away from the resort.