Sandals Royal Plantation – Review and Guide for 2024

Sandals Royal Plantation Resort is set on a private beach, located just 3km from the Shaw Park Botanical Gardens and additionally just 4 km from Reggae Beach. The resort offers the epitome of privacy and luxury along with refined suites tucked away on a bluff. Guests get to equally enjoy the resort plus the Sandals Golf & Country Club. Additionally, Jamaica’s only champagne and caviar bar call this resort home. With this beautiful setting and luxurious amenities, it is no wonder it is one of the best Sandals Resorts.

Where is Sandals Royal Plantation?

You will find Sandals Royal Plantation located on Main Street Ocho Rios in St. Ann, Jamaica. 

Getting to Sandals Royal Plantation 

To get to Sandals Royal Plantation, you have the option of three different airports to choose from. They are the;

  • Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay
  • Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios 
  • Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston 

The airports in Montego Bay and Kingston have more options for flights from major states and international destinations, whereas the Ian Fleming International Airport welcomes mainly private aircraft and a few commercial aircraft on a smaller scale. 

No matter which of these airports you fly into, a complementary transfer is included to get you to your resort. The closest airport would be the Ian Fleming International Airport, with a transfer time of approximately 15 minutes. Whereas the transfer time from the Sangster International Airport is an approximate 1 hour and 45 minutes. And the transfer time from the Norman Manley International airport is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. 

Best Time to Visit Sandals Royal Plantation

Ocho Rios, home to Sandals Royal Plantation, is known to boast warm temperatures regardless of the season. The hottest month typically is in June, with temperatures reaching as high as 88 degrees Fahrenheit. January tends to be the coolest month, with temperatures at or slightly below 84 degrees Fahrenheit. 

September and October are the wettest months and overall, Ocho Rios receives approximately 37 inches of rain annually. Your best option when it comes to good weather would be to travel between November and mid-April, which is right before peak season. 

Above all, If you are looking for the best time to travel in terms of price, then you should basically book in the summer months. The resorts are less crowded typically, and this allows you more affordable rates, and also chill, laid back resort vibe without the crowded beach etc. 

What’s Included at Sandals Royal Plantation?

With your stay at Sandals Royal Plantation, you have a number of inclusions. All meals and drinks are included and unlimited, with five restaurants and two bars. There are stocked bars in every room. Shuttle service is included to and from the airport, as well as to the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort. 

All tips, taxes and gratuities are included, as well as green fees to the Sandals Golf Club. You can enjoy PADI-Certified Scuba diving, snorkeling, hobie cats, kayaks and paddle boards for your pleasure in the water. On land, you have access to basketball, pool tables, beach volleyball, and day and night tennis. 

Also included is a free wedding for stays longer than three nights. This free wedding features a picturesque ceremony location, a bouquet, boutonniere, cushioned chiavari chairs for guests, pre-recorded musical accompaniment you choose and a complimentary 5×7 wedding photo. Then for the reception, you get a two tiered wedding cake, table setting with white linens, silverware and white china, along with a decorative centerpiece for the head table. Cocktail reception hors d’oeuvres and wine will be served, and the bride and groom will enjoy a signature cocktail. 

You also get your own dedicated wedding planner and can add on at an additional cost to the free wedding package. Preparation of marriage documents are also included. 

Pros and Cons of Sandals Royal Plantation

Pros

  • Small intimate resort with just 74 guest suites
  • Romantic and sophisticated vibe 
  • Completely private and secluded beach means no local vendors 
  • All restaurants are a la carte 
  • All butler resort means even entry level rooms have butlers 
  • Stay at one and play at two, with transportation included to the Sandals Ochi Beach resort.
  • Ocean View in all rooms 
  • Rooms just a step away from the beach 

Cons

  • Small pool
  • Minimal dining options if you are not visiting the Sandals Ochi Beach resort 
  • Has a small beach, so on the negative side a long walk on the beach is not possible

What To Do at Sandals Royal Plantation

There’s lots to do when visiting Sandals Royal Plantation. Here are just some of what you can expect. 

PADI® Certified Scuba Diving

Sandals offers one of the most comprehensive programs anywhere when it comes to scuba diving. If you are PADI Certified, then you can dive with all equipment included here at Sandals. 

Multiple Watersports

Outside of scuba diving, there are a ton of other watersports options you can enjoy. Each one includes professional instruction and all necessary equipment included. Enjoy Kayaks, Windsurfing, Aqua Trikes, Glass Bottom boats, snorkeling, hobie cats and paddle boards. 

Sandals Golf & Country Club

Enjoy a game or a few of golf overlooking the sea at the Sandals Golf & Country Club. 

Golf Digest gave this Par-71 course a 4-star rating, and it’s easy to see why. Enjoy a driving range with a chipping and putting green, and complimentary transportation to and from the course.

Private Golf Lessons

Improve your swing while on vacation with PGA lessons at an additional cost. You can sign up for this at the tour desk on property or at the Golf and Country Club. The club also holds PGA certified clinics every Tuesday and Wednesdays. These are complimentary. 

Unlimited Land Activities

You can enjoy all kinds of land sports at Sandals. Enjoy tennis both day and night, and it’s the same for board games and pool tables. 

Fitness Center

If you want to stay fit while on vacation, then Sandals Royal Plantation has got you covered. Choose to work out on your own or enjoy one of the high energy group classes to keep your engine all revved up. 

Enjoy aerobic classes, aqua fit classes, while having treadmills, elliptical machines, exercise bikes, stair climbers, free weights and universal weights at your disposal.  

Two Vacations in One

When you stay at the Sandals Royal Plantation resort, you get to enjoy two vacations in one when you visit the Sandals Ochi Beach resort. This option expands your dining choices to 21 at no additional costs. You don’t have to worry about getting there with roundtrip transportation included between the resorts, so you just have to get on board. 

Optional Activities Available at Additional Costs

Red Lane® Spa

Enjoy Caribbean-inspired spa treatments here in the tranquil sanctuary of the Red Lane Spa at Sandals Royal Plantation. You can enjoy the steam room, plunge pools and a number of intimate relaxation areas in secluded gardens surrounding the Red Lane Spa. 

Resort Boutiques

Enjoy duty-free shopping at the resort boutique. Here you will find art, luxury jewelry, as well as local crafts and all kinds of items you may enjoy taking back home. 

Local Adventure Tours

Get up close and personal with the real authentic Jamaica with a local adventure tour. You can find anything from a delightfully exhilarating tour to something that will sedate. 

Restaurants at Sandals Royal Plantation

Le Papillon 

Here you will find French inspired meals combined with a bit of European flair. This is a dinner only restaurant that is open from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The dress code is resort evening attire, and reservations are required. Here, fresh Jamaican produce is combined with French techniques to provide a customary French taste with fresh ingredients. While here, enjoy their signature drink – L’Aphrodisiaque. 

Wobbly Peacock 

This English style pub serves traditional pub fare. The dress code is resort casual, and reservations are not required. The restaurant is open from 3:00 pm to 12:00 am. Enjoy any of the many ales served here, to include Newcastle Brown Ale and Guiness. 

The Terrace 

Enjoy Caribbean cuisine in view of the Caribbean sea. The restaurant is set in a great house style design, with large french doors framing the sea view. The dress code is resort casual, and reservations are required. Here you will find breakfast, lunch and also dinner. Enjoy breakfast from 7:30 am to 11: 00 am and then lunch between the hours of 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, and then dinner is served between 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. 

Royal Grill 

Here you can enjoy casual lunch and also dinner situated in view of the beach. No reservations are required here. Enjoy exotic feel good grilled foods at this one of a kind grill. Lunch is served between 11:30 am to 4:30 pm, and the restaurant starts with dinner from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Also, reservations are required for dinner. 

Tea Terrace 

Enjoy afternoon tea with your favorite pastries here between the hours of 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Enjoy your tea in view of the stunning Caribbean Sea. The dress code is resort casual, and reservations are not required. 

Pools at Sandals Royal Plantation

There are 2 hot tubs, a pool, and a fresh water pool located on the west side of the resort.

Bars at Sandals Royal Plantation

The C-Bar

The Royal Grill Restaurant Beach Bar

The Wobbly Peacock Pub

Activities at Sandals Royal Plantation 

When at Sandals, you are sure to always be able to party regardless of when you visit. Not to mention the steel bands on Caribbean night, while the entertainment department shows off the authentic island culture and music. When it’s talent night, you occasionally get to be the star. 

While having a time of your life, enjoy unlimited premium liquor somewhere around. Enjoy your drinks straight up, on the rocks or mixed into a fun cocktail. 

Every night there is a new party theme, so you have a fresh experience each time in brief. Not only do you get to enjoy entertainment at its finest, but also enjoy an array of food and drinks with limbo dancers, fire eaters and so much more under the stars while being kept cool with sea breezes. 

Daytime parties continue into the night with rum concoctions in hand and sand between your toes. Enjoy entertainment that is pure magic, complete with endless culinary delights in particular.  All things considered, you won’t be bored at Sandals Royal Plantation.

FAQ

Is Sandals Royal Plantation on a private beach?

Sandals Royal Plantation offers guests two private beaches, complete with beach butler service. 

What airport do you fly into for Sandals Royal Plantation?

There are three airport options to get to Sandals Royal Plantation. These are: 

  • Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay 
  • Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios 
  • Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston 

Roundtrip transfers are included to and from all these airports to the resort, therefore – no hassle.

Are there two Sandals in Ocho Rios?

There are two Sandals Resorts in Ocho Rios. They are Sandals Ocho Beach Resort as well as Sandals Royal Plantation. They are a five minute drive apart with a complimentary shuttle, which runs between the resorts every hour. 

About The Author
Bevony
Bevony is a content writer for EpicCaribbean.com. She has an ongoing curiosity to learn new things that is satisfied by her writing career. As a nature lover, when she isn't writing or doing mom duties, she can be found enjoying the outdoors on her beautiful island of Jamaica.

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