Sandals Royal Plantation Review
Reviewed by Nicole Rosania | Updated on June 27, 2024
Sandals Royal Plantation is an intimate resort tucked between the verdant hills of Ocho Rios and the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. All of its 74 luxuriously appointed suites feature stunning ocean views and private butler service. There is also a private 3 bedroom villa for the ultimate in resort luxury.
This area has been long sought after as an exotic hideaway for the rich and famous.
Sandals Royal Plantation allows you to enjoy the same indulgent sophistication at an affordable price. Here you can experience a mix of casual island elegance and fabulous new innovations. Watch peacocks roaming manicured lawns as you lounge, or visit Jamaica’s only champagne and caviar bar.
Sandals Royal Plantation provides you with more quality inclusions than any other resort. From the stunning white sand beach, to unlimited land and water sports (including access to Sandals Golf & Country Club), incredible dining, top shelf drinks, luxurious accommodations, and unmatched service, it’s no wonder this is the 2014 Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice Award winner. Sandals Royal Plantation is the true luxury all inclusive. Call us for current special promotions at 888-717-6873. Call today to reserve your place in paradise!
Recommended Accommodations
Here are our recommended rooms for each of Sandals room categories.
Viceroy Honeymoon Oceanfront Butler Suite
The Viceroy Honeymoon Oceanfront Butler Suite is located in the East Wing of the Sandals Royal Plantation and offers sweeping views of the private beach, cove, and ocean. Inside, guests can enjoy a king-size, mahogany bed and marble bath. Honeymooners will also have access to a personal butler, 24/7 in-room dining, and airport transfers.
Restaurants at Sandals Royal Plantation
At Sandals Royal Plantation, 5 all-inclusive restaurants offer honeymooners international cuisines in romantic atmospheres.
Papillon French Restaurant
Means “the butterfly” in French, this airy restaurant features opulent decor, signature cocktails, and delicious French flavors. It’s open for dinner from 6:30 – 8:30 pm each day. Dress code is Resort Evening Attire and reservations are required.
The Terrace Caribbean
Features outdoor seating alongside the Caribbean and romantic, indoor dining. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Dress code is Resort Casual and reservations are required for dinner.
Royal Cafe & Grill
Overlooks the white-sand beach and dazzling turquoise waters below. Honeymooners can enjoy a laid-back ambiance with exotic grilled foods for lunch and dinner. Dress code is Resort Casual and reservations are not required.
Tea Terrace
Take part in one of England’s oldest traditions of afternoon teatime on the Sandals Tea Terrace. Open daily from 4-5 pm. Dress code is Resort Casual and reservations are not required.
The Wobbly Peacock
Lively gastro pub featuring imported beers such as Guinness and Newcastle Brown Ale, along with cozy traditional cuisine. Open every day for light bites from 3 pm – 12 am. Dress code is Resort Casual and reservations are not required.
Activities at Sandals Royal Plantation
Sandals offers one of the most comprehensive PADI scuba diving courses in Jamaica — and it’s included! Guests at the Sandals Royal Plantation can also enjoy kayaking, windsurfing, Hobie Cats, snorkeling, and glass bottom boats!
On land, guests can enjoy golfing at nearby Upton Estate Golf & Country Club, where green fees are covered for honeymooners at Sandals Royal Plantation. Sandals also has the “Stay at One, Play at Two” option for honeymooners to take advantage of, where guests can spend time at the Sandals Ochi Resort in Ocho Rios at no additional charge. Your dining options will expand to 21 restaurants and round-trip transportation is provided between the resorts!
The Best Island Route Tours at Sandals Royal Plantation
Reggae Sunset Catamaran Cruise Ocho Rios
This 3 hour catamaran cruise offers honeymooners the chance to snorkel and explore the exotic underwater sea life. This excursion also includes appetizers, cocktails, including the catamaran’s signature drink, and Reggae music! Catch sunset from above the deck on the way back.
Taste of Jamaica Cooking Class and Estate Tour
What better way to spend an afternoon on your dream Jamaican honeymoon than by taking a cooking class and exploring one of the island’s most historic properties? Take a journey back through time on a relaxing Jitney Carriage ride through one of Jamaica’s oldest estates, Prospect Plantation. While here, create your own taste of Jamaican Jerk Chicken in a cooking class before ending your day with some tropical bird watching.
White River, Blue Hole, Zipline & ATV Experience
Enjoy the best of Ocho Rios in this all in one experience! Start your day at the world famous Blue Hole, where honeymooners can jump into the natural swimming pools. Next up, zipline through the jungle canopy before heading to a 17th century Spanish Bridge for a river tubing ride. End your adventurous day with an ATV ride before enjoying an authentic Jamaican Jerk lunch.Sandals Royal Plantation Packing Guide
For your honeymoon in Jamaica, the most important thing you’ll need to pack is a passport! Not only is Jamaica a Caribbean island, it is an independent country.
Also be sure to pack 3-4 dinner outfits that would fit the resort evening attire dress code at some of Sandals Royal Plantation restaurants. Additionally, pack essentials for several hours in the sun, including 2-3 swimsuits, a cover up, beach shorts, sunscreen, and a hat. For your excursions into the jungle, you’ll need a pair of sneakers and some athleisure clothing. Additionally, pack 5-6 t-shirts, 2 pairs of PJs, sandals, closed-toe or heeled shoes for the nicer restaurants, and finally, toiletries (although many of the Sandals bathrooms will provide the basics for honeymooners).
7 Day Itinerary at Sandals Royal Plantation
Day 1: Settle in & have your first taste of Caribbean rum
There are three international airports in Jamaica: Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city, and the Ian Fleming International Airport in picturesque Ocho Rios. For your stay at the Sandals Royal Plantation resort, you’ll want to fly into the main Sangster International Airport, and then commute to the Ocho Rios area or fly directly into the Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios. Sandals has airport pick up options for all guests at the Sandals Royal Plantation since it is a Butler-level only resort.
Enjoy a cocktail upon arrival at one of the bars located throughout the property, and settle into your suite before dining at one of Sandals’ 5 on-site restaurants this evening.
Day 2: Book a massage, explore the property, and relax by the pool
Feeling sore from the travel day? Head to Red Lane Spa to book an afternoon massage or spa service. Spend the morning relaxing by one of the property’s 2 pools and strolling through the nearby beach.
Want to dine in one of the fine dining restaurants this evening or the next? Don’t forget to grab a reservation!
Day 3: Enjoy some watersports on the beach
Craving a little adventure after a day of R&R? Head down to the beach to enjoy complimentary Sandals watersports, such as kayaking and paddleboarding. Soak up the sun on the beach under an umbrella, and be sure to order a pina colada (or two!).
Day 4: Explore the best of Jamaica’s countryside
Head out into Jamaica’s countryside today on a full-day excursion! Our team recommended a few options above. Depending on the activity level you are looking for, there is ATVing, rafting, swimming in waterfalls, and so much more.
Day 5: Soak up the sun at Sandals
After a full-day excursion yesterday, you’re probably craving some more relaxation. The resort offers several land activities, including day & night tennis. After your morning coffee and breakfast buffet, maybe explore the beach area a bit more or relax by the pool.
Perhaps tonight you dine at one of the included restaurants that don’t require reservations, such as the Wobbly Peacock.
Day 6: Explore some more
If you opted for one of the off-the-beaten path excursions earlier on during your honeymoon, now is the time to explore some more at a more relaxed pace. Consider a cooking class or sunset catamaran cruise. On the contrary, if you already enjoyed a snorkel cruise, head into the jungle!
Pro-tip: Before you leave for the excursion, swing into one of the nicer restaurants to secure an evening restaurant for your last special night. Papillon would be our recommendation if you haven’t dined there yet!
Day 6: Travel day
Enjoy one last breakfast buffet or morning room service (complete with coffee by the pool), before enjoying a final walk around the property. Travel from Sandals to the airport for your flight home to close out your dream honeymoon.
Sandals Royal Plantation Map
Find a detailed map of Sandals Royal Plantation below. For an interactive map, click here and navigate to "MAP" in the menu.
