Sandals Royal Plantation, Jamaica All-Inclusive Reviewed in 2025

What to Do

Most visitors to Jamaica are in search of waterside relaxation and fun under the sun. Sandals Royal Plantation makes all of that easy – the sandy beach is lined with palapas and chairs, and equipment like snorkels, paddleboards, and kayaks are free and available from the resort to explore the crystal-clear water. We love that this resort goes even further and includes scuba diving and glass-bottom boat trips, too.

Golf is included as well at the Sandals Golf & Country Club nearby. The course sits 700 feet above the sea in rolling green hills, and its 18 holes have been considered some of the best in Jamaica by Golf Digest and Frommer’s. It has a practice range, a pro shop, putting and chipping greens, and a restaurant as well.

You can head off-property for even more outdoor fun and adventure. Dolphin cruises, deep-sea fishing, bioluminescent bay tours, and horseback riding on the beach are some of the favorites on the seaside. In the hills and mountains of Jamaica’s interior, you can go off-road trail riding in a dune buggy, kayaking on rivers, hiking to waterfalls, and zip lining across the canopy – among much more.

What to Eat & Drink

There are five restaurants at the Sandals Royal Plantation, and each of them is totally free for all guests. Don’t forget that the neighboring Sandals Ochi is home to 16 more restaurants where guests can utilize their benefits, making a total of 21 dining outlets to enjoy.

Breakfast is served at The Terrace, a beautiful dining room with large French doors and windows revealing views of the sea and surrounding greenery. The restaurant remains open for lunch and dinner and serves casual but elegant Caribbean fare.

Out by the beach, you can dine al-fresco for lunch and dinner at Royal Grill, taking advantage of its seating on a deck overlooking the white sand and blue water. They serve casual grilled dishes and great seafood.

Le Papillon serves a more upscale dinner with its French specialties and luxurious European-style dining room. Beforehand, you might be interested in Afternoon Tea on the Tea Terrace – a centuries-old English tradition. For a more casual evening, The Wobbly Peacock is your English pub serving bar-fare and beer.

Room Guide

As with many Sandals resorts, the Sandals Royal Plantation calls all of its accommodations suites, so don’t be confused when browsing its website. The eleven different categories are differentiated mainly by their location in the resort, and a useful map on the homepage can help you decide where you want to be. Besides that, it mostly comes down to size.

Oceanfront Suites: There are five different versions of standard oceanfront rooms at the resort. All of them are appointed with beautiful colonial-style decor, four-poster beds, and stunning views from the East or West Wings. Notably, most of these rooms only have Juliet balconies – if you want a full, furnished outdoor space, it’s best to go with one of the categories below.

Verandah Suites: These rooms are located in the West Wing and have the same great ocean views and luxurious touches. However, they open up to oversized balconies with furniture for lounging and dining alike in the fresh air.

One-Bedroom Suites: Full suites are available in both the East and West Wings and offer a ton of extra space for travelers in search of maximum luxury. They also have full-sized balconies, as well as deluxe bathrooms with Roman baths and walk-in showers. The living and dining rooms in these suites are perfect for romantic private dinners.

Villa Plantana: This is an exclusive villa separate from the main resort with a private driveway, but within easy reach of everything via a private walkway. It can be booked as a one, two, or three-bedroom villa for large groups staying together. It has a private swimming pool, expansive dining, and living areas, and a secluded location. Butlers can arrange dining in the villa from any of the resort’s restaurants.

Special Experiences

While this is our resort of choice for golf lovers, it’s also a great one for first-timers who are interested in trying the sport out. The pro shop offers lessons for curious visitors in several forms. A few days a week, they hold a PGA-certified clinic to offer the basics to a group, while private lessons with a pro can be arranged as well.

If you want less sport and more relaxing, the Red Lane Spa is your spot for special experiences. The Caribbean-inspired treatment menu, tranquil plunge pools and relaxation rooms, and yoga and pilates facilities have made it one of the top wellness centers in the Ocho Rios area.

As a couples-only resort, Sandals Royal Plantation is rather quiet and intimate in general – but there’s a way to make evenings even more romantic. Arrange for candlelight dining in a private spot, such as on the sand, in a garden, or on your terrace, and have a private waiter dedicated just to your dinner. There’s no better way to make the night all about you both.