Sandals Dunn’s River Review 2025

Our favorite Sandals resort in Jamaica since it opened last year, Sandals Dunn’s River is set in Ocho Rios and is part of the “Sandals 2.0” initiative that brings an enhanced elegance and quality to the brand. We have visited the resort 3 times and love it more every time we go.

To make your choice in resort easy for you, you should book this resort if

• You want the best value from a Sandals Resort
• You are looking for a modern resort
• You are looking for an area with lots of excursion options
• Want a quieter resort for relaxing

Sandals Dunn’s River features a stunning fresh design with cool water features, lush landscaping, spectacular suites, 12 restaurants, 9 bars, 7 pools, and multiple whirlpools, as well as all the usual onsite activities plus complimentary green fees at and transportation to the Upton Golf Club.

We have loved pretty much everything about our trips there and are happy to share our knowledge in this Sandals Dunn’s River review. The only drawback we could find is that the transfer from Montego Bay airport takes about 90 minutes, but the drive is pleasant and scenic. There’s also a closer airport in Ocho Rios, which is now getting direct flights from Miami.

Rooms and Suites Overview

In addition to a range of luxury and club-level rooms and suites, Sandals Dunn’s River offers some truly amazing accommodations. Everything is divided into three buildings and a “village.”

Mammee Bay Building

This building was part of the previous resort and has been renovated. It offers rooms with both ocean views and garden views.

Check out our Room Reviews

We have stayed in the Mammee Bay Oceanview One Bedroom Butler Suite w/ Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub and found the room to be well decorated and with a great view of the ocean. Keep in mind the 2nd floor suite does not have a great view so we request higher floors for our clients.

Some guests staying in the Mammee Bay Club Level Room or the Mammee Bay Oceanview Club Level Room w/ Balcony, Tranquility Soaking Tub can hear the entertainment at the Riu next door late into the night, so these rooms are best for guests who like to stay out late.

Another thing to note is that not all the rooms have completely private bathrooms. Some have glass showers in the middle of the room or toilets behind glass doors. Some people care while others do not, but wanted to let you know.

Travertine Building

Also home to the lobby, the Travertine Building was renovated and holds a variety of room types, some with ocean views and some that have tropical garden views and are quieter. Even the entry-level rooms are nice; all have balconies and some feature oversized soaking tubs.

Check out our Room Reviews

• Travertine Luxury Room – Cheapest room and still a great option.
• Travertine Luxury Room w/ Tranquility Soaking Tub
• Travertine Beachfront Club Level Room w/ Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub – Best value
• Travertine Beachfront Penthouse Club Level Room w/ Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub – not worth the extra price

We have stayed in the Travertine Luxury Room and loved the layout, amenities, and fresh decor. We loved the central location, and we didn’t mind not having a oceanview since there was a decent price difference.

Tufa Terrace Building

This brand-new building holds the incredible Skypool suites, which have a separate bedroom, a large balcony with a private infinity edge pool and an oversized soaking tub, and 24-hour in-room dining and personal butler service.

These are all beachfront and feature ocean views. I have stayed in both of these rooms and can’t decide which I prefer more since they are usually the same price. I think the Skypool rooms are a slight favorite because of the ocean views.

A lot of clients ask us if it is worth the spluge. I find that when I am in these rooms, I have less desire to leave and prefer to stay in the swim-up pool, relaxing. They are also very large, so you can really spread out in them.

Rondoval Village

This is where you will find some of the coolest and most luxurious suites at any Sandals resort: the Coyaba Sky Rondovals.

These circular Rondoval suites have spacious interiors, swim-up access to the river pool plus private pool sanctuaries, and rooftop terraces with comfy furnishings and a Tranquility Soaking Tub. You can even get a telescope and have a guided tour of the stars.

There are also Coyaba Villa Swim-up Rondoval Butler Suites with swim-up access to the river pool and private pool sanctuaries but no rooftop terrace.

The only difference with these rooms is the Sky Villa has a roof top area.

All of these come with 24-hour inroom dining and personal butler service.

Food and Drink

There are 12 restaurants at Sandals Dunn’s River, serving a range of cuisine types. Almost all of them are only found here, and we thought the food was some of the best we’ve had at any Sandals. Here is an overview of what you’ll find:

Edessa– Serves an a la carte breakfast as well as authentic Greek food for dinner (we loved the lamb chops and baked feta).                             

Galene Grill – Located near the beach, this spot offers seafood, grilled items, salads, and sandwiches for a casual lunch or early dinner.

Hanami – This sushi restaurant is even better than one of our favorite Sandals restaurants, Soy Sushi. I had my best meal here and love being able to try so many things. A lot of people come here first for appetizers before eating at other restaurants.

Zuka – Serves Latin American fusion and was very tasty. Favorite dishes were surf and turf and the tuna appetizer.

Banyu – Serves Pan-Asian fusion dishes for dinner. We loved trying a bunch of different desserts.

Cascata – Cozy restaurant serving Italian for dinner, and has an amazing team. The manager and main chef are both Italian.

Pizzeria Isola – Serves delicious pizza by the beach for lunch or early dinner.

Dunn’s Rum Club – Although primarily a rum bar, it also has great small bites until late.

Blum Coffee Shop – We loved this coffee shop, which is a step above the ones you usually find at Sandals. It has amazing specialty coffee drinks and snacks.

The 9 bars at Sandals Dunn’s River include some that are unique to this property, such as the Rum Club, which we really enjoyed and the upscale Lapidus Lounge. There’s also the first rooftop bar in Jamaica as well as the usual Sandals swim-up bars and beach bars. We loved the craft cocktails at many of the bars, which were a little different from what you’ll often find at Sandals.

You can also visit nearby Sandals Ochi via a free shuttle and go to all the restaurants and bars there.

Activities and Amenities

Sure! Here’s your Sandals Dunn’s River review with bulleted lists added to make it easy to scan and reader-friendly:

The Beach

The beach at Sandals Dunn’s River, while not the largest, is peaceful, pretty, and well-kept. You’ll find soft golden sand and calm, clear water is perfect for wading or a gentle swim. They have full beach drink service right to your lounger. The only complaint that we hear is that it is rocky, and that is true in the shallow parts of the beach.

The Pools

There are 5 pools across the resort, each with its own vibe and purpose:

• Main pool #1: Features a lively swim-up bar and is the “quiet pool” of the two main pools. We often have people ask why the pool with the swim-up bar is the quieter pool, and the reason is that the guests chose it to be. When the resort opened, more guests interested in the entertainment were at the other pool.

• Main pool #2: Hosts daily entertainment and games, and has a bar right outside of the pool. This is where we usually hang out all day. We also have fun here during water volleyball and water aerobics.

Sometimes the crowd at the main pool with the swim-up bar is more lively, and the entertainment staff notices and they will adjust accordingly.

• Spa pool: Quiet, beautifully landscaped, perfect for relaxing. We love stopping by here if we want to cool down in the cold plunge pool or before or after a treatment. Even if you are not booking a spa treatment, you can enjoy some relaxing time here.

• River pools: Found alongside swim-up suites, offering semi-private access. These are great pools that are usually only used by the guests staying in the swim-up rooms.

The Spa

The Red Lane® Spa at Dunn’s River is truly a standout. While services cost extra, the serene setting makes it worth the splurge. As mentioned above, everyone has access to the amenities even without a scheduled treatment.

• Full menu of treatments including massages, facials, body scrubs, and wraps

• Tranquil spa pool

• Whirlpool tubs

• Lush tropical gardens

Watersports

Sandals Dunn’s River offers an impressive range of complimentary water activities, including motorized options—a rarity among all-inclusives.

• Daily snorkeling trips

• Scuba diving (for certified divers)

• Paddleboarding

• Kayaking

• Hobie Cat sailing

• Waterskiing

• Wakeboarding

• Kneeboarding

• Tubing

Do not be shy about asking the water sports team to take you out to try one of these sports out.

Land Activities

There’s plenty to do on land as well, whether you’re into sports or staying fit:

• Beach volleyball

• Shuffleboard

• Table tennis

• Pool tables

• Fitness center with modern equipment

• Golf at Upton Estate Golf & Country Club with included green fees.

• The Pickleball courts should be open very soon. (writing this in June 2025)

Nearby Excursions (Extra Cost)

Sandals Dunn’s River is close to several must-see attractions. These excursions are available for an additional cost and can be booked on-site.

• Dunn’s River Falls – Climb Jamaica’s most famous waterfall

• Blue Hole – Swim, cliff jump, or relax in this natural wonder. (Our Favorite Excursion)

• Martha Brae River rafting – Peaceful bamboo raft tours

• Catamaran cruises – Sunset or snorkeling options

• Local culture tours – Visit craft markets, historic sites, and more

The Highlights of Sandals Dunn’s River Review

Looking back at our stay at Sandals Dunn’s River, several moments and features truly stood out and elevated the entire experience. While the resort is beautiful and modern throughout, these specific highlights made a lasting impression and are what we’ll remember most about our time there.

Blūm Coffee

One of my favorite parts of each day was starting the morning at Blūm, the on-site coffee shop. The team there quickly got to know me and would greet me with a smile before I even placed my order. I found myself rotating between iced lattes, either caramel or vanilla, made with smooth, rich Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. It became a comforting part of my morning routine and a small detail that added a personal touch to the experience.

The Rum Club

The Rum Club was an unexpected gem. We stopped in several times and were always impressed by the drinks and the atmosphere. It quickly became our favorite spot for cocktails on the resort. The bartenders are knowledgeable and love to share their creations, which makes trying new rum-based drinks fun and interactive. The food here is also worth mentioning; every bite felt elevated beyond what you’d expect from a bar-style venue.

The Restaurants

Dining at Sandals Dunn’s River was consistently excellent. Every restaurant we tried had standout dishes, from freshly grilled seafood to perfectly prepared steaks and flavorful Jamaican specialties. We appreciated the mix of cuisines and that you never had to settle for just one standout meal; nearly every restaurant delivered something memorable. The quality of the ingredients, the creativity in presentation, and the attention to detail truly impressed us.

The Service

The service at this resort was outstanding. From beachside drink service to check-in and dining, the staff was warm, responsive, and attentive. We especially appreciated that the General Manager was visible and engaged, a sign that the resort is well managed. Our butlers were incredible and made our stay feel truly effortless, from reserving pool chairs to arranging in-room surprises. The beach and pool service team was also excellent, always making sure our drinks were full and we had everything we needed.

The Entertainment Team (Playmakers)

The entertainment team, also known as the Playmakers, brought so much energy and fun to the resort. Whether it was a poolside activity, a beach party, or an evening show, their presence made everything more engaging without being intrusive.

They’re great at getting guests involved but also know how to keep the vibe light and respectful. Their enthusiasm and friendliness added a lot of life to the resort atmosphere.

The Layout

Sandals Dunn’s River is beautifully designed. The layout of the resort is sleek and intuitive, with a natural flow between the beach, pools, restaurants, and entertainment areas. Despite being one of the newer resorts, it already feels well-organized and easy to navigate. The pools are thoughtfully spaced, the rooms offer privacy, and the common areas never feel overcrowded. Everything is just a short walk away, which helps you relax and enjoy your surroundings without feeling like you’re constantly trekking across the property.

Is Sandals Dunn’s River adults-only?

Yes, like all Sandals resorts, Sandals Dunn’s River is adults only. Guests must be 18 years or older.

Which Sandals resort in Jamaica is the best?

While the answer to this question depends on the type of vacation you’re looking for, we think the best Sandals resort in Jamaica is Sandals Dunn’s River. Other top-rated and popular choices are Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals South Coast, and Sandals Negril.

What is included at Sandals Dunn’s River?

Almost everything is included at Sandals Dunn’s River. Your rate here covers all meals and snacks at all dining options; all drinks including Robert Mondavi wines and premium spirits; inroom minibars that are restocked daily; watersports including snorkeling and scuba diving; land activities including tennis and beach volleyball; a fitness center; daily and nightly entertainment; Wifi; roundtrip airport transfers; and all tips and taxes.

Weddings at Sandals Dunn’s River

Weddings at Sandals Dunn’s River make for a perfect resort for a destination wedding, and the Sandals team makes planning them easy. Couples can choose from several romantic venues, including a beach gazebo, oceanfront lawns, or modern terraces with sweeping sea views. The resort also offers Sandals’ customizable wedding packages, making it easy to personalize your day with décor, entertainment, and photography options.

We recommend the beachfront wedding with additional celebrations like dinners and cocktail hours be in one of the covered venues.