Travel Depot

I recently had a lovely time at Beaches Ocho Rios, Jamaica with my family. Having a child that uses a wheelchair for distance I thought that this resort would have been an impossible one for us to enjoy, but I am happy to say it is possible to use a chair here! There is an elevator to get from the main resort area down to the beach area. While there are steps throughout the resort (like most Caribbean resorts) there is always a way to get around, you just have to look for it. This resort was very quiet when we were there in October.

Greek Beachfront Concierge Terrace Suite (OTK/OTD) Room #2202

While these rooms are basic, I am in love with the walk out directly from a balcony and then down a few steps to the beach. There is only the patio entrance to these rooms which means it is easy to see into the room if you don't have the curtains drawn. To get to the main resort area there is a flight of stairs or an elevator. All of the rooms have privacy curtains for the patios as well as inside the doors.

They consider these rooms to be suites. I think the best part about them is the location and access to the lounge. Suite Concierge Services - in suite bar with alcohol and soft drinks,

invitation to a weekly cocktail reception, his and her robes, and access to a suite concierge lounge that is open daily.

Great view from the deck! Just remember that off your balcony is a boardwalk where everyone can walk. If you love to be outside but need shade, this could be a great option for you.

Caribbean Honeymoon Ocean view Concierge Veranda Suite (HOVD/HOVK) Room #1205

While this is labeled as a "honeymoon" room, it is perfect for families due to the sunken living room with the sofa bed that pulls out! The patio was very large too. This is set farther back from the beach.

The sunken living room gives you a little privacy from the sleeping area, this is great if you've got a little one that goes to bed earlier than you, or naps mid day.

The grounds are so beautiful here. In Ocho Rios you really feel like you are in a tropical paradise built into the hillside of Jamaica. There are paths in different areas to take a stroll and enjoy the beauty of the resort.

All Beaches Resorts have a waterpark! Ocho Rios has some great water slides, a toddler pool, and a fun area with a variety of things to climb, and crawl around, as well as a large hot tub.

Zero entry pool area!

Plenty of water slides to choose from. The only lifeguards we saw were for the water slides on this visit.

Near the activity pool they have this little toddler/baby pool with kid size lounge chairs.

The main pool by most of the dining options always had a few people swimming.

Watersports are included at Beaches Resorts! Glass bottom boat rides, snorkeling at select sites by boat or directly off the beach, kayaking, banana boat rides.... Keep that in mind when you get a quote from us. There is so much included that you need to know about!

Traveling with family and friends is great, and Beaches makes sure that there are plenty of common areas for everyone to meet up and relax. It's easy to meet new people too. My family enjoys bringing a card game with when we travel and these areas are perfect for some fun family time outside of the sun! There are also some games that you can borrow from the resort to play.

They are located on a beautiful stretch of beach in Ocho Rios. Watersports that take off right from the beach are included! It is a more private beach than other resorts in Jamaica due to the location.

There are a variety of activities offered for kids of all ages, even events that include the opportunity to hang out with Sesame Street Characters.

There are character meet and greets daily, in addition to the nightly shows and scheduled parade and activities. The shows were great with little kids that want to get up and dance. They also offer themed nights with a cookout, and shows that will interest everyone.

I love when they bring locals to the resort with their hand made goods. It's great to directly support locals without having to drive off the resort to find them somewhere.

Tweens and Teens (even some adults) love hanging out in the X-Box lounge. They have a variety of games available to make everyone happy. My children like hanging out here after enjoying the water all day while the adults get ready for dinner. There are also X-Boxes in all of the rooms.

Beaches Resorts offer supervised childcare from infant to 18 years old. Once they are 12 years old though they can come and go as they please into any sponsored events going on throughout the resort. There are not as many planned activities when the school year is in session for the older kids. We were there over Mothers Day and our teen was the only 1 at the resort for the first half of the week. We knew this was possible, so it wasn't a surprise. We just had a plan in advance of what he would do. The staff reached out to him and found things that interested him so my husband and I could go off one afternoon and not have to worry about the kids staying at the resort.

It is possible to make healthy choices while on vacation! Actually doing that is another issue... They will also customize anything you want, ALL INCLUDED! They offer a variety of restaurants to meet everyone's wants and needs.

Ready to chat with a Certified Beaches Specialist! I would love to plan your next amazing vacation.
~Jennifer Hennequant
Travel Depot
jenniehenn@gmail.com
770-924-7116

Open area reception desk, this is how most resorts in the Caribbean are set up.

Great area to relax at the entrance to the resort. This place gets busy at night while guests are getting settled in, they find it to be a great spot to relax and have a drink before dinner.

Just beyond the lounge and reception area is the first pool, and just past the pool is the beach! You can see it in the distance.

The pool slopes down and gets deeper as you head in the direction of the beach. This makes it great for families with younger children. The large roof on the right has a restaurant that offers lunch and dinner.

There were plenty of loungers, and a few of them were under an umbrella to minimize the sun from hitting you. Recreation desk is on the right side of the pool. You can also find a shelf of books to take or leave once you've finished it for other guests to enjoy. We had no issues finding fresh towels during our visit. The pool area was quiet till mid afternoon.

The daily activity schedule and planned shows for the week are posted off the side of the main pool. We saw very few changes in the activities each day, but it wasn't a concern.

During my stay in the fall, the pool was empty till lunch time most days, and even then there were still empty chairs around the pool.

The giant chessboard near the main pool.

The Seaside Grill and Seaside Bar had a variety of afternoon snacks/lunch choices and then a full menu for dinner.

Lunch/Snack options.

Our snack one afternoon. Nachos and French Fries. We took it over to the pool because the kids didn't want to get out for more than few minutes!

The dinner menu, it is the same every night. That being said, they did say they took requests and would do their best accommodate.

The entrance to the beach, just past the Seaside Bar. From that point, and to the right of the beach is Sunscape, to the left is Secrets, Adults Only.

The short boardwalk area along the beach that leads up to the main bar. The kids got a number of fruity drinks here! Okay, so did the adults!

Informational sign on swimming.

Water activities rental counter on the beach. Kayaks and Snorkel equipment can be rented here! There was no one manning this counter till lunch time. Apparently this is a sleepy resort in the morning!

Loungers along the beach, there were a few "umbrellas," but not many. The beach was quiet through most of our stay. The pool was busier late in the day!

You can see some of the buildings with rooms in them. These are the oceanfront rooms. The upper ones have balconies and the lower have a patio that is not enclosed for privacy or security. None of the buildings have elevators so if stairs are a concern, let us know when we set up your reservations.

Seaside bar. There were plenty of swings to relax in the shade with your drink. Again, this did not open till about 11am or later.

The beach was perfect for snorkeling or kayaking from but because of the reef off the shore line it is not the best for swimming in deeper water. Swimming is okay, but be prepared for lots of coral and rock. I advise taking water shoes if you have them.

The quieter pool, there is no bar nearby!

Pool view rooms

Trampoline! We didn't see anyone using it while we were at the resort though. It is near the children's camp program. Teen activities are held throughout the day at various locations throughout the resort including the pool and beach.

Play area inside the enclosed kids camp. They are opened from 9:30am till 9:30pm. The few times we passed it at opening time, we saw families waiting to drop off kids.

Schedule for the Explorers Club ~ Children's Activities.

Highchairs available on the patio of Portofino. The main restaurant that is open for all meals.

Nice area outside of Portofinos that overlooks the beach. Great spot for a romantic stroll, dinner, or even a wedding! I wish there were lounge chairs here! We love being by the ocean, but need shade.

Some of the food available over breakfast/lunch at Portofinos. This is an open air buffet restaurant.

Yummy Creation Station!

Drink options. There is a bar available, but you have to go to it to get a drink beyond juice or milk. That includes sodas. Every bar that we visited offered non-alcoholic versions of their fruity drinks.

Children's buffet area with foods typically found in any American Restaurant. My children were happy with the adult options, but my daughter did try somethings from this area.

A plate of random food that my child picked. At least he chose some vegetables...

Honeymoon Oceanview Room with Jacuzzi. While the patio Jacuzzi is all yours to enjoy alone, it is not private and is visible to those passing by! Something to take into consideration.

My favorite spot at the resort with a good book! My daughter felt that the sand was fantastic and loved that the water wasn't rough.

Even after lunch some days we had the pool to ourselves till they started up activities for the afternoon. On the right is a stage that is located near the pool. Live music some evenings!