Sandcastles Beach Resort offers a different kind of Ocho Rios stay, built around apartments and suites with space to spread out. It sits by the sea in the Ocho Rios area, with a beach, pool and gardens, and it appeals to families, groups of friends and travellers staying for a week or more who like to cook some of their own meals. Many units include a kitchen or kitchenette, separate sleeping areas and a balcony, which makes it easier to manage young children and to keep costs down than at a full-service resort. The mood is relaxed and residential. Guests tend to settle in, shop at local markets, cook a few meals and use the pool and beach for the rest of the day. Staff are friendly and the grounds are green, though facilities are more modest than at the big all-inclusives, so do not expect kids’ clubs, shows or a long list of restaurants. If you want to eat out or arrange excursions, the front desk can help with taxis and tours.
Location and getting around
The resort is on the Ocho Rios coast, with easy road access to the town, the supermarkets and the main attractions. Many tour operators will pick up here. A taxi to town takes only a few minutes.
The rooms and facilities
Expect air conditioning, a kitchen or kitchenette in many units, a living area and a balcony. Facilities include a pool, a beach area and gardens. Check the details of the unit type, linen and housekeeping when you book.
Dining and drinks
You can cook your own meals, order from local restaurants or try the onsite options if available. A market or supermarket run for groceries is part of the experience.
Who it suits
Families, groups and longer stays. If you want an all-inclusive with entertainment, look at the other resorts on this site.
Good to know
Self-catering stays reward a little planning, so check the kitchen equipment, the housekeeping arrangements and the location of the nearest supermarket when you book. Ask about the policy on groups and children, and whether the pool and beach have lifeguards or fixed hours. A longer stay lets you build a routine of morning tours and afternoons at the beach, with a home-cooked or takeaway dinner in the evening.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent for the evenings. Because units come in different sizes, think about how many bedrooms you really need, and whether you want a sea view or a garden outlook, which is usually quieter. The resort suits people who like to feel at home on holiday, with a sofa, a fridge full of local fruit and the sound of the sea at night.
Why stay here
- ✓Beachside location
- ✓Kitchen or kitchenette in many units
- ✓Swimming pool
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Balconies
- ✓Gardens
- ✓Tour pickups available
- ✓Space for families
Good questions
Do the units have kitchens?+
Many do, but check your unit type when you book.
Is Sandcastles all-inclusive?+
No, it is a self-catering style resort, so you pay for meals separately.
Is it good for families?+
Yes, the extra space and kitchens help families, and there is a pool and beach.
