Sandals Dunn’s River Review (Ocho Rios, Jamaica) – 2026 Tips

Last updated: February 2026

If you want a Sandals in Jamaica that feels modern, upbeat, and a little more boutique than mega resort energy, Dunn’s River is absolutely in the conversation. The vibe is airy and current, the resort centers around pools that flow through the property, and you are positioned close to one of Jamaica’s most iconic attractions, Dunn’s River Falls.

And the sneaky power move here is the built-in variety: you get exchange privileges with complimentary transfers to Sandals Ochi Beach Resort (the Stay at One, Play at Two setup), which expands your dining choices across both resorts.

Quick take: who Sandals Dunn’s River is best for

You’ll love Dunn’s River if you want:

• A sleek, modern-feeling Sandals with a lively pulse and a more intimate footprint

• Couples who care about food variety but still want a resort that feels easy to navigate

• Rum lovers who want a signature hangout spot built around it

• Golfers who want included green fees at Upton Estate Golf & Country Club

You might choose a different resort if:

• You want a massive property with endless neighborhoods and a “walk all day” layout

• You are chasing the biggest nightlife scene on one single resort campus, every night

The vibe and layout: modern, flowy, and easy to settle into

Dunn’s River is designed to feel like you can follow the energy. You can go from quiet to social without needing to plan it. One minute you’re in full relax mode, the next you’re catching live music poolside.

The practical planning details:

• 260 rooms and suites

• 14 room categories

• 25 acres
  

My room strategy (Mr TraveLux style, no fluff)

Pick your room level based on how you like to vacation:

• If you want your trip to feel effortless with the little frictions removed, go Club or Butler.

• If you are happy managing reservations and keeping things loose, a lead-in category can still work, just know you are trading convenience for value.

Room service hours by category:

• Butler suites: 24-hour room service

• Club Sandals and Luxury lead-in categories: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Dining: the easiest way to do it right at Dunn’s River

Twelve restaurants at Sandals Dunn’s River means you can eat your way around the world all week, and still have a favorite worth repeating

My dining game plan for a week

1. Pick two anchor dinners and lock them in early.

2. Fill the rest with whatever fits your mood that day.

3. Leave one night open so you can repeat the place you actually loved.

Restaurant lineup, at a glance

• Saltaire: Caribbean (breakfast buffet, lunch buffet), resort casual

• Edessa: Greek (breakfast a la carte, dinner a la carte), resort casual

• Cascata: Italian (dinner a la carte), resort casual

• L’Amande: French (dinner a la carte), resort evening attire, reservations required

• Banyu: Asian fusion (dinner a la carte), resort casual

• Zuka: Latin fusion (dinner a la carte), resort casual

• Hanami: Sushi (dinner a la carte), resort casual

• Galene: Seaside grill (lunch a la carte), resort casual

• Isola Pizzeria: Lunch a la carte, resort casual

• The Jerk Shack: Jamaican jerk (lunch a la carte), resort casual

• Blum: Jamaican coffee shop, resort casual

• Dunn’s Rum Club: Late night dining, resort casual

Location and airports: what the transfers actually feel like

Sandals Dunn’s River is on Jamaica’s North Coast in Ocho Rios (Mammee Bay Road).

Transfer times listed:

• About 1 hour and 34 minutes from Sangster International Airport

• About 30 minutes from Ian Fleming International Airport

My 2026 tip: if you can make the shorter airport work without wrecking your flight schedule or price, it’s one of the simplest quality-of-life upgrades you can make in Jamaica.

Activities: strong on both water and land

Watersports

Watersports are offered daily (typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Options include things like glass bottom boat, sailing, paddleboards, waterskiing, snorkeling, kayaking, and wakeboarding.

Diving notes:

• Certified divers can typically do two dives per day (certification card required).

• Beginner options like Discover Scuba Diving and certification courses are available for an additional fee.

Land sports

Expect a good mix of casual fun and competitive options, including things like volleyball, shuffleboard, pickleball, bocce ball, croquet, table tennis, and chess.

Golf

Green fees and transfers are complimentary at Upton Estate Golf & Country Club. Caddies are mandatory and not included, and rentals plus food and beverages at the club are additional.

Bottom line: should you book Sandals Dunn’s River in 2026?

Book Dunn’s River if you want a modern, energetic, easy-to-navigate Sandals in Ocho Rios with strong dining, a signature rum lounge, included golf green fees, and the bonus of exchange privileges to Sandals Ochi when you want even more variety.

If your dream is a sprawling, massive resort where you can wander for days and still find new corners, you may prefer a bigger Jamaica property. But if you want sleek, fun, and dialed-in, Dunn’s River is a very smart play.