SANDALS DUNN’S RIVER

The four-and-a-half-acre entertainment and hospitality project is anchored by the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District, on the site of a former power plant in the West End of River Street.

On a recent visit to the completely redesigned property (which began its life in 1957 as the Arawak Hotel), we discovered what we already knew about Sandals—that they understand how to do an all-inclusive experience that outdoes most, from accommodations to cuisine to active adventures on both land and sea.

PARADISE FOUND Sandals Dunn’s River is a bit off-the-beaten-path away from Jamaica’s hotspots like Montego Bay and Negril, about 1.5 hours directly north of Kingston Airport. From the moment you land, they take care of you, with roundtrip airport transfers included in the all-inclusive cost.

Arriving at the resort, it’s evident that everything is re-imagined, from the expansive, welcoming lobby to the well-appointed rooms and suites. Especially spectacular are the Tufa SkyPool Butler Suites, designed to envelop you in relaxed comfort, high above the resort with views of the Caribbean’s blue waters and complete with your balcony swimming pool, two deep soaking tubs, a fully stocked bar, and your butler, whose goal is to make your stay seamless and stress-free.

Other possibilities include the Coyaba Villa Rondoval suites on the ground floor with private pool and butler service or the rooms with king-size beds, soaking tubs, and private balconies or patios. Five swimming pools make the place a water-filled playground; of course, the warm ocean waters are right out the door.  

And while Sandals resorts are known for their fine dining options, here at Dunn’s River, there are twelve restaurant options, ranging from French to Greek to Asian fusion, and (of course) a Jamaican Jerk Shack with tastes of the island it calls home. Plus, plenty of bars and reggae music are playing across the beachfront resort, especially in the spectacularly scenic rooftop bar, Ocarina, where sundown cocktails are a must-do. 

OUTDOOR FUN
But by far, the best part of the Sandals all-inclusive plan for us is scuba diving, which is usually a costly part of any Caribbean getaway. Not so here at Dunn’s River (or any Sandals or Beaches), for every part of their PADI diving experience is covered, from wetsuits, full tanks of air, boat trips to the reefs, and dive computers to BCDs and regulators. For an extra fee, guests can get their first PADI Open Water certification here or add advanced certifications.

Plus, this part of Jamaica has warm, clear water with plenty of dive sites (advanced divers will especially enjoy Dunn and Dunn’s Deep, with everything from sea fans and barrel sponges to Moray eels, nurse sharks, sea turtles, countless tropical fish, and more) to experience, no matter what your level of diving skill.  

Landlubbers can do lots of included exercise, too, playing a round of golf, tennis, bocce ball, beach volleyball, and more. At the same time, non-divers can try out waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, and even Snuba, an underwater experience that doesn’t require a PADI certification.  

The resort is staffed by locals, who are happy to give you other ideas for things to do off the property, like visiting Dunn’s River Falls, a massive waterfall that’s perfect for taking a refreshing swim after hiking up to the falls.  

But once settled into this scenic place, it may be tough to move off your beach chair, with a frozen rum daiquiri along for an accompaniment. And if that’s the case, learn to say, “Ya mon, I jus hol’ a medz,” roughly translated to saying, “Hey dude, I’m just chillin’,” which may be what Jamaica has in mind for you. 

For more information on Sandals Dunn’s River,
visit sandals.com/dunns-river