Our favorite boutique resort in Jamaica - Royal Plantation

One of our favorite resorts in Jamaica is Royal Plantation which is one of the smallest and most intimate of all the Sandals resorts. This is a boutique property with only 74 rooms, all with ocean views (some with just French balconies), and all with full butler service. Royal Plantation is tucked into Jamaica’s rocky north-shore coastline in Ocho Rios and has a totally private, extremely exclusive feel with an amazing beach.

Here is how Sandals describes it:

Understated elegance and exquisitely private, this is Sandals Royal Plantation – an intimate all-butler resort of just 74 ocean view suites tucked into a magnificent coral bluff. You can spend your days lazing by the pool with cool libations delivered right to you by a beach butler. Tee off at nearby Sandals Golf & Country Club, followed by a spot of afternoon tea on the terrace. Renowned for unmatched attention to detail, this enclave of retro-chic sophistication showcases roaming peacocks and manicured lawns. This historic resort has long been a favorite hideaway for the international jet set and literary elite, with the likes of Ian Fleming and Noel Coward seeking its casual island elegance and authentic Jamaican vibe back in their day. Today, exquisite original furnishings and new innovations – like Jamaica’s only champagne and caviar bar – are designed to impress.

We can attest that stepping onto the property at Royal Plantation really does give you the feel that you’ve stepped into an idealized golden era on Jamaica’s north shore. Originally built in 1951, this resort was enjoyed by the rich & famous and still has the old-world charm of the 50s. In a place where every suite has been built to overlook the impossibly blue Caribbean Sea, luxury sets the tone. Your butler displays the epitome of gracious hospitality, unobtrusively attending to every detail of your stay – anytime, anywhere. In fact, each of the butlers here – trained to the exacting standards of the Guild of Professional English Butlers – knows your needs so well, it seems you only have to think about what you want for it to happen.

We do like to point out that Ocho Rios is almost 2 hours from the Montego Bay airport but of course, transportation is included. This is also the part of Jamaica that has the best excursions like Dunn's River Falls, Mystic Mountain, and the Blue Hole!

If you want a super modern resort with jacuzzi tubs on the balconies and a huge swim-up bar with loud music to hang out in every day, this resort may not be for you but if you like top-notch service, five-star dining, a gorgeous beach and absolute bliss, you won't regret spending your vacation at Royal Plantation. And if you do want a little action, you will have full access to Sandals Ochi Beach which is directly next door with 16+ restaurants and bars to enjoy and all the swim-up pools your heart desires. Guests of Royal Plantation can access this resort at no cost, while guests of Sandals Ochi Beach do not have access to Royal Plantation.

Check out our Instagram for pictures and videos of this gem of the Caribbean and if you want to experience it first hand, just reach out to us for more information on planning!