Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Sandals Dunn’s River is described as the most iconic resort in the heart of Ocho Rios. The Coyaba Sky Rondoval Villas with private pools and a unique rooftop hideaway tell precisely why that is. Near Dunn’s River Falls on Jamaica’s north coast, your adults-only all-inclusive vacation comes to life in the best way possible. Newly built, the resort is minutes from one of Jamaica’s natural treasures, the Dunn’s River Falls. Being that close to the falls, you might just get swept up in the magnetic pull of the island's undeniable natural beauty. Local tours are a must! Back at your contemporary suite, the beach is just steps away. The island inspired Dunn’s Rum Club, Sandals’s first-ever Rum Lounge, is a highlight at this resort, as are the stunning Beachfront Skypool Suites, the first in Jamaica. Golf at the nearby Upton Estate Golf & Country Club (green fees included) and enjoy ‘Stay At One, Play At Two’ privileges with Sandals Ochi for added indulgence!
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Sandals Dunn's River garners praise for its picturesque location and suitability for celebrations; however, some guests advise booking beach chairs early due to limited availability. The service is lauded for its professionalism and friendliness, with special mentions of the excellent butler service, although there are occasional reports of slow service. While the rooms are generally modern with impressive views, some visitors have raised concerns about noise and privacy. Opinions on value are divided, as some guests feel that the cost does not fully align with the food quality and amenities offered.
Nonetheless, the vibrant atmosphere, with varied entertainment options, is a highlight for many, despite a few guests finding the music too loud. Cleanliness is a standout feature, with meticulous upkeep throughout the hotel. The amenities, especially the pools, dining variety, and Rum Club, receive high marks, despite the noted scarcity of beach chairs.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Lively
Rooms
Modern
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Comprehensive
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We returned to Sandals for our 10th Wedding Anniversary after having a phenomenal experience at Sandals Montego Bay for our wedding and Sandals Ocho Rios for our honeymoon. We wanted to try out another property so we gave the Dunn's River property a go.
Initially, we were a bit disappointed because the level of service wasn't as we remembered. Granted, this property is "new" and it seems like they are still working out their systems (several team members responded to our questions about amenities on the property with "I don't know" and didn't offer to find out the information). It took a couple hours to have our bags brought to our room which was frustrating because we weren't able to truly settle in and we ended up insisting on bringing it up ourselves so we could get our vacation started. Our room faced the RIU property where they played loud music throughout the day and up until 11pm at night (there is nothing Sandals can do about this because it's not their property so if this is not the experience you want, be sure to ask the level and location of your room when you are booking). The food was "ok" with a few exceptions....this is where the experience turned around.
My husband is Jamaican so we may be a bit pickier than most about the food. We shared our disappointed with one of the managers and asked for recommendations for local restaurants off the property. Kenroy, the manager remedied this very quickly by having a special meal prepared for us for our anniversary by chef Kevin. It was EXCELLENT!!!!!!!! We also thoroughly enjoyed our dinners and the service at Zuke (spanish cuisine) and Banyu (asian cuisine).
Other highlights included the spa and the inclusion of water sports like kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding. We also went on an excursion (offered by Chukka) that included ziplining, climbing Dunn's River Falls, horseback riding and riding ATVs (additional expense and it's a long day, but definitely worth it).
All in all it was a nice getaway with staff members like Kenroy and chef Kevin and the staff at Zuke and Banyu really elevating the experience by going the extra mile and providing the level of hospitality we came to appreciate on our previous visits to Sandals properties.
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Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shawn Redhead, Other at Sandals Dunn's River
Responded Nov 1, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback about your recent stay at Sandals Dunn's River. We sincerely value the opportunity to address your comments and are delighted to hear about the aspects of your experience that exceeded your expectations. We apologize for any initial disappointment you encountered, and we appreciate your understanding. Rest assured that we take your feedback seriously and will use it to improve our service delivery. It's heartening to hear that Kenroy and Chef Kevin were able to swiftly address your concerns about the dining experience, showcasing the level of personalized care we strive for at Sandals. We are also pleased that you enjoyed your dining experiences at Zuke and Banyu, and that the special anniversary meal left a lasting positive impression. Moreover, we're thrilled to hear that you took full advantage of the amenities, including the spa and the wide range of water sports activities. It's wonderful to know that the excursion offered by Chukka added an extra layer of adventure to your stay. Your kind words about specific team members and their exceptional service have been passed on to them, and they are truly grateful for your recognition. Once again, thank you for your valuable feedback. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back in the future for another memorable stay.
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This review is about one special individual, Jade, at Sandal's Dunn's River. This talented young man taught dance lessons, greeted everyone with a smile, and graced us with his rendition of Always and Forever, helping us celebrate our vacation and our love for each other. He even gave us Jamaican names, "Ms. Fluffy" and "Bigs" 😄
When you visit this beautiful new resort, seek Jade out. He's an amazing person and talent.
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Date of stay: May 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shawn Redhead, Owner at Sandals Dunn's River
Responded May 29, 2023
Thank you for sharing your review of Sandals Dunn's River. We are delighted to know that you enjoyed your time with us! We have taken note of your comments about Jade and are happy to know that he contributed so much to your enjoyment of your vacation. We take pride in the level of service our team delivers and Jade is a shining example of the personalized service we strive for. We look forward to hosting you again at any of our resorts!
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This is a very laid back resort, if you want to party this is not going to the one you want to go to.
Pros: Staff went above and beyond -if you needed anything they would try to make it happen. When you are celebrating a special event during your stay they will make every effort to acknowledge it, and make you feel special. (dessert, a champagne toast, or balloons in your room, etc.) The food was good, some restaurants could be slow at times (there were a few restaurants we did not try because that was not our type of food) The Jerk Shack-you have to try it for Dinner! Also if you are going for lunch get a double portion. You can order room service, it arrives fairly quickly If you have the Sandals App you have access to the map and daily activities. Check in was quick with Club Sandals, at most it took 15 minutes, longest part was walking to our room and getting a short introduction to the resort. (check-in online before you get there that helps) They recognized their returning guest with a dinner/gift. You got to sit with managers of the resort, and could talk about your thoughts of the resort.
Cons: If you wanted a snack at certain times of the day or night there wasn't a place to grab something quick. If you want a party atmosphere this is not the place for you. If you are a smoker, they put you in the hot sun, they could have used this one bar(Lapidus) that hardly had anyone in there and it was the perfect atmosphere for a cigar/smoking lounge. The beds were a bit on the uncomfortable side. If you wanted to go to their other properties (Ochi) you had to arrange your own transportation, unless you were going there for dinner then Sandals would do it. some of the bars needed music or tv's so that you can have things to enjoy especially during times of the year when sports are on (football, baseball, and/or soccer) There is one small bar with only a few tv's which is right same room as two pool tables so its hard to watch a game when people are also playing pool.
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Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shawn Redhead, Other at Sandals Dunn's River
Responded Oct 20, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback about your recent stay at Sandals Dunn's River. We're thrilled to hear that you had an overall positive experience and that our dedicated staff went above and beyond to ensure you felt special during your celebration. It's wonderful to know that you enjoyed the culinary offerings, particularly the Jerk Shack, and that room service met your expectations. Your constructive feedback is also highly valuable to us. We appreciate your suggestions regarding snack availability and smoking areas, and we will certainly take these into consideration for future improvements. Additionally, we're sorry to hear that you found the beds to be a bit uncomfortable. Your comfort is important to us, and we will explore options to enhance the sleeping experience for our guests. Regarding the atmosphere, we understand that some guests prefer a livelier environment. We strive to create a balanced ambiance that caters to various preferences, and we appreciate your candid assessment of this aspect. We're also grateful for your insights regarding transportation to our other properties and the availability of entertainment at our bars. These are areas where we can explore additional options to further enhance your experience. Thank you again for choosing Sandals Dunn's River for your stay, and we look forward to the opportunity to welcome you back in the future.
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I went to the resort for my wedding and from the moment we got there we had issues. We had a wedding registry set up and had a large sun of money we were unable to access for days we picked "the manages wine special" which was and option to get a more expensive bottle of wine with dinners. NOT ONE manager knew what that was including front dest, wedding planner or any restaurant in manager on property. It took 2.5 days of the 4 we were there access the funds. Spa staff and wedding planning staff had zero communication with each other causing issues with my trial hair and makeup for my wedding. On our wedding day my dress needed to be steamed as it was winkles from being in a bag traveling. They wanted to charge me an extra $80.00 over the $6500+ plus we already paid for our wedding. On our wedding walk through we were told that there was an alternate site Incase of rain BUT we had the option to push the time back if it did rain. On my wedding day it started to rain when I got my hair done. Wedding was at 3pm my hair finished at 2:15 It took someone 15 min to get me with an umbrella got to my room at 2:30pm. by 2:45pm I still had no wedding dress and the planer trying to force me to move my wedding from beach to alt area. Again I was told the day prior I could hold off if it rained. The rain was to stop within 30 min. 3pm I finally got my dress Rain stopped at 3:15pm the wedding planner didn't get moving or set up the location until 3:45pm mean while calling me in my room demanding me to make decision while my husband was sitting in there office not being told what is going on or what the issues were they were calling me. Our wedding night they said something would be in our room. We walked in to a BAG on our bed full of petals they didn't even bother to spread them out. I picked a sandals as they are known for doing wedding and for honeymoons. I would NEVER recommend them or this resort to anyone Food was terrible the spa and wedding managers don't talk to each other and no one can answers important questions. Also unless you pay extra for the butler service you won't get a chair by the pool. They will remove your towel and take your chair from you.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Response from Shawn Redhead, Other at Sandals Dunn's River
Responded 4 weeks ago
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding your recent stay at Sandals Dunn's River. We sincerely apologize for the challenges you encountered during such an important and special occasion. Your wedding day should have been flawless, and we deeply regret that we did not meet your expectations. We are truly sorry for the confusion and delays you experienced and the miscommunication regarding the manager's wine special. This is not indicative of the high standards we strive to maintain, and we will ensure that all staff are appropriately trained to handle such matters in the future. We also regret the seeming lack of coordination between our spa and wedding planning teams, as well as the inconvenience with the dress steaming service. Your concerns about the wedding day arrangements, including the handling of the rain contingency plan and the set-up delays, are being taken seriously. We understand how these issues could cause significant stress, and we apologize for the impact they had on your wedding day. Regarding the poolside seating and butler service, we appreciate your feedback and will review our policies to ensure fair and consistent access for all our guests. We are disappointed to learn that the food did not meet your expectations and that the overall service fell short. Please know that your feedback has been shared with our management team to address these areas for improvement. While we regret that your experience did not reflect the high standards for which Sandals is known, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss your concerns further and make amends. Please reach out to us at customersupport@sandals.com, and we will do our utmost to resolve any lingering issues and restore your faith in our brand. Once again, we apologize for the inconveniences you faced and thank you for bringing these matters to our attention.
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Sandals Dunns River is the newest resort in the Sandals family portfolio! It is a medium size resort that they call Sandals 2.0! A unique feature of the resort is the Dunns Rum Club (try the Plantation 20 rum; Kenton's (bartender) smile was as bright as the Jamaican sunshine! We loved him!
Overall, the food was OK. Good options, and multiple cuisines, however, there was a lack of taste in multiple dishes along with the Sandals employees not getting the order right (to give them credit, this resort only opened up a few months ago so give them a chance). Breakfast and lunch options were limited. We did enjoy having a coffee and pastries @Blum but were hoping they made frappuccinos as well. The breakfast buffet was disappointing with not many options (we looked forward to local fruits but every day, they seemed to have no color or taste) and the orange juice machine (which makes fresh OJ on the spot) was not working during our 5-night stay). They did have coconuts and sugar cane on the beach, but just for one day. We asked multiple days after if there would be coconuts on the beach but the team members said no and did not know when they would have them again.
The beach is beautiful! If you are a beach person, this is the resort to be at. Water was clear, very very minimal rocks when you step in and if you have been to Exuma, Bahamas, you will recognize that bright turquoise color of the ocean from miles away. Two main pools that were said to have been filled with water from the Dunns River themselves are nice and there are two jacuzzis to soak in when the sun goes down.
If you like to take walks, you can do so on the beach itself, around the property which includes a lovely uphill walk that is tranquil and serene. There are also multiple options for water activities that all the Sandals hotels include with your stay. We observed the silent disco going on one night which we would love to try next time.
Service at this resort was OK. We appreciated some really wonderful members of the team there, and the rest were OK. We requested a few things on the Loop App but it does not seem like they read or responded to any of those requests (I believe there is a new addition to the app where you can submit requests, compliments, and complaints while on the resort). We don't know the name as yet of that one.
We stayed in a Club room, which was very nice. We really appreciate the newer resorts and newer rooms. Our room was clean and at the main building. We also enjoyed seeing the rooms with the private pools and the Rondoval Suites. Very clean and cozy for sure!
Overall, this is a beautiful resort and perfect for our 5-night stay. We flew into MBJ and it was anywhere from a 1-1.5 hour ride to the resort. We have been to almost all of the Sandals/Beaches properties and this is certainly a nice one. I do think that the service/food will definitely improve over time, def. worth a stay!
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Dinner entrees are small so if you have a large appetite, order multiple items! Use the recycle...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shawn Redhead, Owner at Sandals Dunn's River
Responded Sep 18, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed review of Sandals Dunns River. It sounds like you had a memorable experience overall, with some standout features and a few areas that could use a bit of refinement. It's great to hear that you enjoyed the unique features of the resort, particularly the Dunns Rum Club and the exceptional service from Kenton. It sounds like he left a lasting impression on your visit. Your feedback on the food offerings and service is valuable. Given that the resort is relatively new, it's understandable that there may be some initial hiccups. It's encouraging to hear that you see potential for improvement over time. The description of the beach and water activities paints a vivid picture, and it's clear that Sandals Dunns River offers a stunning natural backdrop for a relaxing getaway. It's also nice to know that there are options for both leisurely walks and more active pursuits. Your insights into the accommodations are helpful for future travelers looking to choose the right room type for their stay. It's wonderful to hear that you found your Club room clean and comfortable. Thank you again for sharing your experience. Your review provides an insightful perspective that will undoubtedly be beneficial to others considering a stay at Sandals Dunns River. We hope you have the opportunity to return and enjoy the improvements that may come with time. Safe travels!
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There’s a ton of wonderful things to say about this place. The decor is stunning from the lobby to each of the restaurants is so beautifully designed. We got the cheapest room and honestly it was gorgeous. The bathroom was tremendous and again decor was beautiful. The food was amazing for an all inclusive with the exception of the buffet is just okay, nothing special food wise but the hostess Chevelle is like a gift she is always smiling and so friendly we just adored her. There was something going on every night specifically Trevor performing, outstanding. One of our favorite things about this place was the coffee available at the coffee shop, do not sleep on it, absolutely delicious and all the women working were so sweet we went every day after being on the beach for a pick me up. The grounds are gorgeous they so such a lovely job there’s so much plant life and floral to admire. The French, Asian, Sushi, and Italian restaurants were our favorite. The bar outside the restaurants was our go to every night those fans are a life saver that humidity and we loved seeing Micael every night. Excellent bar tender. The entire staff was so incredible and lovely and seriously attentive we never went more then 5 minutes with an empty glass. Be sure to get up early and put your stuff on a beach chair with umbrella early because a lot of them get reserved early (if you don’t have butler service) and bringing a yeti type cup helps your drinks stay cold our bartenders poured our drinks right into them.I highly recommend this place my man and I had such a romantic week and it was our first time at a Sandals. We absolutely would visit again. The only small complaint would be the pool water gets so hot and obviously the ocean water is quite warm so it’s hard to get relief and cool down at any point in the day. Not sure if cooling pool water is possible but that would have definitely been amazing as it is hot as hell in that sun. The cold showers outside help. Overall 5 stars ⭐️
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shawn Redhead, Owner at Sandals Dunn's River
Responded Sep 8, 2023
We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude for taking the time to share your detailed and glowing review of your recent stay at Sandals Dunn's River. It brings us immense pleasure to learn that your experience exceeded your expectations in so many aspects. We are delighted to hear that you found the resort's decor to be stunning, from the lobby to the restaurants. It's heartwarming to know that even the entry-level room surpassed your expectations and that you appreciated the tremendous bathroom and beautiful decor. We're particularly pleased that you enjoyed the culinary offerings, with special mentions of the French, Asian, Sushi, and Italian restaurants. We'll certainly pass your kind words to Chevelle, Trevor, and Micael, who made your experience memorable. Your praise for our coffee shop and the dedicated team members there is truly appreciated. We're glad to have been a part of your daily pick-me-up routine. The lush grounds and abundant plant life are indeed a highlight of our resort, and we're delighted that you took the time to appreciate them. Your feedback regarding the pool temperature is duly noted. We understand the importance of having a refreshing oasis from the sun, and we will take this into consideration for future enhancements. It's truly encouraging to hear that you and your partner had such a romantic and enjoyable week with us. We would be honored to welcome you back in the future for another exceptional experience.
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First trip to Jamaica, and my husband and I had a fabulous time! Favorites around the resort were Blum for coffee, Edessa for breakfast, Saltaire for lunch, Rum bar for apps and happy hour, and dinner you can’t go wrong at any of the other dining options! Truly incredible view from our room, the staff were so welcoming, and the food was some of the best you’d expect at an all Inclusive.
Sandals has teams of photographers floating around the property all day, which we thought was such a great idea. They also offer a free session during your visit, which I highly recommend. The photos were fantastic!!! We couldn’t leave without purchasing a package. Make sure to ask for “Tarzan” or Kamei. Kamei did our private session, and Tarzan our candlelight dinner (also another great thing to do!), and both went above and beyond to deliver and make it such a fun experience.
Make sure you go to the Red Lane Spa, even if you just want to take a dip in the jacuzzi and try the cold plunge! I had the velvety lemon polish treatment, and Amanda was phenomenal! Her recommendation was to avoid showering right after the treatment and because this experience included a shower to wash off the scrub, I asked if she could bring me some shampoo and conditioner so I could wash my hair also, and she was more than accommodating to arrange this.
If you visit the French restaurant, L’Amande, make sure to request Chrystal as your waitress. My husband and I were celebrating our 10 year anniversary, and Chrystal truly made our last night and dinner so memorable. She was extremely friendly, loquacious, and her attention to detail was spot on. She made sure my husband sliced his beef tenderloin open to ensure it was prepared at the correct temperature. Half way through our meal she started to sing to us and the entire room went silent. She has a beautiful voice and such wonderful charisma and charm that the entire restaurant broke out in applause. Truly a remarkable experience!
We cannot wait to return!!!!
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Bring a waterproof case for your phone/camera
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shawn Redhead, Owner at Sandals Dunn's River
Responded Aug 11, 2023
Thank you for choosing Sandals Dunn's River for your first trip to Jamaica. We are delighted to hear that you and your husband had a fabulous time enjoying our resort's amenities and dining options. It's wonderful to know that you appreciated the stunning views, welcoming staff, and the exceptional quality of our inclusive dining. We're thrilled that you took advantage of our photography services and had a great experience with our photographers. We're also pleased that you enjoyed your sessions, including the candlelight dinner prepared by Tarzan. Providing memorable experiences is our top priority. We're also glad you had a relaxing time at the Red Lane Spa and enjoyed the treatments. Amanda's dedication to providing a personalized experience truly shines, and we're happy to hear that her efforts made your visit even more special. We are equally excited to hear about your memorable experience at L’Amande and that Chrystal's outstanding service and attention to detail left a lasting impression on you during your anniversary celebration. We're pleased that she added an extra layer of charm to your dining experience. Thank you once again for sharing your wonderful feedback. We look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable moments at Sandals Dunn's River.
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We visited Sandals Dunn River for our 7th wedding anniversary. The great parts about our trip were the accommodations and entertainment. We stayed in the Tavertine building, beach front club level with a soaker tup and it was clean, modern, and had a great view of the resort and ocean, but the entertainment staff was beyond amazing!!! People’s like Joseph and Travis were very engaging and personable, but Our favorite was Donald. He not only choreographed all of the staffs routines but made our anniversary extra special by scheduling a saxophone player to serenade us at dinner. He went over an above to make us feel welcomed and part of the sandal’s family. While there were great entertainment features like fire shows and reggae bands, the highlight of every night was Donald’s dancing.
The think that we didn’t like as much was the feeling of being sold on photography and spa packages continuously throughout each day.
Overall we were pleased with our experience, the staff was very friendly, the food was good, the accommodations were comfortable and we would stay at another sandals resort in the future!
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Date of stay: July 2023
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Location
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:The beach umbrellas get claimed early but those with butler service so you would get their early...
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Response from Shawn Redhead, Owner at Sandals Dunn's River
Responded Jul 25, 2023
Thank you for choosing Sandals Dunn River to celebrate your 7th wedding anniversary. It brings us immense joy to know that you had an enjoyable and memorable experience overall. We are thrilled to hear that the accommodations and entertainment were highlights of your trip. The Tavertine building, with its picturesque view of the resort and ocean, is indeed a favorite among our guests. We are delighted that you found it clean, modern, and comfortable during your stay. Moreover, we are truly proud of our entertainment staff, particularly Joseph, Travis, and Donald, who made a lasting impression on you with their engaging and personable approach. It is through the efforts of such exceptional team members that we aim to provide a personalized and extraordinary experience to all our guests. We are especially delighted to learn that Donald went above and beyond to make your anniversary extra special. Your experience of having a saxophone player serenade you at dinner sounds incredibly romantic, and we are thrilled that we could be a part of such a momentous occasion. Donald's dedication to choreographing the staff's routines and creating unforgettable memories for our guests is truly commendable. We also appreciate your feedback regarding the continuous promotion of photography and spa packages during your stay. We understand that striking a balance between offering our guests opportunities for additional experiences and respecting their preferences is crucial. Your comments will be taken into consideration as we continually refine our approach to ensure the best possible experience for all our guests. Once again, thank you for your kind words and for being part of the Sandals family. We sincerely hope to welcome you back to another Sandals resort in the future. Until then, we wish you both a lifetime of happiness and cherished memories.
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My husband and I had original visited Sandals Dunns River in September of 2023. We loved the property, people and events so much we visited again the week of July 1st, 2024.
When we flew in that Monday, we were greeted by the staff and our butlers, and as always it was a fantastic experience. The following day, on Tuesday, July 2nd, it was projected that Hurricane Beryl would actually be making a pretty direct path with Jamaica. Given this, the general manager, made an announcement on how the property would prepare. Between the communication of the staff, employees and management, and considering the scary situation, the activities continued on as normal while the hotel prepared to hunker down.
On Wednesday, July 3rd, the storm was projected to be right off the southern coast of Jamaica. We still had a normal breakfast, music, games, and a bar open serving the guests. At around 11 AM, an announcement was made that lunch would be served to the guests before we were meant to hunker down in our rooms from about 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Everyone was able to go down to the lobby, which was turned into a make shift restaurant, and the buffet of food for dinner that was provided was extraordinary! There was fresh fruit, charcuterie, rice, vegetables, filet mignon, chicken, fish, turkey, pastas and dessert! After dinner, the staff that had volunteered to stay had provided entertainment and a silent disco was held!
The following day, around 6:30 in the morning the majority of guests helped staff clean up debris along the pools and beaches, replace chairs, filter out pools, and clean up the outdoor bars. The rest of the week continued as normal!
The key to this whole experience was the staff, including the general manager Derek and the hotel manager Melissa! My husband and I can not speak highly enough of Sandals, the experience and how everything was communicated to us.
We have already rebooked Sandals Antigua and Sandals St Vincent!
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shawn Redhead, Other at Sandals Dunn's River
Responded yesterday
Thank you for sharing your detailed review of Sandals Dunn's River. We are delighted to hear that you and your husband enjoyed your stays; both in September 2023 and during your recent visit in July 2024. We truly appreciate your commendation of our team and the efforts made during Hurricane Beryl. It is gratifying to know that our staff’s communication and dedication ensured your safety and comfort. Despite the challenging weather, we are pleased that you were able to enjoy the various activities, meals, and entertainment provided. Your participation in the cleanup efforts the following morning is deeply appreciated and exemplifies the spirit of community that we strive to foster at our resorts. We are thrilled to hear that the remainder of your stay was pleasant and that you have already booked future stays at Sandals Antigua and Sandals St. Vincent. Thank you once again for your kind words and for choosing Sandals Resorts. We look forward to welcoming you back and providing you with more exceptional experiences.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was our first trip to a Sandals property and we were blown away! So much attention to detail throughout the entire resort, staff was attentive and kind, everything was clean.
This was also our first time ever having butler service - we decided to splurge since it was our 10 year anniversary. Dexter and Ricardo went above and beyond to make us feel special and taken care of! On arrival Dexter was so friendly and genuine, showing us around the resort and learning more about us. It is clear he cares a lot about his guests! We met Ricardo the next day, and could tell why they are a great team. We could tell Dexter had communicated all our items to Ricardo so he was prepared. Ricardo also was able to get us a last minute reservation at the Jerk Shack! On the day we went on an excursion we returned to our bathtub being filled and snacks and champagne ready - and decorated the room upon our arrival too. I could go on and on about how they made our trip special.
Hanami was by far our favorite restaurant! All the food was amazing, but we love sushi and this was AMAZING. We went back twice :)
We loved our trip and definitely will visit this property again. And will request Dexter and Ricardo as our butlers ;)
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Visit Hanami for sushi. Ask butlers to reserve your pool / beach chairs. Bring enough cash for...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shawn Redhead, Owner at Sandals Dunn's River
Responded Sep 29, 2023
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us! We're absolutely delighted to hear that your first visit to Sandals Dunn's River exceeded your expectations. It's wonderful to know that our attention to detail, attentive staff, and overall cleanliness made your stay memorable. We're thrilled to hear that you decided to indulge in the butler service for your 10th-anniversary celebration, and it sounds like Dexter and Ricardo truly made it an extraordinary experience. Their genuine care and attention to your needs are qualities we take great pride in. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to them. It's fantastic to hear that you enjoyed the Hanami restaurant and that it became a standout dining experience for you. We're particularly pleased to know that the sushi lived up to your expectations! We can't wait to welcome you back for another incredible stay. Thank you once again for choosing Sandals Dunn's River for your anniversary celebration!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We left on Sunday. We’ve been trying to find information, but there’s not a lot of reports. Yes, there are still people there. It seems like the resort came out as good as good be hoped for. I’m not sure if they will be stuck there for a long time or not.
We do not scuba dive. There were lots of people doing it, but we didn’t ask the quality. The reef is only a 1 minute boat ride out. We did snorkel, and it was not super great to be honest.
There are more places to choose from in the Ocho Rios area.
PRICE RANGE
C$989 - C$1,262 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
CaribbeanJamaicaSaint Ann ParishOcho Rios
NUMBER OF ROOMS
260
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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