I had rather hoped to leave the dreary English weather at home when I’d travelled 4,600 miles from London to Jamaica. Instead, I found myself on a balcony, sheltering from the tropical storm that’s gatecrashed my Caribbean escape.
The downpour posed a question: what is there to do besides lounge around and sun yourself at an all-inclusive Jamaican resort?
Holed up at Sandals Dunn’s River, a sprawling hotel on the postcard-perfect northern coast, I was in Jamaica at an opportune moment.
The tourism industry is enjoying an extraordinary surge, with visitor numbers soaring thanks to investment in sustainable initiatives that benefit both locals and visitors.
From paddleboarding and pina coladas to chicken shacks and waterfalls, here’s how I made the most of my trip — and how you can too, whatever the weather.
Take to the water
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Inclement weather be damned, the Caribbean coastline has plenty to keep you occupied, hail, rain or shine.
Sandals Dunn’s River offers a range of watersports, such as kayaking and paddleboarding, scuba diving and something called Hobie Cat sailing, which, from I gather, involves manning your own mini-catarmaran.
For me, the highlight was paddleboarding, which offers a reverse-view of the palm tree-flanked sands.
I can see why the location of the resort was hand-picked by Sandals’ late founder, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, for its pristine stretch of beach. He used to fish there as a boy.
Daily boat trips (including glass-bottom ones) also run from the resort – typically twice a day, but these do depend on the weather.
Hit the road on an Island Routes excursion
If dry land is more your bag, Sandals has teamed up with Island Routes, a travel company that offers a whole host of experiences across the island.
They’ll hook you up with a Mini Cooper that serves as a valiant steed for a four-wheel adventure.
I was relieved to learn that Jamaicans drive on the left, but I needn’t have worried.
A guide has got you covered: you convoy behind the car in front, with the history of the area delivered via a walkie-talkie in your ride.
I recommend cruising from Ocho Rios to Falmouth along the north coast, making scenic pit stops at places such as Turtle Bay Pier and Reynolds Pier (often referred to as James Bond Pier) along the way.
You can choose either a half or full-day tour, depending on how much driving you want to do.
Climb Dunn’s River Falls
Every Jamaica first-timer should stop by Dunn’s River Falls, which is something of a national treasure.
The falls empty into the sea at Little Dunn’s River Beach, making the attraction one of the few travertine waterfalls in the entire world.
It’s one of the stops on the Island Routes excursion, but standalone tours are also available daily.
Getting to the good stuff is easier said than done. You’ll be scaling a 180-foot high waterfall, made up of three levels and lagoons, while rapids crash down towards you.
In total, the climb takes around an hour, depending on the ages and mobility of the group.
Our guide warned us that ‘you will get wet’ — he wasn’t wrong.
Load up on jerk
One thing is certain, you won’t go hungry at Sandals Dunn’s River.
With 12 restaurants to choose from – covering Italian, French, Latin American, Asian Fusion and more – you’re spoiled for choice.
However, no trip to Jamaica is complete without trying out the local cuisine.
I beelined for the hotel’s beachfront Jerk Shack most days. With crashing waves in the background and a tropical breeze flowing through salty hair, friendly waiters serve up classic jerk chicken and pork as well as curry goat, and traditional fish in foil (white fish cooked with okra, pepper and chilli), a new favourite of mine.
If you prefer to explore outside the hotel walls, Miss T Kitchen’s in the centre of Ocho Rios – a 10-minute drive away – comes highly recommended.
On two visits, I tucked into a feast of Stamp and Go (traditional saltfish fritters) followed by melt-in-the-mouth Oxtail stew, classic curried goat, and rice and peas, all washed down with pina colada and rum punch.
It’s comfort food at its best, the type that leaves you full and feeling good.
Inside Sandals Dunn's River
If you want a week relaxing and nothing else, we’re not here to judge.
This hotel has plenty to ensure your stay is as luxurious and care-free as possible.
Skypool rooms
I’ve never had a pool in my hotel room before. The Butler Suite, located in the Tufa Terrace building, really is a showstopper of a space and comes with its own Skypool built into the balcony.
You can spend sunset gazing out to the ocean from the privacy of your pool.
The spa
The Red Lane Spa offers Caribbean-inspired treatments with local products and tailor-made services, including massages, facials and body treatments.
Butler service
As a concept, this can feel bizarre and a little uncomfortable. But every Skypool suite comes with a dedicated butler who is available to you throughout your stay. They’re just a text or a call away through a phone provided.
A top tip would be to use your butler to reserve your sunbeds around the pool or beach in the mornings. You’ll also need to reserve certain restaurants at the resort, which can be done through your butler.
A gym with a view
Lying around at the pool all day can make you feel like you need to work up an appetite for dinner. I can honestly say the resort’s gym blew me away. It beats the concrete view I get on the treadmill at my North London PureGym, any day.
A seven-night stay for two adults at Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica, staying in a Travertine Luxury Room costs from £2,059 per adult. Price includes all-inclusive accommodation, return economy class flights with British Airways from London Gatwick Airport and resort transfers.
Price is date-specific and valid for travel on 19 September 2025. Includes a £150 saving per booking when booked via UCHL by Tuesday 29 July 2025, quoting the promocode ‘SUMMER’.
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