As a couple getting married, there is so much planning from the engagement to the wedding day but what about after the wedding? Honeymoons have been a long standing tradition for couples and one that is honestly well deserved! You spend months, sometimes years planning a wedding and when it’s all said and done there is nothing better than a week or two away with just the two of you.
While planning a honeymoon isn’t as crazy as planning a wedding, you definitely want to start as soon as you can so that you not only can get a date right after the wedding, but paying towards the honeymoon always comes in handy-unless someone is gifting it to you.
You’ll need to decide what type of honeymoon you want to take, whether it’s adventuring or relaxing but we’re letting you in on a little slice of paradise called Sandals OCHI, Jamaica.
My husband and I recently revisited the island where we took our honeymoon nearly 6 years ago. And while I wasn’t running a wedding blog back then, the trip reminded me of just how amazing Sandals is for honeymooners. And yes, the resort welcomes everyone and we enjoyed seeing all the honeymooners around.
If you’re not familiar, Sandals is a luxury, all-inclusive resort for adults. They have resorts on various islands throughout the Caribbean, but we just love the culture of Jamaica. Plus, it’s a doable flight from PA/NJ about 4 hours depending on where you’re flying out of.
If you’re not familiar, all-inclusive means everything is included: your room, all your food and drinks (yes alcohol included) and we’re talking restaurants, not room service, shuttle services, and Sandals comes with an array of included activities you can take advantage of while on your trip like snorkeling, scuba diving, and glass bottom boat tours to name a few.This is one of the reasons why we love staying at a Sandals resort because we don’t really need to worry about anything, it’s all included.
Outside of the included activities, there are over a dozen local tours you can register for while you’re there ranging from about $75-$250/pp. Don’t forget the Red Lane Spa because you’ll want that massage after all that dancing at the reception.Tip: these are a great alternative for shower and wedding gift ideas!
I partnered with Sandals to see what these activities are all about and how fun they can be for your honeymoon.
Sunset Catamaran Cruise
We weren’t sure what to expect from this one but let me tell you it was our absolute favorite part of the trip! This is one of the more relaxing of the cruises offered- if you want to party, we suggest signing up for the booze cruise- The cruise lasted about 2 hours with an open bar and hors dourves. We sailed around Ocho Rios and even saw Mick Jagger’s former houses. But, aside from the food, drinks and celebrity tidbits, the cruise was incredibly relaxing and the views were spectacular. Plus, you get to literally watch the sunset over the ocean. Taking it all in as an officially married couple. The staff was great and took photos of all the couples.
Red Lane Spa- Night Blooming Jasmine Couples Massage
We ended our week with a couples massage and let me tell you it was the best decision. After all those pool days, exploring and activities this was the perfect ending to our trip before heading home. Just be sure not to get too much sunburn because that will affect your massage- if you think you may have too much fun in the sun, I’d suggest scheduling your session earlier in your trip. While couples massages are typically a staple for anniversaries, starting with the honeymoon at Red Lane Spa is a must to kick off this relaxing tradition.
Overall, we had an amazing time during our stay at Sandals OCHI. The food was amazing- I think we can agree that the hibachi grill was our favorite dinner night! And there is even a speakeasy on the hillside of the resort- just ask a staff member for the password to get in.
We know you’ll enjoy honeymooning with Sandals and we cannot wait to hear from the couples who’ve honeymooned there!