The Definitive Guide to an Ocho Rios Honeymoon

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An Ocho Rios honeymoon means spending your post-wedding getaway on Jamaica's north coast. What was once a fishing village is one of Jamaica's best honeymoon destinations. With an eclectic mix of waterfalls, an adventure park, jungle terrain, romantic restaurants, a vibrant nightlife and high-end shopping, a honeymoon in Jamaica is sure to keep couples busy.

Along the coast, you'll find resorts, boutique hotels, villas, condos and apartments. The town center is bustling with a backdrop of reggae music playing from cars or the mom-and-pop shops that dot the streets. You may even catch a whiff of ganja or jerk chicken, glimpsing into the real Jamaica.

While there are five-star hotels in "Ochi," it's very much an ideal place for couples who want to experience authentic Jamaican culture. There are popular attractions, and a lot of history. Marcus Garvey called Ocho Rios home, while Bob Marley's birthplace and burial grounds are in the hills above Ocho Rios. This romantic destination is far more than just beautiful beaches. Here's your complete guide to an Ocho Rios honeymoon.

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Ocho Rios Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

• Best Time to Visit Ocho Rios
• Ocho Rios Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Best Ocho Rios Honeymoon Resorts & Hotels
• Things to Do in Ocho Rios for Couples
• What to Pack for a Ocho Rios Honeymoon

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Best Time to Visit for an Ocho Rios Honeymoon

Year-round, the temperature in Jamaica is largely balmy. Summers are humid with 90-degree Fahrenheit temperatures, which can be tough for some. If you two aren't up for hot-hot, the best time to visit would be late fall and winter, when it's a little cooler. While temps are still around 80 degrees, that time of year is less humid. Keep in mind, however, that from September through December, Jamaica can be quite rainy.

Best weather: November to March.
Festival highlights: Ocho Rios hosts several cultural events, including the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, Reggae Sumfest and the Ocho Rios Seafood Festival.

Ocho Rios Honeymoon Planning Tips

As an amazing beach destination, you can expect water activities like jet skiing or paddleboarding. You won't be able to go long without spotting one of those party boats, where the music is blaring, the rum punch flowing, and everybody's having such a good time you wish you were too. Ochi is about the party and its vibrant food scene, including great options for Jamaican, Indian and Italian fare, or simply, fresh seafood.

It's great to have everything you need at your resort, and it can be tempting to stay there during your entire visit. Some couples prefer it, in fact. But you may miss the chance to experience real Jamaican culture.

When planning a honeymoon in Ocho Rios, make sure to consider the time of year; the best weather is typically from November to mid-December and March to May, avoiding the peak hurricane season. Research and book excursions in advance to secure your spots. Consider travel insurance for peace of mind. Communicate any special requests or celebrations with your accommodations—they often go the extra mile for honeymooners to provide a truly romantic experience.

Before deciding on Ocho Rios, make sure to consider all of your options; Montego Bay and Port Anonio are excellent honeymoon locales, too.

Here are few more things to keep in mind before buying plane tickets:

Entry requirements: A valid US passport and proof of anticipated departure from Jamaica.
Language: The official language of Jamaica is English, accompanied by a local dialect known as Patois (Patwa) that reflects the country's rich cultural heritage.
Location: Ocho Rios is located on the north coast of Jamaica, in the parish of Saint Ann.
Currency: The Jamaican Dollar (JMD).
Flight time to Destination: If you're flying from Miami, it can take as little as 2 hours to fly to Jamaica.
Getting around: Car, public buses, bicycle, by foot.

Pro tip: Invite a honeymoon planning expert to join your vendor team. Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace for Ocho Rios honeymoon advice.

Best Ocho Rios Honeymoon Resorts & Hotels

Ocho Rios offers a variety of honeymoon accommodations, from luxurious all-inclusive resorts to private villas and boutique hotels. Many cater specifically to couples, offering romantic honeymoon packages that include spa treatments, private dinners and excursions. If resorts aren't your vibe, you can find Ocho Rios Airbnb options, too.

Photo: Couples Tower Isle

Couples Tower Isle

Talk about a place tailor-made for romance. Love is in the air at Couples Tower Isle, an all-inclusive that's about five miles outside of Ochi Rios. The property'sOasis Spa is a special experience for massages and peace. Given its location, couples can enjoy a dip in the sea, one of the resort's four pools or their own quiet time in a hot tub. Dine by candlelight with ocean views at Bayside restaurant or cozy up by candlelight at Eight Rivers, where you have a fine meal to the melodious sounds of a soprano saxophone.

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Jamaica Inn

Jamaica Inn is a boutique hotel that could be taken right from a steamy romance novel. You'll love the antiques and the intimacy as there are fewer than 50 suites and cottages. The resort's private beach is one of Ochi's best. Then there's your cottage atop a bluff, with an ocean view, private infinity plunge pool and outdoor shower. Enjoy afternoon tea and anticipate a great meal, international fare with Jamaican twists, at the Terrace Restaurant with its oceanfront location and nightly entertainment.

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Sandals Ochi

Sandals Ochi, an all-inclusive, adults-only resort on 100 acres, is home to 16 restaurants and 11 bars, including a speakeasy. Couples can play tennis or beach volleyball, and indulge in their fair share of water activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, scuba diving and snorkeling. There's professional instruction for water sports too. The resort offers access to the nearby Sandals Golf & Country Club, where honeymooners can indulge in the Romeo and Juliet-themed one-bedroom villa, which comes with its own private pool.

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Hermosa Cove

An actual hidden gem, Hermosa Cove is right off busy Main Street and requires making a few twists and turns before arriving in paradise. Tucked along the coast is a private haven, a collection of about a dozen villas and a treehouse, each more dramatic than the next. There's a lighthouse on the property, centuries-old trees and Christopher's restaurant, which comes with ocean views and the best meals in Ochi. The Honeymoon and Romance package means champagne upon arrival, a longboat trip for a picnic lunch on a remote beach, massages in the seaside spa pavilion, and a sunset dinner on a private beach.

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Pro tip: There are plenty of honeymoon resorts across Jamaica, so make sure to do your research before booking.

Things to Do in Ocho Rios for Couples

Ocho Rios offers a blend of adventurous and relaxing things to do on a Caribbean honeymoon. Enjoying romantic beach days, exploring the famous Dunn's River Falls and bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River are just a few to get you started.

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Take in Dunn's River Falls and Park

This natural wonder is 180-feet high and 600-feet long. At the foot of the falls is a white-sand beach. Climb tiers of limestone that step down 591 feet in a series of cascades and pools, and couples won't need to worry about the heat. The water is cooled by shade from the rainforest, creating a refreshing experience for all. See why Dunn's River Falls is one of Jamaica's top attractions and a must-do during an Ocho Rios honeymoon.

Make Your Way to Mystic Mountain

If you're a couple who can't get enough of adventure, put Mystic Mountain on your itinerary. Start your fun with a ride on the SkyExplorer Chairlift up to 700 feet above sea level. Marvel at the coastline and town below. Get your blood pumping on the bobsled, ragamuffin rides, rope course, ziplines and more.

Take a Catamaran Cruise

If you're in Ochi for more than a few hours, you'll see a catamaran bobbing along on ocean with everybody having a good time. Book a romantic cruise at sunset or sunrise by asking your concierge for tour operators.

Seek Serenity in Shaw Park Botanical Gardens

When you're in the mood for peace and quiet, go for flower power in the Shaw Park Botanical Gardens. They're in the hills overlooking the Caribbean Sea and Ocho Rios. A waterfall cascades down a rocky course with gorgeous plants everywhere. It's so romantic that Shaw Park is a popular, local wedding spot.

Head Off the Beaten Path for Natural Beauty

About 15 minutes from the heart of Ocho Rios in Rio Nuevo is Sugar Pot Ruins Beach. The Sugar Pot Ruins, once a sugar mill, is today home to rustic structures, lush vegetation and sparkling water. The beach is stunning and you two will practically have it to yourselves as the locals haven't exposed the secret just yet. (That stays between us.) The restaurant serves incredible local fare like jerk chicken and escovitch fish, plus the rum punches are reasonably priced. This might be one of your favorite honeymoon memories.

Pro tip: Add Jamaica honeymoon experiences to your gift registry so loved ones can give you and your new spouse an activity to enjoy together on your Ocho Rios honeymoon.

What to Pack for an Ocho Rios Honeymoon

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Your packing checklist should include several swimsuits, shorts, tanks, sundresses, button-downs, slacks and other dinner clothing options. To shield yourselves from the blazing heat, remember sunscreen, hats, sunglasses. In fact, nice outfits are encouraged as some of the restaurants at the resorts have dress codes. Business casual attire and a head-turning dress (or two) is a good idea. Couples should also pack sneakers into their honeymoon luggage, especially if they're partaking in adventure activities.

Brittany Barber contributed to this article.