Blog Posts by Jen Morrison Arvin

Which Sandals Resort in Ocho Rios is Right for You? A Complete Comparison

3/18/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Ocho Rios, Jamaica, is home to three incredible Sandals Resorts, each offering a unique experience. Whether you're seeking modern luxury, boutique elegance, or a vibrant social scene, there’s a perfect match for you. In this guide, we’ll compare Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Royal Plantation, and Sandals Ochi to help you choose the best resort based on service, price, amenities, food, beach quality, nightlife, and overall vibe. Sandals Dunn’s River – Modern Luxury & Exclusivity Best For: Honeymooners, luxury travelers, couples who want brand-new, high-end accommodations. Overview: Recently fully renovated in 2023, Sandals Dunn’s River reviews consistently praise this resort for its modern, high-end suites, stunning ocean views, and luxurious feel. It is one of the newest and most exclusive Sandals Resorts in Jamaica, offering elevated service and top-tier amenities. If you’re searching for the best Sandals resort in Jamaica for a honeymoon, this is one of my top choices as […]

Beaches Turks & Caicos Review: The Good, The Bad & What You Need to Know Before You Book

3/14/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • After visiting Beaches Turks & Caicos All-inclusive Resort multiple times in the past few years with friends, family and as a couple, I wanted to share an honest, detailed review to help you determine if this premium all-inclusive Caribbean family resort is the right fit for your family vacation, multigenerational trip or group getaway. Since this Caribbean resort comes with a premium price tag, it’s important to understand which room category to book, what dining experiences to expect, and whether the resort’s beach and amenities justify the cost. Let’s break it down! The Good: What Makes Beaches Turks & Caicos Stand Out? 1. The Beach & Water Quality – The Ultimate Draw It’s no surprise that the biggest reason travelers choose Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort is Grace Bay Beach—consistently ranked one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The resort sits along a prime stretch of 12 miles […]

Which Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos is Best for Your Family? A Complete Guide

3/4/2025 • Blog, Sandals & Beaches • Beaches Turks & Caicos is a dream destination for families, offering five unique villages, each with its own charm, location perks, and accommodations. Choosing the right village can make all the difference in your vacation experience. Here’s a breakdown of each village at Beaches Turks & Caicos to help you decide which one best suits your family’s needs. Key West Village For those who love a laid-back, luxury beachfront experience, Key West Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos, offers elegant, villa-style accommodations with a serene atmosphere. • Proximity: Steps from the beach and close to Schooners, Neptune’s, and Bayside restaurants. • Room Updates: Modern with a beach-house feel. • Best For: Families who want a quieter, more private experience with easy beach access. • Room Layouts: Offers multi-bedroom villas with separate living spaces, perfect for families who want privacy and flexibility. • Convenience: Further from the water park but great […]

Sandals Montego Bay vs. Sandals Royal Caribbean: Which One is Right for You?

2/28/2025 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Jamaica is home to some of the most stunning Sandals Resorts, and two of the most popular are Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean. Both offer a luxurious all-inclusive experience, but they have distinct vibes that cater to different vacation styles. Let’s break down what each property offers to see which one might be the best fit for your vacation: Resort Atmosphere & Activity Level • Sandals Montego Bay: Known as Sandals’ flagship resort, Montego Bay is lively and social, with a high-energy atmosphere. It’s ideal for couples who love an active scene with plenty of entertainment and beachside fun or a trip with a group of friends. • Sandals Royal Caribbean: More laid-back and intimate, this resort exudes British colonial charm. While still offering entertainment, it has a quieter, more romantic ambiance—perfect for couples seeking relaxation with a touch of elegance. Dining Options • Montego Bay: 12 restaurants, […]

What’s Actually Included with Your Stay at Sandals All-Inclusive Resorts?

1/21/2025 • Blog, Sandals & Beaches, Tips • What’s Actually Included with Your Stay at Sandals All-Inclusive Resorts? The term all-inclusive gets used a lot in the world of vacationing, but it doesn’t always mean what you might expect. Many resorts advertise themselves as all-inclusive, yet leave out important details—something I’ve personally discovered through my own travels. To help you avoid any surprises, I like to provide clear and honest information about what you can truly expect. One of the most common questions I receive is: “What exactly is included at Sandals?” To make it easy, I’ve put together this quick and helpful guide: ________________________________________ 1. Luxurious Accommodations 🏨 • Elegantly designed rooms and suites with stunning views. • Select suites feature personal butler service for an elevated experience. 2. Gourmet Dining 🍽️ • Multiple gourmet restaurants offering diverse, international cuisines. • 24-hour room service available in select accommodations. • Unlimited fine dining—no reservations required at most restaurants! […]

Sandals Room Categories: What’s the Difference Between Luxury vs. Club vs. Butler Suites?

1/14/2025 • Blog, Sandals & Beaches, Tips • Have you landed on a Sandals resort, but now you can’t figure out what type of room you want? You’re not alone! With the number of categories, views, amenities and level of service offered, it can be a bit overwhelming. After reading this, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the level of service that perfectly matches the type of trip you’re envisioning. As a travel advisor who’s had the opportunity to experience each of these room categories at the various Sandals properties, I can confidently say that they each offer unique benefits tailored to different types of travelers. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable base to enjoy all the resort's incredible inclusions, a little extra pampering, or the ultimate indulgence, there’s a perfect room category for every couple. Let me walk you through the differences between the Luxury, Club, and Butler Elite levels of service. **This applies to the majority […]

How Does Sandals St. Vincent Compare to the Other Sandals Resorts?

11/26/2024 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Having explored every Sandals and Beaches All-Inclusive Resort in the portfolio, I’m often asked how the newest resort in St. Vincent stacks up against the rest. I am thrilled to share that “Sandals 2.0” is a refreshing evolution of a beloved Caribbean brand. With the launch of Sandals Royal Curacao, Sandals Dunns River, and the most recent gem of Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the excitement was palpable. After falling head over heels for Sandals Dunn’s River Resort, which dethroned my long-time favorite of Sandals South Coast, my expectations for this new resort were sky-high! From the moment I arrived, the property itself captivated me. The breathtaking landscape is unlike anything else in the Sandals collection. I must have snapped over 200 photos of the stunning emerald mountains that cradle the resort alone! The way the sunlight danced across the scenery seemed to change by the minute, making it […]

Discovering Paradise: The Allure of Antigua

4/29/2024 • Blog, Reviews, Sandals & Beaches • Are you dreaming of a tropical escape that combines pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unmatched luxury? Look no further than Antigua, a slice of paradise nestled in the heart of the Caribbean. Over the summer, I was chosen by the Tourism Board of Antigua and Barbuda to experience everything these amazing islands have to offer. This enchanting destination offers an idyllic setting for couples seeking a romantic retreat or families seeking an elevated escape with its breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and a myriad of activities to suit every taste. Let me tell you why this island is one that can't be missed! A Symphony of Beaches: One of the most captivating features of Antigua is it’s collection of stunning beaches that seem to be straight out of a postcard. Antigua is known for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Whether you're a sun-worshipper looking to bask in the warm […]

Discover Paradise at Sandals’ Newest Resort: Sandals Dunn’s River

3/22/2024 • Blog, Sandals & Beaches • Welcome to one of Sandals' Resorts newest gems, Sandals Dunn's River, where indulgence meets natural beauty in perfect harmony! I got lucky enough to experience this resort firsthand and I’m in love! In fact, I’ve loved it so much, I moved this blog to the top of my list to write and share with you. This resort has dethroned all the others as my favorite and we aren’t even halfway through our stay here as I sit writing this in its adorable coffee shop, Blum. And I can confidently say this as I have now been to every resort in the Sandals’ portfolio, and many other non-Sandals properties. This resort is nestled along the pristine shores of Ocho Rios, Jamaica. A haven of luxury and tranquility awaits discerning travelers here. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, an adventurous escape, or simply a rejuvenating retreat, this resort promises an unforgettable experience […]

Cruising in Europe: What’s not to Love?

7/7/2023 • Blog, Cruises • As someone who normally flocks to the Caribbean islands for some reprieve, I wanted to try something a little different for my milestone birthday. Since my husband had never been to Europe, we thought we might do a “sampler” of various spots and the best way to do that was a cruise. There are so many great cruising options in Europe that we had a hard time deciding which one would be best for us. Europe has a lot of smaller cruise lines with a large focus on service, quality, and destination. Viking, AmaWaterways, and Azamara are a few examples. While it was a hard choice, we ultimately chose Azamara because of the itinerary it offered. Specifically, they dock for longer, including late night and even some overnight stays, which gave us more time to explore the destinations. They also tout themselves to be the leader in Destination Immersion experiences, […]