The Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort & Spa

If you are looking for a romantic getaway with your partner, look NO further than the Jewel! My husband and I were familiar with this resort when it was a Sandals property. We had never stayed overnight when it was Sandals, as we always preferred the Ocho Rios (Sandals) property down the street. Now that it is Jewel, we are SO GLAD we tried it--it is now our #1 favorite all-inclusive, ANYWHERE! We were there to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary, but only had 3 solid days of fun at Jewel. But by the time we left, we felt as if we had been there for at least a week! They do NOT close the pool at 6 or 7 p.m. like so many resorts... A swim at 3 a.m.? No problem, mon! They keep the grill (where you can get fantastic Jamaican jerk chicken or pork, with crispy fries) open 21 hours a day, only closing from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. One of the pool bars stays open till 1 a.m. and if you miss that one, you can go to the Tree Bar for liquid refreshments until 2 a.m.! (And they have premium liquors, like Bailey's and Skye Vodka.) And if you want a pizza, they have an outdoor pizza stand where you can get a flatbread pizza to order... YUM!!! Looking for entertainment? Daytime or night, it's available, but not overly loud or obnoxious. They bring in great local bands and other entertainers for the disco and around the pool area. There is always something going on, but you're never pressured to "play." And there are no pesky local vendors hassling you to buy something, like what you experience at some other resorts. And I know it's been covered in other reviews, but the food (everywhere!) is absolutely fantastic. From the front desk to the maids and everyone in-between, each and every staff member is happy to see you. And they want to make your Jewel experience extraordinary. Be sure to visit this hotel while they are still trying to make a name for themselves and are still running specials. My guess is that their popularity will soon make them a pricey (but VERY worthwhile!) place to be...

My husband and I went to the Jewel for our anniversary just last week. We have been a lot of places and this is the first review I have ever written – Here is our story: We were a little nervous not knowing what to expect due to the new ownership. We arrived later than expected on Saturday the 9th. Spirit Airlines – another story for another day! When we finally stepped foot on the property we were greeted with some amazing smiles – not to mention the rum punch and cool towels. We were quickly and efficiently checked in, ushered to our room and given a quick tour of the room. From then on we were in Heaven! The staff: Are Fantastic!!! All the way from the front desk to the cleaning service - They have a song in their hearts, a skip in their step and wonderful smiles on their faces. Folks who are willing to share their stories and lives with you as you share yours with them. Even the grounds keepers are willing to take a moment out of their busy day to answer your questions, educate you on the different types of trees and plants they have. The pool staff actually remember what you like to drink and your glass is never empty! The Food: Another fear of ours was that with it just re-opening as the Jewel and not many guests registered that the food would suffer. I’m here to tell you that the food was Out Of This World!!! Buffet breakfast, Pizza, burgers, jerked chicken, French fries at the pool, wonderful lunch buffet. The meals at the restaurants were even better. Top Notch!!! The Room: The bed was very comfortable, sheets crisp and clean. I haven’t slept that well in a while. The bath towels were brand new. Everyday the room was cleaned very well the fridge was stocked. The room didn’t smell like mold or mildew. When we ordered room service it was as if we King and Queen for the night. They came in and set up the table service so elegantly and placed the food on the table in such a beautiful way. Quickly, quietly and efficiently. The grounds: BEAUTIFUL! Not sure that I can even put into words just how breathtaking it truly was. The Spa: Relaxing and rejuvenating. The kind of massage where you are so relaxed that you end up drooling – no joke! We had the couples massage – highly recommend….. Kudos: To Scott Robbins the general manager to the fantastic job he is doing. It reflects in the staff, atmosphere and property. Keep if the good work. If I had to give one criticism it would be that the pool should be skimmed a little more often. Don’t get me wrong – we were in that pool all day, everyday – 9 hours one day, so it’s not terrible – just a side note.

Hey Everybody: All those that stayed at the Resort when it was "Sandals Dunn's River" - C'mon back!!!!!!!!!!! The wonderful Staff is still there - Mario the Bartender, Kenroy the Maitre'D and all the others that made you feel pampered and happy. As a frequent "Sandals" guest at this Resort (and a Jamerican, as well) The Jewel definitely is living up to it's name and previous reputation as the best Resort on the Island. Everyone is still friendly, the food has been upgraded to excellent Jamaican cuisine (Just Like Mom Made), the Rooms are being renovated and there are big plans for other parts of the Resort, like a Sports Bar and Casino (slots only, at this point). Scott Robbins, the Resort's Assistant GM is extremely knowledgeable about the Hotel/Resort Business and is a pleasure to talk to - the Resort is in very capable hands!!!! Since they've only been open for about a month (Sept. 1st) we were there with about 6 other couples - who says you can't have your own Resort??????? The service we received there was the same as the service when the "Sandals Dunn's River" was full - friendly, helpful and exhaustive. The Jewel is obviously spending a lot of money on the Resort - and with good reason!!!! Everyone needs to "come back to Jamaica - again and again" and stay with our friends at Dunn's River - who treat you more like family (the good members) than friends. The only major tip necessary is that The Jewel does not have a "Shuttle Bus" setup like Sandals - once you leave Immigration and go into the main terminal you have to go to the "JUTA" counter for the Bus Vouchers. Again - all of those that went to "Sandals Dunn's River" please make it your point to re-visit the Property as The Jewel Dunn's River Resort and Spa - you won't be disappointed. Dave & Ann Marie Black Boca Raton, FL.

Be sure to take advantage of the hotel's complimentary transfer service to the hotel from Montego Bay airport. You'll save $200 round-trip. It took us 18 hours to get there, and we'd been up for about 35 hours, so the friendly hospitality upon arrival was much-appreciated. We were greeted with citrus-infused, warm, wet wash cloths and a tropical rum punch type of drink. Aaaah! Check-in was a breeze. The bell hop was right there and showed us to our spectacular room in the diamond building (facing the pool, bay, ocean, and mountains). We happily went to have dinner at Platinum and could not have been more impressed with the quality of the food or service. In fact, the service was outstanding everywhere we went, whether it was Maurice keeping us well fed and hydrated on the beach, Jason and Star keeping us entertained, Junior shimmying up a tree to pick and cut us fresh coconuts, or any of the other fine employees stopping to give us a bit of Jamaican culture (Maxwell, Kenroy, Montgomery, Akelion). Gregory, at the beach grill, made the best jerk chicken ever. It was juicy, tender, falling off the bone, and savory. He made us fire-roasted large plantains, too, that were scrumptious. One day, we ordered room service for breakfast, and wow, were we impressed! They put a tablecloth on our balcony table and dressed it with all of the things you'd see in a restaurant (salt, pepper, sugar, etc.). We enjoyed calaloo with salt fish (a delicacy that is very tasty), as well as ackee (a part of a fruit that looks like scrambled eggs that is also served with salt fish). There are many almond trees on the property. Even though there were not many guests (hurricane/rainy season, you know), they went all out as if there were. They had steel drum bands, dancers, live music in Bling nightclub (great sound), beach volleyball, catamaran rides, etc. The place was fully staffed, and it meant a lot to see that. It spoke to us that it didn't matter if there were two hundred people or twenty. They were treating us the same to give us the full experience. We loved that. We had a couples massage with Camelia and Sophia that was fabulous in the Radiant Spa. They have a special whirlpool with hot and cold water on either side and warm in the middle, a steam room, a sauna, not to mention the two huge outdoor jacuzzis and pools. They've got a state-of-the-art , open-air fitness area. Their gift shop was great. We got all kinds of awesome stuff and were really happy with the selection. The photographer took some unique photos, but we got sticker shock. One 4x6 is $8! I recommend that they give some kind of deals because the photo didn't even have a border, didn't come with a cardboard folder that said, "Jamaica" on it or anything. We bought five to support the hotel, but it would be nice if they offered something like 5 for $25 or buy 3, get one free, that type of thing. Mario, Ruen, and Daine (front desk manager) made sure our stay was an exceptional one. They offered us a "soon-return" special price if we can get back there soon. They offer this to people who stay there before they leave, but you have to ask for it, I think. One of the staff told us to ask, so we did, and they made us a great offer. The only problem for us is that the only time we can go back "soon" is over the Thanksgiving holiday, and airfares are completely through the roof, and blackouts apply to air specials. Bummer! We tried all of the restaurants. They are all different and all good. Shadow, the chef, made outrageously creative dishes for our friends, one of whom is a vegan. I'll try to attach some photos. I would go back to this place in a second. We spoke with travel agents and other travelers. All of them said that this resort (and one other) had the best food on the island. This is not a place for the kids, but if you and your special someone want a romantic escape, this is definitely the place. We had the beach practically to ourselves the whole time. It was super! The water was pristine and warm, absolutely gorgeous grounds. We never left the resort. We didn't want to. It was so relaxing. The Jamaica Tours bus that takes you to the hotel for free is modern, air conditioned, clean, and comfortable. Its staff is friendly and accommodating. They help you with everything, even at the airport when you have no idea what to do or where to go. Thanks, Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort and Spa for an incredible getaway! We already have six other couples who want to go there! :-) They have a business center, but I didn't see it or use it. One thing I'd like to mention is that many of the resorts in Jamaica have very aggressive beach vendors. I have friends who went before I did and stayed in a different resort. They were harassed so much by vendors that they couldn't relax and ended up doing activities away from the hotel every day. That, to me, is very sad. At our resort, they had security on both ends of the beach. We felt very safe and were allowed to relax. Nobody bothered us at all. When we were in the water, some local people (just making a living) would ask us if we wanted to ride their jetski, but we declined. We didn't want to do anything except be on the cushioned lounge chairs, drinking pina coladas and strawberry daiquiries with local island rum, reading, talking, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the scenery. We did love the water, though, and spent a lot of time in it. Vidal took us on a very relaxing catamaran ride and even sang to us! Wow!

Lovely property, management and staff did all in their power to ensure we had a great time. Although we were a couple of the firsts to sample the Jewel the warm reception as well the professional staff made it priceless. While the food from the main dining room was great the specialty restaurants were exceptional. Novelties ideas to make the guests feel special cant be described but must be experienced.Have no doubt all will have as great a a time as we did. Be back soon!!

The name speaks for itself a JEWEL resort it was. From the resort grounds, the rooms, the food (the pizza is to die for...not a chocolate lover but they do a chocolate pizza, yes a chocolate pizza and i just had to try....) and the staff gave service with a SMILE....Nuff big up to the CHEF (the lamb was excellent). A great place to relax with the person you love and just enjoy life. I would highly recommend The Jewel to anyone of any age. I doubt anyone could have anything major to complain about here. What a great opening.... The cabanas on the beach...o my very relaxing....and you so cannot leave "THE JEWEL" without a massage... the staff very professional and they certainly know how to make you relax. Much thanks to Tricia and Mavis for a great weekend. We are already talking about going back asap.

Just stayed at the Jewels Dunns River. What a fabulous time we had. Although it had just reopened, it was obvious that the new management wasdetermined to ensure that guests had a great time. Upon arrival we were warmly welcomed by the new Property Manager and other employees, who continued to ensure that our stay was comfortable and that all our needs were met. We stayed in the Diamond building and the rooms were well maintained and comfortable with a wonderful view of the sea and beach.The food too was very good with menus peppered with unique signature dishes. I will definately return.

We were on honeymoon at another hotel in Ocho Rios, about to head home, when we decided to extend our stay since this hotel was newly re-opened and offering a special introductory rate inclusive of couples' massage at their Spa. We got a beautiful room which was very clean and had a view of the ocean. The bathroom was beautifully redone and included a hydro-massage tub. We were offered bedtime 'turn-down service' which was a nice touch after returning from dinner each evening. The food was excellent both in terms of quality and taste. The pools and man-made waterfall and the beach were great..there was evidence throughout of refurbishing and updating. We had an absolutely relaxing 45 min couples massage treatment at their top class Spa. But of all the great things that this hotel had to offer, we think that their staff is beyond compare-they're exceptional! They offered us personalized service throughout our stay--we felt very catered to. They truly were one of the highlights of our stay. We were so happy that we ended our honeymoon stay at this hotel-it was a great experience and we'd definitely take a return trip.

The Hotel is magnificent, clean luxurious and decorated with great taste. The staff have been remarkable, they went to all extent possible to make us feel on vacation. Special mention to the staff particularly Kenroy (restaurant manager )and Vidal(master sailer) for making our stay memorable. Make sure sure you try the jamaican specialties great food. The beach was incredibly clean so was the pool. We are still wondering how could have Sandalls let go such an amazing property and staff. The new managment have all the ingredients to make this the best resort in Ochos Rios and We think after our stay that they will. We will come back and strongly are recommending the Jewel's Dunn"s River in Ochos Rios. Neil & Karine

We just returned from 3 nights at the Jewel combined with a trip to the Rockhouse Hotel in Negril. I have never been to a Sandals, but I think the new owners scored a coo with acquiring this Sandals property. I understand that approximately 90% of the former Sandals employees stayed & they already know how to treat guests & make them feel like one of the family. I have only stayed in the larger, less exclusive all inclusives before & there is no comparison. Although there was a very low occupancy rate while we were there, I was assured that the staff would treat us the same when they are busier, and I believe it. The employees truly seemed proud of the property & Jamaica & wanted to do whatever necessary to make our stay the best possible. Upon arrival we were greeted by the manager, asst. manager & others. We were seated for our check-in & given cool towels & the "jewel of the day" welcome beverage. During the entire stay, we were always greeted with a smile & a "what can we do to make your stay better" attitude from everyone. The property was spotless, food was extraordinary, and service couldn't have been better. Although I thought having Italian food while in Jamaica didn't seem right, after eating at Moonstone, I was so glad I did. The lasagna was the best I've had anywhere with the exception of Rome! We ate twice at Platinum because my husband loved the conche ceviche. Of course, there was always traditional jerk food available at the pool. We had the couples massage that was included with our package & Sophia was a dream!!! We were also the first to go for a sail on the new Hobie cats. Who could ask for anything more on a vacation? Felt like we were leaving friends & can't wait to return!