What does paradise look like to you? If it includes sandy white beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, and the all-inclusive treatment, you'll want to read on.
That's precisely what you'll get at Ocean Coral Spring. This little slice of paradise in Jamaica is calling and you'd be wise to answer.
We had an amazing stay there and are excited to give you all the details about it. Let's dive into this luxury resort and all that it has to offer.
Ocean Coral Spring is a new 5-star resort on the northern shores of Jamaica. It's the perfect place for a getaway, whether you're a couple, family, group of friends, or even a business.
Where can we even begin with this luxurious beachfront retreat? They boast 513 well-appointed rooms, all of them suites. The crème de la crème is their Privilege Junior Suite with a private rooftop and jacuzzi.
As lovely as the rooms are, you won't be spending that much time in yours. You'll be too busy enjoying the countless amenities, including large pools, a water park, tennis courts, and a fantastic spa.
Did you know that Jamaica is the 3rd largest island in the Caribbean? It's home to a wide range of ecosystems, including rainforests and wetlands.
Fun fact - Jamaica is home to more endemic species of plants and birds than any other island in the region. This makes it an ideal destination for avid birdwatchers.
Unfortunately, Jamaica lost much of its coral reefs due to pollution, overfishing, and hurricanes. There's an ongoing grassroots effort to save these "rainforests of the sea" and their efforts are paying off.
Getting to Ocean Coral Spring
Before kicking back with a rum punch and some jerk chicken, you'll have to catch a flight into Montego Bay. Sangster International Airport (MBJ) is what you should look for when booking a flight.
It's always a good idea to have trip cancellation insurance, but that's especially true nowadays. This is an added protection that's worth having for your trip.
Location
Ocean Coral Spring isn't far from Montego Bay. It's about 40 km from the airport to the resort, which takes around 45 minutes.
The resort is in Trelawny Parish near the historic town of Falmouth. This is one of the best places to admire Georgian architecture in the Caribbean.
Transportation
It's possible to arrange transportation to Ocean Coral Spring ahead of time by contacting the resort directly. There are also several options for ground transportation from the airport.
There are two official taxi companies operating at Sangster and they share a desk outside the customs exit. You can also contact tour operators in advance to book a ride. Both Reggae Tours and Joe Cool have positive reviews from travellers.
Local Language and Culture
Jamaican English is the official language and is used for education, government, and of course tourism.
That being said, most people speak Jamaican Patois at home. This is an English-based Creole language with many diverse influences. For more, check out this article about what languages Jamaicans speak.
Jamaica has a very vibrant and unique culture. Dance and music are both very important here, especially reggae and dancehall.
Is It Beneficial to Know a Little Jamaican Patois?
There's no need to worry about language barriers on your vacation at Ocean Coral Spring. The staff here can easily communicate with you in English and that's the case across Jamaica.
Of course, it's always fun to learn a few local phrases on your trip. A good one to learn is "Weh yuh ah seh?" which means "What are you saying?" and is used in favour of "How are you?"
The Atmosphere at Ocean Coral Spring
There's definitely a laidback island vibe at Ocean Coral Spring. It's very easy to jump right into vacation mode here!
We felt at ease as soon as we got there, especially with the enhanced safety protocols they're following. This includes contactless check-in and check-out if you prefer.
The staff here are all super friendly and eager to help you make the most of your trip. They really take the all-inclusive thing seriously, as it's 24/7. Your cup will never be empty here!
It's super easy to kick back and enjoy some R&R here, but there are also activities day and night. These are run by the fabulous Blue Team, who go out of their way to make sure everyone is having a good time.
How Do People Rate the Service?
This resort only opened in 2019 and already has over 1,000 reviews on TripAdvisor. Most of them are favourable as it has a 4-star average.
Reading through reviews, most people praise the staff at Ocean Coral Spring. The Blue Team in particular get raving reviews for keeping people entertained throughout the day.
The main complaints are with regards to variety in the food, and that's likely due to shortages caused by the pandemic and no fault of the resort.
Hotel Amenities
You may be happy with a beach lounger, good book, and fruity cocktail (as we were), but there are tons of other amenities here to take advantage of. There's never a dull moment at Ocean Coral Spring!
Best of all, they have options that are fun for all ages. Let's take a closer look at all the great amenities this resort offers.
Restaurants
Be sure to come hungry so you can take advantage of the many excellent restaurants. In addition to classic Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine, you'll find several international options.
You can choose from Italian (La Locanda), American BBQ (Route 66), Asian (Sakura), and more. There's always the main buffet and beach restaurant as well. We tried most of them and thoroughly enjoyed all our meals.
Let's not forget about the coffee and ice cream shops for when you need a caffeine fix or want to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Bars
When you want to wet your whistle, you don't need to go far. You don't even have to walk, as it's much more fun to swim up to the bar!
In addition to the popular swim-up bar, there's also the one in the lobby, a sports bar, and a disco.
Some of the must-try drinks include the frozen Bob Marley and Dirty Banana concoctions. Of course, you can't go wrong with an ice-cold Red Stripe.
Despacio Spa Centre
If you're in the mood to be pampered, you've come to the right place. The Descpacio Spa Centre has a variety of options, from aromatherapy to body wraps.
There's also a well-equipped gym and a whole relaxation area with a jacuzzi, sauna, and steam bath. You'll be walking on air after spending some time here.
Sports and Recreation
In addition to the 24-hour gym, Ocean Coral Spring also boasts two tennis courts, a multi-sports court, a bowling alley, and a scuba dive centre.
If you're going to be scuba diving, make sure you're covered with the right travel insurance. It's much more enjoyable when you have that peace of mind.
There's also a beach volleyball court set up, so make some friends and get a game going.
Watersports
Want to have some fun and get a workout in at the same time? The Blue Team is here to make that happen with their fun aqua aerobics.
If you prefer something more relaxing, you can just float down the lazy river. They even have a whole water park here that's fun for the whole family to enjoy.
Check out their dive centre for options on scuba diving. You can also inquire about renting jet skis or going waterskiing in Montego Bay.
Daisy Club
If you're travelling with kids, you'll all love the Daisy Club. Children 4-12 can enjoy a full day of activities led by Daisy the resort mascot. Let the kids have their fun and relax by the pool knowing they're in good hands.
Teen Club
The Teen Club is for those older kids who would rather play video games than sit by the pool with their parents. There's also a pool table and air hockey for even more fun.
Privilege Services
Looking to live the high life? The privilege service here is right up your alley. There are plenty of perks that come with adding this option to your stay.
It starts with a welcome gift and a complimentary bottle of wine and continues throughout your stay. You also get access to an exclusive pool and beach area, as well as a lounge.
Excursions
Should you need a bit more excitement on your trip, there are plenty of excursions to choose from.
Nine Mile
One of the most popular excursions is a tour of Nine Mile. This is the birthplace and final resting place of the reggae legend Bob Marley. Fans from all over the world make a pilgrimage here to pay tribute to the famous musician.
Dunn's River Falls
Just an hour east of the resort is Dunn's River Falls. Climbing up this terraced waterfall and lounging in the lagoons is a great experience. It's part of a park that also has a beach, zipline, and splash pad. The falls are surrounded by lush green trees and the water is bright and refreshing. You won't want to pass up on this experience!
Green Grotto Caves
The beach is fun and all, but there's a lot more to see in Jamaica. Exploring the amazing Green Grotto Caves is a fun excursion that's worth leaving the sun lounger for. Explore the deep caves of Jamaica filled with pristine flowing water and interesting rock formations. This is an excellent place for a photo-op!
YS Falls
If you thought one waterfall was fun, how about seven? Many of the waterfalls here cascade into natural pools that you can swim in. They also have a natural spring pool and some relaxing gardens to enjoy.
Negril
On the west end of the island, you'll find the beach town of Negril. The 7-Mile Beach here is a popular place to come and enjoy the sunset. It's considered one of the best beaches in Jamaica. Check out Rick's Cafe while you're there - you won't be sorry you did!
Is the Ocean Coral Spring Kid-Friendly or Adults Only?
This is definitely a kid-friendly resort. Kids love going to the Daisy Club during the day here, and so do their parents! Even the pickiest of eaters will find something they like here, which makes life a lot easier at mealtimes.
Is It Safe to Travel off the Resort Alone?
Whether it's safe to leave the resort or not depends on where you're going and how you're getting there. Generally speaking, it's not advised for tourists to explore Montego Bay on their own. It's best to go out with a guide or in a group and just enjoy the resort otherwise.
If you are planning to travel alone, we always recommend letting the hotel staff know where you intend on going and when you intend on returning for safety.
Are There Extra Costs to be Aware Of?
This is an all-inclusive resort in the truest sense. The only things you will pay extra for here are spa treatments and water sports like scuba diving.
One thing to note here is that they have gala dinners on Christmas and New Year's Eve, which are included in the room rate if you stay on those nights.
Best Time to Visit Ocean Coral Spring
Most travellers visit Jamaica between December and March to escape harsh winter weather up north. Visiting between November and mid-December is a good way to experience pleasant weather without the high season rates and crowds.
You can find great deals on flights and rooms in the summer, but that's also hurricane season down here. That's why it's important to have good travel insurance that will cover your trip in case of inclement weather.
Overall Reviews
The overall reviews for this new resort are very positive. With over 3,000 reviews on Google, the average score is 4.6. We'd say that's fair after our trip, as there were very few complaints.
It's a beautiful property with lots to offer. You can relax by the pool, get pampered in the spa, or squeeze in a workout before sitting down in one of the many restaurants for a nice meal.
Along the way, you'll get to enjoy great service from the fun-loving and friendly staff. They know you're on vacation in Jamaica and they want to make sure you go home happy.
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DETAILS
Star rating
4.6
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes
Is it safe to travel off the resort alone?
No
Best time to visit
December - March November - Mid-December
What Are You Waiting For? Book Your Trip Today!
Ocean Coral Spring is already off to a great start just a few years in and will only get better. Put this resort high on your travel bucket list and get ready to enjoy the mellow mood of Jamaica.
Before you jet off on your island vacation, you'll want the peace of mind that comes with excellent travel insurance. Go ahead and get your free quote from Insurdinary today and start planning the trip of a lifetime.
