Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to spend some cherished, high-quality time with my sister in the breathtaking landscape of Jamaica. While our family often travels together, this particular adventure marked our very first trip as just the two of us, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
It’s a running joke that my sister and I are often mistaken for twins, a compliment we receive perhaps twice a year. However, during our five-day stay in Jamaica, this amusing confusion happened at least ten times! Despite being only twelve and a half months apart, I’m almost always assumed to be the older sister, likely due to my two-inch height advantage. But rest assured, we are distinctly sisters, sharing an unbreakable bond that made this trip truly special.
You might be wondering if my sister, Shell, recently tied the knot. And the answer is a resounding yes! Shell got married just three weeks prior to our Jamaican escape. You can delve deeper into her wedding details here. Currently in between jobs, Shell had the perfect window to join me on what we affectionately dubbed our “Sister Moon.” While Shell and her husband, Ben, enjoyed a quaint “mini moon” to the serene Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota shortly after their nuptials, their grand honeymoon to Southeast Asia is planned for the upcoming winter holidays. This made our “Sister Moon” an even more unique and spontaneous adventure.
Why This Jamaican Escape? A Funjet Vacations Partnership
This incredible journey to Jamaica wasn’t just a leisurely vacation; it was technically a captivating work trip. I had the privilege of partnering with Funjet Vacations, a leading name in all-inclusive travel. Funjet was in Jamaica to film a dynamic documentary-style video series, and they graciously invited me to come along as an influencer – an opportunity I eagerly embraced! The most exciting aspect was that Funjet only required my presence for the Friday video shoot, leaving the rest of our time completely free to unwind, explore, and fully immerse ourselves in the luxurious ambiance of Sandals Ochi Beach Resort. Yah, mon, pure bliss!
Funjet Vacations, remarkably, is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (a proud shout-out to my home state!), and I was already well-acquainted with their exceptional services. They specialize in curating seamless, all-inclusive vacation packages to stunning destinations across the globe, including the enchanting Caribbean. A standout feature of Funjet’s offerings is their convenient charter flights, departing directly from major U.S. cities, such as Minneapolis. There’s truly nothing quite like the ease and luxury of a direct flight straight to paradise, minimizing travel stress and maximizing relaxation time. I must also express my profound admiration for the entire Funjet film crew; their professionalism and vibrant energy were infectious. Wisconsinites, in my experience, possess a unique charm and work ethic, and this crew was no exception, making the work aspect of the trip an absolute pleasure.
Our Luxurious Haven: Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Ocho Rios
As previously mentioned, our magnificent accommodation for this Jamaican adventure was the esteemed Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, nestled in the vibrant heart of Ocho Rios, Jamaica. This exquisite destination is renowned as an adults-only, all-inclusive haven. While I’ve experienced all-inclusive resorts before, this was my inaugural stay at an adults-only property. In fact, it’s primarily marketed as a couples-only resort, making my sister and I quite possibly the only non-couple guests there – a playful detail perfectly suited for our “Sister Moon” hashtag! By the end of our stay, everyone at the resort undoubtedly knew us as “the sisters,” embracing our unique travel dynamic with warmth and humor.
The resort itself was nothing short of gorgeous, a sprawling paradise designed for ultimate relaxation and indulgence. We were fortunate to stay in a breathtaking villa, meticulously appointed and complete with its own private pool – a true luxury. Adding to this exclusive experience, we were also assigned our very own personal butler. Imagine having every need anticipated, from making dinner reservations to arranging private transfers and ensuring our preferred beverages were always at hand. This personalized service truly elevated our stay, allowing us to fully unwind without a single worry.
Sandals Ochi Beach Resort is truly immense, boasting an impressive array of amenities including over 16 world-class restaurants, a championship golf course, direct beach access to the stunning Caribbean Sea, and an abundance of pools scattered throughout the property. Despite the vastness of the resort, we spent a significant portion of our time in blissful serenity, lounging by the beach with a good book in hand. Yes, you read that correctly – I, a self-proclaimed non-reader, actually engaged with a book! Beyond relaxation, the resort also offered a fantastic selection of complimentary water sports, which we eagerly took advantage of. More on those exhilarating activities below!
Experiences and Adventures: Our Jamaican Itinerary
A Gastronomic Journey: Indulging in Jamaican Flavors
I honestly don’t think I’ve stopped eating for the past two weeks straight – a huge thank you to Davida (our chef instructor) and the delectable culinary scene of Jamaica! The resort offered a few buffet-style restaurants, which we primarily utilized for their expansive breakfast spreads. My morning routine remained consistent: a hearty bowl of oatmeal, sliced bananas, and peanut butter, all accompanied by a generous, much-needed quantity of coffee. A classic start to any day in paradise, it never disappoints.
Our goal was to fully immerse ourselves in the diverse and amazing cuisine offered across the resort’s sixteen specialty restaurants. Among them, two distinctly captured our hearts and taste buds: The Manor House and Soy. The Manor House was a culinary celebration of Caribbean and local Jamaican flavors – an absolute “yes, please!” for me. My deep affection for seafood and the vibrant spices of Jamaica found pure satisfaction here. The Curried Goat, in particular, stood out as an unforgettable dish, bursting with authentic taste. Soy, on the other hand, was a delightful sushi house. Being an all-inclusive resort, it essentially translated to all-you-can-eat sushi, a dream come true for any sushi lover! The freshness of the fish was impeccable, and the experience was perfectly capped off with their exquisite fried ice cream. It was a gastronomic paradise.
A highlight of the Friday video shoot was participating in an exclusive cooking class led by one of the resort’s talented chefs. It was a fascinating and hands-on experience to learn how to prepare two traditional Jamaican dishes: Ackee and Codfish, along with Vegetable Rundown. I truly cherish the ability to bring new, authentic recipes and culinary techniques home with me after traveling, allowing the flavors of a destination to live on long after the trip concludes.
Beyond the abundant food, my sister and I primarily stuck to vino when it came to beverages. I initially attempted to stick to red wine throughout our stay, but the tropical heat often dictated a refreshing change. You simply can’t go wrong with a crisp Chardonnay when the temperatures are soaring! However, we did venture out to try a few of the resort’s signature cocktails at one of the property’s most uniquely themed bars: The Rabbit Hole, an establishment so cool it felt like stepping into another world. Oh, and how could I possibly forget to mention the soft-serve ice cream? Can you say “two-a-day” indulgence?
Wellness on Vacation: Staying Active in Paradise
The resort boasted an impressively equipped fitness facility, a welcome sight for those of us who prioritize wellness even on vacation. My sister and I managed to fit in workouts on three of our five days, a commendable effort for a relaxing getaway! We owe a big thank you to The Summer SWEAT Series; we selected two intense workouts from that program, each commencing with an invigorating one-mile jog/sprint session around the beautiful resort grounds.
Many people often question why I choose to work out while on vacation, and my consistent response is simply, “Because I’m on vacation.” For me, working out isn’t a chore; it’s an integral part of my lifestyle, essential for both my physical and mental well-being. I feel my absolute best when I incorporate daily movement, so why would I abandon that routine when I have the luxury of time and a stunning environment to do it in? Vacation provides the perfect opportunity to focus on self-care, and for me, that includes staying active.
Thrills on the Wall: Rock Climbing Adventure
I don’t believe I’d attempted rock climbing since I was a mere ten years old, so when I learned it was part of the video shoot, I was admittedly a little nervous, crossing my fingers that I’d manage! As it turns out, I’m not too shabby at rock climbing and discovered a genuine enjoyment for it! My first ascent was a classic beginner mistake: relying far too much on upper body strength instead of engaging my lower body – a bad idea indeed. However, with each subsequent attempt (the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th climbs), my technique and form significantly improved, making each climb much more efficient and enjoyable. I was pleasantly surprised to wake up the next day without sore forearms or wrists, especially after tackling that rock wall four times in a span of just 30 minutes! It was an unexpected thrill.
Serenity on the Water: Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
If I could choose, I would absolutely live my life on a paddleboard. Seriously, my affection for SUP is boundless! It offers such a profound sense of peace and tranquility, providing a unique vantage point from which to soak in the stunning coastal scenery. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to achieve an even, full-body tan! The resort proudly offered an impressive array of complimentary water sports, and we wholeheartedly took advantage of the unlimited stand-up paddleboarding usage. We ventured out onto the calm Caribbean waters on two separate occasions. Our second outing, however, was incredibly windy, making any significant distance paddling quite a challenging, if not impossible, feat! Regardless, it was immensely fun and exhilarating – and I only fell in once, a minor splash for a memorable experience.
Journey into Pages: A Personal Reading Revival
During this trip, I achieved a personal milestone: I READ A BOOK! Can someone please award me a sticker for this rare accomplishment?! I’ve long joked with my sister that I “can’t read,” largely because I haven’t genuinely enjoyed it much in my adult life. However, I am determined to change that narrative. I often find myself so engrossed in technology that I struggle to disconnect from my phone and truly get lost in a story. My sister, an avid reader, devours at least one book a week, a habit I deeply admire. I’m setting a more modest, yet significant, challenge for myself: one book a month. I genuinely believe I can achieve this goal.
My chosen novel for this vacation was Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell, which proved to be a wonderfully engaging and easy read. I even managed to finish it in just three days, a testament to its captivating narrative and my newfound dedication to reading.
Oh, young love! I am an absolute sucker for heartwarming love stories, and reading about the initial butterflies and complexities of a burgeoning relationship between two people always gives me such a delightful feeling. While I was engrossed in my tale, Shell immersed herself in Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a powerful narrative chronicling a Nigerian couple’s journey as they move away from Nigeria and eventually return over the course of two decades. This profound book delves into the intricate themes of young love, the immigrant experience, and the complexities of race. My sister highly recommends it, giving it a resounding two thumbs up. Currently, she’s captivated by Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One and has suggested that my next read should be Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. Has anyone had the pleasure of reading either of these two compelling books yet? My sister has promised to keep the excellent book recommendations coming, and I’m incredibly grateful for her doing the “dirty work” of finding literary gems!
Underwater Wonders: An Unforgettable Snorkeling Expedition
Snorkeling was another thrilling component of our video shoot, making the experience even more dynamic. It was incredibly cool to know that three underwater video cameras were continuously capturing every moment, and I genuinely cannot wait to see the final footage! This added layer made the snorkeling expedition feel like a true adventure into an undiscovered world.
We boarded a comfortable boat and enjoyed a brief, picturesque five-minute ride down the coast to a vibrant coral reef. Once anchored, we quickly donned our flippers, goggles, and breathing tubes, and plunged into the crystal-clear waters. I honestly can’t recall the last time I simply floated, suspended weightlessly in the water, observing the intricate dance of marine life below. The sheer abundance of creatures beneath the surface was mesmerizing. While I hoped to spot a majestic sea turtle or a graceful stingray, those particular sightings didn’t materialize. However, I was equally hopeful to avoid any sharks – a wish that fortunately came true! Whew, a definite relief.
Does anyone else experience motion sickness when on boats? Man, it’s a constant struggle for me. Every single time, I tell myself to just “suck it up” and that “it’s not going to happen this time.” MERRRRR, but it almost always does! Once I was actually in the water, I felt perfectly fine, but I become such a baby when it comes to boat rides! Interestingly, both my sister and I are quite susceptible to motion sickness, especially on buses or when riding in the backseat of a car. It’s a shared vulnerability that often leads to humorous, albeit slightly uncomfortable, travel moments.
Overall, our “Sister Moon” trip to Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, was an absolutely fantastic experience! I won’t lie, it was a tad interesting being the only non-couple at a resort primarily designed for couples, but we thoroughly enjoyed our stay nonetheless. The staff was absolutely phenomenal – special commendations to our incredible butlers and the superb General Manager, O’Brian, who went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and happiness. The entire vibe of the resort was incredibly friendly and undeniably romantic, offering an abundance of activities to do, stunning sights to see, and exquisite food to eat. It was a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cherished sisterly bonding.
This post is sponsored by Funjet Vacations. All opinions expressed are my own and reflect my genuine experience. Thank you for supporting Fit Foodie Finds and enabling such incredible adventures!