Ya Mon! Families First at Beaches Ocho Rios

Heads up, Canadians! Read on for a limited time promo with Air Canada Vacations: for bookings made before October 31, 2019, use code BEACHES to save $200 per booking with no minimum spend, valid on any Beaches property in Jamaica. Further details follow.
There are many things I look for when reviewing family-friendly sun destinations, and for the most part, Caribbean resorts have elevated their offerings to meet the expectations of discerning Canadian vacationers. Therefore, when I find a resort that goes over and above to deliver an exceptional experience at a comparably excellent value, I am more than happy to sing its praises.

At the moment, that resort is Beaches Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

Having just returned from vacationing at the property with my family, I feel well-informed to break down the ways Beaches Ocho Rios prioritizes families big and small; young and young-at-heart. If you’re considering an all-inclusive vacation in Jamaica, here’s how Beaches truly puts families first.
All-Inclusive, Defined. Especially when budgeting for a family vacation, it’s important to note that the term “all-inclusive” can be broadly interpreted. Most of the time, all-inclusive includes accommodations, food and beverages (including alcohol), but other vacation offerings such as specialty dining, water sports and recreational activities may come at an additional cost – putting extra stress on the vacation budget.

At Beaches Ocho Rios, you’ll enjoy the most all-inclusive perks at a great value – think of it as “Luxury Included”. With every stay, take advantage of unlimited 5-Star Global Gourmet dining, unlimited water sports and land sports (basketball, pool, mini golf, beach volleyball and more), PADI certified scuba diving, golf green fees (all Sandals and Beaches resorts in Jamaica) plus transportation to and from the golf course (resorts within the Ocho Rios area), and much more. You’ll also receive free non-stop round-trip airport transfers (pop into the exclusive airport arrival lounge in Jamaica!), and all tips, taxes and gratuities are included in your purchase price.
The Resort for Everyone. Beaches is home to the Caribbean’s first autism-friendly kid’s camps. In partnership with The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, child care staff are trained in sensory awareness, motor skills, social anxiety, communication, emotional awareness and more. Families with children with autism and other special needs are offered specialized service, engaging activities and custom dining options to help ensure that the family vacation can be enjoyed by all.

Additionally, as part of Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children, Beaches Ocho Rios is also a home base for Julia, a sweet and curious Sesame Street character with autism. Children can participate in Amazing Art with Julia or enjoyable character experiences during their time on the resort. Of particular significance: there is no age limit for specialized services. Therefore, if you are travelling with older children – or even adults – you can be assured that they will receive the same level of care and attention.
Location, Location, Location. Situated on 22 acres of lush tropical gardens and boasting a gorgeous private white-sand beach, your most important decision daily will be “Pool or Ocean?” (Answer: Both!) Enjoy a drink from the swim up bar at one of three fantastic swimming pools, or dip your toes in the calm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Beaches Ocho Rios is extremely easy to navigate as its compact grounds are separated by levels; simply use the stairs, ramps or even take an elevator down to the beach.

Of course, the smaller resort means that everything is easily within reach; I loved that we could pop back to the room to grab something or head off to a restaurant without having to endure a long, cross-property walk. Beaches Ocho Rios is especially perfect for young families, where little legs won’t be taxed with shuffling from here to there.
Make a Splash. Pirate’s Island Waterpark is touted as the most thrilling waterpark in the Caribbean; I concur. The 27,000 square foot waterpark overlooks the Caribbean Sea and boasts 11 thrilling water slides, a kids zone with splash pad, an Aqua Play area, and more. The lounge chairs create a perfect border along the pool area, allowing parents to relax in the sun while still keeping an eye on the kids (if they can resist the lure of the super-charged water slides themselves, that is).

My boys absolutely loved Pirate’s Island (“obsessed” would be a more appropriate description) and I am positive we will return to Beaches Ocho Rios, if only to spend another day enjoying the adrenaline-inducing slides.
The waterpark is ideally located just steps from Bar BQ Park, a quick service restaurant which serves the best in down-home comfort foods, anytime snacks, classic American barbecue favorites and more. The beef and chicken patties may go down as my favourite food at the resort, with the pizza from Bella Napoli being a close second. YUM.

Package it. Planning the perfect family vacation can be tricky, but thankfully, Air Canada Vacations can help. Combined with the legendary “Luxury Included” offerings from Beaches Ocho Rios, let them make your dreams travel. When you book an all-inclusive vacation package with Air Canada Vacations, you’ll enjoy:

– Daily non-stop flights to Jamaica from Toronto aboard Air Canada Rouge
– First checked baggage FREE
– Destination transfers included
– Free standard seating assignments for families travelling with children under age 14
– Dedicated family check-in lanes and early boarding perks
– The ability to earn and redeem Aeroplan Miles

BONUS: Use code BEACHES to save $200 per booking at Air Canada Vacations with no minimum spend, valid on any Beaches property in Jamaica.¹

Any time is a great time plan a Jamaican vacation! Let Air Canada Vacations and Beaches Resorts show you why families come first at Beaches Ocho Rios.
This post is sponsored by Air Canada Vacations. The opinions on this blog, as always, are my own.

¹Promo code is valid on new bookings made online only between October 1, 2019 – October 31, 2019 for travel November 1, 2019 – April 30, 2020 and subject to availability. Applicable towards flight and hotel packages to any Beaches property in Jamaica. Value of $200 per booking. Promo code BEACHES must be applied online at aircanadavacations.com during checkout for the discount to be applied. Not applicable to group bookings. Offer not combinable with other promo codes, and is not combinable with other discounted packages. Offer can be withdrawn at any time.  Offer expires at 11:59 p.m. ET on the date indicated.