Beaches Negril vs. Beaches Ocho Rios (2026 Update)

Are you interested in booking an all-inclusive family vacation in Jamaica? Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios have long been considered two of the best family resorts in the Caribbean. However, with the recent closure of the Ocho Rios location, planning your 2026 Jamaican getaway requires a fresh look at your options.

About Beaches Resorts

Beaches Resorts operates luxury all-inclusive family resorts in idyllic beachfront destinations across the Caribbean.

The company currently operates two flagship family resorts: Beaches Negril in Jamaica and Beaches Turks & Caicos. While Beaches Ocho Rios closed in 2025, the brand is in the midst of a massive expansion. Beaches Turks & Caicos is set to open its new Treasure Beach Village in March 2026.

Looking further ahead, Beaches Runaway Bay (Jamaica) is targeted for a late 2026 debut, while Beaches Exuma (Bahamas) and a brand-new Beaches Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Mount Wynne Beach are both expected to welcome guests by late 2027.

These family-friendly resorts aim to provide everything parents and kids need for an unforgettable tropical vacation, all in one place. From water parks and supervised camps to gourmet dining and ocean-view rooms, Beaches caters to family fun. Beaches Resorts has won numerous awards for its outstanding amenities, accommodations, service, and value. They are consistently ranked among the top family resorts in the Caribbean.

All-inclusive Beaches Resorts offer a host of benefits that often surpass those of traditional accommodations. These resorts provide convenience by having everything you need, including dining, entertainment, and activities, all in one place. When you book an all-inclusive package, you know upfront how much your vacation will cost, allowing for better budget planning and the freedom to fully enjoy your stay.

Beaches Negril Overview

Beaches Negril | Image © Beaches Resorts

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Google Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Beaches Negril sits on the famous Seven Mile Beach on Jamaica’s western tip. This beach frequently ranks among the best beaches in Jamaica and the world. The resort has recently completed extensive renovations and offers 185 fresh and contemporary rooms.

Highlights of Beaches Negril Resort:

• Seven miles of white sand beach
• Eleven dining options like Stew Fish (Caribbean seafood), Yaku (South American), and Kimonos
• Seven bars, including two swim-up bars
• 18,000 sq ft Pirates Island Waterpark, kids camps, teen activities
• Three pools and three whirlpools
• Inclusive scuba diving and watersports
• 29 room and suite categories to suit every budget

Beaches Ocho Rios Overview

Beaches Ocho Rios Resort | Image © Beaches Resorts

TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Google Rating: 4.2 out of 5

Beaches Ocho Rios is a 223-room all-inclusive resort located on a private beach cove on Jamaica’s scenic north coast. It is surrounded by tropical gardens and has the larger waterpark of the two Beaches resorts in Jamaica.

Highlights of Beaches Ocho Rios Resort:

• Private white sand beach
• Seven restaurants ranging from The Venetian to Neptune’s Seafood and Josephine’s Creperie
• Six bars, including swim-up bars
• 27,000 sq ft Pirates Island Waterpark, kids camps, teen activities
• Five pools and two whirlpools
• Inclusive scuba diving, golf at nearby Sandals Golf & Country Club, and watersports
• 24 room categories like Caribbean View Rooms and Oceanview Suites
• Voted among the “Best Beach Resorts” by Parents magazine

Resort Comparison: Beaches Negril vs. Beaches Ocho Rios

Let’s examine how Beaches Negril and Ocho Rios compare across various categories.

Location and Getting There

Beaches Negril sits on the western tip of Jamaica in the laid-back town of Negril. The resort rests along the famous Seven Mile Beach. Negril’s resort area stretches roughly seven miles from Bloody Bay in the north to Long Bay in the south.

Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay is the closest major airport, approximately 47 miles away, which is about a 90-minute drive. Montego Bay is well-served by direct flights from various locations in the U.S. and Canada.

Beaches Ocho Rios is situated on Jamaica’s north coast, approximately 90 minutes east of Montego Bay. The resort is located in a former fishing village and offers access to a bay and offshore reefs. Popular attractions such as Dunn’s River Falls are just minutes away.

Like Negril, Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay is the main gateway to Ocho Rios. It is a 57-mile drive from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios, which takes about 90 minutes.

While the travel time from Montego Bay is similar for both areas, Beaches Negril is currently the only operational Beaches resort in Jamaica. However, those who prefer the lush, mountain-meets-sea geography of the north coast (Ocho Rios) will find that the upcoming Beaches Runaway Bay will offer a similar—and even more convenient—location once it opens in late 2026.

Room Categories and Accommodations

Beaches Resorts offer three distinct service levels for accommodations: Luxury, Concierge, and Butler Elite. Luxury rooms feature standard amenities and comfortable furnishings, while Concierge rooms offer additional perks like concierge service and stocked in-room bars. Butler Elite accommodations provide the highest level of service, with dedicated butlers to cater to your every need.

Beaches Negril offers 29 room categories ranging from standard hotel rooms to opulent suites:

• Entry-level rooms like Grande Luxe Double w/ tropical garden views
• Mid-range options like Tropical Beachfront Walkout Concierge 2BR Junior Suite
• Top suites like the Firesky Reserve Villa Four Bedroom Butler

Beaches Negril is a 185-room resort with newly added luxury villas. Most rooms have views of the 12 acres of ocean, gardens, or resort pools. Butler service is available in the top categories.

Beaches Ocho Rios provides 24 room types, from tropical view rooms to multi-bedroom suites:

• Budget-friendly rooms like Caribbean Deluxe Family Sized Room King w/ garden views
• Mid-tier choices like Caribbean Oceanview Luxury Suite Double
• Ultra-luxurious options like Caribbean Oceanview Penthouse 1BR Concierge Suite

The resort has 223 rooms set amidst 22 beachfront acres. Guests can select ocean views, tropical views, or beachfront locales. The best suites include concierge and butler service.

Costs & Value Comparison

As of 2026, Beaches Negril is the primary choice for families staying with the brand in Jamaica. While Beaches Ocho Rios previously offered lower entry-level pricing, families looking for the best value this year should look toward Beaches Negril’s “Luxury” level rooms or the brand-new Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos (opening March 2026).

Current 2026 rates for Beaches Negril:

• Entry-level (French Village Honeymoon Veranda): Starting at $382 per adult / $51 per child per night.

• Mid-tier (Oceanfront Concierge Suites): Starting at $635 per adult / $51 per child per night.

• Ultra-Luxury (Firesky Reserve 4-Bedroom Villas): Starting at $1,552 per adult / $47 per child per night.

Note: Prices are subject to change based on seasonality and availability.

Pools and Grounds

Beaches Negril sits along the famous Seven Mile Beach. The center of the resort features three freshwater pools and three whirlpools surrounded by palms. A swim-up pool bar provides tropical cocktails. The grounds are well-manicured with local flowers and plants.

Beaches Ocho Rios lies along a picturesque private cove with offshore reefs. The resort has five pools, including an impressive main pool with a swim-up bar. Two whirlpools provide relaxation. Twenty-two acres of tropical grounds surround the pools and beach.

Dining Options

Beaches Negril offers eleven restaurants spanning casual venues to upscale dining:

• Stew Fish Grill (Jamaican seafood)
• Cafes de Paris (French café)
• Kimonos (Teppanyaki grills)
• The Mill (Caribbean buffet)
• Yaku (Peruvian eatery)
• Soy Sushi Bar
• And more

The resort also has a self-serve frozen yogurt and gelato café, plus seven bars.

Beaches Ocho Rios provides seven dining options, from gourmet restaurants to beachside cafes:

• The Venetian (Italian fare)
• Bayside Restaurant (Oceanfront)
• Neptune’s Seafood (Mediterranean)
• Bar B.Q. Park (Jamaican)
• La Parisienne (French)
• Bella Napoli Pizzeria
• Soy Sushi Bar

Six bars are scattered across the resort, including a lively swim-up pool bar.

Amenities & Activities

Beaches Negril offers an 18,000 square foot waterpark, watersports, land sports, and scheduled entertainment.

• Pirate’s Island Waterpark with slides, splash areas
• PADI scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding
• Tennis, volleyball, basketball, pool tables, game rooms
• Live shows, parties, concerts, comedy nights
• Exciting, enjoyable, and educational excursions for all ages.

Beaches Ocho Rios provides a 27,000-square-foot waterpark, watersports, golf, land activities, and nightly entertainment.

• Pirates Island Waterpark with slides, lazy river
• Waterskiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking
• Whirlpools, fitness center, tennis, basketball
• Live bands, piano bar, parties, talent shows
• Golf green fees and transfers included at nearby Sandals Golf & Country Club
• Range of thrill, fun, and educational family-friendly excursions

Both resorts offer supervised kids camps for ages 0-17.

Spa and Wellness

Beaches Negril provides the Red Lane Spa, nestled in a tropical garden. Massages, body treatments, and salon services help guests relax and rejuvenate. Some packages are designed for couples.

Beaches Ocho Rios offers the luxury Red Lane Spa for treatments like massages, facials, and body wraps. The lushly landscaped spa includes a menu of services for couples to enjoy together. Most spa treatments cost extra beyond the all-inclusive package rates.

With Beaches Ocho Rios closed, the title for the best beach experience in Jamaica goes to Beaches Negril. Seven Mile Beach is world-renowned for its calm, shallow waters and sunset views, making it the gold standard for families in 2026.

Family Friendliness

Both Beaches properties excel at family vacations by providing supervised kids camps, teen activities, waterparks, and family suites.

Beaches Negril offers:

• Kids Camps for infants through teens
• Club Liquid nightclub for tweens and teens
• Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street
• Family-sized suites
• Kids pools and playgrounds

Beaches Ocho Rios provides:

• Certified nannies at kids camps
• The Hangout for tweens
• Kid-friendly pools
• Family suites with extra bedrooms

Beach Experience

Beaches Negril boasts a prime location on the famous Seven Mile Beach, offering a lively atmosphere with plenty of beach activities and entertainment. The resort ensures guests have easy access to all amenities, making for a convenient and enjoyable beach vacation.

In contrast, Beaches Ocho Rios offers a more secluded beach, ideal for those seeking a tranquil, private experience. The shallow waters make it an ideal choice for families with young children, while the stunning white sand and crystal-clear waters invite guests to relax and unwind

Overall Best Family Resort for 2026:

Beaches Negril. Since the closure of the Ocho Rios property, Beaches Negril is currently the flagship Beaches destination in Jamaica. It remains the top choice for its location on Seven Mile Beach and recent room renovations. Families who previously loved the Ocho Rios area should keep an eye on the development of Beaches Runaway Bay, which will bring the brand’s signature waterpark and luxury family suites back to Jamaica’s north coast in the near future.

FAQ: Beaches Negril vs. Beaches Ocho Rios

Is Beaches Ocho Rios still open?

No, Beaches Ocho Rios officially closed on May 31, 2025. If you are looking for a similar experience on Jamaica’s north coast, Beaches is currently developing Beaches Runaway Bay, which is expected to open in late 2026. In the meantime, Beaches Negril remains the premier Jamaican destination, while the massive expansion at Beaches Turks & Caicos (Treasure Beach Village) offers a fantastic alternative for families who loved the Ocho Rios waterpark and amenities.

When is the best time to visit a Jamaican Beaches Resort?

The ideal time to visit a Beaches resort in Jamaica is during the peak winter season from mid-December through April. You’ll enjoy warm temperatures in the 80s, low humidity, minimal rain, and sunny blue skies perfect for the beach. Summer sees higher prices and more crowds, while the fall has a risk of storms. Aim for a winter or spring Beaches Jamaica vacation for ideal weather and lower hotel rates.

What does the price include at Beaches Resorts?

Beaches Resorts offer a complete all-inclusive vacation experience. The nightly rate covers your accommodation, all gourmet meals and premium drinks, land and water activities, nightly entertainment, kids camps, airport transfers to/from the resort, and gratuities. About the only thing not included are spa treatments, weddings, and select excursions. With nearly everything covered, you can truly relax at Beaches.

What is the difference between Beaches and Sandals resorts?

While both are all-inclusive brands, Sandals Resorts cater to adults-only romantic getaways, whereas Beaches Resorts are designed for families. Sandals offers amenities like private plunge pools, hammocks for two, and tranquil spas perfect for couples. Beaches Resorts provide kid-friendly amenities, including waterparks, family suites, supervised kids camps, and teen activities, making them ideal for vacations with children.

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