3 Ways to Escape & Relax in Ochos Rios, Jamaica

Published: March 6, 2018   |   Updated: September 15, 2022

Are you looking for a quick weekend getaway, and want to do nothing more than RELAX?! Some of us do this by booking a stay-cation, or booking a cruise. However in this article, I will uncover 3 ways you can escape and relax on the beautiful island of Jamaica.

Sky Over Sea

First of all, I highly recommend flying to this beautiful island instead of only enjoying a glimpse of it for a few hours on a cruise ship. Cruises can be fun and cost effective, but having a daily controlled schedule will cause a hint of anxiousness. Jamaica is known to be a carefree island with a kaleidoscope of beauty. You will also hear a lot of the locals tell you in passing conversation “No worry mon” or “Don’t worry about a ting”. To truly have the ability to embrace these wise words, forgetting about school, work, or any other responsibilities, you need to be free and without a schedule. Therefore, do yourself a favor, search the internet for deals, and fly to Jamaica as your first step!

All-Inclusive All the Way!

The next recommendation I have is to choose an all-inclusive resort! In this article, I will be reviewing my experience at the Moon Palace Jamaica Grande Resort. They are widely known for their amazing spa experience that includes complimentary hydrotherapy sessions that prepare your body a full hour before your scheduled treatment! Additionally, when you go all-inclusive, a variety of cuisines and restaurants are included, alcohol, premium services such as a butler, and concierge who will book any adventures for you. This is your weekend to relax! Why not have someone take care of you for a change? Now let’s get into my three recommendations of relaxing activities (besides sleeping on the beach and listening to the ocean waves of course).

Recommendation #1

Awe Spa Experience:

I titled this an experience because it truly is one. The Awe Spa at Jamaica Grande rivals the treatment received at most private spa retreats in the US, or five star hotels such as the Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons.

I recommend arriving at least one full hour before your treatment. Upon arrival, you will of course be escorted to your own personal locker to change into a robe and comfy slippers. From there, you are assigned a spa valet who will escort you through each of the following complimentary hydrotherapy services (also known as the “Water Journey”):

1. Warm-up in a relaxing thermal steam room, reminiscent to a planetarium
2. Cool-down in an ice therapy room that smells like mint. You will be asked to focus on breathing and asked to rub crushed ice on your body
3. Warm-up again in the sauna. You will be given a head rest, sprayed with a citrus mist, and have your eyes blanketed with cucumbers
4. Relax in the hydrotherapy pool. This pool is filled with multiple jets and waterfalls that truly work every muscle on your back and shoulders
5. Melt in the thermal lounge chairs – Take a moment to have a warm towel and relax on these warm chairs after you’re done with the pool

Once you’ve completed your complimentary pampering, you will be escorted to the relaxation lounge where you receive a neck rest and can truly relax before your treatment. From there, your therapist will find you, and will escort you to your treatment room.

Recommendation #2

Have Dinner Without Shoes, Eat, and Watch the Sunset on the Beach:

The sound of the ocean has a very calming effect on the body. Many have said the state and sound of water can allow our minds to enter a meditative state. Therefore, change things up a bit and have dinner outside on the beach. The warmth of the sun will just be subsiding, allowing you to spend this time with your friend(s) or someone you love. This is also a perfect moment to quiet your mind and be present, in the moment, reflect on creation and its beauty, and reflect on what’s really important to you in life. Sometimes we move day in and day out on a routine, leaving very little room for meditation and reflection. Why not seize this moment, take in the sounds, the smells of the amazing food and wine at the same time? The resort offers private dinners on the beach, near the ocean, allowing you to enjoy your meal as you watch the sun set.

Recommendation #3

Take a Lazy Stroll Down Martha Brae River

Whether you’re a huge fan of water or not, sitting on a bamboo raft, and taking a 90 minute stroll down this fresh water river is amazing. At first of I was skeptical, seeing that the photos looked like a scene from the movie Anaconda!

However, there’s no need to worry about snakes, monkeys, reptiles, or any other harmful wildlife. The locals assured us that birds and fish would be the only animals we would encounter, as shown in some of the clips above. Our Captain’s name was Jenkins, and he knew ever corner of the River. He told us he trained for six months, and navigated many down Martha’s river for over 10 years! His advice was for us to sit back, relax, and have a coconut ! I asked why a coconut? He told us here we believe a coconut a day, keeps the doctor away!