Travel

I'm a fashion editor and here's how I spent the perfect week in Jamaica (and what I wore)

Tropical wardrobe inspo, right this way.
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A Jamaica holiday was calling my name to shake off the winter blues earlier this year. My birthday lands smack in the middle of January, and every year it's become tradition to postpone the party until things get warmer or my wallet recovers. I was so over it this year and craved a change of scenery. So I dug out all my beach wear from the depths of my wardrobe, packed in some tropical outfits, and off I went to Jamaica, ready to swap my usual January blues for something way more fun and beachy.

We landed at Sandals Dunn's River in Ocho Rios after sunset, and let me tell you, it was like walking into a paradise version of a Bob Marley song, literally. Reggae beats, vibrant colours, and the smell of jerk chicken – it was all there, wrapped up in the warm Caribbean sun. And to top it off, I got myself a multi-colour frozen margarita named ‘the Bob Marley’. Yeah, I officially switched to airplane mode right then and there.

The days on this Jamaica holiday that followed were a mix of sun-soaked laziness, all-you-can-eat feasts, and Bob Marley tunes on repeat. We did the classic pool-lounging thing and threw in some water adventures – kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling – you name it, all inclusive. Ate like royalty with beachside lunches and dinners that were very, very romantic. And whenever a whim struck – like my crazy idea for an ice-bath on my birthday morning – our Butler Elite service made it happen.

Jamaica was more than just a holiday; it was like hitting the reset button. Those sun-soaked days and chilled-out nights are logged in my memory. It was the ultimate cure for the January blues, kicking off the year with good vibes, good food, and a whole lot of Jamaican spirit. Life’s a beach, and I’m totally here for it.

The resort was lush and green, creating a serene haven. In the mornings we walked around taking in the natural surroundings, a perfect backdrop for showcasing the bright colours of my holiday wardrobe. PH5 dress and Saint Laurent sunglasses.

Sandals Dunn's River is the most luxury way to experience Jamaica, offering 12 incredible on-site restaurants, 9 bars, 2 main pools, and inclusive water sports. It's the definition of indulgence, ensuring an unforgettable tropical escape, what more could anyone want?

On the first day me and my partner decided to start the holiday right with a workout in the luxury fitness centre overlooking the Caribbean sea and it was the best decision we made to fight off the travel lag. We felt refreshed for our first morning stroll around the resort before heading for breakfast were we feasted on fresh local fruits (star apple anyone?) and freshly made smoothies from the buffet.

The rest of the day was ours to waste away, and our butler (yup!) had scored us front row seats on the beach. We later found out that Mondays were for coconuts on the beach, so we grabbed one, drank a little and topped it up with Jamaican rum. Cheers to spontaneous island bliss!

I had so much fun with beach looks and accessories on this trip, adding a playful touch to every sun-soaked moment. Los Feliz bikini set, atijo vintage shirt, Longchamp hat.

We had dinner at Jerk Shack on this night, one of 12 restaurants on the resort, situated on the beach. Before we even ate there we knew it would be authentic from the lingering smell of the jerk smoker. The red snapper was good but the jerk chicken and curry goat was so out of this world, we ordered another portion. Everyone knows you can't have a Jamaica holiday without jerk.

The evenings were warm and a slip dress was the perfect option. Longchamp dress, Dior vintage bag, Rixo belt.

On our second day we were up early to watch the sunrise on beach hammocks. I will never forget watching the colours of the sun bouncing on turquoise waters from the private beach, which was both serene and surreal.

Maximising relaxation with APS face masks. P.E Nation top and shorts.

Most mornings a coffee cart on wheels would be situated by the beach which brought a whole new life to our morning coffee run.

We paid many visit to Blum coffee bar at the resort for coffee and sweet treats.

The afternoon was for restoration and we did exactly that. The Red Lane Spa is a wonderland created within the resort that is so ridiculously beautiful it felt like a kind of heaven. Our couples massage was intimate and intentional, the staff were so knowledgeable about the body, personalising it continuously as they go, it was so healing we extended it for an additional half hour.

Massage followed by a hot plunge pool = ultimate relaxation.

Getting dressed on holiday is always so much fun, white cotton dresses are my go-to.

Our third day started with a private kick-boxing class with the hotel's fitness instructor to get us warmed up for water sports. We started fast and terribly furious with a tubing session which basically drags you around the sea on the back of a speed boat, it was wild and I loved every second.

The water sports on the resort are unlimited, so next up would be kayaking and then paddle boarding and then kayaking again. There is something about being on the water that brings stillness and lounging in kayaks, sun blazing out on the ocean will now go down as one of our favourite not-a-date dates ever.

We sun dried after water sports, grabbed two beef patties from Galene beach-side grill and headed off for an afternoon of golfing. It was our first time playing golf and our patient instructor, Wayne, made us fall in love with the sport. For the most part I drove the buggy around while my partner, who was also a first timer, made actual attempts at playing golf. Needless to say it was addictive, he was back for another afternoon of golfing with Wayne that Friday.

Dinner was served at izakaya-inspired sushi restaurant, Hanami. The fish is locally sourced and dishes include island inspired tataki which were flavourful and fresh. My favourite was the chef's mixed sashimi special served with a cup of warm sake.

I kept my dinner look simple for this night with a noughties inspired cut-out vintage dress.

Breakfast and sparkling wine were served on our rooftop pool by our butlers on my birthday, it was the stuff of dreams.

We spent most of this day at Dunn's River falls, a short drive from the resort. This is where we got all our souvenirs, I was so inspired by the colours and energy of everything it was hard to resist.

I loved the look for my birthday afternoon which I accessorised with a vintage belt from Ebay. PH5 Dress, Saint Laurent sunglasses.

For my birthday dinner, our butlers prepped a candlelit dinner for two by the beach and served up surf and turf with champagne. I continued my theme of colour with one of my favourite dresses of the week. Ninety Percent dress, vintage shoes.

The whole trip was like one long date with both myself and my partner, with an ambience and setting to bring you the calm you need to let.life.flow.

We spent our last few days pretty horizontal and taking-part in resort activities like paint and sip on the beach, there was never a moment we did not feel entertained, day and night.

The pool bar was the place to be during the day.

Bright and bold bags mini bags were my go-to holiday accessory.

The staff made the trip incredibly special for us, especially our butlers, Rock-Wayne and Martin who went above and beyond to give us the best recommendations and get us the best reservations.

In the evenings we loved socialising at Dunn's Rum club with a live DJ and great cocktails.

Edessa was one of our favourite dinner spots serving Greek inspired cuisine with beautiful design.

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One of my favourite things about holiday is the outfits and there were plenty of moments to get dressed up for lunch and dinner at the resort restaurants, here on my way to Greek inspired restaurant, Edessa.

PH5 Lydia Wave-Print Asymmetric-Hem Dress
Saint Laurent Mica Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses
Phoenix Baguette Bag
Healing Stone Necklace
Marni Market Interwoven Basket Bag
Longchamp x K.Jacques Sandals
Gucci Little Mors Leather-Trimmed Straw Fedora
Christopher Esber Odessa Cutout Maxi Dress

A seven-night stay for two adults at Sandals Dunn’s River, Jamaica in a Tufa Terrace One Bedroom Skypool Butler Suite with Balcony Tranquillity Soaking Tub costs from £4,695 per person. Price includes all-inclusive accommodation, Butler service and 24hr room service, return economy class flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow Airport and resort transfers. Price is date specific and is valid for travel on 26th September 2024 only. All pricing is subject to change and availability. To book, call 0800 597 0002 or for more information about Sandals Resorts visit www.sandals.co.uk.