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Couples Ocho Rios is a beachfront resort, 10 minutes from Ocho Rios downtown and a two hour drive from Montego Bay.
Couples Ocho Rios offers colonial architecture in a lush garden setting, creating the ideal retreat for honeymooners and love struck couples. Drenched in history and awash in Old World romanticism.
The property features its own private island with a swim-up pool bar and grill, and an "Au Naturel" beach for nude sunbathing. From spacious, stylish rooms and suites with unparalleled ocean views tounforgettable off-site excursions and adventures,
Beach: The property is situated along a white sand alcove running approximately 1200 ft., and with a state-of-the-art dive boat, Couples Ocho Rios has become one of Jamaica`s premier dive destinations.
“Above and Beyond Expectation”
My husband and I honeymooned at Couples Ocho Rios July 8-13, 2007. I'm writing this review very belatedly, but we were recently remiscing and I just had to share. Our arrival in Montego Bay started with a Red Stripe in the lounge, which was FABULOUS and unexpected. We were on our way to the resort very quickly, and although the ride to the resort was long, the driver and other passengers made it enjoyable. Once we arrived at the beautifully landscaped resort, we were given rum punches (delicious!) and given directions to our room. No one escorted us, and we got a little lost, but that's okay because we were able to do our goofy "carry the bride over the threshold" without anyone watching. The room was okay. The bed was a little flat and the bathroom was old, but it was spacious and clean with a large terrace and a lovely view of the ocean. Our room faced west, so we had a sunset view, as well.
The beach and grounds were beautiful and clean. It was more compact than the one other all-inclusive we'd every stayed at, but we find we prefer not to have to walk a mile or take a trolley just to get something to eat or get something from our room. Everything is close by, but you don't necessarily feel that way. There are some walking trails through the gardens where hot tubs are hidden. You can put a sign at the beginning of the trail to the hot tub that says "occupied" which is neat. But we found one hot tub to be cold and the other was only barely warm, so that was a bummer. There are two other hot tubs by the main pool area, and one is blisteringly hot and the other is just hot enough. But it's paradise, who cares!?
Although the resort was pretty full (mostly of honeymooners, we suspect, who, like us, were married on the popular date of 7-7-07) it didn't seem crowded. We were always able to find a free spot on the beach, at the bar, by the pool and there was always a free hammock as well. There were so many free activities, we were not able to partake in them all! We went on the excursion to Dunns River Falls which was... an adventure. My husband and I found it to be pretty strenuous. You have to climb the falls while holding hands with your partner and one other person. You have to reply on them for support, as well as support THEM, as you manipulate the slipperly and moderately treacherous waterfall. You get SOAKED from head to toe, and the water doesn't appear to be the cleanest, nor is it the warmest in some spots, so beware. The tour guides took pictures of us and worked mightily to inspire enthusiasm throughout. Later, back at the resort at a scheduled time, the guides show a montage video of everyone who went on the trip to the falls, and they sell pictures of you and your partner (taken at various times throughout the excursion) and/or the montage video for about $60 for both. It's pricey, but looking at that video makes us die laughing every time, so it's worth it. We also went on the horseback riding trip, which was AWESOME. Neither my husband nor I had ever been horseback riding before and we loved it. The tour guides are great and the scenery from up in the forest was breathtaking. They also take pictures and offer to sell them to you for a much cheaper $10 or so. The trip to Margaritaville was okay. The HUGE margaritas we bought were way overpriced, and we couldn't even taste the tequila. It definitely didn't give us the "authentic Jamaican" feeling, and my legs were RAVAGED by mosquitos. My fault for forgetting to spray on some OFF, so be warned! We also went kayaking (harder than it looks). In addition, we took a Jamaican dancing class, which was very fun. Seriously, there's just so much to do! If you go on any off-site excursions, don't forget to bring money for tips and unexpected stuff (like water shoes for Dunns River Falls - $5 to rent).
My husband and I LOVED the food. The buffet at breakfast was excellent, as was the room service breakfast, but it was continental only, so we went to the buffet every morning except for one. We usually ate at the Beach Grill for lunch. The jerk chicken and beef patties were delicious and probably our favorite foods of our whole stay! But everything is excellent and the variety is almost overwhelming. We tried every restaurant for dinner, and our favorite was Bayside. It's situated right over/next to the ocean, so it's very romantic. We really the enjoyed the beach party, too. As for the drinks - of which there is a staggering variety - they're a little bit weak at times. They're delicious, but I don't want a smoothie, I want a DRINK! So you may have to ask for extra liquor at the risk of sounding like an alcoholic. Otherwise, just drink beer or wine or take shots and follow that with a smoothie.
Our favorite part of the resort was the staff. They are so cool, friendly, welcoming, helpful and just overall the best. And it wasn't the phony "I'm only smiling because I'm being paid to" kind of friendliness, it was genuine. We missed that the most when we came back home. Couples Resorts made a very good impression on us, and they consistently get excellent reviews. A big plus for us that they're adults-only. We're going to Couples Negril in October, and we can't wait!
