Adults/Couples Only?: Yes - Couples only. (same sex couples not allowed)
Time of Year/Weather?: This trip was taken in late March / early April of 2000. The weather was wonderful and sunny during the day, about 85 - 90 degrees. It was stormy one evening while I was there, but I enjoyed the cool wind and the waves crashing up against the dock. It was clear and sunny by the next morning.
Length of Trip: 8 days/7 nights (split between the two Couples Resorts)
Was this an All-Inclusive Resort?: Yes
Approximate per person cost?: $1400 per person from Detroit, MI (DTW) purchased through Apple Vacations.
Were there any hidden or extra cost?: No. All meals and drinks, airfare, airport transfers, hotel accommodations, and fees were included. I did, however, have to pay the $26 US dollar Jamaican departure tax prior to leaving the Montego Bay Airport, on my way home, but that tax is now included in most all-inclusive packages due to a change in the laws regarding the collection of the departure tax.
Value for the cost?: Excellent
Overall rating (10 being best)?: 10
THE AIRPORT & TRANSPORTATION TIPS
Arriving in the Montego Bay Airport was a unique experience. We were greeted by Jamaicans in traditional dress singing a welcome song. The heat is a bit oppressive after being on an air-conditioned plane. Going through customs was not a big deal, just a bit of a wait in line. Beware, as soon as you are on the ground level of the airport you will be approached by plenty of Jamaican men offering their assistance. They expect to be paid for their answers/help and don't seem to take "NO" for an answer. Just keep walking and ignore them after your first refusal of their help.
We decided, in advance, not to take the 2-hour bus ride to Ocho Rios, opting instead for Air Jamaica's 30-minute flight between "MoBay" and "Ochie". From what we heard from people who had rode on the bus - that was a wise decision. When we arrived at the airport near Ocho Rios all we had to do was ask the desk clerk to call Couples and they sent a bus to pick us up.
SOME WORDS OF CAUTION
One thing to note, Jamaican bus drivers seem to be reckless and they drive VERY fast. It is a good idea not to sit near the front of the bus. Especially since Jamaicans drive on the left side of the road and it make it seem like they are driving on the wrong side, especially coupled with their wild driving skills.
Overall we found the Jamaican people to be very friendly and helpful. You will be approached many times with offers of "a little smoke" but they seem to accept it if you tell them you aren't interested.
COUPLES OCHO RIOS...A TROPICAL PARADISE
Upon arriving at Couples we were escorted into the open-air lobby and offered champagne and a cool cloth. It was a luxurious touch that we appreciated. We were given paperwork to fill out for check-in and a comfortable couch to wait on until there was a desk clerk available.
Originally we had booked a deluxe gardenview room. When I approached the desk with our paperwork, I told the clerk that we were getting married at the resort and asked her if we could possibly have a room upgrade. She gave us a 2-category upgrade to a deluxe oceanview room! We were more than pleased, only expecting a single category upgrade at most. The room was fabulous and the view was even better.
There was almost always a cool ocean breeze drifting through the resort so we never felt the oppressive heat like there was at the airport...at least not at Couples Ocho Rios. Most nights we left our patio doors open so we could hear the waves and enjoy the cooling breeze.
THINGS TO DO AT COUPLES OCHO RIOS
We went horseback riding, snorkeling, on a plantation tour, shopping, on a sunset cruise, and climbed Dunn's River Falls. All of these activities were included in the cost of our all-inclusive stay. (As a side note, our wedding was also included free of charge since we were staying for more than 6 nights.) There were more activities, but we didn't participate in them on this trip. I don't think you could ever run out of things to do.
We spent quite a bit of time in the evenings enjoying ourselves in one of many hot tubs that are scattered around the property. Our favorite was the one almost directly under our room because you wouldn't see it if you didn't know it was there. They also have a few more private ones located in the gardens. The garden hot tubs are sized for 2, while the other ones are larger.
The food was fantasic and there was plenty of it. I highly recommend the banana-strawberry daiquiris; they are totally yummy! All food and drinks are included during your stay at Couples.
The Beach Grill Terrace is one of the best places to just hang out and eat "jerk pork". You can also get nachos, hamburgers, french fries, soda, and a few other food items almost all day long. You have to walk up stairs, from the beach to the bar, if you want an alcoholic beverage but the food is well worth the extra walk. We suggest getting your drink before you go down to the beach grill.
Most meals are served buffet-style but there are also a few specialty restaurants such as Le Gourmet (a French restaurant) and the Bayside (which serves Italian cuisine). These restaurants have a dress code and the French restaurnat requires reservations.
We honestly can't say enough about Couples Ocho Rios. We highly recommend this resort to everyone thinking about going to Jamaica. Our next trip to this fabulous resort can not come soon enough.
