Couples Ocho Rios

The first all-inclusive resort to be built in Jamaica, Couples Ocho Rios has a loyal following among couples who were married there and return year after year. Everything at the resort, from the restaurants to the included activities and excursions, is geared toward honeymooners and other couples looking for a memorable vacation experience. Fans of Old Hollywood should spend time in the piano bar, which is adorned with photos of celebrities who stayed at the resort decades ago (like Joan Crawford and Errol Flynn).

• Pictures of Couples Ocho Rios

188 guest rooms with balconies or patios. Views are of the Caribbean Sea or the resort grounds. My oceanview room was airy and bright, and close enough to the sea to listen to crashing waves. The bathroom needed to be remodeled; the unflattering fluorescent lights, a door that needed to be slammed to close properly and generally frayed edges did not add to the ambiance. Rooms have king beds, CD players and coffee makers. Fourteen suites have Jacuzzi tubs, robes and fully stocked bars. Five private villas add an outdoor Jacuzzi.

• Nightly rates from about $507 per couple per night
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The small spa offers massages, body wraps and nail services, indoors and out (spa services are extra fees). The fitness center overlooks the beach and has Cybex machines, free weights and exercise classes including yoga and step aerobics.

Patio Restaurant at the Couples Ocho Rios in Jamaica serves buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a seaside view. Le Gourmet is a fancier option; the beautiful dining room and live piano player add to the ambiance. Verandah Restaurant is quieter, and all the tables are set for two. I preferred the atmosphere and menu at the more casual Bayside Restaurant, which served Italian cuisine in an open-air setting over the Caribbean Sea. Other restaurant options include the Beach Grill, which had fantastic jerk chicken and cheese fries, and Calabash, which serves traditional Jamaican cuisine.

Many on-site activities and off-site excursions are included in the daily rates. At Couples Ocho Rios, you can enjoy tennis and golf; windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling and scuba (even lessons); and Tower Isle, where you can go au natural. Other excursions include a hike up Dunns River Falls, horseback riding, a trip to Margaritaville, a catamaran run punch cruise, shopping trips and a glass-bottom boat ride.

Couples Ocho Rios has a complimentary wedding package that includes:

• The ceremony
• Champagne
• A two-tiered cake
• Bridal bouquet and boutonniere
• Half-hour massages for two
• Matching T-shirts

Photography and videography are available for an extra charge.

One thing I noticed about Couples Ocho Rios in Jamaica was the service. I'm not citing a cliche when I say their service was a standout. Each person we encountered during our stay went out of their way, not only to be cheerful, but as helpful as possible. Two examples come to mind...(read more)

On the beach near downtown Ocho Rios, about a two-hour drive from Montego Bay's Donald Sangster International Airport. Compare Flights

Tower Aisle, P.O. Box 330, St, Mary, Jamaica W.I.
Phone: (876) 975-4271 (hotel), (954) 416-1280 (reservations), (800) 268-7537; Fax: (954) 416-1281
Email: inquiry@couples.com
Web site: Couples Ocho Rios

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^{As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodations for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.}