Ocho Rios - Jamaica



Here are a few trip reports submitted by some of our clients.


March 2006 - D.E.
We spent our first 4 nights at Couples Ohco Rios and our last 5 nights at CSS.I'll review CSS here. The property is beautiful.The beachs are very nice, especially the A/N Beach.Couples policy is the A/N Beach is nude only.It seemed the first few days that Security/Staff did not enforce the policy.There were many people staying on the beach fully clothed and gawking at others.Several couples, including us, contacted management to complain.It got much better the last two days of our trip and security asked several people to leave the A/N Beach that were there to "look".

The food, room service and facilities were very good.They could improve the beer selection, as they only have Red Stripe available.In general, the Staff is not as friendly and polite as the Staff at COR.Also, the atmosphere at the A/N Beach is not as fun and party like as at COR's Tower Island.However, we found the facilities at CSS to be nicer and the A/N area includes a beach,pool,jacuzzi and grille where the food is cook fresh.

June 2001 - Mike
This was our second trip to Couples and we had a blast. As with the first trip, we spent most days on the nude island. What a great place. If you don't take off your clothes, you must leave. The people on the island are always friendly. Much easier to talk to than the folks at the other pool. The lunch out there is VERY limited, but it is a short boat ride back to the main island to get fantastic food. Our favorite restaurant was the one over the water. The french one was very nice, but we preferred the more casual feel of the outdoors one. Our only complaint is that the nude island closes just before sundown. It would really be nice to see the sunset from there. Other than that, we will go back. We are trying another resort this summer, so maybe next year.

May 2001 - Ed & Sue
We arrived at Couples Ocho Rios on May 13, 2001 to blue sky and warm temperatures, the trip to the club was uneventful; thank God you know how the Jamaicans love to drive fast and faster. The bus driver was really a great guy he had some wonderful stories about his home. The bus ride was a bit over 2 hours. Considering the heavy rain the island has had for the past month or so that has worsened the roads, the ride wasn't bad.

Couples has been undergoing some renovations. The main building is having a $ 1.8 mill remodeling project that should be done some time late in the year. The rooms are going to be in the brighter Jamaican colors similar to the Couples at Negril. Room service is still fantastic if you really don't what to leave early for breakfast; have room service drop off a tray for continental breakfast (you pick the time). Some time before noon would be good Ha Ha.

Sue and I have been to this Couples 5 times now. Some things have changed but many of the things we love about the place are still the same with a very friendly staff to help make your stay as pleasant as possible.

The chief chef has his act together. The main dining rooms and buffet are of excellent quality with plenty to choose from. As my brother-in-law would say, If you can't find something you like to eat at Couples you need to get on the next plane home.

A young man calling himself Marvelous Marvin worked the beach grill; he was a great source of entertainment and had a way with a bacon cheeseburger that was out of this world.

The Nude Island (Tower Island) was used fully this year it seemed that many couples would venture to the island and return at least once during the week, and it still has the swim up pool and bar with snacks available for the natural group.

The orientation is still on and a good idea for Couples first timers. It's run well and will give you an overview of the club such as when and where things are located. If you are going for the 2nd or so it really isn't very useful.

As we have mentioned previously, the visit to Couples is both relaxing and romantic. It's a great place to find each other again (or for the first time) a fantastic place for romance. It must be the intimacy that can be achieved between two people. Or maybe it's true something happens to you when you and your significant other are together at Couples but whatever it is whatever happens, it's nice very, very nice.

Cool Runnings
Ed & Sue
Irie


   

March 2001 - Lynn
When we arrived at the resort in Ocho Rios and got out of the van and were greeted with big smiles. They asked us to go sit down in the big open-air lobby and that they would bring us more papers to fill out. We were each given a cool damp towel and a glass of champagne. One thing I hadn’t read on the boards was that they hold your tourist card at the desk during your stay.

It didn’t take very long to finish the paperwork and then we were off to our room. They said our bags would be brought up shortly. We had booked an ocean view deluxe room. Our room 556 was at the far end of the building on the 5th floor. They do have elevators, which made it nice.

As soon as we opened the door to the room I knew I was in paradise. We had a view of the Caribbean looking out over Tower Island, the dock and beyond. The room was just like all the pictures I had seen on the net with the 2 swan towels on the bed. The bags arrived a few moments later. Since it was about 6pm we decided to take a quick walk around the resort before it got dark.

We decided to toast being in Jamaica when we got to the bar. The bartenders were fabulous. We had our drink and then before our glasses were empty Wayne came over to see what he could do for us. The service is the best I’ve ever seen. We met several people at the bar and ended up having dinner with them. They had already been at the resort for a day so they helped fill us in on what there was to do and where things were.

The next day we arranged for our romantic dinner at Le Gourmet for the following evening. We spent most of the day relaxing on the beach and wandering the grounds. On the grounds we saw the basket swings for 2, the 2 Jacuzzis for 2, the basket swing in the jungle, the nearby aviary as well as the gift shop. We had dinner that night at the International Buffet held at the Calabash Restaurant (a.k.a. the patio restaurant).

I get up very early ever day so I watched the sunrise from our balcony. They have a coffeepot in the room with packets of coffee and tea. I was able to enjoy my coffee as the sun came up into view. Around 8 we headed to the patio for the breakfast buffet. The choices are many. The fruit is beautiful and they will make you any kind of omelet you want. Plus they have all the usual breakfast choice as well as some local dishes.

At 1 PM we went on our snorkel trip. The reef is about 2 minutes from the resort. If you look at my photo of the resort from the air the reef is to the left of Tower Island. We had a wonderful time. We even got to see a lobster that was hiding as well as a small squid. Plus of course lots of tropical fish.

Dinner at Le Gourmet was very tasty. I’m not really into French food but we both enjoyed the meal and the atmosphere. The piano player was very good as well. Then we went over to the bar and listened to the band that was playing that night. Afterwards we decided to take a romantic stroll on the beach.

The next day was horseback riding in the morning. They have both western and English saddles at the stables. We didn’t get to choose which type we got. I was given an English saddle and Joe got a western one. I guess I must have been the most experienced rider in the group as they had me take the lead. The ride took us past people’s homes and through the woods. We traveled up into the mountains to a spot with a great view of the ocean. Along the way they pointed out different plants and talked about the area. We had a fun time.

After lunch it was time for parasailing. Neither of us had done this before. It was not the best day to parasail. It was very cloudy and the sky looked threatening. They took us out to the edge of the bay. Joe went up first; he really enjoyed his ride. By the time he came back down it was starting to rain. Since I had already paid for my ride I decide to go up anyway. I was a bit worried about my camera, but I took it with me anyway. What a thrill! It was raining quite hard and I had to cover the camera most of the time. You can see in one of the photo that the camera did get a bit wet. My ride wasn’t very long, as shortly after I went up it started to thunder. Although I was enjoying my time up in the air, I didn’t really want to be a lighting rod.

That evening we had a lovely dinner at the Bayside restaurant with people I had met on the Internet before our trip.

The next day was our Dunn’s River Falls trip. We had really been looking forward to it. Somehow the guides don’t get wet. One guide in each group will carry your cameras for you. They take pictures along the way in set spots and do a nice job. Be sure and tip them well at the end of the climb. If you watch the person in front of you and where they put their feet and hands it really isn’t that hard. We climbed the right-hand side of the falls it’s the more difficult route. There is one spot where you literally go up blind. You feel for the hand holds on the wall and the sort of steps in the falls. The water is pouring over your head. It was a thrilling experience. Climbing the falls takes about an hour. After the climb Couples puts on a beach party. Then you head back up the steps and through the vendors to get back to your bus. Be sure and remember your bus number and the driver’s name. There are so many busses in the parking lot it can be confusing.

After we got back we had lunch at the Patio buffet. After lunch I swallowed hard (not because of the food ha, ha), and said to Joe "let’s go to the island". In case you don’t know the island is "au natural" only. We went down to the dock for the boat to take us over.

We got to the island and walked past the tower and found a basket swing for 2 where we undressed. We then went up the tower so I could take my pictures of the resort. We only stayed a brief time on the island since we had to get back to the mainland for our snorkel trip at 3.

I had to drop off my digital camera and getting our snorkel gear. Couples does provide all the equipment, however we both have prescription snorkel masks since we both wear glasses.

Dinner that night was the pool buffet. Joe said he ate more things he didn’t recognize his trip than ever before and he loved most of it. At a place like this if you don’t like something, don’t eat it. Go try something else.

We were doing the "double take" so the next morning we were headed for Negril. We put our bags outside our door at 8:20 for our trip over to Negril. I really didn’t want to leave. We had such a great time at this resort. We went down to the patio for our breakfast buffet. Then on to the lobby to catch the shuttle to the airport at 9:15. Before I go any further let me say we did love the Negril resort.

It has a lot to offer. I’m am trying to give my honest opinion about what it was like. If we hadn’t been to the resort at Ocho Rios, I’m sure I wouldn’t have noticed the little things as much. The majority of the staff did a fine job, better than typical resort staff in most cases, just not to the same level as the other resort. Also the resort being right between 2 other resorts gives less privacy.

The new Rui resort even allows children so you do see them sometimes walking on the beach. Went to the front desk and were asked to take a seat to fill out the paper work. It was a wait before they brought us the forms to fill out. . I have to say I was a bit disappointed we didn’t get the cool towel or the champagne. It wasn’t until the bellhop came over to take us to our room that it was offered. He seemed surprised that it hadn’t been offered.

I had brought a copy of a map of the resort layout with me. When I asked the lady would came over with our room key she really didn’t know where the room was nor was she willing to find out. After having just come from the other resort where everyone was so friendly this was not what I would have expected. Here again the bellhop was more than helpful. He immediately pointed out where the room was and offered to stop at the bar so we could have some champagne if we wanted. Why the bell staff was nicer and more accommodating than the front desk staff is beyond me. They should improve how the front desk staff handles guests.

We went up to our room and it was very different from the one at Ocho Rios. I think the room number was 6305 but I can’t remember for sure. The location of our room was on the third floor (no elevators here). We were in the first building just to the side of the Terrace Restaurant (a.k.a. Casaba Restaurant) and also faces the pool.

This is definitely a more up to date resort in appearance. The room had bright colors and even a light over the bed that looked like a camera shining down on the tapestry. The one exception to being up to date was the television that didn’t have a way for me to hook my camera to it. When I asked about it at the front desk later that day, I was basically given the brush off. )

As a side note I had emailed both resorts about this same thing. Ocho Rios responded, I never heard back from Negril).

After checking out the room and balcony we wanted lunch. We headed over to the beach grill. They had even more choices than the beach grill at Ocho Rios. Plus to Joe’s delight they had self serve soft ice cream. After satisfying our hunger we wandered the resort.

At water sports we signed up for the catamaran cruise for the next day as well as for a snorkel trip on Friday. They don’t have snorkeling on Thursdays at Negril. We continued walking the grounds and saw the lovely gardens they have. Then we headed back to the room to relax.

At 5PM we went to orientation. They gave a full walking tour of the grounds and talked about the activities and off site trips that are available. If you haven’t been to this resort before do the orientation.

Afterwards Joe headed back to the room and I went to the swim-up bar in the pool. I ran into a friend I had met in Ocho Rios we sat, drank and chatted. It had started to rain so we stayed under the cover of the bar’s thatch while sitting in the pool watching the sun go down. At 8 we went to meet a couple we had arranged to meet over the internet before the trip at the Casaba bar. They had gone to dinner there at 7 and still didn’t have their meals. We checked with the person seating people and he said it would be no problem to join them for dinner. It was nice to be able to put a face to the people I had chatted with on line.

Dinner took a very long time to come. The other couple was eating their desserts before we had even gotten our meals. By then the band had started. We were sitting right in front of them.

The next day we went on the Catamaran cruise also know as the booze cruise. They go down the coast past all the resorts on 7 Mile Beach and continue on by the cliffs until they get to the Pickled Parrot. The boat has no place to dock there. You need to get off the boat by jumping in or going down the stairs. You then swim to the cliffs climb up a ladder and then take the stairs the rest of the way up. I understand that sometimes this can be a long swim. The day we went it wasn’t very far.

At the Pickled Parrot they have a water slide, a rope swing as well as cliff diving. If you want anything to drink while on shore you will have to pay for it. When your time is up there they blow a whistle to let you know to come back to the boat. They swim back is much hard since now you are fighting the current. If you don’t trust your swimming skills they do offer life vests to help keep you afloat. If you prefer you can stay on the boat.

On the way back they did hold a limbo contest. We had lunch at the buffet and then relaxed by the pool.

Later we watched the sunset from our balcony before heading to dinner. We chose to eat at the beach restaurant. It was so beautiful eating under the stars. The food was great as well.

After dinner we grabbed drinks and walked the beach. We then headed back to the room to relax. By then the band had started playing. You could hear it loud and clear in the room. What made it worse was there also was a band that night over at the Grande Lido next door. We could hear them quite clearly also.

The next morning I was up early again. I could here people doing set-up at breakfast buffet, glasses clinking, carts being rolled around. It was no where near as quiet as in Ocho Rios. Again I headed down to the pool to read for awhile before Joe got up. This morning I had also decided to take my camera with me. I was very glad I did. The resorts peacock was courting the peahen. He kept walking around displaying his feathers.

This was our last full day in Jamaica. We went on the 9:30 snorkel trip. It was windy that morning so the water was choppy. I found it too much work to fight the waves so I just hung out near the boat. Once back at the resort we hung out by the pool. We chatted with several other couples. Later as the sun started going down I knew this was going to be the best of the sunsets. Joe went back to our room to grab my camera. It was beautiful!

That night we went back to the beach restaurant. We had enjoyed it so much the night before. Friday is lobster night (when it’s not the wrong season). Joe enjoyed the lobster and I enjoyed a steak. They had musicians playing during dinner. It was very romantic. At the end of the meal we ordered 2 coffees and a shot of rum cream. We both really enjoyed adding the rum cream to our coffees.

In the morning we went to the breakfast buffet. They have so many choices. Both of us opted for the made to order omelets. Of course we also sampled many other things. I really loved some of the different mixed tropical juices. They also offer made to order smoothies. We put our bags outside the door at 11:30. We headed to the lobby about 12:15 and checked out. There was a bus waiting. When asked where our bags were hey said they had already put them on the bus. Joe checked and found none of our bags. The front desk staff insisted they were there. (See my earlier comments about service.) I insisted they go and check to see if the bags had actually been picked up. It took another 5-10 minutes to get someone to do that. I felt sorry for the people already on the bus. Being seasoned travelers we weren't about to leave without our luggage. Finally they sent someone to our room. When they came back they had our bags in a cart. They told us to get on the bus and they would load them on. I said no, not until the bags are on it. Finally they took our bags off the cart and put them onto the bus and we were on our way.


Feb 2001 - JGT
These were taken at Couples Ocho Rios during our Valentines week visit.


June 2000 - Mike
This was our second trip to Couples and we had a blast. As with the first trip, we spent most days on the nude island. What a great place. If you don't take off your clothes, you must leave. The people on the island are always friendly. Much easier to talk to than the folks at the other pool. The lunch out there is VERY limited, but it is a short boat ride back to the main island to get fantastic food. Our favorite restaurant was the one over the water. The french one was very nice, but we preferred the more casual feel of the outdoors one. Our only complaint is that the nude island closes just before sundown. It would really be nice to see the sunset from there. Other than that, we will go back. We are trying another resort this summer, so maybe next year.

Sept 1999 - Robbie
I don't think we could have had more perfect vacation than the one we had at both Couples resorts. It's hard to explain it without sounding like a salesman, but it really was fabulous. Both resorts were great and uniquely different. The double-take is very worthwhile. Couples Ocho Rios was older but had a colonial or Jamaican feel to it. The excursions were great. I wouldn't miss horseback riding, Dunns River, or the Sunset Catamaran Cruise. They were all great and are extra at most of the other all-inclusives. I would get an ocean view room in Ocho Rios because it really is worth it.

We enjoyed looking out over the water and being able to hear the waves roll in was very nice. The food was great. The Bayside and the Verandah were exceptional and very romantic. They both had strolling musicians to serenade you. Le Gourmet, the formal French restaurant, was great but I had a hard time getting in because I didn’t bring any closed toe shoes. They are very strict on the dress code. All the bars were great and served almost anything you could think of.

The plane ride between the two resorts was on a six-seater Piper. My wife is terrified of flying and after it was over she admitted it wasn't that bad. We were the only passengers and we felt very safe with the pilot. I would rather fly forty minutes than ride and the Jamaican roads for four hours. Plus you get a great view of the Island. Couples Negril is literally across the street from the air strip. Transferring between the two resorts only took two hours out of the day and was well worth it. It seemed like we had two vacations at once. Couples Negril is very modern and resort-like compared to Couples Ocho Rios. It was a nice contrast.

A garden-view room in Negril would be fine since none of the buildings directly face the water. We were in building six which is the closest to the pool and main eating area. This was very convenient but at night it was very loud until the band quit at 11pm. They offered to move us after the first night but we liked being so close to everything so we just stayed put. The water is Negril is perfect. The bay is very quite and is not a part of the seven mile beach all the other resorts are on. This kept down on the foot traffic. The spa/massage services were great.

The sunset catamaran cruise was really fun, They stopped at a place with a slide, rope swing, and cl! ! iff diving. The snorkeling was better in Negril, there was more colorful coral and fish. The scuba diving also seemed more popular. The food was great at the Cassava Terrace. Otaheite, the formal restaurant, was very elegant with excellent service. It was also the only one with air conditioning which is a nice break. We ended up staying two extra nights in Nigril because we just couldn’t pry ourselves away from the beach. There seemed to be a little more to do in Ocho Rios and I would recommend staying there longer if you had to choose. However, if you are a beach bum Negril has the edge, with the exception of the clothing optional area. In Negril it was pretty non-existent. It was right next to the water sports area and was never used. They have plans to move it to the other end of the resort where there is a lot less foot traffic.

A lot of the women in Negril did go topless on the regular beach, but it wasn't a big deal. The nude island in Ocho Rios was less intrusive and kind of intriguing. If your going for the clothing-optional areas Ocho Rios is the place. If it's not your thing it's all done in very good taste and is easily avoidable. I can’t say enough good things about our experience with Couples. It is a first class operation that takes the time to think of all the little things that make all the difference between a great and a fabulous vacation. The best part for me was leaving my wallet behind and not worrying about how much things cost because it’s truly a all-inclusive resort with no hidden charges.

We would return tomorrow if we could. If you have any other questions feel free to contact me again. Hope you choose the Couples double take, you won’t be disappointed! .

Spring 2000 - Jeff and Robin
Just found your web site while searching for a vacation site for 2002.I certainly enjoyed your information and plan on calling for rates. We spent a wonderful week at the Couples Resort in Ocho Rios in the spring of 2000. I had a few photos that I thought I would share. This was our first trip to Jamaica and the entire experience was great. The resort for excellent. The food was wonderful. The people were great and last butt certainly not least, the "island" was fun. (our first experience of this type). Now we are hooked. We cannot wait for our next tropical vacation and look forward to working with the people at Castaways for our next destination. We will report with photos soon. Jeff and Robin

Sept 1999 - Ron & Cheryl
We went to jamaica for our honeymoon. the places we stayed at were Couples - Ocho Rios first for 4 days then Negril Couples for 3 days. We did what is called a double take. Ocho Rios was fun, the bus ride was not very long and tiring but when we arrived they had wine for us .. big plus. We were able to get our bell hop (Kirk) to get us an up grade to an ocean view from a deluxe mountain view room for $20.00 plus then anything we wanted Kirk got us. The island is great everyone is super friendly and out going. the bartender was m.i.a most of the time so we all got to play bartender for awhile. The food was good, alot better than in couples Negril. The spa services were great they treated you like royality. very romantic area. Negril on the other hand, the nude beach was not very private... Jamaicans always bothering you for sex, drugs, to buy things. the food was just ok. The room was nice. The spa services were ok not as good as Ocho.

May 1999 - Ed & Sue
Seems like the last report left all the very good stuff out of the report, first of all Couples Ocho Rios is one of the most classic architecturally designed clubs and one of the oldest also. The ocean view is spectacular in the mourning at sun rise, and of course during the day if you are in your room and notice the ocean has some great colors with the nude island in the back ground good photo ops.

Yes true some of the restaurants are not open all the time but they all have a unique look and flavor, the mid week beach party with bonfire is quite fun and most of the staff and quest are very friendly and enjoy the buffet on the beach its to die for and the entertainment after, with staff and quest participating great time.

Pool area is fine, but we prefer the beach seems most folks as they walk by will say hi how it going or something like that. My wife and I have been in one wedding at the club, strangers at the time in 1994 and friends since that time. It was a Wednesday Evening and Sue and I had planned a quit in the corner dinner, well when we returned to our table in the corner, the other couple had joined us, of course the staff had sat them with us no problem, as we started the meal introductions where made, and we found out that Ray was form Illinois also and his wife Carol from N.Y. and living in Arizona at the time of the trip, they came to couples to get Married, and needed a couple to stand up for them as witness at there weeding, they asked Sue and I What we had planed for the coming Friday, we said same thing as every other day kick back on the beach and read a good book, that's when they asked if we would stand up with them, and of course we being flattered that they asked immediately said yes, the weddings at couples are simple yet quite elegant and as best man I had to do my duty and make a toast, it when very well. Cake and champagne for lunch not bad at all.

Generally the food is of good to excellent quality with plenty to choose from the breakfast buffet with lobster and cheese omelets just to mention one of my favorites is really great, from healthy to not so healthy your chose.

Lunch and beach grill very well done for the amount of traffic in and out over the lunch period, staff is very quick to help if you need some thing a bit out of the ordinary.

Dinners we have done them all the all have their own uniqueness I and Sue have never gone to bed hungry, kick back and enjoy it Jamaica Mon no problems.

The nude island is a really fun place to spend some time, one can dorp their inhibitions as they drop their clothes, most quests are friendly yet discreet when it comes to the all natural state one is in. The pool and swim up bar is a fantastic idea and with the munchies now on the island what more could a couple ask for. (Nighttime Visits to the Island that's what).

The orientation is good for new comers just lets you know what's what and where things are, the only rule I can think of is Have fun enjoy your partner and turn in your towels before you leave.

The past visits have been fun and relaxing Sue and I will return many time in the future something very special about this club maybe it's the intimacy that can be achieved between two people, but something happens nice when you are at the club. Please feel free to add to your trip report and would you like some pictures of couples.

Ed and Sue
IRIE

April 99 - Tom and Janine
My husband and I (I am 26, he is 32) traveled to Couples in Ocho Rios last October with another couple (in their 30's) and found it to be a beautiful location. We snorkeled on the reef every day, spent many hours on the island in the nude, and had an adequate room overlooking the ocean.

A few negatives:
1. At first, it seemed like we were back in summer camp! A group tour of the facilities along with a huge list of "rules" was definitely a downer!
2. Not all the restaurants are open every night, limiting our dining options.
3. The snorkeling equipment was very inadequate and not in great shape. We strongly suggest potential guests to bring your own with you!
4. The GREAT majority of guests were not terribly friendly -- lots of young honeymooners who preferred to be alone, I guess!
5. With the exception of the "gourmet" restaurants, the buffets were fairly mundane ... although certainly plentiful.

Our plusses:
1. The guests who frequented the nude island were MUCH friendlier than those who stayed on the main resort beach and pool. Shake off your inhibitions and go for it!
2. Secluded hammocks and hot tubs made for some very romantic outdoor love making at night.
3. The abundant fresh fruit and delicious Jamaican coffee were both excellent.
4. The price ... this trip was organized by the couple with whom we traveled and was the least expensive all-inclusive in the Ocho Rios area.

But, of course, you usually get what you pay for.

Would we go back? Probably not. We travel frequently, and my husband and I have pretty high standards ... which we are perfectly willing to pay for, by the way. But thanks for your wonderful web site and service ... we will definitely check here before we book our next "clothing optional" trip!


You can contribute to this section - all you have to do is go to our Contribute Trip Report / Photographs page.

Couples Ocho Rios Resort Report