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!

I am insulted by the bad review of this resort, it is most certainly not a dump. My husband and I have been to this resort twice, once in 2005 for a vacation and then last year (2007) for our honeymoon. We went both times in July, this seems to be the cheapest time to go.

Initally we chose this resort because the price compared to other all inclusives seemed very reasonable. In addition, it is an adult only resort which seemed like a great perk. We also liked the fact that off site excursions (that normally would have cost us 100s of $$s) were included - horseback riding, catamaran cruise, trip to downton to shop, glass bottom boat ride, and free golf.

After our first trip I became a faithful follower of the message board. Even now I check it out just to remember :) One of the fabulous things offered on the message board is by the Chief Romance Officer, Randy Russell who reads love letters to your significant other. The morning of my wedding I had him call my future husband and read the letter I had written for him. This is just the beginning of the things Couples will do to make your experience unforgettable.

Yes, I will agree that the ride from the airport totally sucks, but that will be the case at any resort in Ocho Rios. Upon arriving at Couples you are greeted with cool wash clothes and rum punch. The orientation is a must if you are on your first visit, they give the gents a nice tour and the ladies all of the paperwork. Book your events as soon as possible, you can always try to change your reservations but at least you will have them.

The grounds are beautiful. Lush, green, tropical - what more can you ask for? The beach was great, plenty of chairs which also have great floaties on top of them to take into the sea. There are also a few hammocks on the beach and of course the beach bar and grill. The grill is open almost all of the time, has an endless supply of nachos to much on by the pool and also offers other sandwiches and jerk chicken.

Pool was great as well. Again, plenty of places to sit and relax. We NEVER had a hard time finding two chairs together which was a nice treat compared to other resorts I've been to where people were putting towels on the chairs at sunrise!!

The food was fabulous. There is a breakfast buffet that offers eggs, bacon, fruit, etc, made to order omlettes, and other traditional Jamaica fare. Also available are mimosas and bloody marys (who can complain about that?). A fantastic way to wake up is also the continental breakfast in bed. You can hang a tag on your door handle listing what you would like and what time you would like it delivered. Go for the chocolate crossaints!! Yummy!

The Verandah is a nice beachfront restaurant that is air conditioned. We enjoyed our meals here as they offer more tradiational American cuisine. The Italian restaurant (Bayside) is literally on top of the water and offers delicious pastas, etc. Lobster night is Tuesday!! Be warned, it is VERY humid and can be windy. The French Restaurant (Le Gourmet) offers a more romantic, upscale setting. There is a piano player throughout the dinner hour and dress is more formal. The soft shell crab appetizer was phenomenal as was the pumpkin soup (both didn't sound appealing to me before but WOW!). We did not go to The Calabash at all during our 2nd trip as we found the other restaurants so great. You CAN make more than one reservation at each.

On our honeymoon we purchased one of the romance packages that included a private beach dinner. This was absolutely fantastic and well worth the money. We requested the crab appetizer and soup and were pleased to see this on our menu that arrived (with champagne at our request) the morning of our dinner. For dinner we had lobster tail and filet. Our dessert was the best I've seen at the resort and the plate was beautifully decorated.

Also included in our romance package was a spa gift certificate. The twilight massage was ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE (yes, this seems to be the theme here!). At sundown you lay down next to your honey at two tables right in front of the breakwall. The massage itself was fantastic but the setting made it that much better. It was simply amazing.

The entertainment in the evenings is usually pretty good. Don't miss the steal drum band, they are awesome! We also had an absolute blast (and WAY too many glasses of champagne) at the piano bar sing-a-long.

Overall, this resort can not be beat. We enjoyed the options we had on and off site. The nice thing about it is that it seems just the right size for the number of people they book. You can make friends with other couples and meet up later but it is big enough so that you can escape on your own. It was honestly the best two vacations I have ever been on and it made my honeymoon absolutely perfect.

I have PLENTY of pictures, please feel free to email me if you are interested.

Although the resort was a bit outdated, it was very clean and comfortable. My husband and I enjoyed the food, activities, and the beach! The pool was a bit small, but the high dive was incredible! The resort is being completely re-done and we cannot wait to see how it turns out. Other than the 2.5 hour ride from the airport, the trip was Amazing! We went to Dunns River Falls and had an awesome time, even though we were there with 2 cruise ships! We would definitely go back.

My husband and I stayed for a week at Couples Ochos Rios and I have to say that this was our best vacation yet!
The location was wonderful, the food was fabulous (and who says you can't gain weight at an all-inclusive resort?), the drinks were all premium and the service was simply exceptional.
There are simply not enough words to describe the wonderful staff at Couples Ochos Rios. Every request or even general question was answered promptly and everything was "no problem"! They were very friendly and would take the time to stop and chat with you. And they all loved to share a joke or a laugh with you.
Our room was clean, bright and fresh every day. The beach was raked every morning. Lots of fresh fruit, baked goods and other great things to eat. One of the best Jerk Chicken meals I have ever had.
Entertainment was good, lots of activities available and the time just flew by.
The "cat" ride was lots of fun, the crew making sure we all had enough to drink and at least tried to teach us to dance. They were a riot. Make sure you go on this.
We horse back riding on a rainy day and it was wonderful. The guides were friendly, liked to answer questions and really knew their horses. They matched riders and horses really well. The horses were in good shape and the guides seemed concerned about their general well-being. Riding in the rain is very peaceful and unhurried.
All in all, we are defintely "Couples" people now.