I just got back from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, where my hubby and I stayed at Couples Tower Isle, a resort that boasts several impressive firsts. Not only was it the first beach resort on the island, but it was also the first resort to be open year-round, as well as Jamaica’s first all-inclusive, couples-only resort. Having just undergone a $30 million renovation, the property is eager to strut its stuff, and if you’re looking for a honeymoon option that’s effortless and beach-tastic, check this place out.
Rooms are simple but do feature private patios/balconies, as well as nightly turndown service (an amenity I now somehow can’t live without). But we spent most of our time floating on foam mats in the ocean or in one of the two pools. When we needed a little shade, we commandeered a lovely spot on the sand under several palms.
With the face-lift, the place has gotten some nice urban touches like a more modern look, a restaurant that serves authentic Thai food, and a Veggie Bar with yummy vegetarian lunch offerings (mmm — hummus and sweet-potato chips). Also new is the minimalist spa, where honeymooners receive a complimentary 30-minute his-’n’-hers massage.
You do have to hunt a little for Jamaica’s colorful culture, but it’s there, from the nightly local performers on The Patio to the area craftspeople who come to tout their wares every Monday flea-market-style. Hit the Pool Grill for some tasty jerk chicken, and to see some of the island’s natural beauty, hop on the Dunns River Falls excursion, included in the room rate. (We climbed the falls, and while it’s no doubt Tourist Central, we had a riot splashing, sliding, and shimmying our way to the top.)
Also included are all meals, drinks, snorkeling outings, golf, shopping trips to the downtown area, a scuba-diving resort course, a catamaran cruise and a horseback-riding tour. And while all of the above is somewhat no-frills, it sure is nice to not have to pull out your wallet!
Bayside overwater restaurant serving Thai cuisine
Falafel pita at the Veggie Bar
View of the swim-up bar from our balcony
Climbing Dunns River Falls
0 comments:
Post a Comment