Couples or Sandals Jamaica
Dec 23rd, 2009, 11:24 PM
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Couples or Sandals Jamaica
The last thread I saw on this was years old, so interested if anyone has a new opinion.Went to Beaches in Turks and Caicos and had an amazing time. Came home and have been looking at Sandals vacations for me and hubby in Jamaica and saw Couples resorts in my research and read some good things about them, not only would it be $1000 to $2000 cheaper for the room type and amenities wanted, was very interested in the included excursions off property. At beaches we did not leave the property and was very happy with our vacation. But was thinking if could have the same kind of vacation and a few off property excursions were included, where we could see a little bit of the island that would be even better. Any opinions appreciated about any Sandals or Couples resorts in Jamaica would be appreciated. Was looking at Sandals Montego Bay or Couples San Souci or Swept Away.
Thanks for any insight!!!
Thanks for any insight!!!
Dec 24th, 2009, 05:17 AM
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There was a recent thread regarding this topic in October. Here's the thread:
http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...s-272857-2.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...s-272857-2.cfm
Dec 24th, 2009, 04:50 PM
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I haven't stayed at the Couples Resort in Negril, but all I can tell you is that it fronts Seven Mile Beach, which is one of- maybe even the best- beach in Jamaica. The property itself is gorgeous and generally gets very favorable reviews online.
As for the other properties you mentioned, I'd steer clear of Montego Bay. Montego Bay does not compare favorably to Negril for beaches, culture, nightlife. None of that will matter of course if you don't leave the hotel, something I don't recommend at all since you'll miss so much of what Jamaica has to offer.
As for the other properties you mentioned, I'd steer clear of Montego Bay. Montego Bay does not compare favorably to Negril for beaches, culture, nightlife. None of that will matter of course if you don't leave the hotel, something I don't recommend at all since you'll miss so much of what Jamaica has to offer.
Dec 27th, 2009, 01:20 PM
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We have been to Sandals 5 times. Our first trip was to MoBay. We loved getting up in the morning and having the big breakfast with all the fresh fruit and juices. They have a great beach there. The bartenders are the best we've ever had anywhere and it's fun to watch them. The playmakers come and chat with you and know if you don't really want company right then. The beach party has a wonderful spread, a steel drum band, the fire eater, etc. On the days that we got a little too much sun, we went to bed a little earlier and it was never loud where you couldn't sleep.
In February we are going to Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica. We are looking forward to coffee out on the balcony every morning. Then putting on our sunscreen and hitting the beach -after breakfast, of course. We have met many people staying at Sandals and some of them we have stayed in touch with over the years. Some we still see or vacation with again. Sandals does a nice returning guest dinner for those who have been at their properties before and have a nice gift for you as you exit. For us, we've had a rough year, so this particular trip is all about vegging.
If you liked Beaches, you will love Sandals.
In February we are going to Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica. We are looking forward to coffee out on the balcony every morning. Then putting on our sunscreen and hitting the beach -after breakfast, of course. We have met many people staying at Sandals and some of them we have stayed in touch with over the years. Some we still see or vacation with again. Sandals does a nice returning guest dinner for those who have been at their properties before and have a nice gift for you as you exit. For us, we've had a rough year, so this particular trip is all about vegging.
If you liked Beaches, you will love Sandals.
Dec 28th, 2009, 04:00 PM
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we have been to couples ocho rios, couples san souci, and swept away twice. guess which one we like the best? the beach in negril is by far the best and couples includes alot of activities such as snorkeling, diving if qualified (or you can get resort qualified), a very nice sunset catamaran cruise, and a sports complex across the street. good luck, you'll have a great time in jamaica wherever you choose.
Dec 28th, 2009, 08:19 PM
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pwj-if you read this, did you have a hard time getting on the outside excursions. The link on KVR's comment said some people posted they were often full. I would hate to go here because of offsite excursions and then not being able to go. Thanks for any exta info you can give me.
Dec 29th, 2009, 12:21 PM
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Yes, I'd have to agree with pwj155 about the beach at Couples Negril. But it's not nearly as luxurious as a Sandals ... the rooms are fairly basic (with obvious cement-block walls). But the grounds are nice, and the food is good. I actually like that resort a lot. Couples Swept Away has really good sports facilities, so I'd recommend that if you are really active and like to play tennis and stuff like that. Choose Couples Negril if you just want to relax.
Couples San Souci is more upscale but has just a mediocre beach. I've never visited Couples Ocho Rios.
Couples San Souci is more upscale but has just a mediocre beach. I've never visited Couples Ocho Rios.
Dec 29th, 2009, 05:54 PM
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LVAMY, we signed up for everything we wanted to do the day we got there,so we really didn't have any problems. we also brought our own snorkle gear so if we wanted to go last minute and the were all booked, they let us go anyway.
as far as the rooms not being as luxurious as sandals- we didn't spend very much time in the rooms except to sleep. we stayed in the new building last time and really preferred the old buildings.
couples is a good place to go your first time as you can walk the beach off the resort and kind of get a feel for negril.
our 7th trip to negril is coming up in apr. last 2 times at a non inclusive and this time we're staying at idle awhile and then tensing pen (both worth a look). it's nice to go to all the different restaraunts and bars on the beach it just seems the more you go, the more adventurous you get. vendors on the beach will try to sell you stuff, politely say no if you aren't interested and they will move on.
good luck, let us know what you do.
as far as the rooms not being as luxurious as sandals- we didn't spend very much time in the rooms except to sleep. we stayed in the new building last time and really preferred the old buildings.
couples is a good place to go your first time as you can walk the beach off the resort and kind of get a feel for negril.
our 7th trip to negril is coming up in apr. last 2 times at a non inclusive and this time we're staying at idle awhile and then tensing pen (both worth a look). it's nice to go to all the different restaraunts and bars on the beach it just seems the more you go, the more adventurous you get. vendors on the beach will try to sell you stuff, politely say no if you aren't interested and they will move on.
good luck, let us know what you do.
