Couples in Jamaica, or somewhere else?
 

My fiance and I are in the middle of planning our honeymoon for next May. We were pretty set on going to Couples Negril (possible doubletake with OR), but now are a little weary on negative posts (on many sites) about Jamaica. Would anyone recommend sticking with Couples, or try for another island? <BR><BR>Here is what we are looking for: All-Inclusive, beautiful white sand beach, calm turquoise waters, relaxation, more adult-oriented atmosphere, lush grounds, drinks on the beach, etc...<BR><BR>We are looking to spend no more than $5000 for a week, including flights from the east coast. We want to stick to the caribbean, or possibly Mexico (not Cancun).<BR><BR>Thanks in advance!!! :)

There are a bunch of AI's south of Playa del Carmen (Mayan Riviera) that exactly hit what you are looking for and are well within your price range. You could also look into Cozumel. I kow there are some nice AI's there. <BR>I never stay at AI's or I would recommend something to you.<BR>The Playa del Carmen area has some of the most gorgeous beaches and water I have seen anywhere, and the entire area is also more adult oriented as you are looking for.<BR>You can get to PDC via Cancun and a 45 minute bus/taxi/shuttle trip easily from the East Coast. (We're in NC, and we get to Cozumel by noon or 1:00.)<BR><BR>

I stayed in Couples. Negril is the place to go if it is Jamaica. But I have to warn you a few things:<BR>1. Couples - you've got to do pretty much everything with your other half. Sometimes it is the hotel rule. Other times, you would not feel comfortable if you go without him because everyone is coupled.<BR>2. All inclusive - I will never do it again. It is certainly a way to spend less money, or an easy way for some people. But you get stuck in the hotel, and don't see the real Jamaica. The food in the hotel is Americanized. Even the Jamaican food is hardly like the real one. If you don't go explore by yourself, you will be with Americans all the time - then why not go to Hawaii. We sneaked out of the hotel crowd on our last day, ate in a local restaurant, shopped in a local market, went to a gorgeous local park. It was absolutely the best day during the whole stay. I am not saying that we didn't have fun with the hotel crowd. It was just not that special. You can contact Jamaica Tourism Board once you arrive there. Fodors have the info of it. The board would find out someone according to your interest and age and guide you for free. Remember it takes them a few days to do the arrangement.<BR>$5000 - you will be fine. We spent $4000 from LA.

My wife and I have been to Couple, Ocho Rios three times and are going back in November. We have always had a wonderful time there--can't imagine a better place for a honeymoon. The grounds are lush and gorgeous and there are plenty of activities. Food and drinks are also first class. We've never been to Negril but hear that Couples OR is the better of the two.

If you have not made up your mind, try looking at Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, or the Grenadines. Lovely resorts and do not have to worry about the crime in Jamaica.

Don't worry a bit! Couples, Negril is absolutely wonderful. We celebrated our 5th anniversary there in November. I have always heard that Negril is the nicer of the 3 Couples resorts because of the beach. It is one of the few places with really clam water, because it is in a bay. <BR>Our room was in the 800 block and we thought it was perfect. We loved the food, especially the Grill restaurant, both during the day when it's the beach grill, and at night. <BR>The drinks are wonderful, and they serve them to you on the beach! We ordered coffee and juice each morning to be delivered to our room to enjoy on our balcony before going to breakfast. <BR>There is not much nightlife, and it's true that it's very Couples oriented, but we liked it that way. We spent around $3000 for the week. <BR>We'd love to answer any specific questions if you'd like to e-mail us. YOU WILL LOVE IT! Suzi

Thank you all for your input and advice! Well, if we go to Jamaica it will definitely be to Couples. And the double take might be best so we get to see bothr resorts! It looks beautiful and to be what we want - a place where we can relax together with out too much else going on. We also really like the idea of it being couples only, since it's our honeymoon. <BR><BR>I'm definitely going to look into the AI's in and around Playa del Carmen. I've heard the area is beautiful as well. We juts want to stay away from the "spring break feel" of Cancun!<BR><BR>Can you get by with our budget in Turks, Grenadines, or Anguilla? I've looked at a few of these and it seems to be tough to keep the costs done. Same as with St. Johns. I don't mind the idea of renting a condo or villa where we could cook, but I like the idea of a honeymoon where all we have to do is enjoy the company of each other while doing nothing! <BR><BR>Any other suggestions or ideas?? :)<BR>

Couples Double Take is an excellent way to see both resorts and 2 sides of the island. I have stayed at both and loved them.<BR>For Mayan Suncoast, Royal Hideaway, Riu Palace or Adventura/Spa Palace are great honeymoon choices.<BR>Also Paradisus or El Dorado Royale depending on what you are looking for.<BR>I have been to Jamaica many times and just have not experienced the crime people keep talking about.

While I have not been to Couples, we have been to Jamaica 6 times and agree with the last post - I think the double take is an aexcellent way to see the island. Negril is known for it beaches, more laid back atmosphere, beauty of the cliffs and sunsts where as Ocho Rios has super shopping, more action, and of course the falls and rafting. Excellent choice.<BR><BR>We too have never encountered any crime or problems when there. The vendors are pushy but a firm and polite NO solves that problem. Also, on the resort you are very safe and very reomoved from the outside world. Tours through the hotels are a great choice if you are concerned.<BR><BR>Have a great trip!

May is the low season, you shouldn't have to spend anywhere near $5000 for a week at Couples. We spent $4000, including airfare from the US east coast, in high season. For $5000 in May, you should be able to spend a week at a Grand Lido!<BR><BR>To each their own. I'm not a big fan of AI's, but I thought Negril and Couples Negril were great and would go back without hesitation.<BR>

Thanks again to those posting! I am going to talk to my fiance about doing the double take, I'm hoping that he'll go for it! If we choose Jamaica, that's where we'll definitely head. I'd love to have the Negril Bloody Bay Beach and sunsets and the OR horseback riding and trips to the falls. I think it'll be the way to get the best of both worlds!<BR><BR>I looked at the Royal Hideaway...it looks wonderful! What does everyone think about this resort? Any idea on cost - can't find info on their website. If going to Playa del Carmen, or the like, would there be an affordable resort you'd choose over this one?<BR><BR><BR>Thanks! :)<BR>

Anna,<BR>You may want to consider the Riu Tropical Bay. It is right next door to Couples Negril. However, it does permit children.

Anna,<BR> My husband & I have stayed at many AI,Couples,Sandals,Superclubs-Grand Lidos.I loved couples- Dec will be our3rd trip. I would not travel any other way. As for Mexico, my husband would not go back they don't treat you as good as some of the other islnds.If you have any questions let me know. Jo

I agree with Jo!!<BR>After doing Sandals, SuperClubs, etc. there is just something special about Couples - it may not be the biggest, most luxurious but they sure do try the hardest and it shows. We are also returning in December for our 3rd visit!!<BR>

My husband and I went to Couples Negril in Sept 00 and we LOVED IT! The staff is out to please, everyone is so friendly. I agree with another post that you should only venture out if it is a hotel-provided excursion. We didnt have any problems that way, but the locals are definately pushy. The rooms are immaculate and the food was great. <BR>The beach was nice, white sand; plenty of space and chairs. They have staff that come right up to you on the beach to take your order for drinks. Can't beat that! A few mornings I ordered breakfast to be served in our room and it was unbelievable! We were going to go back this year, but decided to try another resort so we're going to the mayan riviera in Mexico to the Iberostar Paraiso Beach. (if anyone has any info on this resort, I'd love an email with some info!)

Don't listen to negative reports about Couples. We honeymooned there and it was the most wonderful experience. We have been to several other all inclusives in other places and nothing compares with Couples!

Thank you everyone! I've looked at Royal Hideaway and Iberostar Quetzal, and even though we're still considering them, I'm almost positive we're going to go with Couples. Plus, the early signup discount can't be beat!! Thank you all for you helpful input. Now, whether to do CNegril or the double take...haha! <BR><BR>Any suggestions on what room category is the best for the money? Suites sound wonderful, but worth the extra $$? Particular block/category to get to see the sunsets??

We just returned from Couples Negril, and found it perfect in every way..it has all you are looking for. We had so many things to do ans the time to relax...I didn't see or feel anything &quot;negative&quot; at all, Kingston, I believe is quite a distance from the resort...and you have to remember that everywhere has it's &quot;trouble spots&quot;, just stay clear!! Have a great trip and ENJOY!!

You would not be disappointed with Negril. It has a great beach. Visiting Rick's Cafe at sunset is the best ! I am unsure of your ages but we have vacationed at Grand Lido Negril and just loved it but it is quiet at night. The resort is beautiful and the service is outstanding. Great dining. Very romantic.

I HAVE BEEN TO JAMAICA TWICE AND HAD A PRETTY GOOD TIME. IT IS TO CROWDED FOR MY TASTE. THE COUNTRY IS PRETTY BUT DIRTY. I WOULD RECOMEND SOMEWHERE A LITTLE MORE OUT OF THE WAY, SOMEPLACE THAT NOT EVERYONE HAS BEEN TO.