Couples Resorts, Jamaica: Okay for an (adult) family?
 

My family and I - my mom, dad, husband, sister, and her boyfriend - will be going to the Caribbean this October to celebrate a number of milestone birthdays.

We had originally looked at Nisbet Plantation in Nevis, Jamaica Inn (in Jamaica), and Esencia (Mayan Riviera) but because of either closures or plane costs none will be possible during that time within our budget. We have spent weeks researching and decided to throw in the towel on the small boutiques (which we love) and focus on all-inclusives. My parents are paying for all 6 of us, so an all-inclusive is a much safer option budget wise. It would take a lot of pressure off of them to not worry about every drink someone orders :)

That said, we're now contemplating the Couples Resorts in Jamaica. I personally like Tower Isles the best. But, we're all a bit concerned about the atmosphere....Are there a lot of singles looking for a match?!?!?! Are there countless honeymooners? Or is it a mix and therefore you can't tell??

We read there was some nightlife, activities, and nude beaches all of which are not our style. And this is a family vacation too though, at 30, I'm the youngest.

Still, it gets great reviews and seems like a lovely collection of hotels. What do you think??? Has anyone been there that can provide feedback?

Thanks a lot in advance for any help or suggestions!!

I'm no expert and have never been to Couples Resorts in Jamaica but it doesn't really sound like it's at all what you are looking for ("some nightlife, activities, and nude beaches all of which are not our style").

There are many very beautiful independent hotels on the Cliffs and the 7-mile beach in Negril. Would you consider something like that? Tensing Pen, Catcha Falling Star, Charela Inn to name a few.

Couples is not a family resort. It is geared towards honeymooners, anniversaries and romantic couple getaways. It will not be the environment that you stated you are looking for. The family AI's tend to be in Montego Bay. Look at the Iberostar or Grand Palladium.

The Jewell Dunn's River in Ocho Rios, is an adult's only resort. The accept any type of adults; ie; friends, mother, daughter, etc. It is also geared more towards couples, but not so much as Couples, and since everyone in your party is a couple, the atmosphere might be more to what you are looking for.

If your looking for small boutique hotels and don't care about AI, I would go with Suze's recommendations and also throw in Idle Awhile and Rock House.

Thank you so much for this. It is very useful and in fact, has sealed the deal that we will NOT be going to Couples. I don't think it's the right vibe and you've all seconded that!

We're now considering the Fairmont Mayakoba. While I love the idea of Negril in Jamaica, my mom wants something that is more directly on the white sand beach and she doesn't feel we'll get it there. We're also looking for a 5* hotel, so we've ditched the attempt at a small boutique space and we're going large....

I know that Fairmont Mayakoba is massive but it seems that it's spread out enough that it would not feel so daunting - not in terms of space but in terms of 800 people being on top of one another. It is also an AI which works and we've been offered some great upgrades to the casitas on the beach. Anyone been there that can speak to their experience?

<my mom wants something that is more directly on the white sand beach and she doesn't feel we'll get it there>

Well she's wrong about that ;-) Not that I'm pushing Negril, because I think it is not upscale enough for what you seek, but it IS one of the most incredible white sand beaches, all 7+ miles of it.

Since you are changing your question from the title of this thread, you might want to repost for more replies (about Fairmont Mayakoba or others).

If you are open to other destinations...look at the Azul Resorts on the Riviera Maya, or even the El Dorado Royale - they tend toward romantic getaways, but are adult-only, too. You could also look at Dreams Resorts or Secrets Resorts - Dreams are great for multi-generational family trips with quiet adult areas, kid areas, family areas, many different restaurants, wonderful spas, and located in the most popular Caribbean destinations. Secrets is Dreams adult-only sister resorts, but also tends towards romantic getaways.

My final suggestion is the Moon Dance properties in Jamaica.... They have an all-inclusive option, a villa option, guest rooms and suites on the best beach in the Negril, Jamaica area. They are great for all ages.

Negril has one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. But some of the more upscale properties like Moon Dance can be expensive even in the shoulder season. Would you consider Cancun? I always thought I'd hate it until we visited last year and stayed at Live Aqua, an AI with lovely oceanfront rooms, beautiful uncrowded beach, and gorgeous pools/spa. Take a look. It was very reasonable when we visited last January, but it's become much more popular now. Have a great time!

Thanks, everyone has been very helpful. We went back to the drawing board a bit and have a new narrowed down list.....They're not AIs in the end, because we just can't find one that works...ANYWAY, what do you think between these???

- Half Moon, Jamaica
- Fairmont Mayakoba, Mexico
- West Bay Club, Turks & Caicos
- Gansevoort, Turks & Caicos (my favorite, but also a bit toooooo much over the budget though I'm still holding out hope we can make it work...)

I looked at El Dorado & Jewel Dunns River too as the AIs...

Any thoughts would be really appreciated!