I just got back from a 10-day honeymoon in Jamaica(you can read my review posted) and here is my advice.

1) Choose either Ocho Rios or Negril(its a tough decision).

2) IMO, Sandals spends a fortune advertising which is probably part of why it cost so much. I'm very curious as to what Couples offers for the money and if I go back Couples would be high on my list of possible destinations.

3) I booked in March of this year, our honeymoon which included 7 Days at the Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios. The price for a week in the Luxury suite was about $4k, however later on closer to the trip date their price dropped and I got my TA to call them up and get new price(little over $3k), at that price it is worth every penny. Room is nice enough, the resort/food/service is perfect for a Honeymoon....PERFECT. Unless you are the up-all-night drunk party animal. We were wore out from wedding and weren't interested in any of that to begin with, RP was absolutely perfect.

In fact, I'd rather stay at base level room at Royal Plantation over a Butler level room at a Sandals resort because of the Resort itself, the Food and the Service.

On that price I quoted, you'll be giong more in season than I so you might can't get that rate...if you can and in budget strongly consider

4) If you go to Ocho Rios - Atleast do Dunns River Falls(watch the movie Cocktail and the love scene there before you go also). There are some other cool excursions you can do to, but this is a must do.

If you go to Negril, atleast one Afternoon in Negril you will want to head to Rick's Cafe(must see destination). There you can jump off the famous cliffs, have some drinks and watch the famous Negril Sunset followed with some cool authentic Reggae music.


On the West End/Negril/Cliffs note: Check out this resort:

"The Caves" owned by Island Outpost(the guy behind Bob Marley owns these). This resort looks very unique and perfect for a Honeymoon as well. Only 14 suites, NO BEACH...its built into the Cliffs near Rick's Cafe. Watch the Travel Channel, they feature it on their "Most Exotic Resorts" section. Its the #1 spot in Negril on Trip Advisor. However, its probably pricey and also probably booked already since you are going in-season.

Another Unique resort, owned by the same company but near Ocho Rios is called the "Goldeneye Resort", its the former Estate of Ian Flemming(author of James Bond books).

You will like Jamaica, just pick a quality resort in either Ocho Rios or Negril. Negril is more of a party vibe, has the Sunset, etc. Whereas Ocho Rios has the Mountains and is more lush/tropical.

We have been to Couples Swept Away in Jamaica twice and loved it! We had a corner ocean view verandah room on the top floor both times and it was great. There are 5 restaurants from casual to very elegant and the food at all was really good. The beach never felt crowded and the staff was very friendly and welcoming. We liked that they have a "no tipping" policy too.

how does Couples Negril compare to Swept Away?

I have been to both a Sandals and a Couples in Negril. I would not stay at a Sandals if it were me. The Sandals was more party resort, where as The couples was just that couples. The one I stayed in was a lot cleaner and the food was better.
Have a wonderful and safe trip Congrats
Jaye

OtisJ,

If snorkeling is important to you I will have to say that the snorkeling in Mexico is wonderful. Not only the reefs in the Carribean but the fantastic freshwater cenotes. One of the best experiences I have had was snorkeling Gran Cenote near Tulum.

check out Couples Negril or Couples Swept Away in negril. We have been to Couples Negril 3 times and can't wait to go back.

I ahve to agree with dbledwars, I have stayed at couples Swept Away, I give it a big thumbs up. I also stayed at the Sandals, Thumbs down

why do you like Couples NEGRIL over Swept Away?

The reason I prefered Couples Swept Away in Nigril, it was more of a couples resort, the rooms were like seperate bungalows, the food was awesome. It had all the same ammenities as Sandals, Sandals was a party type resort. guess it is all what you are looking for but for a honeymoon I would think you would like Couples Swept Away better. I am sure you can make your own party.

My only comment regarding price differences is that Sandals markets heavily to honeymooners. As you've probably figured out by now, as soon as the word "wedding" is uttered prices automatically triple.

We've been to Couples Negril and Couples Sans Souci and had a wonderful time both trips. We had friends who went to Sandals for their honeymoon and they had a wonderful time, too.