SoonToBeMrsCook

Based on my last topic (http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...-honeymoon.cfm), hubby-to-be and I are seriously considering Jamaica for our honeymoon, disregarding the fact that my horrible cruise stop in Ocho Rios had me saying I'd never go back. So after much research, the question is: Couples Negril or Couples Swept Away? I really like how much smaller CN is, but I'm worried we'll get bored or sick of it. I also don't like the "au naturel" option but I can deal with it and just won't go to that part of the beach. CSA is obviously much larger with more bars and restaurants but I don't know if that makes it worth going to. I also like the more classy and reserved wood/white decor of the rooms. Which is more relaxed, beachy, and romantic? He's more of a pool guy, and I'm more of a beach girl, but if there's a beach bar and the water is as gorgeous as it seems in pictures, I think we'll be spending plenty of time at the beach as well. Which has more to do offsite? I've been reading about some waterfalls and caves that we'd probably like to check out. It's so difficult to choose which resort when they're both breathtaking! Honest opinions and comments?

qwovadis

Couples Negril is the better property best value smaller newer

Swept Away a little dated but arguably has the most pristine

beach... no one will give you dishonest comments here you

can go over to Tripadvetizer for those... either really a

Nice choice for AI HM in Jamaica Congrats!

qwovadis

BookIt.com/CouplesNegril

good sales/packages info here sometimes

KVR

Of those 2 resorts, I would go with Couples Negril. We don't care for the au naturel aspects either, which is why we have never stayed at a Couples resort, but I don't guess that really matters since we stayed at the RIU Tropical Bay next door to Couples Negril and saw plenty of topless and questionable behavior at what is considered a "family" resort.

Just be aware that resorts in Jamaica are not as lux as the resorts in Mexico, so bring your expectation levels down a bit so that you are not disappointed.

As for things to see and do off property, we did the Black River/YS Falls/Appleton Rum tour and the Mayfield Falls. We also took a cab to the craft market and Rick's Cafe. The Pelican bar is also recommended.

The tour operator in that area is:

http://www.jamaicatoursltd.com/

It will give you a good ideas of things to see and do in the area even if you prefer not doing a tour and going with a private driver.

suze

I can't comment on either resort, but I have been to Negril a few times. There's lots of things to do 'offsite' as far as places to see and activities, either with organized tours or with a private driver.

I agree with the comment above about Negril being more rustic than resorts in Mexico, generally speaking. The entire feel is a bit more rough and wild.

juliae_mei

There are lots of Europeans who spend their vacations in the Caribbean and you will find it difficult to avoid au naturel/topless anywhere in the Caribbean. Avoid the areas as possible, but it is good to be aware.

Cruise ship port calls are often not indicative of the actual port because there are so many people off the cruise ship and the local business community takes advantage of the opportunity to make money. Really nice, laid-back, lovely, friendly places can turn into a madhouse on cruise day, but as soon as the ship leaves, everything is back to normal. I've seen it in Lihue, Kauai on several occasions.

Go with your "gut" on the Couples resort choice - which do you feel drawn to? Couples Resorts are favorite all-inclusives...very few complaints.

SoonToBeMrsCook

We decided on Couples Negril and will be there at the end of January 2012! Thank you all for your suggestions, we are so excited!!

Weadles

Just a FYI- Negril is completely different ( and better) in almost every way than Ocho Rios. If I had based our trips to Jamaica on our first trip to Ocho, we wouldn't have gone back nearly every year since 1982. Have a wonderful time!

KVR

Weadles, just wondering why you didn't like Ocho Rios?

We did the Negril thing and it was OK, but we wanted to try another area and chose Ocho Rios for December. Though we prefer Mexico over Jamaica, again we wanted something different.

SoonToBeMrsCook, Congrats.

Weadles

KVR, I am really sorry, because I think I read in a different post that you're going to Ocho. We visited a few times, and never thought the beach or atmosphere compared well to Negril. I have to admit that on two of our visits big cruise ships had just arrived, so everywhere we went-- The Falls, restaurants,etc.-- felt a little bit like being in Disney ( that crowded!) only in the Caribbean. I'm sure there are sections of Ocho off the beaten track that are much nicer, but we never found them.

Weadles

Now that I re-read your post, I see that yes, you are going to Ocho. DUH. Anyway, I think we're probably bigger fans of Negril than you may be. For us, the beach is the main draw, and there are very few beaches I've seen anywhere else that are as nice as the one in Negril. We also like that Negril is a bit rough around the edges, not so Americanized or upscale as other resort areas, but that may be very unappealing for other travelers. Anyway, have a wonderful trip in December!

KVR

Weadles, thanks for your info. I always appreciate others views even if it differs than ours. We are huge Mexico fans, but do give other destinations a chance. We'll see if Ocho Rios is for us. I'm looking forward to your T & C report.

Weadles

KVR,

I hope you have a great time in Ocho! Looking forward to your report! Where are you staying?

Sara_Miller

Was going to put my 2cents in for Swept Away. We went there for our honeymoon. We were really excited about the sports available on site. Free 1 on 1 tennis lessons every day. Clay courts, lap pool, squash, running trail etc. And the beach was incredible.

We had a ground floor suite with a nice veranda to nap on. Room service every morning.
Snorkelling isn't great, ocean is nice to swim in though.
SM

KVR

Weadles, we are staying at the Jewel Dunn's River.

SoonToBeMrsCook

4 months from today we'll be in Negril starting our 10 day honeymoon - can't wait!

I'm enjoying reading all your comments - thank you very much for the additional info. Can't wait to see how Negril compares to good ol' Mexico (We're going to Grand Bliss and Taheima in Puerto Vallarta in 2 months for 2 weeks).

KVR - I just read on the Couples Message Boards that if you want to do the Dunn's Falls, that Sunday is the best day as there are no cruise ships stopping in Ocho Rios then. Don't know how accurate this is, but I'm just passing along what I was told. Have a great trip!