Just returned from Couples June 28,1998. Had a <BR>marvelous time! Not only honeymooned there, but <BR>had our wedding there also. Can answer any questions <BR>you might have. Highly recommend Couples for many <BR>reasons. Feel free to e-mail me with questions. <BR>Irie!

Irie, Did you stay at Rendezvous St. Lucia? I heard it used to be called Couples? I am going <BR>there in December & want to know how the accomodations are? Jennifer <BR>

No, we did not stay on the island of St. Lucia. <BR>We stayed in Ocho Rios, at what we heard was the <BR>original all-inclusive on the island of Jamaica, <BR>Couples resort. Just found out that the new Couples, <BR>Negril opened June 15th. <BR> Sorry I can't answer your question re: accomoda- <BR>tions at Rendezvous. I can only describe the Ocho <BR>Rios resort, which in one word was WONDERFUL! <BR> Lisbeth

Did you get massages? I was wondering if they were any good. Also, I want to renew my vows and I heard that this was the place to do it if you want a nice video and pictures. <BR>

Yes, we did get the complimentary 1/2 hour massages <BR>which are included when you get married there. I'm <BR>pretty sure this also applies to renewing of vows, <BR>but I would check on it. I had a male masseur do <BR>mine, and my husband had a woman. For the 1/2 hour <BR>massage they just work on your arms, head, and back. <BR>I think they do the lower body if you choose a one <BR>hour massage. The massages were $30 for 1/2 hour and <BR>$45 for one hour if you were paying. <BR> In regards to the pictures and video, my husband <BR>and I chose to purchase both, which came to approx. <BR>$300. They were well worth it! The photographer and <BR>videographer spent approx. one hour with us after <BR>our ceremony filming us at various places around the <BR>resort. They took 45 pictures, of which we chose <BR>24 (you can pick either a 24- or 36-picture package). They also give you the negatives, of which <BR>we have already had copies made for each of our <BR>families. We got both the pictures and video before <BR>we returned home, which was nice. They put the <BR>photos in an album for you. The video ended up being <BR>40 minutes long, and included not only the ceremony <BR>but shots of us walking throughout the resort and also on the beach. The videographer tells you what <BR>to do during the taping so that everything is <BR>choreographed. They offer to make copies of the tape <BR>for you at a price of $30 each, but we chose to make <BR>our own copies at home. Before leaving for the resort, I read on-line that someone suggested <BR>picking your own music for the video, which my <BR>husband and I did. While at the resort the video <BR>staff will give you an extensive list of songs to <BR>choose from. You will need a total of 10 songs and <BR>one alternate. The videographer plugged in each of <BR>the songs to the most appropriate places within the <BR>video. We have shown the video to our parents and <BR>also to guests at a dinner reception my parents <BR>threw us, and we have received nothing but compliments. It is great to have such a lasting <BR>picture of our special day put to great music. Well, <BR>I hope this answers your questions. (Sometimes I <BR>can go on and on). Feel free to ask me anything else. <BR> By the way, there were eight weddings the day we <BR>got married. People may think that because of that <BR>you don't get special treatment, but that was not <BR>the case. We were not rushed in any way, and thoroughly enjoyed our wedding day. My point is mostly that because they do perform many weddings and vow renewals, that they are very professionally <BR>done. Hope this info helps. E-mail me if you need to <BR>know anything more, I love talking about our great <BR>experience at Couples. Irie!

Thanks for your answers - I will email you as soon as my computer gets fixed. Im using someone elses computer right now while mine is being fixed. <BR>

did you go to couples negril? we should go in november do you have informations, pictures of the resort ? <BR>

Couples, Negril was still be built when <BR>my husband and I planned our wedding/ <BR>honeymoon. I'm sure the Negril resort <BR>is just as nice. If you do go, please <BR>e-mail me on how it was. <BR>

We are planning to go to either Sandals Dunns River or Couples in Ochio Rios. We cannot decide. They both sound wonderful. We think the pool looks fantastic at Dunn's but for some reason we keep coming back to Couples. If we pick Couples what building would you recommend staying at?? Please help!!!!

I am captivated by the internet information about both "Couples Ocho Rios" and "Couples Negril". I want to plan a year 2000 trip for my husband and I but I am concerned over the numerous messages regarding crime in Jamaica. We are looking for a resort that will provide beauty, a true feel of the Jamaican people, good food and drink, and a feeling of safety. Please reply with good and bad. What room category is best? What building offers the best views and access to activities? Is liquor and are the excursions really all included? We are used to Club Med and want to see how Couples compares. HELP!

Hello everybody! <BR> Couples is a great place be! I also read the poor reviews re: Jamaica and crime there. While at Couples, my husband and I did not leave the resort except to go on the excursions which, yes, are included in your stay. All you <BR>have to do is show up in the lobby at the appointed time and board the bus. It <BR>states in the brochure that you must sign-up ahead of time, but at the orientation we were told the only activities you needed to sign-up for were: massages, horseback riding (which fills up fast), scuba diving, snorkeling, the sunset cruise, and dinner in the French restaurant. My husband and I went to Dunn's River, the shopping trip, and the sunset cruise. We decided to skip the Plantation tour. <BR> In regards to which room accommations are best, I really am not sure. Due to our budget and the fact that we decided that splurging on the room was that important to us, my husband and I chose to stay in a mountain-view room. The room was pretty basic: king size four-poster bed, 2 nightstands, CD player, dressing table with drawers, TV, small couch with table, and balcony with wrought iron table and chairs. Once there, though, I did wish we had chosen an oceanview room. I'm sure the individual cottages are beautiful,and I <BR>believe they have their own jacuzzis. Our room was located in the main building on the third floor. It was very <BR>convenient to get to the lobby, beach, and restaurants. I'm sure you can also ask for an upgrade once you arrive, although we did not. <BR> I did not have any problems with crime in Jamaica. The only time I felt uncomfortable was on the shopping excursion when we went to the straw market. The bus driver tells you "don't be afraid of the people, they are only trying to make a living", but they were very pushy. We were bombarded by locals upon leaving the bus who asked us many times to step into their small cubicles to look at their wares. To tell the truth, after a while they all seem to be selling the same things: t-shirts, beads for your hair, Jamaican dolls, wooden sculptures, small baskets, etc. You really do have to bargain with them here. Whenever I was quoted a price I would automatically counter with a price 1/2 of theirs and then lower it from there. Other than here, I did not see any crime in Jamaica. It is a very poor third-world country, and people need to understand that. <BR> My husband and I at first chose Sandals Dunn's River for our honeymoon. They say that the wedding is included, but if you read the small print, the basic wedding ceremony costs $750.00. At <BR>Couples, the wedding is truly complimentary. Sandal's Dunns River was actually the one Sandals resort our travel agent recommended as the best for honeymooners out of all the Sandals resorts. But, after seeing that the price for Couples was much more reasonable and that they offered the same things, we decided on Couples, and I am so glad we did. The liquor and meals are also included. You don't have to wear a bracelet or carry tokens for your meals, either. You just show up at wherever you want to eat. This was very nice and accommodating. <BR> Well, I hope this answers some of your questions. I can send anyone pictures of our room, view, etc. if you would like. Please feel free to e-mail me with any more questions, concerns, etc. <BR> Lisbeth

Heather- <BR> <BR>My husband and I are thinking of going to Couples next April for our 10 <BR>year anniversary. I recently saw some not so <BR>favorable comments on Fodors forum and was disappointed because we were <BR>pretty convinced we were going there. <BR>The poster stated the beach was "just a spot", the food wasn't that good <BR>and the service not so friendly. However, she <BR>was comparing that to Couples Negril. I was just wondering what your <BR>thoughts were. Is the beach really that small? <BR>Did you go to the au naturel island and if so how was that? Did you go <BR>on any of the excursions and did you find them <BR>worth it? How WAS the food and friendliness of the people? Did you <BR>utilize the water and land sport activites? <BR>Sorry to burden you with so many questions but this is really important <BR>to us. We have three year old triplets <BR>and our future vacations will consist of camping and Disney World, so <BR>it's really important to us to get this <BR>trip right because it probably will be our last!!! <BR> <BR>Any help would be greatly appreciated. <BR> <BR>Peggy Buege <BR>

My husband and I spent our 25th wedding anniversary at Couples in May of '98. We had a wonderful time. The staff was very friendly, the whold atmosphere was laid back and relaxed. There was plenty to do, but no one pushed. There are many tours included, the sunset cruise and horseback ride were especially fun. We had been to Dunn's River Falls before, but that was also included and not to be missed. The choice of restaurants was great. The beach was fine, not miles long. You can't walk off the property on the beach because there are barriers. I have a trip report at www.caribtravelnews.com/jam.htm. Someday we hope to try the Couples in Negril oo, we were to the Couples in Ocho Rios twice and would not hesitate to return. Bonnie