Hope someone can tell me what's the best ai in Jamaica, considering my husband and I really want to golf. We are less concerned with the beach, prefer to use the pool. I have been leaning toward Sandals Dunn's river, and Couples Ochos Rios. We also love great food. I've never had to use a caddy before - what is the fee, and what do you usually tip. Any help would be appreciated. (The Superclubs are just a little to pricey for us.)

Jill - I'd suggest Sandals Dunns or Ochi because you mention you like good food. I don't know much about Couples, but if it's too pricey than Sandals might be also. Have you thought of Breezes Golf & Tennis? That was our 1st AI 6 years ago. We wouldn't go back there because we've been to Sandals, but if it's your 1st visit you might just love it. The pricing looks good also. Caddies are about $12 for 9 & $20 for 18 holes. We always tip generously as these guys make nothing and hope that a few bucks can go to improve their families lives.

I don't golf so I can't help you there ... but having visited both Sandals Dunn's and Couples OR, I substantially preferred Couples. Of course, it all depends what you are looking for, as to what you would consider the best AI for you. (For example, I think the best Jamaican AI is Grand Lido Braco; others might not agree). As for the 2 resorts you've asked about, I felt the food was better at Couples than Sandals DR, and that Couples was much more romantic, intimate, classy, and laid back. We also preferred the grounds and beach there. The resort as a whole had a cross between and Caribbean and slightly European feel to it, which we preferred, as opposed to Sandals DR which felt decidedly American, despite the attempts at Italianate decor. The potential drawback to Couples for you might be the pool - on the main resort there is only one pool, a rectangular one (there is also a smaller free form one on the au natural island), whereas there are 2 pools at Sandals Dunn's. At Sandals DR - at least during the time period we were there, which wasn't even high season, it just seemed too crowded and noisy for us - we felt a bit like we were at a pseudo frosh week - fine if that is what you are looking for, just not our cup of tea.

If price is a factor, why not try Wyndham in Montego Bay which also has a AI option. Plus if you're in MoBay as opposed to other resort cities, its centrally located so you can see other attractions if you want to.

Please check out Beaches Le Sport at Ciboney in Ocho Rios..it is wonderful and they have golf included. Private pools, wonderful food, wonderful service. Worth every penny.

This is a reply that I wrote for another BB. <BR> <BR>Golf on site with free or reduced green fee: <BR>Breezes Runaway Bay <BR>Grand Lido Braco (executive course) <BR>Half Moon <BR>Ironshore <BR>Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall <BR>Tryall <BR>Wyndham Rose Hall <BR> <BR>Golf close by with free transportation and no green fees: <BR>Couples Ocho Rios <BR>Couples Negril <BR>Grand Lido Negril <BR>Grand Lido Sans Souci <BR>Hedonism III <BR>Sandals Ocho Rios <BR>Sandals Dunn's River <BR>Swept Away <BR> <BR>Tryall and Half Moon probably are the best resorts. I have been to several Sandals, Couples, SuperClubs and others. I would rate Couples has better food for our taste. Caddy fee usually $10-15 plus $5-10 tips. Many of them are excellent golfers. The one I had at Breezes said that he played in Jamaica Open.

Sandals Dunns River has the big pools-we prefer the piano bar pool there. We found Couples more romantic. Both use Sandals Upton course. At Dunns, they have the pitch and putt on site. <BR> <BR>Consider Grand Lido Braco. They have the 9 hole course on site that is all par 3s except one par 4. They include beginner to intermediate lessons in the morning and intermediate to advanced lessons in the afternoon (chipping and putting drills that help me each time). It is a great resort. Then you can shuttle to Breezes for the included golf. <BR> <BR>Grand Lido Negril and Swept Away both include Negril Hills. My husband enjoyed that course. <BR> <BR>He's also played many times at Ironshore and has played at White Witch (Ritz) and Half Moon. He cannot say enough good about White Witch, even at $250.