Saturday 11 February 2012

OCHO RIOS JAMAICA - THE "COUPLES" WAY...

If you've never been to Jamaica - it should be a must on your to-do list, bucket list, whatever you wish to call it.  I've been twice now - both times to Ocho Rios, and all I can say is this island will leave you wanting more and feeling 'irie'.  I will elaborate...

First off, the country is completely beautiful.  In Ocho Rios you won't find long white beaches, but what you will find is light golden sand, privately situated in between majestic cliffs surrounded by the foggy Blue Mountains which boasts the best coffee in the world - in my opinion.  

There are no shortage of excursions should you wish to be adventurous, a sight-seer, or take part in the heritage of the island.  From the imfamous Dunns River Falls, to river rafting on the Martha Brae, horseback riding, swimming with dolphins, ziplining and bobsledding at Mystic Mountain, or taking the Bob Marley tour, you will never run out of things to do or see.

The food - incredible.  They grow their own, and you can taste the organic taste.  Everything is so flavourful and you won't find any boring generic taste here.  Jerk seasoning spices up everything, fried bammy and other signature dishes will satisfy any appetite - even vegetarians (thanks in part to the Rastafarians who don't eat meat).  

You won't find nicer, or more laid-back people than Jamaicans.  My cynical-self was waiting for some kind of catch - as in some countries the locals will talk you up, but they are all entrepreneurs wanting to make a living so it doesn't necessarily seem genuine.  But here, it is all genuine smiles - complete with a 'Ya Mon' and being assured that you will have 'No Problems - and Every'ting will be Irie'.  

Both of our trips had us staying at the two Couples resorts in Ocho Rios -  first Couples Tower Isle and then Couples Sans Souci.  We stayed for a week at each, and this was our first experience staying at a adults-only, couples-only resort.  Let me tell you, it was worth every penny.  Again, I will elaborate...

Both resorts are very different from each other.  But to pick a favourite would be an impossible task - which is why you simply must try both.  What they both possess is a beautiful property, immaculate rooms, fabulous food and drinks, incredible service, and heres the kicker - select excursions included.  You can go to Dunns River Falls, into Ocho Rios shopping, hop on a catamaran or glass-bottom boat, scuba dive, or partake in various water sports - all included.  At any rate, you can be as active or as relaxed as you want.  But wait, there is more... More you ask? Well, I was able to go to yoga, spinning, pilates, aquacise, cardio-sculpt, every day - all included.  On top of that, we were fortunate enough to have a resort credit included which you can use for anything that you can charge to your room, so we opted for spa services - massages to be more specific, and it was the cherry on top of our already perfect vacation.  Then there are the little-things.  Like not having to wear wristbands, having free internet service, turn-down service, stocking our mini-bar, etc.  All of these little things add up to one big thing - a great vacation.  

Now I know it may sound to good to be true, and trust me, I pinched myself a couple of times.  In addition to all of this, on our second trip we were considered 'repeaters' so we were invited to a manager's cocktail party, followed by a sit-down 5-course dinner - exclusive to return guests, wherein the general manager introduced himself and acknowledged all of the return guests and the staff who make Couples unique.  This is certainly not typical of an all-inclusive, which is what really sets Couples apart.  

Both of our vacations to Couples Tower Isle and Couples Swept Away in Ocho Rios left us wanting more.  Now we simply must go to their two resorts in Negril - Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away.  Which is next?  First save up money and vacation time, then I'll let you know.  Stay tuned...