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We left Syracuse on a flight to Charlotte. Then from Charlotte to Montego Bay. I was surprised that we actually flew over Cuba. We landed at about 3pm. Off the plane and headed for immigration. I had read on the boards to head to the far line near the wall. The last 2 lines did seem to be moving faster than the rest. Once our papers past inspection it was downstairs to pick up our luggage and to clear customs. There were bags everywhere. The signs over the luggage carousels helped for some but it didnt list our flight. I just looked for others that had been on our plane. Our luggage seemed to be awhile in coming out. They seemed to be letting the bags go around once and then they were just piling them on the side. You had to wade through all the bags to find yours.
Once our bags were located we went through customs. It went quickly once you got to the agent. Following that we asked where the Couples desk was and we headed straight there. Be aware a lot of people will try and help you with your luggage. If you need help be sure and tip them well. We were able to handle our own so we didnt use anyone. At the Couples desk we were asked to fill out some forms. They told us our shuttle would be about 20 minutes and to just stand off to the side of the desk.
The airport was hot and muggy. We are both smokers and wanted to have a cigarette. We were told to go outside to smoke. Joe went first. It turns out you have to use a different door to come back in. When I went out I had trouble finding it. Its the door marked authorized personnel. There is a guard there that waves you through. After about 20 minutes the lady at the Couples desk told us to follow here to a van. It seemed as if she just picked a driver she knew. We got to the van and loaded in our suitcases. We were told another Couple would be right there. While waiting for them a guy came running up and said he had found a pair of clip on sunglasses and did they belong to us? They were Joes. They had fallen out of our suitcase. He was very happy to have them for the trip. It was nice to have someone be so helpful. This was our welcome to Jamaica.
The other couple arrived and we were off to Couples Ocho Rios. Now everyone talks about the "ride from hell". I have to say I didnt think it was that bad. It was a long ride on twisty roads. At times we were traveling quite fast. They do pass where I didnt think they should but, Ive traveled to Mexico a lot over the years and it seemed similar. If you have never been out of the country then I suppose it could seem a lot worse.
About half way to the resort we did stop at a roadside stand. There we had a Red Stripe beer and a Ting soda. There were several craft people selling things and bathrooms if you needed them. The ride over all took just under 2 hours. The driver did point out some highlights along the way.
I had spent a lot of time before the trip researching Couples. As we rounded a bend in the road I recognized the buildings and knew we were there before we turned into the driveway.
We all got out of the van and were greeted with big smiles. They asked us to go sit down in the big open-air lobby and that they would bring us more papers to fill out. We were each given a cool damp towel and a glass of champagne. One thing I hadnt read on the boards was that they hold your tourist card at the desk during your stay.
It didnt take very long to finish the paperwork and then we were off to our room. They said our bags would be brought up shortly. We had booked an ocean view deluxe room. Our room 556 was at the far end of the building on the 5th floor. They do have elevators, which made it nice.
As soon as we opened the door to the room I knew I was in paradise. We had a view of the Caribbean looking out over Tower Island, the dock and beyond. The room was just like all the pictures I had seen on the net with the 2 swan towels on the bed. The bags arrived a few moments later. Since it was about 6pm we decided to take a quick walk around the resort before it got dark.
We wandered around the grounds. We checked out the hot tub you could see from our room, shuffleboard & the gazebo where they take wedding photos. Just down from there near the dock is the water sports booth and towel exchange. Then we headed down the beach to the main part of the resort. We walked past the beach grill then headed up to the pool and the main bar.
We decided to toast being in Jamaica. The bartenders were fabulous. Natalie came over to us first and introduced herself. She asked when we had arrived and was very friendly. We had our drink and then before our glasses were empty Wayne came over to see what he could do for us. The service is the best Ive ever seen.
We stayed there for awhile and started chatting with other guests. We met S&D from Iowa. They were meeting another couple for dinner shortly. When C&K from MI arrived we were invited to join them for dinner. It was great to talk with people that had been at the resort for the day as they gave us pointer on where things were.
There are tags on the inside of your door that you can fill out to order continental breakfast in your room. You hang them outside your door before 1am. This is what we did for the next morning. Im an early riser, so I made a pot of coffee when I first got up. I went out on our balcony while Joe slept and watched the sun rise. Breakfast arrived within the set time. It was so nice watching the waves and breathing the sea air while enjoying great pastries for 2. The fruit plate was also wonderful.
We then headed downstairs to guest services. They opened at 8am. We set up to have dinner at Le Gourmet the next night. Since we hadnt done orientation the day we arrived we went to the one held at 10am. Its worth going to this. They tell you about where everything is and when different things are done such as off site trips.
Afterwards we went and had lunch at the beach grill. They always have either jerk chicken or pork. They also have what they call patties as well as a version of pizza and hamburgers. Plus chips and salsa. I know there where other choices but I cant remember them now.
After lunch we decided to tour more of the grounds. We went through the lobby and walked around the front lawn looking at the wedding gazebo and checking out the basket swings for 2. We then found where the 2 Jacuzzis for 2 where. We didnt get too close as they were occupied at the time. We then found our way over to the basket swing in the jungle. I thought this was a great spot to relax with a drink. Nearby is the aviary. You could hear one of the roosters crowing. They have a variety of tropical birds in it. They also have domestic ones like chickens and roosters. We also saw the rabbits they had in cages.
After walking the ground we went over to the gift/duty free shop. We wandered around it for awhile and sampled some of the liquors they sell. I found I really liked the Rum Cream. One note here. I did find that for alcohol that the prices are cheaper at the duty free shop at the airport than at the resort.
As we were leaving the gift shop it started to rain. It rained for about an hour. We just hung out at the main bar. After the rain we check out the pool and hot tubs. Then back to our room for awhile.
About 7pm we went to dinner. It was the International buffet at the patio (its also know as the Calabash Café). The food was wonderful. So many choices of what to eat. I dont see how anyone could not find something they would like.
On our way back to our room after dinner we ran into K&J from Michigan. I had chatted with them on the Internet before our trip. We had exchanged pictures in advanced and we recognized each other. They had just arrived earlier that day. We talked for about an hour. Then off to our room to view the photos I had taken that day.
I had used my digital camera and had contacted the resort in advance to be sure that the televisions had a place I could connect my camera to. It was great fun to be able to see my photos and delete the bad pictures. As you can see from the rest of this site I took a lot of pictures this trip. In the 8 days we were there I took about 300 photos that I kept.
I am an early riser, so I was up in time to watch the sunrise. I made a pot of coffee in the room and really enjoyed watching the water until Joe got up. Around 8 we headed down to the water sports booth to sign up for snorkeling later that day. Then it was on to guest services to sign up for horseback riding on Monday. They now do a 2-hour ride first thing in the morning. The other rides I understand are only about 45 minutes. We then went over to the tour desk to arrange to go parasailing the next day as well. We dealt with Andrea there.
After that we headed to the patio for the breakfast buffet. The choices are many. The fruit is beautiful and they will make you any kind of omelet you want. Plus they have all the usual breakfast choice as well as some local dishes. We ran into J&K again and chatted for awhile.
We decide to go and check out the vendors across the street. They are located behind the Couple tennis courts, sort of on the way to the stables. Some of them are a bit pushy, but thats to be expected. We looked around for awhile and then headed back to the resort. On our way back I notice one of the fruit trees. I local gentleman was eating one of the fruits. We asked what it was and he called it a Jamaican Apple. He then jumped up into the tree and picked 2 of them for us to try. Although they didnt really taste like the apples here in the states they were good.
At 1 PM we went on our snorkel trip. The reef is about 2 minutes from the resort. If you look at my photo of the resort from the air the reef is to the left of Tower Island. Joe and I both enjoy snorkeling. We had a wonderful time. We even got to see a lobster that was hiding as well as a small squid. Plus of course lots of tropical fish.
When we got back from snorkeling we decide to see if one of the hot tubs for 2 were available. We lucked out and got one of them. It was very relaxing and romantic.
Again that afternoon around 3 it rained for an hour or so. We had our reservations that at for Le Gourmet at 7:30. So after our time in the hot tub we headed back to the room to get ready.
Dinner at Le Gourmet was very tasty. Im not really into French food but we both enjoyed the meal and the atmosphere. The piano player was very good as well. After dinner we went over to the bar and then sat and listed to the band that was playing that night. Afterwards we decided to take a romantic stroll on the beach. We had the place to ourselves.
Monday morning we had breakfast in our room again. Then we headed out so I could take more pictures of the grounds before heading to the stables for our horseback ride.
They have both western and English saddles at the stables. We didnt get to choose which type we got. They do have you fill out some paper work before you ride. You do have to wear a helmet. I was given an English saddle and Joe got a western one.
I guess I must have been the most experienced rider in the group as they had me take the lead. One of the people in the group was really afraid of riding and they did devote a lot of attention to him. Our guides were "The Charmer" & "Gunsmoke". They both were a lot of fun. The ride took us past peoples homes and through the woods. We traveled up into the mountains to a spot with a great view of the ocean. Along the way they pointed out different plants and talked about the area. We had a fun time.
After the ride we went back to our room to clean up before lunch. We ate at the beach grill again and then went to meet Andrea at the travel agency to go parasailing. She had made arrangements for a drive to pick us up. His name was Garfield. He took us into Ocho Rios and through one of the big hotels to get to the beach. There we went over to a booth that offered parasailing, wave runners as well as scuba diving lessons.
We paid for our rides and then shortly the boat came in to take us on our adventure. Neither of us had done this before. It was not the best day to parasail. It was very cloudy and the sky looked threatening. They took us out to the edge of the bay. Joe went up first. They put you in a harness and have you wear a life jacket. They tell you to go up on deck and hold onto the railing. Then they attach the parachute to the harness and tell you to let go of the rail. Then its up up and away.
Joe really enjoyed his ride. By the time he came back down it was starting to rain. Since I had already paid for my ride I decide to go up anyway. I was a bit worried about my camera, but I took it with me anyway. What a thrill! Being up I dont know how high with nothing under you but water. It was raining quite hard and I had to cover the camera most of the time. You can see in one of the photos on this site that the camera did get a bit wet. My ride wasnt very long, as shortly after I went up it started to thunder. Although I was enjoying my time up in the air, I didnt really want to be a lighting rod.
Once back on the beach we asked Garfield if he knew a place we could buy Blue Mountain coffee cheaper than at the resort. He said "No problem Mon". He took us to the market to see one of his friends. We bought the coffee for about $10 a pound. I admit its probably not the official blue mountain coffee but its still very good. Garfield was a lot of fun and very friendly. If you need a driver talk to Andrea at the tour desk and ask for him.
We then went back to the resort and took a well-deserved nap. Between the horseback ride and parasailing we had had an exciting day.
That evening we headed over to the bar for a cocktail before dinner. While there we met a couple from Cornwall, England S&J. S talked about going to Tower Island. I said I thought I wouldnt be comfortable there. She said that one side of the island was more social and the other was more private. Also that when you talk to people on the island that that look you in the eye and no one cares how you are built. Since she was built similar to the way I am it put me a bit more at easy about trying it. We met up with J&K and decided to have dinner together over at the Bayside restaurant. The Bayside is the place they serve Italian food and steaks. Its such a pretty place to dine, sitting out over the water, very romantic. The food was great and the dessert wonderful.
The next day was our Dunns River Falls trip. We had really been looking forward to it. I had seen and read so much about it before the trip. We did the breakfast buffet and then everyone that was going gathered in the lobby about 9AM. We had decided we wanted to be in the group that would be video taped. They put a special bracelet on the people in those groups. For those that want to know the cost of the tape is $25 US plus tax. You get to see the tape back at the resort and then you can decide if you want to buy it or not. We did buy ours.
The ride to the falls didnt take very long, maybe 20 minutes at most. If you dont have your own water shoes you can rent them. Once you get to the falls they pass out tickets for you to get in. As you pass through the gates they stamp your hand. They then gather everyone into groups and you head down the stairs to the bottom of the falls.
Somehow the guides dont get wet. One guide in each group will carry your cameras for you. They take pictures along the way in set spots and do a nice job. Be sure and tip them well at the end of the climb.
I had worried that the climb might be to tough for me. There are places where it looked very hard. The guides do a fantastic job. If you watch the person in front of you and where they put their feet and hands it really isnt that hard. Our climb was up the right-hand side of the falls. Its the more difficult route. There is one spot where you literally go up blind. You feel for the hand holds on the wall and the sort of steps in the falls. The water is pouring over your head. It was a thrilling experience. If things do get to tough there are many places along the climb where you can get out and just use the steps.
Climbing the falls takes about an hour. After the climb Couples puts on a beach party. They have Red Stripe Beer, rum punch as well as soft drinks. That day they held a limbo contest and a beer-drinking contest. Once that was done you head back up the steps and through the vendors to get back to your bus. Be sure and remember your bus number and the drivers name. There are so many busses in the parking lot it can be confusing.
Once back at the resort we had lunch at the Patio buffet. So many good choices of what to eat. We then went to the water sports place and signed up for the 3pm snorkel trip. I decided then that if I truly wanted pictures of the resort from the island it was now or never. We had decided to the "Double-Take" that Couples offers so we were leaving the next day for Negril. I swallowed hard and said to Joe "Lets go to the island".
I think it shocked Joe that I had decided to go. In case you dont know the island is "au natural" only. We went down to the dock and waited for the guy to bring up the boat to take us over. We got to the island and walked past the tower and found a basket swing for 2 where we undressed. We saw S&J there who said they were glad we decide to try the place. We then went up the tower so I could take my pictures of the resort. We only stayed a brief time on the island since we had to get back to the mainland for our snorkel trip. I had to drop off my digital camera before that as well as getting our snorkel gear. Couples does provide all the equipment, however Joe and I both have prescription snorkel masks since we both wear glasses.
It was another fun snorkel trip. Our friends C&K also were on the boat. As you can see from my pictures we got to see a lot.
After snorkeling we changed clothes and went down to the bar. Then we checked at the front desk to see what time we had to be ready the next day to fly to Negril. Then we went and played billiards for awhile. At 5 we headed over to the place where we could view our video from Dunns River Falls. They did a nice job. Not only does it have your climb up the falls but also some footage of the resort and the beach party afterwards. I will admit there is a bunch of stock footage they use but I still thought it was cute. Weve watched the tape twice since weve been home.
Dinner that night was the pool buffet. Again more choices than you can try. Joe said he ate more things he didnt recognize his trip than ever before and he loved most of it. For those of you that are wondering, Im a fussy eater, yet I had no problem finding things I liked. Yes I did try some things I didnt enjoy, but at a place like this if you dont like it, dont eat it. Go try something else.
The next morning we got up and finished packing. Put our bags outside our door at 8:20 for our trip over to Negril. I really didnt want to leave. We had such a great time at this resort. We went down to the patio for our breakfast buffet. Then on to the lobby to catch the shuttle to the airport at 9:15.
There were a lot of people going to the airport that morning. One couple was heading back to the states, the others like us where headed for Negril. There were so many people on the flight we were told that we could only take one carry-on piece of luggage per person on the flight. They asked what resort we were staying at and said they would have our other bags to us in about 5 hours.
We waited at the airport a long time for the plane. We ended up flying on Jamaica Air. First we flew to Montego Bay. There we had to get off the plane and go into the airport. Then about 5 minutes later they called us to re-board the plane and then it was just a few minute flight to Negril. I understand that some people have taken flight directly to Negril. I guess it depend on the time of day you go and how many people are going at the same time.
When we landed in Negril there were a lot of driver milling around. They were all offering to take us to the resort. They were quoting prices from $5-$20 US. I even heard one drive tell someone that the Couples van wasnt coming. The van did arrive in about 10 minutes. Couples is all but across the street from the airport. Dont let the drivers convince you to use them. Its so close you can easily walk there if you didnt want to wait.
Before I go any further let me say we did love the Negril resort. It has a lot to offer. Im am trying to give my honest opinion about what it was like. If we hadnt been to the resort at Ocho Rios, Im sure I wouldnt have noticed the little things as much. The majority of the staff did a fine job, better than typical resort staff in most cases, just not to the same level as the other resort. Also the resort being right between 2 other resorts gives less privacy. The new Rui resort even allows children so you do see them sometimes walking on the beach.
We got to the resort in about 3 minutes. Went to the front desk and were asked to take a seat to fill out the paper work. While waiting S from IA who we had met in Ocho Rios came by. It turned out she had lost one of her rings in the hot tub at Ocho. They had found the ring and the manager from the Ocho resort was coming to hand delivery it to her. Talk about special service from the staff at Ocho Rios.
It was a wait before they brought us the forms to fill out. . I have to say I was a bit disappointed we didnt get the cool towel or the champagne. It wasnt until the bellhop came over to take us to our room that it was offered. He seemed surprised that it hadnt been offered.
I had brought a copy of a map of the resort layout with me. When I asked the lady would came over with our room key she really didnt know where the room was nor was she willing to find out. After having just come from the other resort where everyone was so friendly this was not what I would have expected. Here again the bellhop was more than helpful. He immediately pointed out where the room was and offered to stop at the bar so we could have some champagne if we wanted. Why the bell staff was nicer and more accommodating than the front desk staff is beyond me. They should improve how the front desk staff handles guests.
We went up to our room and it was very different from the one at Ocho Rios. I think the room number was 6305 but I cant remember for sure. The location of our room was on the third floor (no elevators here). We were in the first building just to the side of the Terrace Restaurant (a.k.a. Casaba Restaurant) and also faces the pool. This is definitely a more up to date resort in appearance. The room had bright colors and even a light over the bed that looked like a camera shining down on the tapestry. The one exception to being up to date was the television that didnt have a way for me to hook my camera to it. When I asked about it at the front desk later that day, I was basically given the brush off. ) As a side note I had emailed both resorts about this same thing. Ocho Rios responded, I never heard back from Negril.)
After checking out the room and balcony we wanted lunch. We headed over to the beach grill. They had even more choices than the beach grill at Ocho Rios. Plus to Joes delight they had self serve soft ice cream. After satisfying our hunger we wandered the resort. At water sports we signed up for the catamaran cruise for the next day as well as for a snorkel trip on Friday. They dont have snorkeling on Thursdays at Negril. We continued walking the grounds and saw the lovely gardens they have.
Then we headed back to the room to relax. At 5PM we went to orientation. They gave a full walking tour of the grounds and talked about the activities and off site trips that are available. If you havent been to this resort before do the orientation. Afterwards Joe headed back to the room and I went to the swim-up bar in the pool. There I again ran into S from IA. We sat, drank and chatted. It had started to rain so we stayed under the cover of the bars thatch while sitting in the pool watching the sun go down.
At 8 we went to meet K&R from MI who we had arranged to meet over the internet before the trip at the Casaba bar. They had gone to dinner there at 7 and still didnt have their meals. We checked with the person seating people and he said it would be no problem to join them for dinner. It was nice to be able to put a face to the people I had chatted with on line. Dinner took a very long time to come. K&R were eating their desserts before we had even gotten our meals. By then the band had started. We were sitting right in front of them.
The next morning I was up before the sun again. I headed down to the pool to read for awhile. I left towels on 2 loungers when I went back up to our room for breakfast. We ate breakfast on the balcony. Then we got ready for the catamaran cruise that was leaving at 10:15.
When going on this cruise be sure and bring the ticket they give you at water sports or they wont let you on the boat. This by the way is also known as the booze cruise. You travel down the coast past many of the other resorts. You get to see 7 mile beach and then its on to the cliffs. They serve Red Stripe, rum punch as well as soft drinks and water. There was also a lady selling jewelry on the boat. They had music playing most of the time.
On the cruise were our friends K&R as well as another couple we had met at Ocho Rios T&J from IN. T&J had been to Negril before. They were able to point out for us which resort was which along the way. We had a lot of fun.
When you arrive at the Pickled Parrot be prepared to swim. The boat has no place to dock there. You need to get off the boat by jumping in or going down the stairs. You then swim to the cliffs climb up a ladder and then take the stairs the rest of the way up. I understand that sometimes this can be a long swim. The day we went it wasnt very far. At the Pickled Parrot they have a water slide, a rope swing as well as cliff diving. If you want anything to drink while on shore you will have to pay for it. When your time is up there they blow a whistle to let you know to come back to the boat. They swim back is much hard since now you are fighting the current. If you dont trust your swimming skills they do offer life vests to help keep you afloat. By the way you dont have to leave the boat if you dont want to. Then you cruise back to the resort and along the way they hold a limbo contest.
Back at the resort we went to lunch at the Casaba buffet. The choices were endless. The food was very good. Afterwards we hung out at the pool for the afternoon. We also checked out the newsstand and the gift shops. They had signs up at both that they would be doing end of the month inventory and the shops would be closed most of the next day.
We also looked at the menus for each of the restaurants before choosing where we wanted to eat that night.
Later we watched the sunset from our balcony before heading to dinner. We chose to eat at the beach restaurant. It was so beautiful eating under the stars. The food was great as well. After dinner we grabbed drinks and walked the beach.
We then headed back to the room to relax. By then the band had started playing. You could hear it loud and clear in the room. What made it worse was there also was a band that night over at the Grande Lido next door. We could hear them quite clearly also.
The next morning I was up early again. I could here people doing set-up at breakfast buffet, glasses clinking, carts being rolled around. It was no where near as quiet as in Ocho Rios. Again I headed down to the pool to read for awhile before Joe got up. This morning I had also decided to take my camera with me. I was very glad I did. The resorts peacock was courting the peahen. He kept walking around displaying his feathers.
Since this was our last full day we decide to take it pretty easy. We had arranged to do the 9:30 snorkel trip. You meet down at water sports at 9:15. It was windy that day so the water was a bit rough. The first place the boat went to they decide was too rough so we went to another spot near Booby Cay. They told us to swim towards the island to snorkel and be sure and stay on the one side of the boat. I found it was too much work trying to swim so I just went back to the boat and hung out. I had snorkeled twice already this trip so I didnt mind not doing a third one.
After that we just stayed by the pool the rest of the day. About 11 L&C from OK stopped by. We had set up on the Internet to meet them. We chatted for awhile about our trip. Like I said today was for relaxing.
As the day drew to a close T&J came past. We exchanged email addresses. Tonight as the sun started going down I knew this was going to be the best of the sunsets. Joe went back to our room to grab my camera. It was beautiful!
That night we went back to the beach restaurant. We had enjoyed it so much the night before. Friday is lobster night (when its not the wrong season). Joe enjoyed the lobster and I enjoyed a steak. They had musicians playing during dinner. It was very romantic. At the end of the meal we ordered 2 coffees and a shot of rum cream. We both really enjoyed adding the rum cream to our coffees.
In the morning we went to the breakfast buffet. They have so many choices. Both of us opted for the made to order omelets. Of course we also sampled many other things. I really loved some of the different mixed tropical juices. They also offer made to order smoothies.
Our flight back to the states wasnt until almost 5PM. We didnt have to be in the lobby until 12:30. We decided to sit by the pool for awhile and then get in one last swim. Then we headed down to water sports to drop off our towel and get our coupon that you need to turn in at checkout. We also stopped at the gift shop to pick up some last minute souvenirs.
We went back to the room, finished the last minute packing and put our bags outside the door by 11:30. We headed to the lobby about 12:15 to check out. There was a bus already waiting. When we went to get on the bus I noticed our bags werent there. They said they had already put them on the bus. Joe checked what was on the bus and found none of our 3 bags.
The hotel staff insisted they were there. (This is what I had commented on earlier about service.) I insisted they go and check at our room to see if the bags were there. It took another 5-10 minutes to get someone to do that. I felt sorry for the people already on the bus, but being a seasoned traveler I wasnt about to leave without by luggage. Finally they sent a cart over to our room and I guess several other rooms. When they came back sure enough there were our bags. They told us to get on the bus and then they would load them on. I said no, not until the bags are on it. Then they did finally take our bags off the cart and load them onto the bus and we were on our way.
I hated to leave, and now we were on what people call the road from hell. The road is in pretty bad shape. It is still under repair. It twists and turns a lot. You do get some beautiful views along the way. Frankly I didnt find it to be that bad, but it was a long ride.
Once we arrived at the airport we checked in, went through security and then wandered the shops. We also grabbed a bite to eat. I did notice that the prices of rum cream were cheaper here than at the resort.
So you know, unlike here in the states you dont go all the way to the gate right away. They have guards stationed in the halls and you only go to the gates when your flight has been called to begin boarding. Once the flight has been called you go down the hall and have more security checks. Then you line up by your gate to get on the plane.
Overall this was the best vacation we had ever been on. Both resorts are lovely places. You can do as much or as little as you want. I can hardly wait to go back. I hear Jamaica calling to me now.
If you have any questions, I will do my best to answer them. I want to thank all of you that answered my question before our trip on the message boards.
Couples Resorts Jamaica 2001 Page