Couples Negril

With four Couples options between Ocho Rios and Negril, it can be hard to figure out why one might be better than another. Compared with its neighbor, Couples Swept Away, Couples Negril is lacking the famed Seven Mile Beach location, instead sitting just north on the quieter sands of Bloody Bay -- a plus for travelers looking for a mellower beach vibe. Additionally, Couples Negril’s lower capacity makes for slightly reduced crowds (though because it's smaller, the property has fewer features than its neighbor). Ultimately, it’s a matter of taste -- and perhaps cost: Couples Negril is consistently cheaper than its neighbor, though not by much.Comparisons aside, Couples Negril is aptly named, focusing on romance and adult-themed features, such as candlelit private beachfront dinners, tree-house-style treatment room at the spa, and banners across couples’ doors announcing their honeymoon or anniversary status. Though Couples Negril is more lovey-dovey and less risqué than other adult-only resorts such as the nearby Grand Lido, it does provide a separate nude beach area with its own hot tub and bar. Most guests, however, tend to hang out at the main pool with a swim-up bar or the adjacent beach, and the vibe is largely laid-back. Grounds are lovely and lush, and seafoam-green walls, large hanging tapestries, and hot-pink cushions in the lobby create a fun look that stands out among the many neutral-tone cookie-cutter properties in Jamaica.Those who wish to take advantage of the truly all-inclusive amenities at Couples Negril will be busy indeed, as water sports (even scuba diving), excursions, including glass-bottom boat tours and catamaran cruises, fitness classes and tennis lessons, and nightly entertainment are all free. It’s not all top-notch though, as the entertainment tends to be dull and even cheesy, food receives mixed reviews, and the “free” golf actually requires guests to rent clubs and a caddy on their own dime. Nevertheless, this is an excellent choice for couples. Couples wanting a larger property may prefer Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa, while families should consider Beaches Negril Resort & Spa.

Bloody Bay may not sound like the most romantic place in the world, but the small inlet just north of Negril’s famous resort-lined Seven Mile Beach is a slightly less congested version of its bigger-name neighbor. But though some may prefer this stretch of beach, the location is still a fair drive north of all of the action in the main part of Negril, with West End Road about a 10-minute drive away, and the restaurants along Norman Manley about a five-minute drive away. Still, the property does provide shuttles to most of the nearby attractions, so there’s virtually no need for a taxi.90-minute drive from Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport (free shuttle provided)Five-minute walk to Seven Mile Beach20-minute walk, or two-minute drive, to Kool Runnings Water ParkFive-minute drive to Margaritaville (free shuttle provided)10-minute drive to West End Road for more shops and restaurants15-minute drive to popular Rick's Cafe for cliff jumping and live music20-minute drive to Negril Hills golf course (free shuttle provided)

Spacious rooms feature the same breezy, modern decor consisting of mint-green tile floors and bed runners, wood furniture, and charming accents such as masks and mirrors hung on the walls. Furnished terraces come standard, though it's worth noting that most ocean views are partial and some rooms have a bird’s-eye view of the nude beach. Lovely mint-green mosaic-tiled bathrooms have rainfall showers, plus separate jetted tubs in suites. Sitting areas, comfy beds, free minibars that are restocked daily, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and ceiling fans come standard, as does turndown service, free Wi-Fi, closets with safes, bathrobes, hairdryers, and quality toiletries. Suites also have hammocks on their terraces.

This hotel sits on Bloody Bay, which got its name from vicious pirate battles and the mass hunting of the bay’s whales. Today, however, it’s actually quite serene, as well as gorgeous. Couples Negril doesn’t run right up to the edge of another resort, giving more of a sense of seclusion than guests might find at resorts on Seven Mile Beach. Loungers and umbrellas are set up along the main beach, and there's a secluded nude beach area with its own hot tub and bar. Individuals are not allowed at the nude beach, so couples must use it together.

The palm-lined pool at Couples Negril is the main gathering point, thanks to its ocean vistas and thatched-roof swim-up bar. Decks flank either side of it, and are equipped with padded furniture facing the ocean, two hot tubs, and a popular pool volleyball setup. The palms lend a flashy vibe that other resort pools in Negril seem to be missing, but somewhat detracting from that are the pool’s plastic lounge chairs, which are covered by full-body pool floats rather than cushions. The dual-role concept is understandable, but the outcome isn’t quite as luxe or comfortable as one would hope.A second pool, used primarily for diving instruction, is a simple small rectangle located behind the water-sports pavilion on the far north side of the grounds.  Additionally, there's a hot tub set in a secluded garden area.

Typical of any all-inclusive resort is the variety of dining options. Couples Negril does a great job of providing diversity when it comes to dining, with Mediterranean, Asian-fusion, and Jamaican restaurants, as well as the obligatory beach cafe and buffet restaurant. Reservations are only required at Otaheite, an upscale restaurant serving authentic Caribbean cuisine. The poolside Veggie Bar serves healthy fare such as smoothies and juices. A weekly beach party also takes place on the sand, and features a Steel Pan band. Overall, the food is acceptable, but not outstanding. A nice perk, however, is that all rooms include room-delivered breakfast.Five bars on-site include a swim-up option, Beach Bar, Nude Beach Bar, and Piano Bar. Premium liquors are included in the all-inclusive package.

Throughout the resort’s grounds are several serene ponds for contemplative reflection. One of these is the site of Couples Negril’s spa, which offers a multitude of wellness therapies, and includes a salon and a tree house treatment room. Spas at Couples Swept Away and Couples Tower Isle are more impressive in terms of design and amenities, however, so spa buffs might consider one of the chain’s sister properties instead.A decently equipped fitness center houses cardio machines, free weights, dumbbells, and mats, as well as an aerobics studio in which yoga and other classes are taught. Tennis courts include free clinics and tournaments, and free classes include yoga, Zumba, and couples massage classes. Free unlimited golf is available at Negril Hills Country Club, but clubs and caddies must be purchased at an additional cost. A big perk here are the various excursions and water-based activities included in the room rate. All the typical non-motorized water sports, as well as scuba diving, catamaran cruising, and glass-bottom boat tours are free.Steel Pan bands, reggae dance classes, and cheesy cover bands just about cover Couples Negril's entertainment offerings. The limited offering may be deliberate, though, considering the resort is trying to promote a romantic atmosphere.The resort offers a number of wedding packages that include a personal wedding planner, designer wedding cake, floral arrangements, and photographer, as well as practical elements such as a marriage certificate and officiant. Similar to Sandals properties, Couples Negril churns out wedding ceremonies, often having a few in one day. 

Couples Negril is one of the few resorts where all-inclusive quite nearly means all-inclusive. Beyond dining and drinking, virtually every activity and service is free, save for a few golfing fees, wedding and honeymoon packages, private dining packages, and spa treatments. Additionally, alcohol is not restricted to the weak stuff -- top-shelf liquor is part of the all-inclusive rate.All-inclusive rates cover:Premium top-shelf liquorAll meals and snacksWater sports (including scuba diving)Excursions, including glass-bottom boat tours and catamaran cruisesFitness classes and tennis lessonsNightly entertainmentFree unlimited golf at Negril Hills Country Club (caddies and clubs not included)