Gal on the Go: Couples Resorts in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Whew! It’s been a busy day doing site inspections at two adults-only resorts on Jamaica: Couples Tower Isle, which recently reopened after a phenomenal $30 million renovation, and Couples Sans Souci down the road, which is a property that dates back to the 1960s, but only joined the Couples family a couple years ago. Now that I’ve seen and experienced all four adults-only Couples Resorts on Jamaica, I’ve got a great feel for how these properties are similar and different.

All four resorts offer incredible value. Some all-inclusive resorts aren’t really “all” inclusive, and charge extra for specialty restaurants, activities, Internet access (!), airport transfers and off-site excursions. At all four Couples Resorts, the above is all included in your room rate, PLUS there is a strict no-tipping policy on property (except for spa services). Depending on the resort, nifty off-property excursions that are covered in the price of your vacation might include horseback riding, catamaran cruise, Dunn’s River Falls or scuba diving. That’s absolutely unheard of among other all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico.

The two resorts in Ocho Rios, where I am now, are different from the two resorts in Negril in that they do not sit on a marvelous long stretch of beach. The beachfront at Tower Isle and Sans Souci is quite small compared to that of Swept Away and Negril, and they feel very isolated. If you like romantic walks on the beach, and appreciate some local color provided by small beach bars and craft vendors as you venture away from the resort, you’ll want to head over to Negril, on the far west section of the island.

Vintage brochure as room decor at Couples Tower Isle.

What I do like about Tower Isle is the marvelous history here: it actually opened back in 1949 and soon became a “Hollywood Hangout” among the movie-star elite. The Piano Bar features marvelous old images of Ava Gardner, Errol Flynn, Lena Horne and others enjoying their tropical vacations here. Back then it was known as Tower Isle Hotel. In the 1970′s it was branded as Couples Ocho Rios, and after closing for 11 months and undergoing a total renovation, it reopened last April with a name change to reflect its roots: Couples Tower Isle. Now the room and public-space decor is modern and sleek; the lobby has a definitely art deco, chic Miami-like vibe.

Sans Souci, on the other hand, began as a 1960′s luxury apartment complex. The oldest buildings are set on a high bluff of land — some of the doors that lead to the property’s 150 suites still have mailbox slots and brass door knockers. One notable feature is the multiple gazebo spa treatment rooms built into the cliff facing the ocean. (I’ll take a soundtrack of ocean waves over Enya anyday.)

Other things I like about Sans Souci: since every room is a suite, you have a separate bedroom and living area; this is nice for spreading out even when it’s just the two of you. Also, every suite has a  mini bar (whereas Tower Isle has none as of now; I’m told they may add them in the future). Rooms are quaint with striped bedding and dark-wood furnishings. While it exudes cottage charm, Sans Souci has a definite sophisticated, classy Old World feel, especially with its decades-old stone work found around the property and the winding paths that lead down to a crescent-shaped beach. When I toured the resort, I felt as though I might be at a hotel in the French Riviera.

Here are just a few favorite photos from the last 24 hours:

Palm trees and lush vegetation abound at Couples Sans Souci, Ocho Rios.

Lovely view from a private, cliff-hugging gazebo used for spa treatments at Couples Sans Souci.

Buildings sit on a high bluff above the ocean at Couples Sans Souci; take the elevator down to the beach if you don't want to walk.

Find fresh fruit -- and healthy snacks -- at the awesome "veggie bar" at Couples Tower Isle.

Praying monk sets the scene for serenity at the sleek Couples Tower Isle spa.

Take a short boat ride to this island a few hundred yards offshore Couples Tower Isle, but be prepared to take your clothes off: it's strictly au naturel over there.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of the Jamaica Couples Resorts to adults who want to escape kid-free to a lovely tropical locale for their vacation. The service, food and grounds are top notch. Each is absolutely romantic in its own unique way.

The price points don’t differ too much among resorts, so if you’re having trouble deciding which to book, definitely check out the Couples.com Message Board, where fans and seasoned guests of the properties chime in with their recommendations as “newbies” ask questions. It’s a great resource. Of course, I’m also happy to offer my opinion, too — just ask me in the comments below.