For my Spring Break this year, I had suggested a week cruise with a beverage package on either Celebrity or Princess, but the hubs wanted to do something we hadn't done in long time - an all-inclusive resort. We also had not been to Jamaica in about 10 years. I agreed. After much research, I chose Couples Negril for their inclusions and great reviews. We spent 5 amazing days there and met some really fantastic people! Here is the write-up:
Transportation
We used points on Southwest to fly direct from Orlando to Montego Bay. We made it, but it was a clusterfuck of epic porportions. Here are the things we learned the hard way when flying Southwest internationally:
It had been 10 years since we first dove, so we did a refresher SCUBA course in the pool first - $50pp and so worth it! It's much cheaper than what you would pay here. All daytime dives are included at no extra cost. You can dive twice per day. The dive boat is in really nice condition and all the SCUBA equipment is included and well-cared for. You could go there with none of your own gear and be just fine.
If SCUBA isn't your thing, they offer snorkel trips, sailing lessons, waterskiing/wakeboarding, and kayaks. The ski boat looks fairly new and will pull you out of the water quickly - good amount of power.
Other options include trips off property to Margaritaville, shopping, the sister resort, and to the cliffs. There is a sunset catamaran cruise that is 2.5-3 hours and is stocked with rum punch, Red Stripe, and some liquor and mixers. Definitely a good time, and it leaves right from the beach.
Summary
Amazing staff, uncrowded environment, lots to do, tasty food and drinks, and truly ALL-INCLUSIVE. No tipping allowed, and 90% of the activities are free. There are fees for night dives and snorkel trips, Highly recommend this place!
Transportation
We used points on Southwest to fly direct from Orlando to Montego Bay. We made it, but it was a clusterfuck of epic porportions. Here are the things we learned the hard way when flying Southwest internationally:
- CALL well ahead of the check-in time to make sure that the passport information for ALL members in your party is correct and complete. Their website will NOT help with this part beforehand.
- Addendum to the first bullet: make sure the information is good for BOTH ways. Seriously, you'd think it would be automatic, but don't assume that.
- TSA Pre-check/Global Entry privileges do NOT apply to international flights on Southwest. Get to the airport earlier than normal.
Couples Negril has a shuttle bus that will take you to your resort. It's about a 1hr 15min drive from Montego Bay assuming good traffic flow.
Resort - Couples Negril
Property
Great wifi in most areas of the property.
We were in room 2104 (Building 2, 1st floor), and it is in a great location. Quiet but very close to everything - restaurants, gym, pool, beach, water sports area, etc. The whole resort property isn't very big, but I loved our location! The room was clean, good A/C, and serviced twice daily. They will stock the minibar with whatever you want, and you are given two re-usable Couples water bottles on the first day that you can fill up anywhere that has water and ice. Every room has a patio or balcony.
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| Room 2104 |
The propery is well-taken care of and feels like a home away from home.
The only dressy clothes you will need are for the reservation-only restaurant. Other than that, everything is very casual.
On the beach, each of the chaise lounges have a floating mat that you can take out into the water.
On the beach, each of the chaise lounges have a floating mat that you can take out into the water.
Food
There are four restaurants on property, one of which is a reservations-only. No matter where you eat, all the food is fantastic. Especially at dinners, there is a lot of attention to detail on presentation. The wait staff are awesome!
Activities
It had been 10 years since we first dove, so we did a refresher SCUBA course in the pool first - $50pp and so worth it! It's much cheaper than what you would pay here. All daytime dives are included at no extra cost. You can dive twice per day. The dive boat is in really nice condition and all the SCUBA equipment is included and well-cared for. You could go there with none of your own gear and be just fine.
If SCUBA isn't your thing, they offer snorkel trips, sailing lessons, waterskiing/wakeboarding, and kayaks. The ski boat looks fairly new and will pull you out of the water quickly - good amount of power.
Other options include trips off property to Margaritaville, shopping, the sister resort, and to the cliffs. There is a sunset catamaran cruise that is 2.5-3 hours and is stocked with rum punch, Red Stripe, and some liquor and mixers. Definitely a good time, and it leaves right from the beach.
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| View from inside the cavern - Sunset Sail |
Summary
Amazing staff, uncrowded environment, lots to do, tasty food and drinks, and truly ALL-INCLUSIVE. No tipping allowed, and 90% of the activities are free. There are fees for night dives and snorkel trips, Highly recommend this place!
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| Negril - known for its amazing sunsets |
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