0207 749 9285
- What documents do I need to enter Jamaica?
- How do I get through Customs, collect my baggage and get to Couples Resort?
- How we will get from the airport to Couples Resorts and how long is the drive?
- What do I need to do to check in and check out of a Couples Resort?
- What are the check-in and check-out time for Couples Resorts?
- What is online pre check-in?
- Do you offer Special Needs Transfers?
- Do you offer private car transfers?
AMENITIES - SERVICES – FACILITIES
- What electrical current is used in Jamaica?
- Does each room have an iron, ironing board and hair dryer?
- What kinds of toiletries are provided?
- Is there secure place to keep valuables?
- Do the resorts have a laundry & dry cleaning service?
- Is there internet access?
- Can we get major US stations on the TV?
- Can we suntan in the buff and do you have to be totally nude?
- Is topless allowed?
- What kind of sun protections do we need?
- What should we pack?
- What is the dress code?
- Should we bring towels and floats?
- Should we bring large insulated mugs?
- Do you offer room service?
- What are restaurants hours?
- What kinds of alcohol beverages are included?
- Can you book restaurants in advance?
- What is a private dinner and how can I book it?
- Is there secure place to keep valuables?
- How much money should we bring?
- What currency should we use?
- Is there a departure tax?
- Can we use traveler checks? Where do we exchange them?
- Does the Resort charge a deposit to a credit card upon check-in?
- Which credit card does Resorts accept?
- Is there an ATM machine?
- Does Couples Resorts accept singles?
- What is Couples Resorts Hurricane policy?
- What is your late arrival / no show policy?
- I booked with Couples Resorts – what is your deposit and cancellation policy?
- What is tipping policy?
- Do you offer day passes for friends staying in the area?
- Can I visit other Couples Resorts? (Trading Places program)
- What kind of daily Activities are there?
- What golf courses Couples Resorts have available for its guests? Are there any fees?
- What kind of water sports are included?
- Is Scuba diving included?
- Are there tours available off-site?
- Does Couples Resorts have gym facilities?
- Can you go horseback riding?
- Can you swim with the Dolphins?
- Are there medical facilities on property?
- Do I need vaccines?
- Can I drink water?
- What if I have food allergies?
- Do you offer medical / travel insurance?
- Are you able to accommodate special dietary needs?
- Can we call home?
- What are the direct address / phone number for the Resorts?
- What time zone is Jamaica in?
COUPLES RESORTS LOYALTY PROGRAM
To enter Jamaica a valid passport is required.
Citizens of UK do not require a visa to visit Jamaica.
Other nationalities please contact your local Jamaican Embassy or Consulate or Jamaica Tourism Board office or www.visitjamaica.com to verify correct documentation needed.
Your flight attendants will provide you with a short Immigration and Custom form that you will need to fill out (also available once landed in Jamaica).
After disembarking proceed to the Immigration Hall. You will need to present required entry documents along with completed Immigration and Customs form. Immigration agent will separate the form in two and will give both parts back to you: keep the smaller stub (you will need it when departing Jamaica) and you will remit the second part to the custom officer after you collect your luggage.
Go downstairs and pick-up your luggage.
Provided you are only bringing in personal items for your vacation in Jamaica, proceed to Customs counter marked “nothing to declare”. Remit your Custom Declaration form.
After you exit customs go to Couples Resorts Lounge (turn left and go straight to the end of the hallway). A Couples Resorts representative will be waiting for you.
Please enjoy a cold Red Stripe beer/water while waiting for other passengers to clear Immigration and Customs. Your shuttle will depart shortly.
Couples Resorts provides complimentary shuttle from / to Montego Bay (Sangster International) airport.
Your Couples Resorts representative will escort you to the parking lot. It is customary that an airport porter will bring your luggage to the bus. The porter is not a Couples Resorts employee. A USD$1 tip per bag is customary. [Please Note: Couples Resorts has a no tipping policy. Acceptance of tips by staff is not allowed or expected].
The ride to Negril is non-stop and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The ride to Ocho Rios is about 2 hours long, with one stop (rest rooms/drinks/food).
Your driver is not a Couples Resorts employee, tipping is permitted
Upon your arrival you will be welcomed with cold beverage and dampened face cloth. Couples Resorts requires an imprint of your credit card and a “hold” of USD$300 for incidentals and to supply a room safe box key deposit. [Each room at Couples is provided with a small built in safe]
You will also be asked to fill out a form with your returning flight information. The day before departure Couples Resorts will reconfirm your flight and will arrange your bus transfer to the Montego Bay [MBJ] airport. The shuttle departure time will be left in your room your last day or evening at the Resort.
When you have completed your registration, you will receive your keys and a Couples Bellman will move your luggage to your room.
Check in 4 pm.
Check out 12 pm (noon).
You maybe able to get into your room earlier if your room is ready. Have your swimwear and cover-ups easily accessible. This way if you want you can change in the bathroom or if available, hospitality room and go to the beach and/or pool.
Do you offer Special Needs Transfers?
We can make special arrangements to hire a wheelchair accessible van. Depending on the available vehicle, one way transfer to Negril is approximately $150 and one way transfer to Ocho Rios is approximately $180. The precise fee will be confirmed at the time of the request and guest will be required to pay the resort upon arrival. Please contact the reservations department on 020 7749 9285.
Do you offer private car transfers?
We can arrange a private transfer for you from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay to any of our resorts.
- Cost to CSS or CTI = $110 each way per couple.
- Cost to CSA or CNG = $90 each way per couple.
- Transfers from Kingston International Airport will be more expensive and will need to be quoted at the time of request.
As an all-inclusive resort, everything is taken care of in your overall package, including all meals, snacks, premium brand cocktails and beverages (including the mini-bar selection if one provided in your room accommodation) unlimited use of sports facilities, including equipment rental and instruction, waterskiing, recreational activities, hotel taxes and airport transfers from Montego Bay [MBJ] with no tipping of Couples staff allowed. No hidden surprises.
Its 110 volts, 50 cycles – US & Canadian electrical devices will work, UK guests will need an adaptor.
Yes, all rooms are equipped with an iron, ironing board and hair dryer.
Shampoo/conditioner, bath gel, soap, aloe gel and moisturizer are provided and are automatically replenished when needed.
Every room and suite has a free in-room safe deposit. We advise guests to place cash, jewelry, travel documents and any other valuable items in this secure place.
Yes, the resorts have an outside laundry service available Monday through Friday. It is a two business day service. The cost varies by article. Most items are $1.75 to $3.75 – detailed pricing can be found in your room (additional fee for rush orders). There is no “coin Laundromat”.
Yes. Each Resort has internet café. There is no charge. We suggest that you limit your computer access to 15 minutes at a time if people are waiting. There is also free WiFi available in specific areas (ex. Lobby, some restaurants or by the pool). The coverage varies among resorts but its being expanded.
Yes. Hotels carry stations like ABC, CBS, NBC and ESPN.
(Please note that following suites at Couples Swept Away do not have TV: Garden Suite, Atrium Suite and Beachfront Suite – please refer to “accommodations” page for more details)
Couples Tower Isle has a private "Au Natural" island for just this. We will transport guests who wish to suntan au natural on a small boat to the island. The island has a bar and a small pool. The island is open for au natural sunbathing from 9am to 4pm. Days that Couples Tower Isle does not host on Isle wedding guest will be able to enjoy it until 5pm.
At Couples Negril there is a small semi-private area designated for au natural sunbathing on the main beach. There is a Jacuzzi and self-serve bar.
Couples Sans Souci has a small bay (called Sunset Beach) dedicated for au natural sunbathing. There is a pool, Jacuzzi, bar and grill. Please note that the Sunset Beach is open to all guests starting at 5:00pm for viewing the often spectacular sunsets.
Au natural sunbathing is not permitted at Couples Swept Away.
All au natural areas are NOT clothing optional – therefore no clothing is allowed.
Yes – topless sunbathing is allowed in designated areas at following resort:
Couples Tower Isle: topless sunbathing is permitted at the end of the pier off the main beach.
Couples Negril: topless sunbathing is allowed on the main beach.
Couples Swept Away: topless sunbathing is allowed on the main beach.
Topless is not allowed at or in any of our swimming pools.
The Caribbean sun can be very strong, so we recommend you bring plenty of protection (i.e.: sun block, sun glasses, hats & visors). However, if you forget we have these products available at our newsstands & gift shops.
You should pack lightweight cotton clothes due to the heat and humidity. In the evening resort casual or semi-formal clothes are required (see “what is the dress code” question). All other times normal summer and swimwear attire is appropriate.
If you plan to go horseback riding long pants are recommended. For golfing, typical golf club attire is required. Note: if you plan to go into town or tour the countryside it is not appropriate to wear only beach attire.
Pack a carry-on with a change of clothes, swim wear and cover-ups, your normal toiletries, any medication that you might be on. This way if the checked luggage gets lost or does not make a transfer you will at least have something to change into.
A waterproof disposable camera is suggested if you plan to parasail, snorkel, scuba dive, swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Cove, or go on the Catamaran cruise. Also bring additional memory card for your digital camera as you won’t be able to use Internet Café computer to download your images.
Bring your favorite beach read. Couples Resorts host small book exchange shelves where you can borrow something to read and you can leave your finished book for other guests to enjoy.
During the day normal summer and swimwear attire is appropriate.
Beach Grill:
Swimwear is permitted.
Breakfast and Lunch:
Swimwear must be dry and covered. No bare feet. Shorts / t-shirts / flip-flops are most common.
Evening:
Gourmet restaurants and repeat guest dinners: Semi-Formal – summer or cocktail dress and sandals, or skirt and nice top for women. Dress pants, khakis, shirts with sleeves and collar and dress shoes for men. Jacket not required. (Elegant dress sandals are allowed). Jeans, shorts, sneakers, flip flops are not permitted.
Other restaurants:
Resort Casual - shorts with a nice shirt/blouse and sandals are allowed.
No, Couples Resorts provide lounge chairs, cushions/floats and beach towels. There will be two beach towels in your room upon arrival. The towels can be exchanged every day for clean, dry ones at the beach or water sports hut. At the end of your stay you must turn your towels in and you will receive a receipt that you must show at checkout (or pay $15/towel!).
Drinks are to be served in glasses or cups provided by Couples Resorts (Management on October 12, 2004 restated this policy). The glasses at the bars are standard size that you would get in the States.
All four resorts offer continental breakfast in room. Just fill request card (located in your rooms’ information folder) and place it on the outside door knob the evening before.
Couples Sans Souci: full room service from 6am to 11pm.
Couples Negril: for guest staying in Garden Suites or Beachfront Suite special in-room dining menu is offered. Dinner can be served between 6:30pm and 9:00pm and must be ordered one day in advance.
Couples Resorts offers 24-hour food service. You can even enjoy a continental breakfast in bed or on your balcony. Meal hours are posted at each restaurant and beach grill will be open if the remaining restaurants are closed.
We serve beer, red and white house wine, various juices and almost any type of mixed drink. All Resorts have selection of top shelf spirits.
No you can not. Please contact guest relations upon arrival and they will assist you.
Private candle-lit dinner with a personal server is available for you and your loved one. You will have a choice of beach or garden setting. To reserve your private dinner, please ask upon arrival. The dinner is $150 per couple and availability is limited.
Every room and suite has an in-room safe deposit box. We advise guests to place cash, jewelry, travel documents and any other valuable items in this secure place.
Once you are at Couples Resorts, nearly everything is already included in the price you have paid.
Please budget for following non included items: Spa treatments, optional tours, gift shop and duty free items, phone calls, golf caddies (golf green fees and transfers are included), PADI certification or refresher course (introductory course and dive as well PADI certified members dives are included)
Official currency is Jamaican Dollar but US Dollar is largely used and actually recommended. All items will be priced in USD. If you use Jamaican Dollars some stores may “convert” the J$ to US$ at a premium (i.e. a service fee) so bring USD to avoid unnecessary conversion. Street vendors may not have required change so we suggest that you bring smaller bills.
Yes, currently it is 1,000 Jamaican dollars or 28.00 US dollars (subject to change without notice). Usually this departure tax is already included in your airline ticket or vacation package – please check with the airline or your travel agent. If it is not included, you will need cash to pay the departure tax at Montego Bay airport.
Yes. You can exchange them at the airport, banks, and some stores as well as at the Resort. Please note that you will be charged a transaction fee (usually it’s an additional percentage above the official exchange rate). At the Resorts your traveler’s checks will be exchanged to Jamaican Dollars.
When you check in, the front desk will place a $300 hold on your charge or debit card to cover incidentals (phone calls, gift shop and Spa charges). If you do not charge anything to your room then nothing is actually put onto your card. If you do not have either a charge or debit card, then you will have to provide $300 cash deposit. All hotels in the US do the same upon check in.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
Yes. There are ATMs at each resort. All cash will be in USD. There is $6US* ATM transaction free. *Fee may change at any time without notice
All rooms must be double occupancy unless traveling as part of a contracted group. In such event, single occupancy rooms are very limited and must be approved at the time of the booking.
Couples Resorts doesn’t offer refunds for late arrivals, early departure and no-shows. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
Deposit Due: £200 at the time of the booking unless stated otherwise at the time of booking.
Final payment: due 42 day’s prior arrival.
Couples Resorts has a strict NO TIPPING policy. Gratuities are already included in your room price and are distributed among all employees. Our staff is trained and required not to request, accept or expect tips since non-tipping is an essential part of the all-inclusive experience. Please do not think that you need to tip to get great service.
We sincerely appreciate your desire to reward our employees for their great service but ask that you please refrain from giving them monetary gifts. Acceptance of cash tips could cost staff to lose their jobs.
There are some situations where tipping may apply during your travels or where you may wish to express your gratitude.
• For Montego Bay airport luggage handlers, bus transfer drivers, and all off-site excursions (included and extras) tips are expected. However this does not include our Couples airport lounge staff.
• SPA and salon personnel – tipping is discretionary (not mandatory)
• Photographers are outside contracted services and tipping is at your discretion.
• Weddings: you can tip the minister but the tip is not expected. Wedding coordinators are Couples Resorts employees and tipping is not permitted.
• Couples Resorts supports many local charities, schools, orphanages and hospitals. You may wish to bring some gifts for them but you should declare them at the customs and you should be prepared to pay duties on those items.
• You may choose upon departure to leave some small gifts for staff at the check out desk or in your room; please include a memo stating that this is a gift if you do so.
• Do you want to really help staff members who have particularly impressed you? When departing please fill out our questionnaire where you will find a place to name your favorite employees. We highly regard these nominations when considering staff rewards and promotions.
Yes we do, however Couples Resorts limits the number of day passes sold. If you are planning to get married at the Resort please consult our Weddings & Honeymoons FAQ to learn more about it.
There are 4 types of passes.
Wedding Ceremony Only Pass – USD $50 per person
Half Day Pass [10:00 am - 6:00 pm] – USD $100 per person
Full Day Pass [10:00 am - 11:30 pm] – USD $200 per person
Evening Pass [6: pm – 1:00am] – USD $100 per person
Can I visit other Couples Resorts? (Trading Places program)
Romance Rewards members will now be offered the privilege of complimentary day passes to a nearby Couples Resort. We're calling the program "Trading Places".
In Negril, Trading Places is available between Couples SweptAway and Couples Negril.
In Ocho Rios, Trading Places is extended between Couples Sans Souci and the NEW Couples Tower Isle.
Here are the rules and conditions for the new Romance Rewards Trading Places:
1. Trading Places is restricted to Romance Rewards members only. Since it may take several days for new Romance Rewards member account to be activated, only Romance Rewards members who have an active account upon arrival at your resort are eligible.
2. Trading Places is limited to a maximum of 10 couples per day on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only.
3. Romance Rewards members must sign up for Trading Places with Guest Relations 24 hours in advance. The sign up is only available while you are on property. Romance Rewards members may only sign up for Trading Places once per stay.
4. Complimentary transfers from your resort to the nearby resort will depart at 9:45 am and will depart from the nearby resort back to your resort at 4:00 pm.
5. Should you decide to leave the nearby resort prior to 4:00 pm, transfer costs will be at your expense. If you miss the 4:00 pm transfer, the nearby resort reserves the right to charge the current day pass rate.
6. Activities at the nearby resort which require reservations such as excursions and scuba are not part of the day pass privilege. Spa facilities may be utilized subject to availability; however no coupons or credits from your resort may be used at the nearby resort.
Jamaica is safe as long as you use the same common sense that you would in your country. Just be aware of your surroundings. Couples Resorts employs security that guards the entry, beach access and patrols the grounds.
Each Resort offers short daily orientation. Also, upon check-in you will be given a handout about the resort activities and its schedule.
*may change at any time without notice
At Couples Resorts green fees and transfers are included. The day before, Guest Relations will issue your voucher. Bus departs around 8 am and 1 pm (please reconfirm). Please Note: In Jamaica caddies are mandatory and tipping is customary.
Couples Negril & Couples Swept Away:
Negril Hills Golf Course
The 18 hole par 72 course, measuring 6,333 yards, is distinguished by gently undulating fairways, elevated tees and greens, picturesque water hazards and lush tropical vegetation.
-Caddy is mandatory at $14 per caddy for 18 holes; $7 for 9 holes.
-Carts are optional at $35 per cart for 18 holes; $17.50 for 9 holes.
-Club Rental: $18 per set (all rentals available in ladies and gents, left & right handed)
Couples Tower Isle & Couples Sans Souci:
Sandals Golf & Country Club
Sandals Golf & Country Club in Oho Rios, Jamaica, is a formidable test characterized by narrow fairways and minuscule, drop-off greens. A par-71 18-hole layout measuring 6502 yards, it stretches out over a verdant, rolling landscape with sweeping views of sparkling sea and mountains cloaked in dense vegetation.
While there are no major forced carries and few fairways bunkers, precision is key; ten holes are flanked by out-of-bounds stakes. Particularly vexing is the unassuming-looking par-3 13th hole on the course, but it packs a wallop with its treacherously shallow green fronted by a steep slope and backed by a hidden bunker. .
- Caddies are mandatory
- US$17.00 per caddy for 18 holes walking
- US$12.00 per caddy for 9 holes walking
- US$25.00 per caddy for 18 holes on shared cart
- US$17.00 per caddy for 9 holes on a shared cart
- As caddies are not Sandals employees,
tips are accepted - Yamaha carts are optional
- US$40.00 per cart for 18 holes
- US$25.00 for 9 holes
- Nike Club rentals are available
- $45.00 for 18 holes or $30.00 for 9 holes
- All rentals available in ladies and gents, left and right handed
- Nike Shoe rentals: US$16.00 (includes free pair of socks)
Couples Resorts includes an array of water sports*:
Snorkeling: usually 2 departures per day. Sign-up required at the water sports hut. Masks and fins are provided. Complimentary lessons offered. Night Snorkeling is available for an additional charge ($35 per person) - check with the staff on when the next trip is going.
Glass bottom boat: daily. Sign-up required at the water sports hut.
Hobbies Cat sailing: offered daily 9am – 4pm. First come first serve. Complimentary lessons offered.
Windsurfing: offered daily 9am – 4pm. First come first serve. Complimentary lessons offered
Kayaking: offered daily 9am – 4pm. First come first serve. Complimentary lessons offered
Pedal Boats: offered daily 9am – 4pm. First come first serve. Complimentary lessons offered
*may change at any time without notice. Please consult activity sheet upon arrival.
Yes, scuba diving is included:
Certified Diver Program
Dives are offered Sunday through Friday, deep dive in the morning and shallow in the afternoon. On Saturday morning we offer a two tank dive and no afternoon dive. The dives and gear are included with the price of your stay. We offer Night Dives for an additional charge. Consider upgrading your certification while you are visiting by taking an Advanced Course for an additional charge. Certified divers can dive once per day.
Non-Certified Divers
For non-certified divers complimentary Resort course and one complimentary introductory dive is offered. Additional non-certified dives are $50 per person, subject to availability. The Resort Course is offered Monday through Friday at 9:00 am. Guests are asked to sign-up one day in advance. This is not a PADI certification course.
Open Water Referrals
Our PADI Instructors can continue and complete any portion of the Open Water Course you may have begun at home for an additional charge. Couples Swept Away and Couples Sans Souci now offer online theory PADI classes.
PADI certifications, Advanced and Specialty Dives, Full Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver and Dive Master Certifications available for an additional charge.
All Divers
Please Click Here to review the medical questionnaire for divers. You don’t need to provide this form if you don’t have any medical condition that may require doctors’ waiver. Otherwise you must get the appropriate waiver before arriving at the resort (the form must be stamped by the physician / medical facility. You must bring the original form– faxes and photocopies cannot be accepted).
The alternative is to visit a doctor in Jamaica to be cleared to dive. Expect the cost to be at least $100 if done in Jamaica.
Night Dive
Available at $50 per person. Minimum of 4 participants required.
Couples Resorts is the best value on the island and includes the widest array of off-site adventures.
Each Resort also hosts excursions desk where you can purchase additional tours.
For those who can’t skip a workout we have exercise facilities at all resorts.
Horseback riding is included at Couples Tower Isle – please consult guest relations to sign-up.
Remaining 3 resorts offer horseback riding as optional tour that you can book at excursions desk.
Dolphin Cove is located in Ocho Rios – few minutes drive from Couples Tower Isle and Couples Sans Souci. It is around (4) hour drive from Couples Swept Away and Couples Negril. You can purchase it at our excursions desks.
All Couples Resorts have a nurse’s office with regular office hours. However, should you need medical attention outside of these hours; we have a doctor on call 24-hours a day. You will be responsible for an additional charge if the doctor is called or if a prescription is needed.
Vaccines are not required to travel to Jamaica. Please contact your doctor for more information and recommendations.
Tap water is perfectly safe. Small bottled water is provided in rooms with mini-bars. You can purchase larger bottled water in sundries shops.
Please consult with our chef upon arrival. We are accustomed to servicing guests with seafood allergies, celiac disease / gluten free diet.
Our chefs are more than happy to prepare separate meals for guests with special dietary needs(e.g. celiac and other food allergies), however as there may be a challenge with the availability of certain food items in Jamaica, please contact us in advance to discuss your special requirements. Click here to consult us.
Yes. Our phone reception desk will assist you. There is $2 connection charge. Long distance fees vary depending on your call destination and will be charged to your room. You can also call using your credit card via services of an outside long distance provider (rates vary). Calling cards purchased outside of Jamaica will not work.
Couples Tower Isle
PO BOX 330 Tower Isle
St-Mary, Jamaica, WI
[876] 975-4271
Couples Sans Souci
PO BOX 103, Ocho Rios
St-Mary Jamaica, WI
[876] 994-1206
Couples Swept Away
PO BOX 3077
Norman Manley Blvd.
Westmoreland, Jamaica, WI
[876] 957-4061
Couples Negril
PO BOX 35
Norman Manley Blvd.
Hanover, Jamaica, WI
[876] 957-5960
Jamaica is on Eastern Standard Time 365 days a year. This means they do not turn their clocks back. Therefore, from the first Sunday in April until the last Sunday in October they are one hour behind EST, i.e. 9:00 am in New York means 8:00 am in Jamaica. The rest of the year Jamaica is on the same time as New York.
Jamaica has a tropical climate at sea level and a temperate climate towards the highlands of the interior. As a popular Jamaican poem says, “we have neither summer nor winter/neither autumn nor spring…” and it's true. Many Jamaicans characterize the seasons according to the fruits available at that time! Some of the most important ‘seasons’ are mango season (May to July), guinep season (July to late September) and cane crop season (late October to about January). Although there is little real variation in temperature year round, between December and April the weather is practically perfect for any activity every day. The average temperature ranges from 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) to 32 degrees Celsius (99 degrees Fahrenheit) all year. Will it rain during your holiday? If it does, don’t worry. Most times, the short tropical showers provide a welcome break from the afternoon heat – just look at it as liquid sunshine, not rain!
You may log onto weather related websites as closer to your travel date.
Absolutely! If you need to be rejuvenated, just call the spa and make an appointment for an array of massages, aromatherapy, facials, manicures, pedicures and much more. These services are available for a modest additional charge.
At Couples Resorts we know how meaningful your wedding day is to you. And we offer the perfect setting for you to live out your dreams – free of worry and hassle.
All information assumes US citizenship. Conditions may vary for other nationalities. Any references to time of day, day of week, availability of activity or cost of a particular item may be subject to change without notice. References to credit cards or debit cards are interchangeable. All facilities and amenities are subject to change without notice.