In the race for all-inclusive superiority, resorts across the Caribbean have been in hot competition to offer the most for vacationer value. But in Jamaica, the home of the concept, one brand has been quietly doing the utmost for their guests, with inclusions that extend significantly past the norm.
At Couples Resorts, laid-back luxury and available amenities without the stress of any extra charges creates an environment that encourages sparkling connection and sizzling reconnection. With an eye on romance, moments there are comprised of one perfect date activity after another. Curated experiences at no added cost means incredible memories are only a “yes, let’s do that!” away.
Here are some of the extra inclusions that set the bar for couples in the know, and some of the special features you can only get at Couples Sans Souci, Couples Tower Isle, Couples Negril, and Couples Swept Away.
Unlimited Water Sports … Yes, Even Scuba Diving!
You read that right – PADI-certified guests at any Couples Resort are able to scuba to their heart’s content in the clear Caribbean waters off the coast of Jamaica so long as they remember to bring their diver certification cards. All daily dives provide transportation or guided access to the reef. No cert? No problem! Once they complete the medical questionnaire that ensures that they can safely learn this skill, they can sign up for an on-resort course and introductory dive.
Scuba diving isn’t the only motorized water sport that’s part of the stay. Waterskiing and windsurfing are also included, as well as snorkeling. Plus, those who stay over three nights at any resort other than Couples Sans Souci are able to embark on a catamaran cruise that allows for opportunities to dive off the hull as well, with departures scheduled four times per week! And glass bottom boat tours are held regularly.
On top of that, there’s Hobie Cat sailing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding if they’d rather get in the water by their own power. All the gear is up for grabs for as many sessions as they like.
Pro-tip: For those who want to build on their scuba skills, a long list of PADI programs are offered at additional cost for specialty certifications such as underwater videography or photography, cave or wreck diving, night diving, and even rescue, public safety, and other types of practical diving.
Included Spa Treatments
Once again, your eyes do not deceive you. New to the brand and available exclusively at Couples Tower Isle and Couples Sans Souci, unlimited included spa treatments – even gratuities! – are on deck for guests who book the spa villas at either property.
Each of these private villas are built with sun terraces and plunge pools for additional moments of relaxation in the hours between those priority appointments, and included private airport transfers and in-villa check-in to get guests to their first one with plenty of time. At Tower Isle, Signature and Oasis categories are offered, the former a 639-square-foot accommodation with a separate living room and the latter a cozier version of the same. Sans Souci has the Hibiscus Oasis Spa Villa, a contemporary and expansive option with a living area, open spa room, cliff’s edge outdoor shower, oceanfront infinity pool, a gourmet private dinner by one of the resort’s chefs, and access to Club MoBay when they depart.
The treatment menu is expansive as well. Various types of massage therapies and signature combinations, facials, scrubs, and wraps mean more choices than you could squeeze into a day and out of those sore muscles. For instance, a four-layer facial, CBD deep release massage, and bamboo stick massage. And don’t underestimate the value of a Sunburn Recovery Treatment after a day out!
Pro-tip: This category requires bookings of at least five nights, so you’ll have plenty of time to try out a good measure of the wellness techniques!
More to Do on Land
Unlimited golf is hard to come by, but at Couples Swept Away and Couples Negril, guests can add as many rounds as they can feasibly play during their stay. Robert Simmons-designed Negril Hills Golf Course and Upton Golf & Country Club by PK Saunders host these guests happily. All you have to pay for are cart and caddy fees, or any rentals you might need, from clubs to shoes.
A free party bus and tickets to Margaritaville and transportation to the sunset bar on Negril’s West End (food and drinks not included) are guest perks as well. During the day, take advantage of the shopping tours that guide you through a local craft market for wood carvings, locally block-printed fabrics, and duty-free stops for spirits, perfumes, and luxury goods.
Meanwhile, right on site, included recreation includes dance classes, guided morning nature walks, tournaments, indoor racquetball, tennis, a fully equipped fitness center (try instructed meditation, yoga, kickboxing, or Pilates!), and other trendy and classic activities.
Gratis Gratuities
While many all-inclusive resorts used to purport to including tips, tipping culture has pervaded these properties so much that there’s been a return of a quiet expectation for gratuities for bar, restaurant, transfers, excursions, and other services. But at Couples Resorts, it really is included and you can simply leave your wallet in your room safe.
Take advantage of the Beach Bar’s flag service at Couple Sans Souci, where you can stick a flag in the sand to indicate a need for a refill and order what you like at the iconic Balloon Piano Bar and special martini bar. Get on the boat from Couples Tower Isle to the au naturel island, where a swim-up bar and internal pool tavern add to the novelty, drink martinis on the roof Sundays and Thursdays. Sip and sing along at the piano bar there or at Couples Negril. Aura Bar at Couples Swept Away has a resident band that plays nearly every night, too. Choose from premium and local beer (try famous Jamaican Red Stripe!), wine, and spirits, or from the robust cocktail menus.
Tip-free restaurants serving up everything from local Jamaican specialties, regional Caribbean cuisine, and globally inspired dining also make carte blanche your dining ace. Thai, Asian Fusion, Mediterranean, Italian, and American all number among the options. For those who want a night in or to have breakfast in bed, 24-hour room service is also included with no gratuities necessary.
Plus, there’s no need to even tip your scuba guide, Fit Bodies fitness instructors, and the like. In fact, there is a no tipping policy on the properties to ensure equitable and excellent service across the board. The only folks you may extend gratuities for would be for off-resort services such as golf caddies or contractors such as spa technicians.
You’re Invited to the Parties
Managers cocktail parties, wine tasting parties from the Chairman’s wine list, lobster nights from July to March to celebrate the crustacean’s season, beach parties … there’s a reason to celebrate nearly every night of one’s stay at Couples Resorts.
At Couples Sans Souci, don’t miss the Caribbean Festival Night on Tuesdays one the lawn at Couple Sans Souci’s main lawn and the after-party jam on the au naturel beach. The beach bonfires at Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away is another must, along with the former’s Friday chocolate sunset toast.
Repeat guests are issued an exclusive invitation sent directly to their rooms for the weekly dinner welcoming them back, and at select properties, honeymooners are encouraged to meet and mingle at their own special gatherings.
