My husband and I recently escaped to Jamaica for a relaxing stay at Couples Negril. It had been a few years since my last visit to the island, and I was excited to return to one of my favorite Caribbean destinations. Jamaica is ready to welcome visitors with open arms and its signature warmth and hospitality. From the moment we arrived, we were reminded why so many travelers return again and again. The destination overall did not disappoint, and Couples Negril provided the perfect setting for us to unwind together.
When I was a travel advisor, I visited all four Couples Resorts for site inspections and often recommended them to my clients, who always returned with rave reviews, and many became repeat guests. However, I had never actually stayed at Couples for a vacation, so I was excited to finally make it happen!
The Vibe
Couples Negril has a casual, relaxed atmosphere that immediately put me at ease. Nothing felt overly formal or pretentious. Instead, the resort embraced an authentically Jamaican spirit with friendly staff, local character and a laid-back energy that encouraged guests to slow down and enjoy themselves. Everywhere we went, there was a comfortable "no worries, mon" attitude that made it easy to settle into vacation mode. Whether we were enjoying the pristine white sand beach with crystal clear blue waters, walking through the lush gardens or simply soaking up the sunshine, the resort felt welcoming and unhurried.
How I Felt
I felt relaxed and carefree throughout our stay. Life at home can get hectic, especially as summer draws to a close and everyone's schedules begin filling up again. This trip gave us the chance to reconnect, enjoy each other's company and take a breather before the craziness of back-to-school activities and routines returned. Jamaica has a way of helping you leave your worries behind, and Couples Negril captured that feeling perfectly.
The Digs
We stayed in a Garden Suite, which I found to be bright, spacious and comfortable. The room had an airy feel with plenty of natural light, making it a pleasant retreat between beach and pool time. One of my favorite features was the oversized bathroom, which included both a walk-in shower and a soaking tub. The balcony was another highlight, especially the hammock where I spent more than a little time relaxing with a book and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
The Agenda
Most of our time was spent doing exactly what we had intended to do: chilling out. We enjoyed slowing down, spending time together and taking advantage of a quieter pace before returning home. The immaculate beach made it easy to want to do nothing but relax and read a book, enjoy a refreshing dip in the water and then relax some more! We also really enjoyed Negril’s dramatic sunsets!
Of course, we also managed to fit in a little adventure with Couples’ complimentary scuba diving lessons during our stay. While I absolutely love the ocean, I quickly realized that I much prefer being on the surface of it than underneath it! I'm glad I gave it a try, but I think I'll stick to swimming, snorkeling and enjoying the views from above the water in the future.
The Eats
Couples Negril offers six restaurants, giving guests plenty of variety throughout their stay. I especially appreciated the emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. The catch of the day was consistently excellent, and I enjoyed the abundance of locally grown fruits and vegetables incorporated into the menus.
One of the highlights of our trip was traveling during lobster season. We enjoyed perfectly prepared Caribbean lobster tails that were fresh, flavorful and absolutely delicious. Every meal felt relaxed and enjoyable, which fit perfectly with the overall atmosphere of the resort.
Why I Would Go Back
I would happily return to Couples Negril or any of the four Couples Resorts in Jamaica for another casual escape from everyday life with my husband. The combination of warm Jamaican hospitality, a beautiful beachfront setting and a laid-back atmosphere made for an easy and enjoyable vacation.
During this trip, I had a wonderful massage in one of the property's temporary treatment rooms while spa renovations were underway. As someone who loves a good spa day, I'd be excited to return once the renovations are complete to experience the full spa offering.
I'd also love to experience Couples Sans Souci or Couples Tower Isle in the future, particularly because of their Oasis Spa Villas and the unlimited spa inclusions available to guests. That sounds like the perfect excuse for another Jamaican getaway!
Carey Driscoll
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