If “all inclusives” conjure up images of busyness, noise and crowds of people gobbling up food and guzzling down drinks, then you are not imagining Couples Sans Souci all- inclusive resort.  At the time of our arrival, Couples was at full capacity, yet the enormous 35-acre property absorbed the amount of guests so well, that it gave the impression of exclusivity.  The resort motto, “The all-inclusive refined, redefined” rings true.

When Couples says “all-inclusive” they mean all inclusive.  Once we landed at Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport, we were led to the Couples airport lounge, where we were able to “check in,” get complimentary drinks at the bar and use the private bathroom facilities to freshen up as we waited for our transfer to the hotel.  All our bags were taken care of, and in short order, we were on our way to the resort in a comfortable air-conditioned mini-bus.  Our driver made accommodations for us to stretch out and snooze, if we wanted to, during the easy 1 ½ hour drive to Ocho Rios.  The new highway is an exponential improvement over the old road that once existed.  The friendliness of our driver made the trip seem even shorter.  So if you’re balking at traveling to Ocho Rios because of the extra drive time there, don’t.  It is more than worth it.

     Travel tip (literally): Even though the transportation is included, the skycap that brings your luggage to the bus as well as the driver should be tipped, as they are not connected with the Couples resort.

​We arrived at Couples Sans Souci and were greeted by Michelle Gordon, sales team leader and escorted to the lobby where cool wash cloths, glasses of champagne and most importantly the infectious smiles and demeanor of the Couple’s staff awaited us.

We met General Manager Pierre Battaglia who was professional, gracious and informative as he gave us an overview of the property and its history as well as an enticing preview of what our vacation could be.

For as beautifully as the brochure and website descriptions are written, Mr. Battaglia added a personal and intimate flavor that “wet our whistle” and made us impatient to start our adventure at Couples Sans Souci.

The staff, in general, is as friendly and caring as can be and they really do, “engage your hearts and enrich your spirits.”
​
Just exploring the massive grounds is an adventure in itself and you can get a good idea of what the resort has to offer.  There are many stairs to climb, paths to meander and “nooks and crannies” for lovers to discover, including the only Couples resort which has a pool fed by curative mineral springs, dating back to the 1700’s.
​
The “featured” cabana for the Couples Resorts is the “Hide Away,” where we enjoyed our simultaneous couple’s massages.  They were “delicious” and eased us into the perfect frame of mind to enjoy the rest of our stay.  

​ Yet later we discovered an even more sense-evoking massage nook, “The Drift Away,” at a private cove at Caribbean Sea level, where you were soothed by waves on your left 

​ and cascading falls of Charlie’s Grotto on your right.  

​A feast for feeling and hearing.

​Although there are four pools to choose from, we liked the mineral pool best. It‘s adjacent to the spa and has a beautiful view on a bluff overlooking the sea. For a change of pace, you can easily scoot down to the ocean for a dip if you‘d like.

The mineral pool is also next to Charlie‘s Spa Veggie Bar, where you can get scrumptious, natural healthy drinks and hot-off-the-grill Panini sandwiches. This pool hosts the aqua fitness classes, which we took with Winston. He combined laughter with drive for a fabulous appetite-raising experience. Fellow-guests, who were professional personal trainers, A-rated the equipment in the fitness center next to the pool, where yoga and meditation classes are also offered. So you can pretty much have it all without leaving this area.

All-inclusive also encompasses a full range of water sports: windsurfing, Hobie Cat sailing, water- skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, sea-cycling, and scuba diving – all with equipment and instruction included.

If you want to go outside your intimacy and explore Ocho Rios, Couples Sans Souci provides inclusive multiple offsite excursions to view the local phenomena.

     Travel Tip: Planning a destination wedding? How’s this for all-inclusive? Wedding ceremony, cake, flowers and coordinators are free. Photography and government license fees do apply. Contact Gary D Travel at 516-300-9924, where all your wedding and romance packages can be arranged.

Unlimited tennis with instruction and golf are also included. Golf carts are optional, but caddies are mandatory at additional cost. But in our case, it was more than worth it and turned out to be a highlight of the trip. We lucked-out with a caddy extraordinaire, Ortigo Hinds. Not only did he caddy and provide wonderful and patient instruction but also found some ripe mangos and coconuts for us to eat along the way.

     Travel tip for golfers: If you plan on playing at the Upton/Sandals Golf Course, we would highly recommend calling ahead and requesting Ortigo for your caddy.
​
     Note: Free transfers from Couples to the golf course are designated at 8:15 or 1:15 with pickups accordingly. If you want to play at other times, it’s a short trip by cab that will cost you about $20 either way.

Food and drink is literally available 24/7 and Couples Sans Souci and Couples Tower Isle are the only Couples resorts that offer room service from 6 am to 11 pm. Each room comes with a fully stocked bar of domestic and international premium brand liquor, beer and soft drinks, which can be custom ordered to your taste.

There are four restaurants, each with its own character, ambience and menu:
​
The Palazzina is for breakfast lunch and dinner, and offers buffet or table service. The Bella Vista and Beach Grill are both beachfront and therefore, casual attire. Bella Vista serves Jamaican fare in a romantic torch and moonlit setting. Amazingly the Beach Grill offers grilled specialties from 11 pm to 6 in the morning. Lunch is from 12 to 5 pm.

The food at these three restaurants lived up to our expectations, both in quality and presentation.
Travel tip: Reservations are required for dinner at the Palazzina restaurant.
​
But the Casanova is another story.  We have had the good fortune to dine at the Cipriani Hotel on the isle of Giudecca, and Harry’s Bar, both in Venice and the Cipriani Restaurant in lower Manhattan.  Learning that the chefs at the Casanova were initially trained by Arrigo Cipriani, we were eager to partake of that tradition – and indeed we did. The Italian dishes were excellent and complemented the fusion of tropical Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine.  The up-scale Casanova adheres to a semi-formal dress code and gave us the opportunity to dress up for one another.  We dined at the intimate far corner table overlooking the pool with live entertainment and dancing below.  We never felt rushed by the staff so consequently, we were the last ones to leave.

     Travel Tip: Reservations for dinner at the Casanova can book quickly so plan your special night in advance. 
​
    For those who are sensitive or bothered by smoking, be aware that even though smoking is not permitted indoors at the resort, smoking is allowed elsewhere and you may encounter second-hand cigarette and cigar smoke at the beach, pool area, or when dining al fresco.

     The ultimate in romantic, intimate dining, is the private candle-lit dinner for two.  This can be set up on the beach or gazebo overlooking the ocean.  You can make arrangements through the Romance Concierge listed above.  There is an additional charge of $170 per couple.
               
Although all 150 suites have ocean views, accommodations vary by “blocks” and floors.  We had a one-bedroom oceanview room in block E.  Our only complaint was that the room had a musty smell.  As soon as we alerted the front desk about this issue, Michelle Gordon was on top of the situation and searched for other suitable accommodations.  Even though the resort was “at capacity,” she did find us an alternative, and during our massage, she had our room “treated.”  So when we got back, we had choices.  We decided to stay in our original room, since the problem was resolved satisfactorily.  When selecting rooms, if you want to be by the beach and pool, then you will be looking at blocks A and B, but for intimacy, we recommend block D “Dahlia.” 

     Travel Tip: We mentioned earlier about the amount of steep steps required to navigate the premises.  If you require an elevator, we recommend E, F or G blocks, which are closest to the one and only open, glass elevator.
The most extravagant accommodation is the Prime Minister Suite, however there are other penthouse suites in various blocks.

The most secluded accommodation is the Hibiscus Cottage. Check the website: http://couples.com/sans-souci/accommodations.php for details and rates then call Gary D Travel for extra-special rates.

Couples Sans Souci accommodates diversified couples with a grand palette of different appetites and tastes which explains why Couples Sans Souci has garnered the following awards:

            2011 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards – Ranked #2 Best Hotel Spa in the Caribbean and Ranked #56 of the Top 100 Hotels in the World and the #2 All Inclusive Hotel.
           
            2011 Trip Advisor Ranked #2 of 37 Hotels in Ocho Rios.
           
            2010 Travel + Leisure World's Best Service Award in the Caribbean
           
           2009 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards—Ranked #7 of Top 25 Resorts in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas.
 
We met many returning guests who agree that at Couples Sans Souci, wishes are fulfilled and dreams become reality.

We just spent five nights and six days at Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios.  Not since our honeymoon in Venice in 1976 have we actually cried upon leaving.  This should give some indication as to the intensity of intimacy Jamaica Inn provides.  You don’t just “stay” at Jamaica Inn, you experience it spiritually.

Our Jamaica Inn “journey” began in its alluring lobby with a warm “welcome home “ greeting from owner Eric Morrow, General Manager Mary Phillips, and the breathtaking, multi-colored Caribbean Sea framed by lush tropical landscape.  Eric, having grown up on the property and taken over the reins from his father, has intriguing details about the history of Jamaica Inn.  Mary is the perfect hostess, the type of person who, after only a few minutes in her company, makes you feel as if you have known her forever.
​
The lobby, which is pictured on the website, www.jamaicainn.com, was for us, one of the immediate selling points.  It drew us – wanting to experience it live, and unlike many other “brochure-type” photos, it was more magnificent in person.  This entrance sets the tone for the entire resort – a natural, inviting, quiet elegance. 

One may think of an “Inn” as quaint and rustic, but Jamaica Inn is far from that. The simplicity of its name is deceiving. Confident of its identity, for over half a century Jamaica Inn hasn’t needed to hyperbolize or aggrandize its name with descriptors like “Royal,” “Palace,” “Grand,” “Excelsior,” “Majestic,” et al. It knows what it’s about, as do its discerning guests, many of whom have been returning for decades.

Jamaica Inn’s high style and sense of decorum have attracted many notables including Noel Coward, Joan Collins, T.S. Elliot, Princess Margaret, former Prime Minister John Marsh, Winston Churchill, and Marilyn Monroe with Arthur Miller on their honeymoon (pictured below).

It speaks well of Jamaica Inn that some of its staff have been serving loyally and energetically long enough to actually recall having served and engaged these famous guests.  Teddy, the singing bar tender, for instance, has been at Jamaica Inn for fifty-three years, riding his bicycle to work and still going strong.  

All the ambience and rich history in the world, however, cannot take the place of excellent accommodations and cuisine, both of which are first class at Jamaica Inn.  Every room is pristine and has been thoughtfully and elegantly appointed.  We have stayed in penthouses, presidential suites, European palaces and castles, yet in terms of intimacy, none, so far can compare with the ultimate White Suite - Churchill Suite (“room” 21).  It is the “be all, end all” of any accommodation we have stayed in thus far – period.  You can look at pictures and read descriptions, but nothing will prepare you for this villaesque playground for intimacy.  

​French Doors lead to expansive living quarters with an intricately carved wooden four-poster bed. 

​ Exotic orchids and floral arrangements abound, created by a sweet and creative lady named Winsome.  A walk-in closet, sofa, loveseat, 1940’s vanity, library, and a colonial desk with seemingly anachronous 21st century WI-FI, complete the room’s furnishings. 

​There’s even a fancy chess set on a wooden pedestal in case you want to try your hand at checkmating your soul mate.

Odd, we never did get around to checking – just mating.  

​The newly remodeled dual-sink bathroom is adorned with small crystal chandeliers, a fancy old-fashioned footed bathtub and separate shower.  But the amazing part is when you open the three sets of double-shutters, the Caribbean Sea suddenly becomes part of the room.  Bathing and showering with this live marine mural promotes almost involuntary sighs of contentment.

​Adjacent to the bathroom, another set of double doors leads out onto an enormous ceramic-tiled wrap-around terrace with the Caribbean Sea “right there,” practically at eye-level.  It’s the perfect place for the outdoor breakfast table for two along with a coffee/tea corner and mini refrigerator to store your champagne. 

​Adjacent to the bathroom, another set of double doors leads out onto an enormous ceramic-tiled wrap-around terrace with the Caribbean Sea “right there,” practically at eye-level.  It’s the perfect place for the outdoor breakfast table for two along with a coffee/tea corner and mini refrigerator to store your champagne. 

​ Don’t miss the opportunity of also taking a dip on a balmy Jamaican night.

Mr. Henry cared for the surrounding tropical garden whose centerpiece is a more than two century old fig tree, which is romantically illuminated at night.
A few steps, down a short ramp, your private stairway awaits to bathing in the crystal clear water of the Caribbean Sea.  Buoys mark the protected swimming area and complimentary snorkeling gear is available for perusing sea life by the coral ree

After a nice cool swim in the ocean, you may want to dry off and sun at your very own private “point lookout” promontory with double chaise lounge, some 25 steps away along a path just past a hammock and tree-shaded chaise lounges.  

This spot (which you will quickly name “our spot”) is the epitome of intimacy, and we returned there often to view the magnificent 

                             sunrises                              and                            sunsets

​ Make sure you set aside one night here for a romantic torch-lit dinner, impeccably served by your private wait staff.

​All in all, the entire feel of the White Suite accommodation is that of an Italian villa with a vista of its northern lakes or Gulf of Sorrento.  

​But if you can tear yourself away from your suite, perhaps while the expert housecleaning team spruces it up, you can enjoy something the northern lakes and Sorrento don’t have – an absolutely perfect exclusively Jamaica Inn beach.  No stones, no pebbles, no seaweed, no mucky bottom, and no crowds – all with a temperature-perfect clear, clean, sandy-bottom sea.  It just doesn’t get any better than this.

​Who needs food when you can live on love?  We all do and in fact, living on love can make you mighty hungry.  Breakfasts were sumptuous (not a buffet, but prepared to order) and the five-course dinners delectable, so we strongly recommend the MAP plan the Inn offers.  We ordered an intricate breakfast for delivery to our room and it came on time and precisely as ordered. 

Every meal at Jamaica Inn was first-rate, as was the service.  The “catch of the day” and the lobster tails on Lobster Night (Saturday) were outstanding. 

     Travel Tip: Jamaican seasoning can be spicy, so make sure to tell your waiter exactly how you would like your entrée prepared.
​
If you are like us, always “worried” if you are going to snatch that romantic table in the corner, don’t be.  The corner table for breakfast and another at dinner is already reserved for White Suite guests.

Weather permitting, which luckily in our case it always was, meals are served al fresco under the moonlight.  The indoor dining area is a chic and artistic all-glass enclosed alternative.
​
Kudos to chef Derrick Mullings, who incidentally, took time out to discuss menu options prior to our private torch-lit dinner.

Somehow, we never made it to lunch, but did partake of the complimentary “Tea” and delicate finger sandwiches elegantly served on the terrace daily from 4:00-5:00.  Of course you can opt for the amazing “Blue Mountain” Jamaican coffee instead of tea if you prefer.
​
The main bar is tended by Derrick Walker who can serve up just about any drink imaginable.  The room also boasts a grand piano, which Noel Coward played on many occasions while visiting and entertaining Jamaica Inn guests.  We were able to reminisce while playing our favorite songs on this fine instrument.

Although we were staying at the White Suite, Nicole Henry, Director of Sales graciously escorted us to view the other accommodations available.  There are one and two bedroom cottages with ocean-view plunge pools, private access to the ocean and tropical outdoor showers.  (Cottages 3 and 4 are the more exclusive ones.)  Smaller suites are right off the beach or overlooking the pool and ocean.  All are appealing in their own way and you just can’t go wrong no matter where you choose to stay.  This was confirmed by other guests we spoke to, all of whom were delighted with their own choices.
​
We also took a tour of the KiYara Ocean Spa located on a cliff overlooking the sea.  Its color scheme and layout reflect its philosophy of balance and nature.  It offers a full range of treatments and of course, couple’s massages using local, organic ingredients.  Hair braiding is reasonably priced and expertly but gently done.  

KiYara staff have a passion to please and go out of their way to cater to individual needs, so much so that someone was dispatched to the local market to purchase a particular color bead that was not on hand.  More details and pricing can be found at http://www.kiyaraspa.com/home.html.
​
For activity buffs, Jamaica Inn offers croquet, swimming pool, snorkeling, kayaks and sunfish sailing, which are all complimentary.  Exercise equipment includes a top-of-the line Landice treadmill, stair climber, stationary bicycle and free weights.  Tennis and golf (with preferred rate green fees) are nearby.

For love buffs, this is the perfect place for a destination wedding and/or honeymoon; a place for young lovers to discover each other and for the more mature to rekindle their “heightened depths.”

The entire Jamaica Inn staff is extraordinary – ultra-attentive, yet unobtrusive.  Uniformed guards are stationed at its gates and we felt safe and secure.  It’s not surprising that Jamaica Inn has garnished so many top awards.  The most recent are:

Travel and Leisure’s 500 World’s Best Hotels 2011 –  #1 in Jamaica, # 3 in the Caribbean and # 38 in the World.

TravelandLeisure.com March 2011 World’s Best Island Hotels – #3 Island Hotel in World.

GQ Magazine(UK) December 2010 - ”the world in 20 Perfect Nights”-- #5 on the list  including cities, restaurants, etc.

Travel + Leisure ‘Worlds Best Service’ June 2011 – 3rd in The Caribbean, Bermuda and The Bahamas and 1st in Jamaica.

And the list goes on.
​
If you are in love, you’ll want to stay at Jamaica Inn.  You are sure to fall in love with it and more deeply in love with one another.