There are many all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica. Most of the big names like Beaches, Breezes, Couples, Hedonism, and Sandals are represented on this sun drenched island that basks in the gentle breezes of the West Indies.
During our recent trip, we stayed at two locations operated by Couples Resorts. This is a review of our first stop - The Tower Isle Resort.
This photo courtesy of Tower Isle Resort
A little background
For those readers who haven't experienced Jamaica, it is a gem of a tropical paradise complete with lush rain forests and surrounded by a crystal-clear turquoise ocean that laps soft waves onto beaches of golden sand. The setting is perfect for a Valentine's getaway or mid-winter holiday.
Hospitality from the get go
Upon arrival at the modern Montego Bay Airport (MBJ), we were directed to a Couples Welcome Suite located just outside Customs and Immigration. The cheerful Couples employees working the suite treated us to cool refreshments while we waited for our transport to Tower Isle.
The small bus was comfortable and air-conditioned, and our 90-minute drive to the resort passed quickly as the enthusiastic driver lectured on the history of the island and its culture.
About Couples Resorts
Couples Resorts operates four all-inclusive properties in Jamaica. All have excellent reputations, and each location is unique with its own allures.
During our stay, we toured all four Couples' locations. We were quite taken by the level of sophistication and style we found throughout the properties.
Some all-inclusives have rowdy party reputations. Places where post-vacation participants have little memory of what happened during their holiday - and wonder if they had a good time. That was not our experience at Tower Isle.
We found couples and friends taking pleasure in all the amenities - including premium liquor libations at no additional charge, but we also found that the guests drank in surprising moderation, and were always considerate of those around them.
The Couples establishment promotes the idea that their resorts are about unhurried romance - and enjoying the company of your special someone. The concept works well for them.
Why we like Tower Isle
The Tower Isle Resort is located on 19 acres of tranquil oceanfront, and is the oldest of the four Couples locations. A $30 million dollar renovation was completed in April of 2009, and happily, the magnificent old hotel ambiance was painstakingly preserved.
The original building was constructed in 1949, and was the first four-season hotel in Jamaica. It was also the favorite Caribbean destination for the rich and famous in the 1950s.
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If the walls of the celebrated Tower Isle Piano Bar could talk, they would say that half a century across the threshold of time, you might have been seated near the likes of Errol Flynn, Joan Crawford, Noel Coward, or Walt Disney. Famous celebs were frequently photographed around the hotel and while listening to their favorite tunes in the Piano Bar.
Most of the spacious rooms at Tower Isle have exquisite ocean views and overlook a Lilliputian island with a small fortress like tower - from which the resort derives its name.
The island is just several hundred yards from the shore, and with the exception of weddings, is the exclusive domain of those guests who prefer their sun au naturel. Due to the island's configuration and structures, nude guests are afforded complete privacy and are not visible from the resort's sandy beach.
The meaning of "all-inclusive"
The initial concept of an all-inclusive resort was a pre-paid holiday with few - if any - additional service charges. Today, the model has morphed into a "somewhat-inclusive" package at many resorts.
In order to avoid sticker shock on the per-day-rate, several resorts have moved many of their heretofore "included" essentials to a list of "extra" charge services. Typical examples might include a honeymoon package, horseback riding, golf green fees, a scuba diving course, tennis instructions, internet cafe, top-shelf alcoholic beverages, and better fine dining opportunities. At Couples, all these services are part of the inclusive package.
The Tower Isle resort also boasts a splendid array of six restaurants and four bars, each with a unique menu designed to reflect its location and atmosphere. Dress requirements are few, but the famous 8 Rivers restaurant offers an opportunity to dress up - a little. The 8 Rivers requests slacks, shoes and collared shirts for the men, and comparable elegant resort attire for the ladies.
We recommend a vacation at Couples Tower Isle for those looking for a good value in a sophisticated, but not stuffy, couples-only getaway. Couples Resorts delivers what they promise and they do it with consummate style and class. Perhaps that is why over 40 percent of Couples annual guests are returning customers.
For more information click on Couples Tower Isle
Happy travels!
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© Travels with Wayne and Judy (syndicated)
Photos © Wayne and Judy Bayliff unless noted otherwise
Comments
My wife and I have been going to Sandals every December since our mid-twenties. We are now in our mid-thirties and it looks like that Tower Isle may be more to our vacation likings. We will try them this coming Christmas. Thank you very much.
We were married at the Tower Isle and we are happy with everything they did for us. Great people and a beautiful place
Who is the guy with Mr. Disney? He looks like my uncle Doug who visited Jamaca as a liquor salesman in the 50es and 60es. Where can I find his name?
Great photo of Satchmo. He was the inspiration for my trumpet playing.
Great pics. Great resort, but where's Judy????
Now that is what I call a great resort for two. Kids stay home. My husband Tom has been wanting to try an all inclusive. This looks like just what we would like. TU
I like cruises but my boyfriend gets seasick. This kind of vacation would work good for both of us. We both hate the nickel and dime system that are prevalent on cruise ships these days.
Several years ago we did an all inclusive and were disappointed because it was like a 20 something college party for 7 days. YOu have enlightened us that not all such resorts are kiddy city. We like the concept and Jamaica so will give Tower Isle a try.
What a beautiful place!!! Great article. I hope to go there some day. Thanks.
i thought all jamaica all inclusives were party cities - good to know there are some sane hoteliers in the tropics
My husband and I have stayed at Couples Tower Isle 11 times. We have found our home away from home. The staff, we consider, our family. They go above and beyond. I cannot say enough nice things about the resort or the staff. There is never a problem!!!!Everything will be Irie when you stay here. I recommend this resort to everyone I know. We will be returning to our home away from home in June 2010. Couples resorts are the way to go for all inclusive.
This is our next planned get away (August 2011 - 20th anniversary). We've been to Jamaica twice before. We stayed at a couple miles away at Couples Sans Souci first and then Couples Swept Away in Negril. We will visit Couples Negril in the future. Couples is first class.
We are going to San Souci in less than a month and from what we have learned from the Couples Message Board & others, this is a first class resort! Can't wait to personally experience Couples! Anyone who has had any experience with Couples San Souci please feel free to give advice or suggestions to us newbies! Also, what do you mean by surprising moderation of libations - do they limit you? Just curious...we use moderation but wondered what was meant by this statement....
We stayed at Couples Tower Isle in 2005, but went to Couples Negril(CN) in '04, '07, '08 and '09. We will be going back to CN in 57 more days. I tell my friends that a trip to any of the Couples resorts is the perfect vacation. The Jamaican people are the best hosts. When you leave, you're so rested and relaxed that you can't wait to go back again.
We fell in love with Couples Tower Isle when we were there for our honeymoon September 09. Now we are planning a trip back this April. It surpassed all our expectations, met great people, the excursions are fantastic and fun, food was amazing and can't wait to get back!
Just got back and what a great time. Thanks for the lead. My wife Sue wanted us to plan our next years vacation on the spot. We may do it, but if not next year, the year after. Great place.
A friend sent your article to me because I am a big fan of Tower Isle. My late husband and I vactioned there for many years. What great memories, thank you so so much.
Couples hotels are some of the best in Jamaica. We have stayed in several others but always come back to Couples. The bus ride is a pain but we like Sans Souci best.
Lots of positive comments for this resort makes me want to check it out. Never been to Jamaica and a buddy found your story. My girlfrend will be happy.
Def sounds nice, there are lot of good comments here, might have to check it out next time I go, Do they offer fishing?
Jamaica-guide.info/activities/fishing.and.chartering/
They make it sound soo tempting, I miss fishing living on the Fl Gulf right now...I bet Jaamaicas water is ooh soo lovely now.
Hi Sarah, Im going to the tower isl in 4 weeks............... did you find out if you can fish from the hotel jetti ???? I so hope so and taking my fishing rod for a dangle ;-> any advise be appreciated thx from Suzanne
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