Couples Swept Away – Negril & Golf? Agree or disagree? My husband & my in-laws are going to Jamaica for the first time to celebreate our 3-yr. anniversary for 7 nights at the end of Oct. So far we are pretty set on staying @ the Couples Swept Away resort. I have found that it is better for us than Couples Negril for these reasons:
1. In our age range (28 & 31) and my in-laws can still enjoy their relaxation.
2. Excellent beach
3. The best nightlife or proximity too.
4. All rooms are oceanside views.
5. The sports complex is awesome
6. New, fun swim up bar
6. Great service, rooms, food, premium drinks

Would you all agree or disagree that this is the place for us? We want to go somewhere relaxing and beautiful, but not boring with noone ready to have some fun. This is our last vacation before we have kids & we want to go out a few nights and get all tipsy and enjoy Jamaica as best we can.

Also, as far as we know the AI package offers golf. We love golf and want to probably go twice. Does anyone know anything about the course?

Thanks!

V R G replied: "since u have mentally decided it and planned hope for the best service. A last minute change may reflect in ur enjoyment as u might think the other one might have been the best. No one can assure u 100% satisfaction at all places.May be ur dissatisfaction once to change ur plan now might lead to more dissatisfaction than the planned trip.So have a nice time as planned."

Sherona B replied: "Agree"

Sandals Negril or Couples Swept Away? We are trying to plan our honeymoon, and have been reading all of the reviews on Trip advisor. We are completely torn between Couples Swept Away or Sandals Negril.

We are in our early 20′s, and are looking for a great place to relax, that will also provide entertainment, a great beach, great service, and great drinks!

Linda B replied: "Couples swept away Negril"

*sunshine* replied: "I haven’t been to either, but I have seen them both, and I am VERY sure you will have a fantastic time at either."

NiCoLe replied: "We went to Negril on our honeymoon and stayed at Sunset at the Palms. If you are looking for a super relaxing, all inclusive place then seriously check this place out. The ‘buildings’ are all surrounded by greenery, there is only two rooms per ‘building’ and they are on stilts like a tree house. You have a private balcony where you can lay out, beach is right across the street with a beach restaurant, food and drinks are included, they set up any tours you want to go on, several pools on site. It is GORGEOUSSS. I can’t wait to go back."

Which is the best resort in Jamaica out of: Couples Swept away and Couples Negril? We are going to Jamaica in June and cant decide between the two resorts – they are both the same price. We are looking for good food, gorgeous beaches and romance.

Has anyone been? Which can you recommend?

Thank you

CarO replied: "I’ve only been to the Negril location its a beautiful resort you won’t be disappointed at all and you can’t beat Negril sunsets -so romantic"

readytogotwo2001 replied: "We’ve been to Jamaica 18 times Couples Negril twice and Couples San Souci twice. Leaving next month for 2 weeks back to San Souci. All Couple places are great. Been to Grand Lido Braco 6 times. Hedo II and Hedo III is crazy and wild.
Love Jamaica and have done most of the tours but really stay with in the compound."

mrs O replied: "I’ve been to both but I really liked Swept Away…I am returning again in August. I think for me it’s the ambiance. It’s a more romantic setting in my opinion."

colin replied: "These are both owned by the same company so why not spend a week at each then you get the best of both world and you will not feel you have missed anything , they are excellent in Jamaica at hospitality and they will do your request just for a few US dollars ! they are quite near to each other anyway so you get the same things and you will fine that you can go and spend the day at any of the " super clubs " resorts island wide if you are staying at one of them !"

keen2ts replied: "Couples Negril, Negril is a beautiful place to go the atmosphere there is lovely. the beaches there are gorgeous and so is the people my husband and I had a great great time."

Can anyone give me some honest first hand reviews of Negril (beach), Jamaica? Both good and bad please!? We’ve booked our wedding for Couples Swept Away for next year but are worried we’ll be confined to our hotel since we’ve heard both good reviews (of the hotel) and bad reviews of the area on leaving the confines of the resort.

Jodi S replied: "My friend got back from Negril on wednesday and has already booked to go back in november!!! Seen the pics heard the stories……im online about to book myself!! Good Luck"

♥Hanalou♥ replied: "We went to Jamaica for our honeymoon in 1992 and stayed at Ciboney (an all inclusive like Swept Away). We loved it and decided to return for our 5th anniversary in 1997 and HATED it! It changed so much and was not a safe place to be. We were pretty much confined to the resort, except to go to the markets with the resort bus trip. I would not recommend going to Jamaica unless you don’t mind rifle patrolled beaches and drug dealers on the streets. Sorry, it’s the truth."

Luke T replied: "I went with my GF in 2004 and it is fantastic, I would definetely go again. The sea is stunning and the sunsets are even better!

We stayed at Negril cabins (now called sunset at the palms I think) and it was the most relaxing two weeks I’ve ever had.

Enjoy!"

Maria replied: "My mum is in Jamaica visiting my sister in Ocho Rios but they have just got back from Negril where they attended a family wedding & she said the beaches are lovely there as was the early morning horse riding along the deserted beach:)"

Ape -X- replied: "My Wife is Jamaican and has many relatives over there several have been shot and killed.

Her auntie shot two guys who tried to car-jack her and was on national TV a couple of years ago commended by the police. Gun Crime is a lot more prevelant in Kingston but it is not confined there. Leaving the resorts and tourist areas without going on organised excursions would be very risky..

You see Jamaica is a major transhipment centre of cocaine from south america to America.. Drug addiction is rife add a corrupt government and easy access to firearms and you have some very dangerous individuals and gangs. If you are lucky they will ask you once to hand your money over.. more likely they will just shoot you..

That being said Negril beach is beautiful Jamaica really is a tropical paradise.. i’d stick to the organised excursions etc though… Don’t judge it by English terms these guys are ruthless seriously. If I went into these areas I would have a gun."

summerxrolls replied: "go to these 2 sites read the reviews red hot links you to trip advisor and if you want even more info go to the forums on trip advisor and post a question there you will get loads of info in the forums."

kmac125 replied: "swept away is nice all-inclusive and you will be pampered as with all the other all-inclusives. even the other hotels along the beach are nice as well. and everyone has their favorites.
but, negril and all the other tourst cities in JA, for that matter, are not the ‘dodge city’ that folks make it out to be. first, tourists on the WHOLE, are not knocked on the head and dragged away somewheres. JA officials as well as the local business people and people living and working in these tourist areas are well aware that tourtism dollars move their local economy and tourists are not robbed and raped on the regular, nor are the hotel room doors at decent hotels, kicked in and the occupants lined up,robbed and shot, just the fun of it. i have seen a ‘drunk as a skunk’ tourist, at a nite venue, with live music and big crowds, fall flat on his face, have no idea where he was at and people helping him and making sure that he was returned to his hotel in one piece. as far as the gangs go. gangs are in JA and everywhere else in the world, for that matter, they are like roaches, all over and come out when the lights are off and scatter when they are turned on.

i often, hang out at nite, partying or having dinner, drive a rented car, know people as far away as st elizabeth, manderville, savlamar and have no problem visiting any of these areas. but in saying that, i don’t stop and pick up strangers, don’t drive to far places without my JA friends with me, don’t act like a rock-star or santa claus, and keep my respect for people just as i want to be respected myself. and i keep my eyes open for trouble, just as i keep them open when i step out of my front door where i live.

as far as getting ‘got’ as they say, getting robbed or worse, if your going to get ‘got’ your going to get ‘got’!!! no matter where in the world you may be, england, france, NYC, mexico, italy, you name it. if your walking around a city, with your head up your ass, looking like you don’t know up from down and you have no reason being where you are at the time, then my friend, you will be ‘got’ for sure. i mean, would you walk thru central park at 1 in morning by yourself?

my advice would be to get a travel document of the area for some atracttions or check the tour guide desk at the hotel for some activities you would enjoy, day or nite, go with a group or with a rep from the all-inclusive or tour guide desk and enjoy yourself. then using that same person maybe hire a car with a driver, take your new found tour guide friend (they usually have no problem working off the books, per say and at least you know where they work at), if you hit it off with him/her and see some of the real JA, they would know where to take you and enjoy yourself. natrue sites, springs, rivers, etc. remember, it is just a vacation, where you are supposed to be enjoying yourself and relaxing, not stressing over what could happen. if that was the case then most of us would not even step foot out of our own front door!
congrats on your wedding, the most important thing, and enjoy life together, that is really what counts!!!"

Which is the best couples resort in Jamaica? I’m going to Jamaica at the end of December and I really like the couples resorts (tower isle, san souci, negril and swept away). Which is the best? I’m looking to relax on the beach but also engage in alot of activities (water sports, hiking, horseback riding, scuba diving, snorkeling, etc etc). I would also like it if there was shopping off the resort close by. Can anyone help me?

Yodastattoo replied: "Ocho Rios. Plus they JUST finished doing a multi-million dollar renovation there like 3 months ago. . . ."

Mel replied: "I have a soft spot in my heart for Negril……I have not stayed at Swept Away but I spent 10 nights at Couples Negril and it was beyond amazing.

I’ve been to Ocho Rios in the past and didn’t like it that much – it felt kinda cityish and not as tropical. All the cruise ships port in Ocho Rios. Plus, its over 3 hours away from the airport in MoBay which kinda sucks. NOTE: I didn’t stay at Couples in Ocho Rios in the past so I can’t speak for their resort there. I just have an opinion about the city itself.

Negril on the other hand is a little over 1 hour from MoBay. Its location on the west tip of the island offers drop dead sunsets as well as super calm, crystal clear water.

See my pics:
"

Negril vs. Playa Del Carmen? My soon-to-be wife and I are looking for a honeymoon ins October. We were interested in Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica until we went to see a travel agent. She showed us some amazing resorts in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Now we are unsure about our honeymoon. There are great deals right now on trips to Mexico due to the economy and the swine flu media frenzy. My question is, are we better to go to the glamorous, big, fancy resorts in Playa Del Carmen or go the the modest, quiet resort in Negril. We will be spending ten days and mostly hang out on the beach and do a few activities. We are worried about being underwhelmed at CSA. We could get a much nicer room in PDC however I have heard that Negril is nicer and more romantic. Any opinion is welcome, we are really stuck and want to make the right choice. Does the food in Negril compare to PDC? Also we have been to Cancun before and want to stay away from the Spring break vacationers , from what I have heard PDC is nothing like Cancun. We would also like to have the option to see shows at night-time. I have also heard that the "boutique" hotels in PDC require that you get up early to secure a good spot on the beach (under a Pallapa) and are more complicated when it comes to dinner reservations. What do you suggest? We definetly want to have the best time possible.

Bandit replied: "I have been to both Negril and to PDC. I enjoy Jamaica but the beaches are much better in PDC. If you go, I would definitely recommend the Riu Palace. The food is incredible and the property is immaculately clean. They may have the nicest beach area I have been to. You can also visit their other 3 resorts in the area. It is very safe gated area. There is a cute little shopping plaza nearby and Playa Del Carmen is about a mile away. The service there is exceptionally good. It is nothing like Cancun. I would suggest you visit their website to see the resort. I know they are having some great deals. PDC is much more laid back than Negril. It is more upscale.

The food tends to be up to the individual resort. Think of it as if you are going out to dinner. You could go to Denny’s or Mortons. The upscale resorts are going to have better food. Go for the low end and that’s what you’ll get. I stay at a SuperClubs property in Negril and Ocho Rios. The food is fair at best. But at the Riu Palace, it is some of the best I have ever had and I’ve been in the food business for nearly 30 years.

PDC is a nice little town with some shopping and restaurants. You will be called to by the vendors but a simple no thanks is all it takes. There is a great little open air bar that has swings for barstools.

If you are looking for nightlife and to party, Jamaica may be your better option based on the resort you are looking at. Riu has a Disco located in one of the other properties that is a short walk away.

Bottom line! I think you will like PDC much better. The beaches are better, the resorts are nicer, and the sea is much nicer.
Good luck!"

Jamaica for a honeymoon? I am planning a honeymoon for the first week of August and have been eyeing Jamaica (Negril to be exact) for a while. I think it seems like a gorgeous place and can’t wait to go but everyone keeps telling me it is way too dangerous and that I should never leave my resort. Is this true and if so where else in the Carribean offers all-inclusives and such gorgeous beaches? What is the deal with drugs here and elsewhere in the Carribean? Also, in Negril I am looking at Couples Negril, Couples Swept Away, and Sandals Negril. Is any one of these a better choice than the others? Finally, should I opt for Air Jamaica over AA and Delta? Thanks for any help I am really stressing over the planning but can’t wait to get away on the honeymoon and just want it to be perfect and memorable!!!

logan28 replied: "A friend of mine took a cruise to Jamaica for his honeymoon and said it was the most terrifying experience he’d ever had. (He is not the type of person to say this) He said that everyone was carrying around machine guns while walking down the streets.

I would suggest going to Cabo San Lucas. I’ve heard great things about it and it looks gorgeous. You can definately get all inclusive packages there."

shasha replied: "machine guns??? omgosh never heard such things..I spent two weeks there not at a resort I might add and we were all over the place treated very well and of course be careful as in any other part of the world but if you are on’ any ‘resort you won’t need to worry about such things anyway..most of the outings are planned by them if you are afraid just stick to those trips they p;rovide for you..travel with friends and just be travel wise..enjoy….never once did I see guns.!!"

Jess replied: "What I would suggest for you is to check out tripadvisor.com. They have reveiws from each resort and they also have a forum where you can ask questions that you might have about going to Jamaica. They help my fiance and I decide to go to Sandals Negril for our honeymoon at the end of September. We can’t wait to go and spend a week away from all the everyday stuff."

Macaw_Lover replied: "First off Congrats on your engagement!

Ignore the comment on machine guns, unless maybe they went to Jamaica 30 years ago which if so I can’t speak for that, but Jamaica is the 2nd top Honeymoon Destination in the Caribbean so hey they MUST be doing something right!

The big thing with Jamaica is whenever you hear a bad story ask them where they stayed. 9 out of 10 times they stayed at a very inexpensive place and unfortunately when you go here as well as other places it can lower the security levels at the property. A shame, but true. This is where you hear more problems with petty crime. When I was in Jamaica as well as 8 years of clients going here not once have I heard of a "gun story"? Other places such as Brazil yes, but not here.

Jamaica does also seem to get a bad name from it’s capital of Kingston, however Kingston is about 115 miles away from Negril. Kingston in itself I have heard isn’t that safe of a city and more go there for business purposes. With any place you do want to be careful of wandering beaches, cities, etc at night. There are ways in Jamaica you can tell also if a taxi is a licensed taxi or not from markings on there plates.

In Jamaica you by no means have to stay in the most expensive resort, but if you want to go inexpensive you are better off in staying in the US to where a 3 star in the US is not the same as a 3 star in the Caribbean. The 3 properties you listed are great choices, as to which one is best for you I would have to talk to you a bit in order to suggest that as they are all a bit different from each other.

Jamaica as a cruise stop isn’t a good impression of Jamaica AT ALL! It has to do with where they bring the ships in. It’s just kind of a dumpy area and not what most of Jamaica really is. Negril is considered to have some of the best beaches in the world! Jamaica is definately the place to go for a land stay and it truly is a shame all those cruise passengers who are seeing Jamaica as a cruise port and then just seeing a bad area of it. They really are missing out, but if no one tells them they aren’t expected to know this of Jamaica. Some people are turned off due to a horror story, but again this usually goes back to your property of choice.

Please note that during August in the Caribbean it is hurricane season. I always travel during hurricane season only because I am unable to travel during the peak times due to it being our busy season for reservations. It is important to strongly consider travel insurance especially when traveling outside the country. This can also help if there are hurricanes during when you are to travel, however there are stipulations that are important to understand prior to make sure you are getting the coverage you would like or at least understand to make sure that you have no issues with a potential claim.

I’m not saying you would need to contact me, but I would strongly suggest working with a travel specialist. They really can be invaluable if you find a good one. They can assist you with all your questions instead of waiting on an 800 # for the next available rep. and never getting the same person twice. With an agent, even if yours is out of the office (at least this is how our office does it) we always have hard copy files on each client for any of the others to pull in that agent’s absence.

A knowledgeable agent can also ask you various questions to help determine where they feel are the best possible honeymoon for you as well as doing there best to stay within your budget. Have you applied for your passports? If not do so right away and if you are talking about August this year then if you don’t get it in time you can travel with your Birth Certificate/government ID/Passport receipt showing you applied up until Sept 1st 2007 I believe it is. I wouldn’t wait to long to start working with an agent on this as the closer you get to your departure date the less availability there will be and this will increase the rates. Hey might as well get the best price possible and Aug. is just right around the corner!

Very best of luck to you! The Caribbean is fabulous!"

Lisa M. replied: "Congrats on your engagement! Do not listen to logan28. His friend went to some other country, not Jamaica, as in the 22 years I have lived here, I have never, and I mean NEVER witnessed what he has just described. Jamaica is a lovely place. Don’t let people scare you into not coming here. Crime is everywhere. You just have to use your common sense. All drugs (excluding medication) are illegal, that includes marijuana, and no one will force you to do any. Like everyone else said, speak to a travel agent to find out which resort is best for you. Personally, I prefer Air Jamaica, but be prepared for delays . Wish you all the best."

mrs.darkbladez replied: "We went on our honeymoon to Negril, last October. It is beautiful! As long as you walk with your hubby at night, you will be fine. They will offer you drugs, just kindly say no. Sandals Negril looked nice, but we stayed a few hotels away.

I heard a lot of problems with Air Jamaica, but it wasn’t bad for us. Except that they lost my husband’s luggage (and later found it and returned it), and from Chicago, only had one flight to Jamaica a day. (My hubby also forgot his id at the airport). So, if your budget can afford AA or Delta, I’d pick them. Oh and yes ……. we were delayed on the way back.

You will have fun!!! Don’t let others worry you."

hot chocolate replied: "Please, stick with your original plan and make it Jamaica. No one is going to force you to do what you don’t want to do. If you are approached with drugs, as others say they have experienced, just say no and move on. Jamaica is not more dangerous than any other destination. Just use common sense and take the same precautions that you would back home. If you don’t leave your resort you will not be able to see nor experience the culture. Narrow your selection to Sandals Negril or Couples Negril. If you just want to be wrapped up in yourselves, since it is your honeymoon, choose Couples. If you want some really fun playtime with others as well, choose Sandals. Both properties are fine! It just depends upon you. Air Jamaica will give you a better experience than AA. It would be nice to start your Jamaican experience on board. Air Ja sometimes has time problems, but that too is within the culture:))"

Lee T replied: "I have been to Jamaica 8 times, including getting married at Sandal’s Dunn River. In fact, just got back from our latest trip about a month ago. Wonderful place, wonderful people. I especially love Sandals. Great food, great activities, beautiful properties.
I prefer Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay. I have been there a few times, and have become friends with some of the people who work there. I really like only having to be on a bus for a few minutes as compared to spending an hour or more going to Negril.
Anyway, you will be offered drugs, but if you are not interested just say no thank you. they will not push it. I actually enjoy talking to the vendors about Jamaica. Especially the rastafarians.
Air Jamaica has gone down hill since Butch (the owner of Sandals) no longer owns it. I am told it is run by the Jamaican government. Which may be why they seem to have quite a few delays now. But it is a direct flight, which is the only way I will fly.
I would book your vacation through a travel agent or Air Jamaica direct. If through a travel agent, go with apple or funjet. Better deals than even expedia. Also you will not be bumped from your flight like people who book through expedia sometimes are. Our flight was overbooked, and every person that was bumped had booked through expedia or some other online source. Air Jamaica is not going to bump anyone that booked through them!! And usually Apple and Funjet run a charter flight so they are safe also.
Enjoy yourself and may you be as happy in your marriage as I am in mine!!"

Negril vs. Playa Del Carmen? My soon-to-be wife and I are looking for a honeymoon ins October. We were interested in Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica until we went to see a travel agent. She showed us some amazing resorts in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Now we are unsure about our honeymoon. There are great deals right now on trips to Mexico due to the economy and the swine flu media frenzy. My question is, are we better to go to the glamorous, big, fancy resorts in Playa Del Carmen or go the the modest, quiet resort in Negril. We will be spending ten days and mostly hang out on the beach and do a few activities. We are worried about being underwhelmed at CSA. We could get a much nicer room in PDC however I have heard that Negril is nicer and more romantic. Any opinion is welcome, we are really stuck and want to make the right choice. Does the food in Negril compare to PDC? Also we have been to Cancun before and want to stay away from the Spring break vacationers , from what I have heard PDC is nothing like Cancun. We would also like to have the option to see shows at night-time. I have also heard that the "boutique" hotels in PDC require that you get up early to secure a good spot on the beach (under a Pallapa) and are more complicated when it comes to dinner reservations. What do you suggest? We definetly want to have the best time possible.

TiVo replied: "Hi,

Me nad my family and friends are headed to Playa Del Carmen. on Sat. for a week. i would much rather go there. it is a qonderful place to be."

queenie replied: "Never been to PDC but Negril is incredibly beautiful with wonderful people and I’m sure you’d have a great time there. I wish I was going there right now."

MomSezNo replied: "You could go to TripAdvisor.com and check on your potential hotels there. You’ll find destination guides as well as comments from past guests on hotels and resorts.

You won’t have to worry about "spring break crowd" in October, but you may want to think about trip insurance, as that is still prime hurricane season."

mommydst5 replied: "Negril has much better beaches than Mexico. Sandals is a beautiful super inclusive resort that I’m more than sure you’ll enjoy. No reservations are needed at Sandals. So that would be my choice."

maria replied: "we went to couples negril last july, it was fantastic, just perfect. we got married at the hotel, just fantastic, couples resorts deserve a 7* rating. check out there website and reviews at trip advisor"

MO replied: "Been to Negril many times and love it. We have stayed both on the beach and on the cliffs. Check out this place on the cliffs. It is awesome……very romantic. May I suggest that since you are staying a decent amount of time…spend several days in Negril and a few other days in a different part of the country. That is what we do…spend a few days here and there. Anyway, check out the website.
"