Travelling to Jamaica has always been on my bucket list, so when I found out my cousin was getting married in Jamaica, I knew immediately I had to go! It is hands down one of my all-time favorite trips. Beautiful ocean views, white sands, friendly people, and amazing food. Who could ask for more? We booked our flights, grabbed our passports and were ready for our newest adventure.
My cousin had a travel agent that set up all of the flights and accommodations for the wedding party and family that would be attending. The wedding was at an all-inclusive resort, the Couples Tower Isle in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. This was my first time at an all-inclusive resort, so I was really excited. It was definitely worth the hype! All-inclusive resorts are where it’s at! Food, drinks, and excursions were all included at this resort. It definitely gave me peace of mind not to have to worry about carrying cash around. The resort also has a no tipping policy. A portion of the price you pay to stay at the resort goes towards gratuity for the staff.
We arrived in Montego Bay and found the Couples Isle waiting area. The resort provides a shuttle service. You need to set it up ahead of time. The drive from the airport to the resort is about 2 hours, but the shuttle drivers make it worth it. They give you facts about each parish as you pass through.
Arrival
We arrived at the resort. The staff gave us a warm greeting and collected our luggage. The lobby opens up to a beautiful ocean view. After checking in, we headed to the activities desk to set up excursions and activities, as well as set up reservations for dinner. The resort does a remarkable job of bringing the outdoors in. The common areas have beautiful scenery, and an open concept allowing the indoor and outdoor to coexist. Our room had a great view of the pool and the ocean.
Beach Day
There is nothing quite like waking up to the sounds of the ocean. We headed down to breakfast. The breakfast buffet was delicious. After we stuffed ourselves, we lathered on sunscreen and hit the beach. We soaked up some rays and decided to meet up with family and hang out at the pool with the swim up bar.
Spa Day
Being in a beautiful atmosphere inspired an impromptu adventure exploring the grounds, and the amenities provided by the resort. I stumbled upon the spa and scheduled an appointment for a massage. The front desk staff at the spa were super friendly and helpful when answering questions about various services provided.
The spa was so serene. Before my appointment I was escorted to an outdoor area that overlooked the beautiful spa landscape. It was quiet and incredibly peaceful. I was then greeted by my masseuse and taken to one of their rooms. The room was filled with the perfect amount of natural light. The sounds of nature were present but not over-powering. For the next fifty-five minutes I didn’t have a care in the world!
I decided to continue to explore the beautiful surroundings. Luckily my cousin had a villa suite close to the spa, so I went to check it out. The private pool was such a great feature of the villa. The villa is a great option if you are looking for a little bit more privacy.
Wedding Day
The moment had finally arrived for my cousin’s nuptials. I was excited to check out the wedding location. It definitely did not disappoint! The wedding was located on the resort’s private island. A boat took us to the island. When we arrived, we had cocktails that the bride and groom had hand selected. The decor was gorgeous. The sounds of the waves crashing along-side the cliffs made the moment that more special. I’m not going to lie I bawled like a baby when my cousin recited his vows. We have always been super close growing up. He is like a brother, so I was elated for him and his new bride.
After the ceremony, wedding guests and family stayed behind to take photos. The reception was on the rooftop of the resort. The staff did a remarkable job of decorating. The food was exquisite.
Catamaran
The resort offers a Catamaran Cruise as one of their activities. The cruise runs on certain days. Luckily the bride and groom had set up this fun excursion for family and friends. We loaded the bus and headed to our destination. Once we arrived the staff took us to the Catamaran, and we set sail. The water was amazing! We anchored. Then we swam, snorkeled, and soaked up the sun and surroundings. The Catamaran crew were fun and very helpful. This experience was truly amazing!
Departure
The time had come to return home. It was definitely bittersweet. I was ready to see my kiddos, but not exactly ready to leave such a beautiful place. We have already decided we will visit again. We look forward to checking out the other Couples Resorts.