By Jessica Morelock
Couples who are looking to get away and spend intimate quality time together travel to the tropical island paradise of Jamaica. The first all-inclusive couples only
resort appeared in Jamaica in 1978 and was called the Couples Resort. The concept was formulated by Tower Isle Hotel owner, Abe Issa. Still in the Issa family, the Couples brand of luxury all-inclusive
resorts has grown to include Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away. Although both resorts are Couples properties, there are many differences between them.
Location
Both resorts are located on the western coast of Jamaica in the resort area of Negril. Couples Swept Away is located on the white sands of Negril's famous Seven Mile beach and gives guests the opportunity to enjoy the casual and laid-back atmosphere of Negril up close. Guests that prefer a more private atmosphere will choose to stay at Couples Negril which is located over five miles from downtown Negril on its own private beach on Bloody Bay.
Size
Couples Swept Away is a larger property which has 312 suites and six restaurants, while Couples Negril is slightly smaller housing only 234 rooms and suites with five restaurants.
Fitness
If keeping fit is important to you on your tropical isle getaway, Couples Swept Away has a ten acre fitness facility that offers equipment and classes for all fitness levels. Although there is fitness equipment available at Couples Negril, there are not any classes offered. Group exercise is available in the form of nature walks and playing beach volleyball.
Rooms
Both resorts have a variety of rooms and suites available, however they range in the number of jacuzzi suites available. Garden suites and Beachfront suites at Couples Negril have jacuzzis, while only the Great House jacuzzi suites at Couples Swept Away have jacuzzis. All rooms in both resorts are air-conditioned with a ceiling fan and a king size bed. Additionally all rooms have private bathrooms, CD players, blow dryers and safety deposit boxes. Except for the Garden suites and Atrium suites at Couples Swept Away, all rooms have satellite television. Couples Negril has upgraded to flat screen televisions in all of their rooms.
Dining
Because Couples resorts are all-inclusive, there is food available 24 hours per day. Both resorts offer full and continental breakfasts and a variety of dining options throughout the day. Their menus consist of continental cuisine, Caribbean cuisine and Jamaican favorites that are served buffet style throughout the day. However, during the evening there are significant differences between the cuisine offered in the ala carte restaurants. The Lemon Grass restaurant at Swept Away offers Thai cuisine, while Heliconia at Couples Negril offers Mediterranean cuisine and Lychee offers an Asian fusion menu.
Activities
Both resorts offer virtually the same activities. There is live entertainment every evening that includes comedy, dancing and other favorites. Unlimited green fees are included for golf enthusiasts that would like to practice their swing at the Negril Country Club.
Resources
About the Author:
Jessica Morelock began her professional writing career in 2007, after a three-year stint as a producer and co-host on Sirius Satellite Radio. She has also worked for the airline industry and as a travel agent. She completed a bachelor's degree in political science at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
