Honeymoon in Negril, Jamaica

Brian and I did a ton of research when planning our honeymoon. We knew we wanted a beach locale, but didn't want to venture too far from Florida for lack of time. We talked with a travel agent to get some ideas, and that's how we stumbled upon the all inclusive resort Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica. Different resorts vary, but this particular all-inclusive resort included everything from food, drinks, snacks, a mini bar in the room, onsite activities and even transfers to and from the airport. I highly recommend this approach, especially for a trip such as your honeymoon.

Right before we booked through the travel agent, we did a last minute Google search to check out the resort, and stumbled on an online booking service All Inclusive Outlet where we found the exact same vacation package for $500 cheaper. We checked with the travel agent to see if she could match it because we really wanted to book through her, but she couldn't, so we ended up using All Inclusive Outlet which we were extremely happy with.

We felt bad for not booking through the travel agent since she had done a lot of the research for us, but she understood and just asked us to write a review upon our return that she could share with other customers. So following is what we gave to her, a very detailed description of our trip:

From the time we arrived at the Montego Bay airport, until the time we departed, Couples Swept Away afforded us the perfect honeymoon.

Upon arrival at the airport, we were directed to a “Couples Resort” lounge were we were served with our first authentic Jamaican Red Stripe beer. There we waited only a short time before our shuttle bus arrived. We then boarded the bus and took the hour and a half ride to Negril, Jamaica. There are several reviews online regarding this “scary” ride, and we want to set the record straight that it really isn’t bad. Jamaicans tend to drive a little faster and more aggressively than most Americans, but it is important to remember you are no longer in America, thus “when in Jamaica, act like a Jamaican.”

The shuttle ride over was pretty quick and easy. Once we reached our final destination, we were escorted to the reception lounge where we were greeted with a glass of champagne and a wet towel. We then got checked-in, received a run down of the lay of the land, and were taken to our room by a bellman who took great care of us. Since we were a honeymooning couple, we received a free bottle of champagne and coupons for a 30 minute couples massage. We were also given a packet of information which contained a list and description of all six restaurants and eight bars located around the property; a schedule of the water sports; a map of the property; and recommended activities offsite.

When going through the packet filled with information, it does get just a bit overwhelming with all of the options. Some water sports you are able to show up and do (like a windsurfing lesson) and other water sports require a reservation, like snorkeling. We knew we wanted to explore and try as much as possible, while at the same time making sure we rested and de-stressed like we needed to do (which is why daily naps in a hammock was a top priority of ours). With that in mind, we simply went through the list and noted the activities we really wanted to do and made tentative schedules for each day, including our daily hammock nap!

Some fears that seem to come to mind when considering an all inclusive resort for a vacation destination are quality of food; ease of getting food and drinks, over crowdedness, and how closely the pictures online resemble reality. We would like to alleviate all of those fears concerning Couples Swept Away. Every meal we had was exceptional. Even the poolside, low-key Cabana Grill had great food, especially their specialty hamburger! There was also a “snack bar,” Seagrapes Café, with great afternoon snacks that we took advantage of daily! The lines were never long and we were always able to get food and drinks fairly fast. We were also able to easily find a hammock for our daily nap on the beach. Couples Swept Away is a large resort, but it does not feel that way. It was not uncommon that we would run into the same people. Couples Swept Away looked exactly as it did in the pictures. The beaches had crystal clear blue water and snow white sand.

Our first morning we ordered room service for breakfast (the only meal it is available.) It was great for our first morning in Jamaica when we wanted to relax and keep it low-key in our room, but once we experienced the other breakfast options, we did not order room service again.

Orientation is offered several times throughout the week. We highly recommend taking part in this as it helps you get a good feel for where everything is, since the property is fairly large. After orientation Monday morning, we were ready to conquer Couples Swept Away and make the most of our trip!

We planned a snorkeling trip for that afternoon and a massage for that evening. We then made reservations for one of the two “fine dining” restaurants. Lemongrass Restaurant is Thai Cuisine and Feathers is Continental Cuisine, and both are amazingly good! Guests have to make reservations at least a day in advance for these two restaurants. It is fairly hard to get earlier dinner reservations, but not difficult to get a reservation, as long as you are willing to eat dinner at 9pm. This was not a problem for us because we just utilized Seagrapes Café as an afternoon snack to hold us over until a fantastic dinner!

The next morning we ventured out for breakfast at the Palms. A large buffet breakfast is served and the only problem is choosing what you want to eat because there are so many great options! And everything tasted as good as it looked.

Tuesday the water was a little choppy, so we made Tuesday a very relaxing day. We laid out on the beach, took a walk to nearby shops along the oceanfront, took our daily nap in a hammock on the beach and then dined at the other “fine dining” restaurant, Feathers which provided an equally fantastic meal.

Wednesday we were a bit more active and started our day with windsurfing lessons. This definitely isn’t an easy sport, but we sure had fun trying! After lunch we took a sailing lesson, and then were able to take the sailboat out by ourselves. Later that afternoon we took a sunset catamaran cruise. We boarded the boat and were quickly served up a “Love Potion” drink and we were on our way. A local played live music for us when we were on our way to the cliffs (the destination of the cruise). Once we arrived at the cliffs, guests had the opportunity to cliff jump, swim, or take a ride on the slide attached to the boat. As we were sailing in, we were able to see the beautiful Jamaican sunset, it was a great experience. For dinner we decided to try the Palms Restaurant and again, were not disappointed. After dinner, the resort had a bonfire on the beach which was really neat.

Thursday we went to Patios Patio for breakfast and had another great meal. Every meal at all of the restaurants, guests are served a plate of fresh tropical fruit. What a great way to start a meal! After breakfast we then took the bike tour down to downtown Negril where we were able to shop. At a certain store, we were able to simply pick out the items we wanted to purchase and they were then waiting for us at the resort once we returned from the bike ride and we paid for them then. This made purchasing multiple items a lot easier! We later took a couple’s massage class which we both really enjoyed and then dined at Feathers and had another phenomenal dinner.

We were a bit sad on Friday when reality set in this was our last full day. We wanted to make the most of it, so we took our first and only offsite “extra” excursion. We took a two and a half hour horseback riding trip in the hills of Negril and along the beach. This trip cost $75pp, but was worth every penny. Once we arrived back to the property we took another snorkeling trip. The resort throws a large “Shipwreck Party” every Friday night and the only dining option is dinner on the main beach. A stage was set up with entertainment, tables were set up for eating and several large buffet tables of food were set up for our eating pleasure! The Shipwreck Party was a great ending to our fantastic trip.

When guests first arrive at the resort, guests are told not to worry about their departure date. The resort leaves information on your last day with your current flight information and departure times from the resort. Guests are told what time to have their bags outside the room, and they are picked up and brought to the bus used to transport guests to the airport.

The staff at Couples Swept Away was so personable and friendly. We met one staff member on Monday and saw him again on Thursday and he remembered our names! Another bar tender we met at the beginning of the week and he would always ask how his “honeymooning” couple was doing. It was astonishing to us because tips are forbidden. But yet, the staff always had a smile of their face and always wanted to know what they could do to make your vacation better. They were willing to at least try to fulfill our every request with a simple, “No problem mon!”

The room was great. We had a king size, very comfortable bed with an ocean view. The room was filled with easy-to-open wood blinds that allowed fresh air to flow into the room. The sound of the ocean as we fell asleep and woke up each morning never got old. There was mini bar in the room with liquor, beer, wine, soda, juices & water that was restocked daily. A maid came in twice a day; once to clean the room, and once in the evening to do a “turndown” service where he/she would turn on the lamps, close the blinds and turndown the sheets.

From the time the plane lands and takes off in Montego Bay, Couples Swept Away ensures guests have the PERFECT vacation. We could not have asked for a better honeymoon.