Ocho Rios, Jamaica
The adults only/couples only resort
is dedicated to the romantic celebration of a couple's relationship.
********************************
Book new offers: See Deals. See Couples FAQs list
Form your own Group-Click here - Travel for Free? Contact James@castawaystravel.com
Resort Overview
Resort at a Glance
- Resort: Couples Tower Isle
- Established: 1978, Renovated in 2009
- Location: Ocho Rios, Jamaica
- Airport: Montego Bay (MBJ) - Oracabessa (Ian Fleming Airport) near the resort for commuter flights (OCJ) from MBJ
- Rooms: 226 Garden view, Ocean view, Suites and separate Oasis Spa Villas (cottages) with private plunge pool accommodations
- Dress Code: Clothing and/or swimsuits required, except at a separate nude island with small pool/sun lounges (nudity compulsory there)
- Guests: Adult couples - Guests 20s to 60s in age
- Mild to Wild: Mild
- Meal/Drink Plan: All Inclusive
- Dining facilities: 6 Restaurants, veggie bar, grill plus 5 bars; separate nude island and plunge pool includes a swim-up bar, restrooms, lunch daily
- Ambiance: Mild with light nightly entertainment, dancing
- Beach/Pools: 4 pools, 4 hot tubs and separate white sand beach, swimsuits required except on the nude island
- Clubs/Nightlife: Entertainment and music evenings, varies, piano bar
- Spa/fitness/sports facilities: Full spa/fitness facility, tennis, water skiing, plus non-motorized water sports, Scuba shop on-site, golf nearby
- Tourism: Numerous excursions available in the lobby, some included in the room rate, others extra charge
- Airport Transfers: Complimentary
-
Book Couples Tower Isle On Line
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Its name, Couples Tower Isle, says it all. Formally known as Couples Ocho Rios, this 19 acre, adults only/couples only (no singles) resort is dedicated to the romantic celebration of couples' relationships. For this reason, there are lots of honeymoons, weddings and anniversaries celebrated there. It's right on the Caribbean on a wide expanse of broad, white sand. Completely renovated, this resort is now one of the most modern and up-to-date in Jamaica.
The resort has 212 rooms and suites in several multi-story buildings with king beds in each room with your choice of mountain, garden or ocean views. Rooms are beautifully decorated with satellite TV, direct-dial phones, a CD/cassette player with clock/radio, hairdryers and a private bath.
The one-bedroom suites and villas also contain Jacuzzis with 4 poster beds, a nice, romantic touch. Couples has 4 bars, 5 whirlpools, 2 large swimming pools and five tennis courts, night club with evening entertainment, piano bar, and shops.
All-Inclusive Meets Spa-Inclusive
Introducing Oasis Spa Villas, a revolutionary concept in luxury all-inclusive that delivers an experience like no other. Each Oasis Spa Villa features a private sun terrace, personal plunge pool and puts you in a dream-like setting with unfettered, private and unlimited access to Oasis Spa therapies, beauty treatments and a personal Spa Therapist on stand-by for their every need.*
You deserve a little more out of your next spa vacation, these features provide more than you could ever imagine. Unlimited with no fine print - enjoy as many spa services desired with no limit on quantity or quality.
The nude island in front of the resort has a nice deck for sunning, a very small plunge pool & swim-up bar and snacks, bathroom and freshwater shower. Take a complimentary boat launch on call from the dock .... a 2-minute ride. Its affiliated resort, Couples Sans Souci, is a few minutes away.
For weddings, Couples provides several scenic locations for the ceremony, the marriage license, pastor, bridal bouquet, cake, champagne reception, live music, half-hour massage, and gifts. Passports are required for international air travel to all destinations outside the USA.
Did You Know...
Castaways Travel is a recognized COUPLES RESORTS Specialist due to our vast experience with Couples Resorts.
Castaways Travel brings CLOUT to support you when you travel to Couples Resorts.
See: 12 more reasons to use Castaways Travel for your Jamaican Vacation
Ambiance and the Nude Island (photos below)
Resort rooms are beautifully decorated for a couple's comfort. The main pool is the center of daytime activities as is the clothing optional island. Nightly planned activities and entertainment all combine for relaxed, romantic evenings. Couples are friendly and like to have fun during the day. Nightlife can be fun in both the Jacuzzis, piano bar and nightclub. There are lots to do there, so pace yourself.
Dress throughout the resort is casual, with beachwear the norm from thongs to shorts ... to nothing on the island. NOTE: If you visit then nude island, expect to be nude and….it's couples only out there. Most guys and girls wear shorts and polos for meals and in the evenings, long pants/jacket for fine dining (not required for casual dining) and some dresses are seen but keep it casual. Ladies, on the north coast of Jamaica, take along a light wrap or sweater in case a breeze comes up.
Did You Know...
Castaways Travel KNOWS the surrounding Ocho Rios area to help you plan to get the most out of your holiday in and around Couples Tower Isle.
See: 12 Reasons to use Castaways Travel
The quietest and best rooms we think are the rooms in the West and East wings and in the private villas. Better views are in the East and West towers. The villas are in the back of the property.
Couples Tower Isle Nude Island from one of our clients - Thank you BRJ
There is no beach at all at the island, it is made up of volcanic looking rocks and mostly covered with paved or decked walkways. There is a wooden stairway down into the mainland side sea waters, but be careful of the rocks. You could see a very small sandy area at the bottom and I did see a few people go in for a dip.
There is a freshwater shower at the left or west end of the island that is very refreshing for the ladies to rinse the chlorine from their hair if they wish. It provides a nice quick cool down while tanning, as well.
East wings and in the private villas. Better views are in the East and West towers. The villas are in the back of the property.
Couples Tower Isle Nude Island from one of our clients - Thank you BRJ
There is no beach at all at the island, it is made up of volcanic looking rocks and mostly covered with paved or decked walkways. There is a wooden stairway down into the mainland side sea waters, but be careful of the rocks. You could see a very small sandy area at the bottom and I did see a few people go in for a dip.
There is a freshwater shower at the left or west end of the island that is very refreshing for the ladies to rinse the chlorine from their hair if they wish. It provides a nice quick cool down while tanning, as well.
It is definitely not a “lifestyle" event, but still very enjoyable. We stayed there all day for a couple of days and were there every day except in the afternoon we arrived.
They do allow non-nude photography trips out to the island, which occurs about 8:45 a.m., but when the island users go out at 9:00 a.m., the textile crowd is required to leave. I think some of us were nude before they even got loaded on the boat. They also do private dinners for two on the island, which are really nice according to some friends we made there.
Nude hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, but depending on the ocean waves/wind, the boat may not be able to go to the island. We were delayed one day until about 10:30 as the waves were traveling right into the landing pier.
I have heard that if the island is not available for a day, they will let you do the “Trading Places” routine and go to Couples San Souci which is only about 5 minutes away. The trading places thing is allowed any time if you sign up for their Romance Rewards program. You can go to Sans Souci for a day and have full access to the resort, restaurants etc, just as if you were staying there. They drop you off and pick you up about 4 pm, no charge. This is a popular option with the repeaters.
You can see the resort from the island well, and we got the occasional paddleboard or water trike, or kayaker coming very close to the island, but no one on the island really cared, we just waved at them. For the most part, the island vegetation provides cover between users and the mainland, but there is no vegetation on the ocean side of the island. Still, that is not a problem, unless a kayaker comes through, as boat traffic is usually quite a ways off from the island.
Getting There
Couples Tower Isle is 5 miles from Ocho Rios and 65 miles due east of Montego Bay's international airport. The resort is located on the north shore of Jamaica.
Most travelers fly into Montego Bay. You may elect to take either the complimentary bus shuttle to the resort or private car (extra charge). The bus shuttle takes about 1.5-1.75 hours, depending upon traffic. There are also air taxi flights for $125-150/person, to an airstrip near Oracabessa about 15-20 miles east of town. Taxi back to the resort is extra.
Reserve your spot at Club MoBay, an upscale traveler's lounge in the newest section of the Montego Bay Airport. The Club provides expedited arrival, customs/immigration, and departure services in addition to the Club admission, all-inclusive, with drinks, bar service, and snacks, WiFi, satellite TV provided. On a busy day with long lines, your wait time is virtually eliminated.
Services
Couples' packages are all inclusive which means all your basics are provided for one price. Included are: complimentary bus shuttle from airport, room accommodations, all meals, bar drinks, premium liquors, water sports, hotel taxes and gratuities, plus free half hour massages for returning guests, honeymooners, anniversaries and wedding couples.
Sports features include an equestrian center, big fitness center, aerobic classes, pool, video games, free golf/green fees/transfers, squash, racquetball, basketball, boat rentals, tennis, windsurfing and water skiing and various lawn games. Other water sports include SCUBA, canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing and sailing. No tipping allowed anywhere.
The Tower (nude) Island off the main beach in the bay is a private compound for nude sunbathing with plunge pools and refreshments provided. You can get a nice tan and meet some interesting couples there. Be friendly and strike up a conversation to get things started. Nude use is from about 9 AM - 5 PM, daily. Occasionally, the island is closed for a short time for weddings...but the resort will notify ahead of time, usually the day before an event.
Make sure you ask your waiter's name, introduce yourself, be happy and converse with the locals. Remember, Jamaica is a low-income island so be friendly but expect to be offered items for sale on the street. Drugs are against the law.
NOTE: Please take care of your valuables, cash, airline tickets, and passports while on vacation. Some vacation destinations are considered "third world" countries and experience petty theft. Recommendation: Do not take precious jewelry unless you wear it all times; keep your cash, valuables, watches, travel documentation and cameras with you and don't expect your in-room safe to be "safe." Just a word of caution to make sure you remember to practice common sense with your valuables while you're on vacation.
Book Couples Tower Isle On-Line
Dining
A full buffet is served in the Patio Restaurant open air on the beach for breakfast and lunch. Casual and fine dining is offered in four other award winning restaurants including the 8 Rivers, the Veranda (bistro with international/Caribbean fare; Bayside (pasta); and the Beach Grill for snacks and sandwiches. Guys, take a jacket and long pants to wear in the finer restaurants. But, no ties.
Meet your waiters and say hello and be friendly. Jamaican, American, and seafood dishes are featured during the main buffets. The food is plentiful and filling plus you can return for seconds and more. Premium liquors are served along with beer and fine wines. Don't pass up our favorite island beer, Red Stripe.
A nice touch is to have Continental breakfast in bed with your honey or enjoy 24-hour room service at the touch of your phone.
Book Couples Tower Isle On-Line
Rates
Per person nightly rates START at about $175/person/night on sale and up to $300+/person/night, depending upon your room category you prefer. NOTE: Rates are NOT guaranteed, subject to change without notice and varies with sales promotions announced periodically.
The lowest price can be secured via vacation "packages" primarily. Seasonal specials and early booking discounts apply some parts of the year. The rooms are priced according to location, size and amenities--mountain view, garden view, ocean view, villas.
Check with CASTAWAYS TRAVEL for an exact quote for the resort and airfare. The small private villas are a nice touch if you want privacy....honeymoon or anniversary...or just because. Charter airfare packaged with resort rooms offer the best value for an all inclusive vacation.
Rates quoted above are subject to change without notice.
Book Couples Tower Isle On-Line
Group Trips
Groups typically don't frequent Couples Tower isle --it's not a "groupie" destination, but that doesn't mean it's not a great place for two, three or even more couples to get together for a joint holiday. If you have other couples that might want to join you, please contact Castaways and see what kind of group trip deals are available especially for you.
Sightseeing
There are lots of sights to enjoy in addition to the beaches and the beautiful Caribbean sea. Escorted tours can be arranged at the resort. You can choose to visit Ocho Rios for a day of shopping, Mandeville for a trip to the mountains, raft the nearby local rivers with a guide. Shopping at the craft markets in both Ocho Rios and Montego Bay is fun but be prepared to bargain and listen to endless pleading.
Other optional adventures include a day trip to Dunn's River Falls, Prospect Plantation Tour, Sunset Catamaran Cruise, bicycle tours, horseback riding, ATVs and glass-bottom boat rides. A fun ride is the tubing down the White River nearby.
Impressions
Uppers-Downers
↑↑↑ Marriage ceremonies are complimentary to guests. Jamaican residency requirements must be met-usually 2 days or 48 hours of residency. The features are always subject to change without notice. Plan ahead and send all your marriage documents ahead of your trip for filing at the local courthouse.
Otherwise, be prepared for a 3 or 4 day wait for everything to be processed if you don't send in your documents and application ahead of time. A marriage coordinator is assigned for each couple getting married, so you always have a contact on-site to help make all the arrangements, including the minister and witnesses, if necessary. Castaways can put you in touch with the proper coordinator. There is typically at $150 administrative charge by the local parish to file your marriage your certificate. Charge subject to change without notice.
↓↑ Getting to the nude island requires a small boat supplied by the resort which can restrict your spur of the moment whims to skinny dip. The island's plunge pools, water and plenty of Red Stripe beer tend to improve the situation, however. There is no "nude" beach on the mainland where the resort is located.
↓↓↓ Don't sit in the grass. One amorous time, we were in the hot tub late at night, decided to carry on further on the grass next to the hot tub and promptly got stung by some kind of critters lurking nearby. Boy, what a way to dampen your libido!!!
↑↑↑If you enjoy talking and meeting people...you'll find them at the nude island. The folks there are...young and old, newbies and repeat guests. It's a quick way to get in the know about what to do and where to go.
Age Ranges
Guest ages vary from the mid-20s to over 60, with most averaging in between. Lots of newlyweds and honeymooners make this place popular due to free weddings and the romance of the place.
Best Time To Go
Just about year-round. Late summer - August and September - can be more humid and prone to storms in the Caribbean. Also, remember that this is the Caribbean and while even in the summer months there is usually a cooling breeze off of the water, but once you go inland or into town... it can get really hot. Also remember that you're in the tropics so you should expect some rain anytime, anywhere, unannounced.
Fall, winter and early spring can be less humid than late spring and summer. Late spring through fall can be a bit more humid. The north shore is not quite as wet as inland or west towards Montego Bay or Negril. Of course, late August through early October can include unstable weather with hurricanes a seasonal threat. Prices are generally higher from mid-December to April, with holiday rates higher than any time during the year. Rain can occur at any time so be prepared
Book Couples Tower Isle On Line
Wish List
• We wish they would establish a nude beach ON the beach.
• We wish the restaurants were all air-conditioned. Two of the restaurants, 8 Rivers, and the Veranda, are air-conditioned, whereas the Patio and the Bayside have no A/C.
Photo Album
Click on this link to view our PHOTO ALBUM of Couples Tower Isle. The photos were either shot by us, our clients or provided by the resort. If you have recently visited Couples we invite you to send in your photos for us to display. To contribute you own photos (or trip reports), go to our Contribute Trip Report / Photographs page.
You can contribute trip pictures at: Photographs page.
If you have specific questions, please contact Castaways Travel at info@castawaystravel.com
All reservations, payments and transactions are subject to Castaways Travel Terms and Conditions.