We as Americans live very busy and chaotic lives. This is of our own doing, so we have no one to blame but ourselves. However, even with the hustle and bustle of this rat race called life, we still need to take time to relax and recharge. In December 2023, Robyn and I went to Couples Negril in Jamaica for some much needed rest. I cannot tell you how much relaxation and romance we found at Couples Negril.
Visiting Jamaica Means Relaxation
When visiting Jamaica, the first thing that comes to mind is relaxation. Whenever I hear the Jimmy Buffet song Margaritaville, I instantly think of the white sand beaches of Jamaica and beach side tiki bars. This is even more evident when you have a chance to speak to the citizens of Jamaica. Everyone is so nice and helpful, and you feel right at home immediately.
Welcome Home
Welcome home are some of the first words you hear when visiting Jamaica. They truly want you to feel at home there. Once you make it through immigration and security, there will be a Couples lounge in the airport. This lounge is located with a number of other resorts bussing travelers to their destinations. Inside the Couples lounge are concierges. They are there to help check you in and arrange your bus ride to your resort of choice. Also, there is a bathroom, couches, and a bar with Jamaican beer on tap. Yes, the beer is free too.
As soon as you enter the lounge the staff take care of you like royalty. The staff take your luggage, tag it for your destination, and place it in a group with others going to the same place. When it is time to leave, someone will take your bags and guide you to your bus/van. Be sure to tip the bell hops, too. Also, be sure to tip your bus driver. While they are paid a salary, most of their income is from tips. Be nice to them!
Relaxation Begins at Couples Negril
The drive from Montego Bay (locals call it MoBay) is about 2-2.5 hours away. The drive runs along the northern coastal highway which takes you through local parishes. This is where you are able to see the real Jamaica and how most live. Compared to the United States, it’s not a very poor country. However, the culture there is very rich and vibrant, and the people are so nice and willing to help.
When arriving to Couples Negril, the bus/van will take you to the covered patio area where the check-in desk is located. It’s always warm in Jamaica, so the entire check-in is open. As soon as you exit the vehicle, someone will grab your luggage and bring it to the desk. While at Couples, they do not want you to do anything. Period. This is your time to relax and they expect you to do just that. Everything is done for you.
Once check-in is done, someone will escort you to your room. Again, you are not allowed to carry your luggage, so the bell hop will take it for you. Once you unpack, it’s time to venture out and see the resort to make friends and have endless food and drinks.
Start Relaxing With A Drink
The one thing we love about the all-inclusive resorts is you can get as many drinks as you want and as often as you want. After fighting through airport security, connecting flights, and customs, getting a nice island drink is high on the priority list. The resort is equipped with five bars that will fill your every relaxation desire. The drinks are made well and with enough spice for you to exit life for a few days.
Visit The Grill
After a long day of travel, the one thing we want most is something to eat. The resort has a grill area staffed 24/7 and they are ready to make you a nice snack regardless of time. Once we ventured out to explore, we stopped by the grill and the bar beside of it for a drink. Then a nice walk is in order up and down the beach. Take the time to explore the resort to know what they have and where things are.
Couples Resorts Encourage Romance
Couples Resorts are not like some other resorts in Jamaica where open affection is permissible. Nothing like the known swinger resort Hedonism. Couples Resorts focus on atmosphere, environment, and ensuring relaxation. The resorts are adults only and you can only visit as a couple. So, there are no singles floating around and you can be carefree with everything. Being allowed to relax completely and in the company of your chosen lover allows you to focus on each other. Sure you can talk to others and make friends, but while relaxing on the beach or in the pool, most are focusing on their significant other.
Couples Massages
Imagine this. You are at a Couples Resort and you manage to bring the stress of life with you. There is no better way to relax than a couples massage under a beach Tiki. The professionally trained staff are there to help you relax. Also, having a couples massage while naked on the beach just hits different. Don’t worry, there are curtains in place to give you privacy while getting on the table.
Relax With Yoga and Meditation
If you are the type of person or couple who are relax more with yoga and meditation, then you are in luck. Couples Negril offers yoga and meditation classes, too. I know there many times when we require moments alone to pull our thoughts together. Yoga and meditation are very helpful with clearing your mind and helping your muscles relax. I do this even at home, but it is a great way to remove stress as soon as you get there.
Restaurant Date Night
While at visiting Couples Negril, you will want to take the time to have a date night. The resort has a few restaurants on site. Two of them are more suited for a dress up date night, if you choose. We were unable to visit the Otaheite restaurant. This restaurant is more of an “upscale” setting, but still casual enough that you don’t need formal wear. You can wear dress pants (nice jeans are allowed) and a nice shirt for the men. Ladies can wear similar or they can opt for a summer dress. No beach attire is allowed. Oh, you will need reservations, so make them either as soon as you arrive or before you leave.
Another option for dining is the chic Asian inspired restaurant Lychee. This is more of a casual restaurant focusing on Asian dishes. We ate at this restaurant during our stay and it is delicious with a laid back atmosphere. The dress attire is resort casual (shorts or jeans), but you should avoid beach wear. In fact, none of the restaurants allow beach attire.
Relaxation and Romance Au Naturel
I’m sure you’re probably thinking…there is no way I will be going Au Naturel in front of others. We both had the same thought too when we visited the Au Naturel beach. One thing that is quickly evident is there are no supermodels on the nude beach. Everyone on the nude beach is exactly like you and I are. We did not see anyone to make us feel insecure about what we look like. Basically, everyone has a mom-bod and dad-bod.
Once finding a spot you are required to remove all your clothes. There is no clothing optional part to it and there is a resort guard to enforce the rules. When everyone is naked, no one is looking at you. You’re just another person on the beach. This has to be the most freeing experience anyone will do.
One advantage to the nude beach is they have a Tiki bar there with the same drinks as the rest of the resort. So you will not need to leave or worry about others (except present company) seeing you naked. Just walk to the bar and get your drink, then make your way back to your chair. You see this everyday, all day.
Advantages of the Au Naturel Beach
If you are like me and don’t really like large crowds, then the Au Naturel beach is the way to go. During our visit there were maybe 6-7 couples on a crowed day. I prefer to have a quiet spot on any beach, so it is very pleasant to see there are a lot of chairs and spots to choose from. Also, there are large shade trees to sit under to protect you from the direct sunlight.
- Is far less busy than the main beach
- Dedicated hot tub just for Au Naturel
- Tiki bar with all the drinks
- Dedicated restroom
- Plenty of shade
- More private than the main beach
- Lunch grill is served on the beach
Disadvantages of the Au Naturel Beach
While the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, I do not want you visiting there without all the facts. Just in case you choose to partake in the Au Naturel setting. The beach is semi-private, so you won’t have bystanders getting close to you. However, the edge of the beach is public land, so you get a lot of folks walking back and forth. You will see a lot of families due to the family resort next door, and you will get an occasional on looker trying to get an eye full.
- Vendors trying to sell you stuff
- Everyone can potentially see you if you go swimming in the ocean
- Beach walkers sometimes try to get shot of nude people
- Lunch options are limited
- No pool
- Au Naturel beach is very small
Free Relaxing Excursions at Couples Negril
While our choice is to relax while in Jamaica, there are a few free activities for guests to participate in. They resort offers unlimited scuba diving, unlimited watersports, along with tennis and golf options. If you choose, there are off-resort excursion to go on. This can be a catamaran cruise, glass bottom boat, or even an adventure to various waterfalls.
During our visit, we wanted to try to do some kayaking in Bloody Bay. Unfortunately, the water, as calm as it looks, was too rough for us to even get in the boat. After a few attempts we give up and go back to the beach to relax and get some drinks. For some reason the water just wasn’t cooperating with us.
Final Thoughts
We never could guess how lovely, relaxing, and romantic Couples Negril is for lovers. The atmosphere is very inviting and they take care of you for everything. The rooms are spacious, very clean, and provide you with the island vibe that draws so many there each year. The food is excellent and you can eat all you want and you can have as many mimosa’s for breakfast that you want. No one will tell you no there. Well, provided you follow the resort rules.
If you are looking for the perfect place for a honeymoon, anniversary, or to get married, then Couples Negril will offer you all that. Pack a light suitcase and allow yourself to be pampered for your entire stay. Be sure to try the water sports, support local vendors, and give the Au Naturel beach a try your first day. I’ve read so many people who try it the last day and wish they went on the first day. You will not be disappointed.
The typical demographic there is mid-thirties all the way into retirement, so there are very little concerns for a rowdy crowd. The worst thing you have to worry about the walk to the beach or pool and where you will park yourself for the day. Now, pack your bags and go ‘home’ because they are waiting for you to come home.
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