On today’s rainy, stormy day in Festus, MO, I am remembering the recent feeling of the sun rays, warm sea water and soft sand on my skin when I was on my “intentional time out (in)” a couple weeks ago.
Many have asked where we went/how it was so here is my itty-bitty review of the Couples Tower Isle Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, which provided so many magical memories. As couples and adult-only, all-inclusive resort, the entertainment and service team offered everything one would want to escape reality. With clean, upscale, modern and Caribbean decor, Couples also maintained elements of their historic details in their stone walls and vintage pictures, many dating back to 1949, when the resort first opened.
People vacationed here from around the world. Most everyone we spoke with were interestingly from either the United Kingdom or parts of the Midwest in the United States. We all raved about the decadent, healthy, perfectly-prepared cuisine, with recipes from around the world. In addition to room service and an extensive buffet, they had several fine-dining and casual restaurants. Whether you craved a gourmet, five-course meal, something quick and fried from the poolside grill or a fresh fruit and veggie plate, there were plenty of delicious food options to choose from. Each marvelous meal was served with the most friendly and thoughtful staff, all with impressive memories.
If the unlimited, flavorful food and stellar service was not enough, one could sip and savor unlimited alcoholic (or non) drinks of any kind, at any time. Beverages were welcome in the many pools, jacuzzies, swim up bars, beachside, and in their Piano Bar and many relaxing and romantic lounge/seating areas. We ate, drank, danced and were constantly entertained with games, live music and professional performances by local artists.
One could choose to participate in their events or relish in quiet moments breathing in the ocean scenery, walking next to colorful flowers on their nature paths or exploring their famous private, secluded “au naturel” island (of which we toured and left before clothing was non-optional).
Also non-optional was the resort’s strict “no-tipping” policy and their all-inclusive excursions. For no extra charge, we smiled as we sailed around on their “Hobie Cat” boat and investigated ocean life through their glass-bottom boat and while snorkeling. 
We also had an amusing afternoon on a catamaran boat, where we saw more of Jamaica, swam in the ocean and had a dance party with unlimited rum punch. On another day, took a luxury bus ride to climb Dunn’s River Falls, one of the world’s coolest waterfalls. Guests could Kayak, use hydro bikes, paddle boats, play tennis and be active a variety of other water/outdoor sports, all included in their package pricing.
Our only minor complaints were a strong citrus-cleaner smell in the Piano Bar (others had no issues with this) and two nights with cold water and minimal water pressure for showers. The staff was quick to apologize and worked promptly on a resolution. The Couples team also did an impeccable job with consistent cleaning of the entire resort and twice-a-day room service.
Full credit goes out to my partner, Jason, for his extensive research of this resort and for making this vacation become a reality for us. We had not been away on a kid-free trip since March of 2019. We have always said we would never return to a vacation location twice; however, we may reconsider after having such a positive experience at the Couples Tower Isle in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
A special shout-out goes to Anna Mayer with Revival Ink Scalp & Cosmetic Tattooing for providing her artistry on my permanent makeup. I was mentally thanking her multiple times each day, happy to not wearing makeup while in the water. I only chose to add a little blush and mascara on the nights when we got fancy. This has been a total time-saving game-changer in my life.
This is a non-paid endorsement for Couples Tower Isle Resort, Jamaica, Jamaican vacations, Revival Ink Scalp & Cosmetic Tattooing, reconnecting with your partner and taking intentional time outs/ins. I am blessed and grateful.
