Couples Negril April 25 to May 3
After a long Canadian winter we finally headed to the sun on April 25. We had been to Jamaica for the last 4 years. Previous years we had been Grand Lido Braco 1999, Grand Lido Sans Souci 2000, 2001 and 2002. This year we wanted a change of scene from Ocho Rios to Negril. After researching on the web, reading bulletin boards, trip reports and checking prices we decided on Couples Negril.
We are not going to give a day by day report but give highlights, the positives, some (minor) negatives, and our impressions.
The drive to Negril was just fine, took just under an hour on a good road much better than the road to Ocho Rios. We shared the mini bus with another Canadian who had been there plenty of times as a consultant to the food and beverage department more on that later.
Check in was reasonably quick for Jamaica champagne was cold.
As we arrived at 3.00 pm, I took the opportunity to get to the dive shop as soon as we had been to our room so I could get on the Saturday morning dive its the only 2 tank dive offered. For divers, the shop closes at 4.00 pm so get there and sign up you will not only need a C card but also proof of insurance such as DAN or confirmation that your work coverage includes scuba.
At 5.00 we took the orientation tour although at that point we had found most of the resort ourselves. Really friendly staff, watch for the Flaming Bob Marley at the beach grill bar tastes great but packs a punch.
All the restaurants were great, we were lucky enough to meet Stephane the executive chef through our traveling companion on the bus. They were about to try a completely new menu at the gourmet restaurant Tuesday evening so we signed up to be one of the first to try it out. We have eaten at some great restaurants in Toronto, Rome, Sorrento and Jersey and this ranks right up there. Dont forget to sign up as soon as you can and as often as you can.
We were in the 2000 block on the third floor, partial ocean view we had booked a garden view and I emailed before we left to request a second or third floor room so if thats what you want try it and see what happens.
While I was diving every day my wife was using the cardio room now for one of the minor drawbacks, there are not enough treadmills for the number of people wanting to use them at this area the Lidos are better.
We never went into the pool, while big it looked busy and in the morning smelled heavily of chlorine, we have a hot tub on the back deck and it was nice to get into salt water for a change. The water temperature was great, just like a warm bath warmer than Ocho Rios. We used the CO beach all the time it was quieter and the 4 or 5 couples using it were also looking for a relaxing vacation. The self-serve bar was hit and miss first few days no draft red stripe and rarely any bottles or cans just juice, vodka, gin and mix. After that it picked up with red stripe on draft really cold Miller Lite in cans and rum along with vodka and gin. Not that many people walking during the height of the day but more as the afternoon went on.
Diving was OK nothing special but the dive team are great. The reefs are mostly fished out and coral is coming back after hurricanes of a few years back. Saw some barracuda, crab, lobster, mackerel, trigger fish and rays. Still an easier dive than Lake Ontario, Lake Erie or the Niagara River this time of year.
If you take the shopping trip, be aware that the best prices for coffee and rum are on the last stop at Sunshine Village way cheaper than at the hotel. The first stop at the craft market is fine for clothing we bought a few items, these people are happy to see you and like those tourist dollars.
If you want to keep up to date with home please be considerate of those who follow the internet PC is in a small phone booth size room. The signs ask you not to smoke or drink, do not smoke. Some evenings I was there I had to fan the door before I choked on the atmosphere.
All in all it was one of the best vacations we had spent in Jamaica. Well be back incidentally there is still an Air Jamaica Love Bird lounge - Air Canada no longer has privileges there - but the lounge, or door to it is still by gate 7.
If you want anything more post to the bulletin board and I will reply.
Irae