Couples Tower Isle: Michael & Vicky - December, 2009

CTI Review—

Flight & Arrival

Two years ago, we said we didn’t care to ever fly Delta again, but this year we got the best deal from Delta, so we booked. All of our flights were on time, in fact early and we landed and were at immigration by 11:27 a.m. Flew through Customs and into the Couples Lounge where we had time to use the restroom, grab a drink and we were loaded on the bus with one other couple. Danny was our driver and drove us straight to the resort-okay, first stop at CSS to drop off the other Couple. Travel time from airport to CTI—1 hour 30 minutes.

We got to CTI and were greeted with a cool towel, drink orders taken and seated at the check-in desk. We filled out paperwork, were told our room wasn’t quite ready and we headed off to get some lunch. By 1:35, we were eating, having our 2nd drink and deciding what we wanted to see first. About ½ hour later, Evard found us to let us know our room was ready. We followed him to our “first” room. It wasn’t quite what we expected for the Premier Room, so we went to front desk and asked to be moved to the new building. They did this, no problem.

Room

Our room was very nice. Each room has 2 beach towels and 2 refillable water bottles, the nice kind, hard clear plastic with Couples Logo and stainless steel bottom with screw off top that has a strap on so you can attach it to your belt or bag. We still aren’t sold on the 0degree entry showers, but the water temp and pressure was good. The bed and linens were very comfy, and the turn down and housekeeping services excellent. Our first night they delivered our Sparkling Wine and Sweets. Later Byron called and said he had something for us. He came up with t-shirts and our credit vouchers.

Food
I don’t know what to say, except that it was amazing. The only thing I didn’t like was the shrimp and seafood bisque and that was only because there was something in it I couldn’t identifyJ.

Veranda was once again our choice for dinner. The snapper was wonderful and the pumpkin soup was tasty.

8 Rivers had awesome Beef Wellington. It almost melted in my mouth is was so tender. We REALLY missed the piano playing during supper, especially because we were at the back of the restaurant where we heard the staff going in and out of the kitchen. Also, the area was open behind us to the hall between the Veranda and 8 Rivers and every time the doors opened from the Patio, we got blasted with the entertainment. I really hope they think about closing this off some how as it really takes away from the ambiance of both the Veranda and 8 Rivers.

Breakfast was incredible each morning and I got to have my chocolate croissants everyday with one of Ulysses’ wonderful seafood omelets. Almost every morning we saw Maxine who was visiting the guests. We saw Mr. Henry a couple of mornings as well as Randy Russel and Mr. Issa.

The Repeaters’ Dinner was amazing. We had Surf & Turf with lobster tail and filet. First we attended the Manager’s Reception on the pier. They had nice appetizers and drinks. From there we met with other repeaters in the Piano Bar. Gary sang a couple of songs to us, and then they invited us over to the restaurant for dinner. Gary was our “management” representative. LaToya and her husband Donny sat with us also as she was star performer for May and the star performer is invited to dinner. LaToya found out it was Michael’s birthday (Hmm wonder how that happened) and he ended up getting double of everything, including the lobster tail. She also arranged for a special dessert presentation for him with “Happy Birthday, Michael” written on his plate in chocolate and the staff singing to him.

We only ate breakfast and lunch on the patio except our first night. This was the night of the “Pool Gala”. However, this has been moved from the pool area to the patio, and not sure why. We missed the ice sculptures, but the food was good as always.

We got snacks from the pool grill and sweet potato chips from the beach veggie bar. But it was always good. I totally forgot getting the beef patties this year as I was hooked on the sweet potato chips and lemony humus or French fries with hot cheese.

Service was outstanding and it’s what we love about CTI. There were new faces with the staff that returned but all was good. Props to Katie from Entertainment who always greeted us each time she saw us.

Bars

The biggest surprise was not having draft beer on the island but getting glass bottles instead. It was hard to keep this cold, so if you are going and you will go to the island and you like beer, take a beer coozie. Drinks were always good. Service again was always good and we never had to wait. We even gave Abe a workout on how to make some of our favorites.

Activities

As this was not our first time, we did very little other than soak up the sun. We did do horseback riding hoping to get on the ride we haven’t had, which we did and if we go horseback riding again, we will try to get the Prospect Plantation Tour. I also did the Power Walks with Alford. It was great to get outside the resort on foot and see some of the country side. There was nightly entertainment as well as a disco on the Patio. They also had sing alongs in the piano bar.

Gym

I did end up using the gym 2 or 3 times. The equipment seemed to be new and I liked the built in fans on the tread mill and stationary bike.

Spa

AHHHH-very tranquil. We had our Repeater’s Massage and then with the credits I had the full body scrub and seaweed peppermint wrap with 55 minutes massage. Oh what a treat. My second treat was my 1 hour facial. The spa is also where you will find two Jacuzzis, plunge pool and at least one sauna. It is very beautiful.

Pools
The pools were all very nice and well maintained. The island pool could use some help as the filter cover was off one of the bottom drains and a jet cover was missing from a vacuum area near the bar.

Shopping

We stayed on the resort to shop, hitting both the Logo Shop and the Gift Shop.

Departure

Our departure went as smoothly as our arrival. No one felt the need to stop on the way to the airport, so we went from CTI to MBJ in 1 hour 40 minutes. We had our repeaters departure gift which was a nice gesture. We were in line and to the gate, to wait, in no time. Had lunch at Cool Runnings and found that the prices for the restaurants at the airport have gone up quite a bit since last year.

Trading Places

We took a day and did the Trading Places that Repeaters can do with CSS. What we learned is that CTI is the place for us!

Well, I think that is everything. I am still trying to figure out how to post pictures on this site. If you have questions, please ask!

Okay I knew I would forget something.

Internet cafe is wonderful--AC works and you can print if you need to although we found that the pre-check in with Delta was worthless going home.

Stuff we missed from previous vists:

Piano in 8 Rivers (there wasn't even piped in music)
Banana Pancakes
The blue canvas chairs on the island
Casino Night, or did we just miss it? Slots in game room (heard these were coming)
Basket swings and hammocks, the only hammock is on the island.


So I keep thinking of things--We were disappointed that the gift shop nor the logo shop had any Couples jewelry (okay, I was disappointed.) The gift shop had some jewelry, but not anything specific to Jamaica except the "One Love" bracelet, let alone Couples. May it will be there as they get more stock in.


Michael & Vicky