had been up all night before this, only getting a two hour nap. Anticipation and adrenaline fueled us until we arrived in Montego Bay at 10:47 am via Air
Jamaica. I am feel impelled to recommend Air Jamaica to everyone. I cannot vouch for their punctuality but I can say that they seem to make it their job to get
you intoxicated well before you arrive at your destination: you see, champagne, wine, and red stripe beer are complimentary on Air Jamaica.
Jamaica Airport
Sangster International Airport at Mo Bay is a glorious place to fly into. You practically scim the ocean and beachfront on the way in. You get off of the plane on
the runway and walk into the airport. It is here that you see a line of people waiting to catch the plane that you just got off of. We immediately noticed that these
people were well-tanned. Many had braids. All seemed to be carrying more paraphenelia home than they arrived with.
The Ride From Hell
We were escorted by the Apple travel representative to the Couples desk in the airport. Here we waited about twenty minutes until our shuttle was ready to
take us. Our "shuttle" was a large, new, air conditioned bus. There were only us and another couple as passengers. The bus was big enough for fifty.
Everyone must do the "ride from hell" at least once. There is no other way you will truly see the island. The ride is probably called this, not because of poor
driving but more poor driving conditions and very hilly terrain. We found the driver not to drive too fast or too reckless but it was the rollercoaster-like terrain
that made the ride hell. The ride lasted about an hour and forty-five minutes.
On to Couples Negril
When we arrived at the gate, the Couples logo was so subtle that I was not aware that we were there. We got off the bus brewing with excitement and entered
the impeccably decorated, inviting, lobby. At the end of the lobby was the most stunning view I have seen in years: an immaculate large swimming pool set
amongst paradise with a backdrop of the beach and ocean. In this pool was dozens of couples laughing and drinking and having a good time. We could hardly
wait to join. We were escorted to the piano bar and given two glasses of champagne. Check in was not until 3pm and we arrived at 12:45 pm, hence we ate
lunch from one of the tremendous buffets. We were smart enough to wear our bathing suits under our clothes, which we quickly shed. Off to the beach.
The Beach
Couples Negril does not exaggerate when they boast having Jamaica's most pristine beach. It was beautiful. The only problem we had was with the nude beach.
We spent most of our time there but was one of only one or two other couples who were there. Furthermore the nude beach was adjacent and well within view
of the watersports to the south and the public beach to the north. Since we were one of only three couples amongst about 150 it felt somewhat awkward to see
all of our friends watching us nude while they did watersport. Even more awkward was the single Jamaican guys and children gawking at us from the public
beach. But we held strong. It was the clothing-optional beach by golly and we used it. There was nude swimming in Couples pool by many couples starting at
about 10pm. Didn't see most of these people at nude beach though.
Grand Lido
On our second day in Jamaica we traveled down the beach to Grand Lido. We found their clothing beach and resort to be generally inferior in appearance to
Couples. Their clothing optional beach, on the other hand, is a different story. Although, again, inferior in appearance, it was perfectly placed and full of people.
It had its own bar, snack-bar, and pool. There were at least 20-30 good-looking happy-go-lucky couples having fun. While we were there we even played a
game of nude volleyball. We considered spending everyday there but the clothing-optional beach is unattainable directly from Couples' beach. We had to buy a
day pass which costs $65 US per person. We decided that might get expensive. We spent the rest of the trip at Couples.
Rooms
We had a beachfront suite. Immaculate. As large as a one bedroom apartment. Jacuzzi. Fully stocked bar. Beautiful carribean decor. Maid service among the
best anywhere, including the Ritz. Elegant way to spend a week. Although we realized that we spent so little time in the room we may as well had a smaller, less
expensive, room.
Food
Beach grill open most of the time with absolutely no dress code. Main dining room you need at least a shirt. Formal restuarant you need slacks. Ladies need
dresses. Wide variety of food each day. YOU WILL FIND SOMETHING THAT YOU ENJOY EVERYDAY. Bars open about 22hours per day. Service
at bars average but bartenders with above-average enthusiasm.
Clientelle
Mostly 20s-40s. All young at heart. Middle class to upscale.
Nightlife
Live good reggea music and dancing until about 10:45 pm then the place goes dead most nights. Once or twice per week there is a disco that starts at 11pm.
Other nights there is sing-a-long in piano bar . . . boring unless you are stupid drunk.
Overall
I would go back. Next time we will probably try Couples Ocho Rios or Grand Lido because much more nude-friendly. The management assured us they were
going to move the nude beach to the other side of the resort next to Grand Lido. If that happens, We may return to Couples Negril.
J and Aud