Barefoot Elegance: How Couples Stands Out in Jamaica
Despite the emergence of an array of new brands and products among all-inclusive resort properties, Couples Resorts stands out among the pack as the only brand whose very name is synonymous with the clientele it accommodates: couples seeking romantic getaways where they can create memories that will linger far beyond the vacation’s end.
In all, the brand has four Jamaican properties: two in Negril (Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away) and two in Ocho Rios (Couples Tower Isles and Couples Sans Souci). Guests enjoy 24-hour gourmet dining and unlimited premium-brand spirits and complimentary Wi-Fi, plus special activities including a sunset catamaran cruise excursion, water skiing, Hobie Cat sailing, golf, tennis, non-motorized water sports and unlimited PADI-Certified Scuba diving.
Couples Q&A
What distinguishes Couples Resorts from the other all-inclusive properties and brands?
Couples Resorts defined the all-inclusive experience in 1978 and we are constantly refining it. From our founding, our intent has been to deliver a level of barefoot elegance, amazing cuisine and almost limitless inclusions designed to delight and surprise our guests day in and day out.
Our product is so unique and occupies a niche within Jamaica’s product offerings that is very appealing—to our first-time guests, our large percentage of repeat guests and to me. We are not the largest, nor do we want to be. We offer an experience, a way of life that is truly Jamaican. We are authentic to our core. All we have to do, as a sales and marketing team, is provide the exposure. As one of the prior Jamaica Advertising campaigns stated, ‘Once you go, you know.’ Find someone that has experienced Couples first-hand and you’ll see the delight in their eyes.
Whether you are the GM, the president of a large tour operator, a travel agent who works out of the home or the front desk agent who welcomes a guest to a property, our goal is to deliver an amazing experience that is above anything ever anticipated. Everything that we do must be focused on the guest experience, which in turn produces a product that is second-to-none.
How does Couples Resorts work with travel agents?
From our founding, the success of the Couples brand has been directly tied to the success of thousands of travel agents across the globe. Travel agent partnerships are a key part of our DNA. And with one of the most attractive agent incentive programs in the industry, we are working on future initiatives that will be even more rewarding.
In your view, what are Couples Resorts strong selling points—in terms of what guests will enjoy most?
Family—which may seem like an odd reply. We pride ourselves by saying, ‘We never have guests, we have family.’ Our property teams and countless guest volunteers work year-around to give back to the country of Jamaica through medical missions and adopting schools. Lee Issa, our chairman, with the soul of Jamaica pumping through his veins, is on property every day for hours, mixing and talking to countless guests. Our staff has developed countless bonds through the years with thousands of guests, each time welcoming them back by name.
Lee Issa, our chairman—with the soul of Jamaica pumping through his veins—is on property every day for hours, mixing and talking to countless guests. Our staff has developed countless bonds through the years with thousands of guests, each time welcoming them back by name. Our property teams and countless guest volunteers work year-around to give back to the country of Jamaica through medical missions and adopting schools.
How would you describe the typical Couples guest in terms of demographics and vacation styles?
First and foremost, our guests are anything but typical and range across all demographics. We have many guests from many walks of life, and they all come together for ‘One Love’ of Jamaica, and its people and a resort experience that is unique and unmatched … to celebrate a marriage or renew vows—the list goes on and on.
A Healthy Stay At Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas
A stay at an all-inclusive beach resort doesn’t need to be something your body hates you for the week after. We all know the deal. All you can drink. All you can eat. Minimal exercise. Maximum tanning. But the Caribbean Tourism Organization is trying to change that in naming 2018 the “Year of Wellness and Rejuvenation”.
“For those who focus on renewing body and spirit, the options are virtually endless; from beachfront workouts and yoga retreats, to wellness resorts and spa treatments, the notion of being rejuvenated in the Caribbean is one more reason to let us pamper you in 2018,” said Hugh Riley, Caribbean Tourism Organization secretary general, during a press conference announcing the campaign.
In conjunction with this campaign, whose efforts include showcasing why the Caribbean should be travelers’ number one choice of destination for wellness and rejuvenation, Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas hosted its first ever on-site Wellness Week this pas April.
In partnership with Crunch Fitness and Dr. Rachel Goldman, a licensed psychologist specializing in health and wellness, Breezes Bahamas encouraged its guests to embrace healthy living through complimentary daily exercise classes, workshops, cooking demonstrations and more.
Led by encouraging, high energy certified Crunch Fitness instructors, classes ranged from relaxing and meditative to intense and heart pounding. In the latter category were classes that included Rainbow Meditation which encourages guests to find inner peace inspired by the chakras (energy centers) of the body and their related colors and Rise & Flow Yoga, a class incorporating sun salutes geared toward bringing energy into your day.
Sweat-inducing classes featured the popular TRX® session with ropes to push, pull, lift and lower your body through Spiderman moves for a total body suspension workout and POUND, a class that’s a fusion of movement and music where you drum along to beats with Ripstix™—weighted drumsticks designed to transform drumming into a rock star work out.
One of my favorites of the week? Silent Disco! Using silent disco headphones, you’re set to dance the night away to either ZUMBA®, Pop Dance Project or Hard Knocks (hip-hip and kickboxing fusion) while instructors lead fun workouts that get you sweating.
When guests weren’t working out, they were participating in cooking demonstrations led by Breezes Executive Chef Nigel Clarke and wellness workshops led by Dr. Rachel on topics such as mindful eating and stress reduction.
In addition to the Wellness Week, Breezes Bahamas offers a whole bunch of adventurous land and water activities available to all guests for free. Water activities include ocean paddle boarding, sailing and kayaking. For those who rather stay dry, on-site is a beachside jogging track, tennis courts, sand soccer field, rock climbing, and flying trapeze.
Of course, for those that want to simply relax, Breezes Bahamas is, after all, situated on a 1,000-foot stretch of Cable Beach. Powdery white sands and clear turquoise water makes it an ideal beach getaway destination.
Within two towers are 391 air-conditioned guestrooms including five suites, 28 Ocean Front rooms and eight Beach Front Patio rooms. Moreover, the resort features a piano bar, Blue Mahoe Spa, four restaurants and option for private beach dining, four bars, a fitness center and three freshwater pools.
A stay at Breezes Bahamas means you’re going to be entertained from sun up to sun down, and well after. Once the sun sets, the fun gets started with live entertainment including dance performances, comedy and talent shows and signing. Also on the property is the Hurricanes Nightclub, for anyone who wants to dance all night long.
For those interested in getting off the Breeze Bahamas property, the town of Nassau is easily accessible by bus. Head over to Twin Brothers for their famous daiquiris or my personal new favorite drink, sky juice—a mix of gin, coconut water and condensed milk. For food, make sure to get some authentic Bahamian specialties such as conch fritters, cracked lobster and peas n’ rice.
Itching to do some shopping? Walk over to the renowned straw market on Bay Street in downtown Nassau, a massive open-air market where you can find traditional Bahamian crafts, gifts and souvenirs. Just don’t get overwhelmed and be sure to negotiate prices!
Rates at Breezes Resort & Spa Bahamas start at $296, depending on the season.
