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.
Sandals Resort coming to Tobago
Sandals Resorts International has signed a memorandum of understanding to build Sandals and Beaches resorts on Tobago, said chairman Butch Stewart.
It would be the company’s first resorts on the island, one half of the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the southern Caribbean. Stewart describes the resort site as “magnificent.”
“We look forward to being a part of the Tobago hotel community as it’s a place I have been interested in for 14 years. It’s an incredible island with warm people and they have a lovely hotel community,” said Stewart.
He also said, “We have been very comfortable dealing with the various officials on the island and look forward to what the future holds.” Sandals has been in negotiations with Tobago for more than a year. The Tobago Hotel and Tourism Association said, “The majority of our members welcome Sandals coming to Tobago because of the additional flights and increased destination marketing which it would provide.”
What’s Happening in Las Vegas in 2017
WHY LAS VEGAS?
Why not Las Vegas. Las Vegas is continuously evolving to keep new and exciting experiences and hotels available to our more than 42 million annual visitors coming back time and time again. Repeat visitors that keep coming back stand in amazement of how our city keeps changing. Las Vegas is truly unrivaled with what our city offers when it comes to headliner entertainment, celebrity chef dining, over the top nightlife and luxurious spas to name just a few. Not only does the “Las Vegas Strip” challenge the social conventions but you must check out the newly invigorated downtown Las Vegas with recently renovated properties like Downtown Grand and The D in addition to downtown attractions like The Mob Museum, The Neon Museum and the Slotzilla zipline that runs under the Fremont Street Experience canopy. Don’t forget the numerous national and state parks within a day’s trip of Las Vegas including Red Rock Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and Valley of Fire. Lastly, who could pass up the chance to see the amazing man-made wonder of Hoover Dam, only a 30 minute drive from Las Vegas or the natural wonder of the Grand Canyon which can be an amazing helicopter tour experience as just one way to see this spectacle.
NEW HOTELS
Available in 2017 is the new 203 room Lucky Dragon Hotel, the first Las Vegas casino resort to deliver an authentic Asian lifestyle experience located on the north end of the Strip. The hotel features a nine-story hotel, 27,500-square-foot casino space, a pool designed to create an oasis garden escape and a Tea Garden with Las Vegas’ only tea sommelier. Additionally, Las Vegas welcomes its first W Hotel located at SLS Las Vegas’ former Lux Tower with a unique concept that’s unexpected and elevated with an intimate layout, secret entrances, private spaces and personalized Whatever/Whenever service. 2017 will mark the beginning of Monte Carlo’s $450 million transformation into a new property with a name change to Park MGM and boutique property NoMad Las Vegas which will occupy floors within Park MGM.
HEADLINER RESIDENCIES AND ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCES
On the entertainment front, Planet Hollywood will welcome Las Vegas’ newest resident The Backstreet Boys in March. Not only have the Backstreet Boys signed a multi-month residency in Las Vegas but headliners Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez will continue their multi-month residences at the Axis Theater at Planet Hollywood as well. The Colosseum at Caesars Palace will continue to showcase multi-month residencies from Celine Dion, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Reba McEntire with Brooks & Dunn and Mariah Carey. The brand new 5,200 seat Park Theater at Monte Carlo recently just announced 2017 residencies from Cher, Bruno Mars and Ricky Martin. In the fall of 2017 Las Vegas will welcome our first professional sports team. The newest NHL team is the Vegas Golden Knights and will take the ice at the new state-of-the-art, 20,000-seat T-Mobile Arena now open between New York-New York and Monte Carlo. The T-Mobile Arena not only is the home for the new NHL team but hosts several major concerts and other sporting events throughout 2017 like the Professional Bull Rider World Finals and UFC to artists like George Strait and Bon Jovi to name a few. Don’t forget the new Topgolf now open behind MGM Grand which is a four-level entertainment venue with interactive golf games in addition to pool experiences and cabanas that is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Have the need for speed? SPEEDVEGAS is the newest luxury car test track that you allows you get behind the wheel of Ferraris, Porsches and many other cars to test speeds you have never experienced before.
Also See:
Sandals Resorts in Mexico
Sandals Resorts International will officially be expanding to Mexico. The luxury all-inclusive resort brand will be expanding out of the Caribbean for the first time in the form of a Sandals resort in the Riviera Maya. The resort, which will be a new build, will be located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
There is also heavy speculation that Sandals will follow that development up with a Beaches Resort in Cancun although this have not been confirmed.
It is also possible that popular tour operator Island Routes Caribbean Adventures will be expanding its operations to Cancun as well.
Learn More About Sandals Resorts
The Luxury Included® concept reflects a passion for perfection that sets Sandals apart. Whether in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, the Bahamas, Grenada or Barbados, there’s more dining, more activities and more romance here than at any other resort. With the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the industry, even Sandals’ basic suites provide a level of luxury other adults-only resorts can only aspire to. For extra exclusivity and service, choose a Club suite or Butler suite. For the ultimate romantic escape, select the Love Nest Dream Suite. Learn More…..
.
Las Vegas Strip’s first Stand-Alone Luxury Boutique Hotel
The Cromwell
With its prime location on one of the busiest intersections of the Las Vegas Strip – one that welcomes more than 20 million passersby each year – The Cromwell Hotel and Casino offers an exceptional luxury Las Vegas hotel experience in an intimate boutique hotel setting. Each of the 188 rooms features luxurious accommodations in an intimate, Parisian-inspired atmosphere. The hotel’s blend of modern and vintage design is unique, whether it’s the hardwood floors, plush furnishings or dim and romantic lighting, each room gives guests a glamorous, VIP experience. Exclusive amenities include hallway coffee and tea service, steam showers and Muk bath products.
The Cromwell offers two completely different bar scenes, both highlighting the property’s sophisticated, boutique vibe. Interlude is the sexy Las Vegas lounge, overlooking Drai’s After Hours Club and is the place to relax before your nighttime festivities and Bound – the ideal place to start your Cromwell adventures. Bound also offers a late-night and breakfast menu. Giada De Laurentiis opens her first-ever restaurant located on the second floor, offering prime views of the Las Vegas Strip. Sprawling day and nightlife venues, Drai’s Beach Club • Nightclub and Drai’s After Hours, will elevate the nightlife scene in Las Vegas. A casino, night swim parties and center-Strip rooftop views!
Bold. Sophisticated. Enticing. Welcome to The Cromwell.
Also See:
Elite Travel Consulting Re-Brands Honeymoon Registry
Elite Travel Consulting recently re-branded its Honeymoon Registry Site. Formerly known as Dream Excursions Honeymoon Registry (http://dreamexcursions.com), Elite Travel Consulting Honeymoon Registry can now be found at http://elitetravelconsulting.honeymoonwishes.com/. Elite Travel Consulting’s Honeymoon Registry is powered by Honeymoon Wishes, the World’s only Full Service Honeymoon Registry.
Elite Travel Consulting’s Honeymoon Registry give wedding couples a way to register their entire honeymoon online. It works just like a wedding registry – the wedding couple wants to have parts of their honeymoon experience as wedding gifts. Instead of buying them a crock-pot you can choose a “Sunset Cruise” or instead of a toaster oven, you can give them part of their “Nights Stay on the honeymoon.” The wedding couple has listed their ‘honeymoon Wishes’ and costs of each experience for their friends and family to purchase as a wedding gift.
For Newly Weds;
You’ve found the place for the perfect honeymoon or wedding spot! Browse through our honeymoon registry for suggestions on all the wonderful items your friends and family can give you as a wedding gift. Design your custom wedding registry from ideas we’ve showcased or include your personalized honeymoon wishes. Create a stunning honeymoon registry and wedding website ~ you’ll be on your way to the honeymoon of your dreams. Call us at 1-559-207-0545 to learn more about our Honeymoon Registry our visit our site today. Thank You!
Introducing Royalton Luxury Resorts
Royalton Resorts are the new generation of luxury hotels offering the best all inclusive vacations in the world’s most popular tropical destinations. Our All-In Luxury™ concept is devoted to providing you with a unique experience by combining the spirit of each resort’s host community, a luxury product that features exceptional service, and incredible attention to detail. Every aspect of your Royalton Resorts & Hotels stay has been carefully designed to deliver personalized service that caters to your unique needs while stimulating your senses.
Royalton Punta Cana Resort & Casino
Indulge your senses at the Royalton Punta Cana Resort & Casino, and experience a vacation that’s a cut above.
Experience All-In Luxury(TM) at our exclusive family and couples-oriented hotel in beautiful Dominican Republic, with its modern décor, amenities, and picturesque tropical setting. We welcome you to a lush paradise on the stunning Caribbean coast. Our elegantly appointed resort, with its unique design, fabulous amenities and All-In Luxury(TM) concept is devoted to providing you with a truly unique vacation experience.
Combining the charming culture of the Dominican Republic with a luxury product, exceptional service, and incredible attention to detail, the Royalton Punta Cana Resort & Casino promises the vacation of your dreams.
Our luxury resort is ideal for families and groups, and features a separate section dedicated to adults only vacations. With its All-In LuxuryTM concept, regal furnishings, and laidback island atmosphere, our Punta Cana hotel is sure to awaken your senses and treat you to a luxury vacation unlike any other.
Situated on the white sands of Bavaro Beach, only 30 minutes from the Punta Cana International Airport, Royalton Punta Cana Resort & Casino is the destination of choice for vacationers with a penchant for luxury, comfort and style. Enjoy access to some of the facilities at Memories Splash Punta Cana, a fun-filled resort guaranteed to infuse your family vacation with the thrill of a Water Park for kids of all ages.
Royalton White Sands Montego Bay
Awaken your senses at the Royalton White Sands Montego Bay, and indulge in a luxury vacation that is truly unique
Experience All-In Luxury(TM) on your family vacation, romantic holiday, or group getaway in Jamaica’s Montego Bay. We invite you to the powdery beaches, turquoise waters, and lush vistas of this Caribbean paradise. Our luxury resort promises an extraordinary vacation experience that combines the charm of Jamaica’s island culture with a luxury product, outstanding service, and incredible attention to detail.
Royalton White Sands Montego Bay promises you a luxury vacation experience unlike any other. With its All-in Luxury(TM) concept, elegant furnishings, and laidback island atmosphere, our Jamaica hotel is sure to pleasure your senses, and treat you to a truly memorable getaway.
Nestled on the shores of Montego Bay, a scenic 35-minute drive from Sangster International Airport, Royalton White Sands is the destination of choice for families, couples and groups who desire luxury, comfort and style on their Caribbean vacation.
Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
Perched on a dazzling strip of powdery white sand sits the spectacular Royalton Riviera Cancun. Your All-In Luxury™ vacation starts the second you arrive, with every aspect of your stay designed to deliver a personalized experience that awakens and enriches the senses. This decadent all-inclusive, 843-room resort features a selection of luxury suite accommodations and thoughtful touches throughout, including our DreamBed™ designed exclusively for Royalton Resorts, 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi, All-In Connectivity™, and several other perks and privileges. Upgrade to Diamond Club® and receive additional services and amenities.
All-In Luxury™ continues with reservation-free gourmet cuisine at 9 restaurants, and at 12 bars where you’ll enjoy a wide selection of specialty cocktails, international and local brand liquors, beers, and house wines. This resort fulfills every interest – choose from a variety of treatments at the modern onsite spa, never miss an important game with the Sports Event Guarantee™, enjoy the fully equipped fitness centre, or take advantage of the many daily activities and nightly entertainment.
Call us at 1-559-207-0545 to book your Royalton resort vacation today!
Tradewinds Club at the Aruba Marriott Resort
100% ADULTS.
100% AMAZING.
If you are looking for something special, we’ve got the right place for you. The Tradewinds Club at Aruba Marriott Resort. The Aruba Marriott is proud to offer a truly unique, adults-only getaway package.
This package features some of our top amenities and attractions, including the brand-new H2Oasis adult pool and the ultra-exclusive Tradewinds Club, with its own reserved beach and the most breathtaking views of the Caribbean.
“NO KIDDING” PACKAGE*
PERKS INCLUDE:
Surprise welcome amenity
Tradewinds Club Ocean View room
Exclusive access to the Tradewinds Club lounge
Beachfront dinner and bottle of wine for two at Simply Fish
Catamaran Sunset sail for two with Red Sail Sports
Reserved pool cabana at the brand-new H2Oasis adults-only pool for one day
The new H2 Oasis adult exclusive pool is now open, setting the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino apart as the ideal choice for the ultimate Aruba vacation. Enjoy luxury Aruba accommodations, resort and adult pools, and the exclusive Tradewinds Club (an upscale hotel-within-a-hotel concept on the top floor of this Aruba resort). Guests may indulge in upgraded amenities, five daily dining presentations in the private lounge, a member-only beach area, and will have full access to the Tradewinds Concierge Service. The guest rooms in this Aruba Beach Resort are some of the most spacious on the island, each offering Marriott’s Revive bedding, contemporary bathrooms, 37-inch LCD flat-panel televisions and large, private balconies. This Palm Beach Aruba hotel offers premium amenities, including some of the finest restaurants in Aruba. Enjoy yourself at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, the Balinese-style Mandara Spa and the 24-hour Stellaris Casino. Come experience the fresh and playful Marriott Aruba Beach Resort – Aruba’s Playground for all generations.
Eden Roc Miami Beach
Overlooking world-renowned Miami Beach, the bold new Eden Roc embraces its role as a timeless treasure, yet welcomes guests with a gracious new contemporary spirit. Once again, guests can luxuriate in spacious rooms and suites.
Sun-worshipers can relax poolside at one of three infinity-edged pools, or claim a chaise lounge on the beach. In particular, we highly recommend the Ocean Terrace Pool, an upper sanctuary for adults only (Must be 18 years of age or older). Experience culinary excellence at Gia Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, Cabana Beach Club, and Lobby Bar. Indulge in an enticing array of spa services in one of five spa suites or work out with state-of-the-art equipment in the temporary fitness center.
Nobu hotel to be developed within Eden Roc
A Nobu-branded hotel will be built within the 631-room Eden Roc Miami Beach. No opening date has been scheduled. The 200-room hotel and restaurant will be designed by Rockwell Group. The Japanese-themed hotel is named for chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Check out Nobu Hotel in Las Vegas.
Riu Palace Jamaica is Now Open!
Riu Palace Jamaica, Montego Bay
The Hotel Riu Palace Jamaica is located in Mahoe Bay, very near to Montego Bay, and offers a range of luxury services to its customers with a quiet beach with clear waters and fine sand. The Riu Palace Jamaica has a gym, table tennis, volleyball, tennis, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving and more water activities. During the day you can enjoy the entertainment program, and by night you have different activities, such as live music, or perhaps you prefer to dance in the disco to the best rhythms of Jamaica. If you like Golf, you’ll find four golf courses with great views close to the hotel. Learn More…..
Sandals Resorts Announces the All-New Sandals barbados
Sandals Resorts International Set to Make Exciting Double-Debut in Barbados
Sandals Resorts, the Luxury-Included Resort Brand is set to open the former Couples Resort in St Lawrence as a Sandals Resort as well as managing a new Beaches Resort set to be built on the site of the former Almond Beach Resort in St Peter.
According to Sandals Resorts Chairman, Mr. Gordon “Butch” Stewart, the 10-acre former Couples property will open as a Sandals Luxury Included® Resort and will honor all existing commitments with guests who had booked to stay at Couples up until November 6, 2013. Sandals is now accepting reservations for the new resort.
Mr. Stewart also commented, “We are delighted to announce the opening of, not one, but two of our first ever resorts in this wonderful country of Barbados. Barbados and its people are so rich in culture, charm and personality and has been one of the leaders in Caribbean tourism for decades. We have been in discussions to bring our award-winning brands to this country for some time and are thrilled that negotiations have now been successfully concluded.
“In the former Couples Resort, I strongly believe that we have acquired one of the most beautiful properties in the entire island and we cannot wait to bring the full Luxury Included® experience here. We have been voted the world’s best time and time again and have more luxury inclusions than other resort on the planet and we promise to give the people of Barbados a resort to be proud of.”
Upon opening as Sandals Barbados, the resort will offer a selection of 280 luxury accommodations that range from beachfront suites to exquisite rooms situated in the resort’s lush tropical garden. A program of enhancements will be launched in order to ‘Sandalize’ the property immediately.
In addition to the opening of Sandals Barbados, SRI also announced that an agreement has been reached with the Government of the Barbados regarding the building of a brand new Beaches Resort at the site of former Almond Beach Resort in St Peter, Barbados.
“Since it first launched over 16 years ago, Beaches has captured the hearts and minds of holidaymakers everywhere and I can assure you that what we’re planning in Barbados will become one of the most sought after resorts in the entire world.”
Sandals Resorts International’s arrival into Barbados marks another milestone of exciting expansion that has seen the recent opening of the Key West Village at their flagship Beaches Resort in Turks and Caicos as well as the hugely anticipated opening of Sandals LaSource Grenada in December.
THE ROYAL Cancun to Become Hyatt Zilara
In Mid-November, 2013, THE ROYAL Cancun will officially become the Hyatt Zilara Cancun. Most of the upgrades and enhancements to this resort will not interfere with the guests stay. Hyatt Zilara Cancun is an adults-only, all-suite, all inclusive resort where guests experience traditional Mexican warmth in an intimate yet casual setting. Hyatt Zilara is perfect for couples,destination weddings, groups and girlfriend getaways.
Introducing Sandals LaSource Grenada Resort & Spa
Sandals LaSource Grenada – A New Resort – A New Destination for Sandals
An exotic, unspoiled hideaway, Sandals LaSource Grenada will offer guests a romantic, authentic Caribbean vacation while providing the Luxury Included® amenities and exceptional service that have come to be associated with the Sandals Resorts experience.
Grenada, The Spice island
Known as the “Island of Spice,” Grenada is a mesmerizing island with some of the most incredible natural wonders in the Caribbean from stunning beaches and waterfalls to lush rainforests and pristine mountain lakes. Grenada is made up of three main islands – Grenada, Carracou and Petite Martinique. Known as the “Isle of Spice”, there are more spices here per square mile than any other place. An ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing, tropical vacation, with over 40 white sand beaches with exquisite turquoise waters. Grenada’s physical beauty is complemented by its rich history. The island’s easy rhythms and the friendly openness of its residents evoke an atmosphere hard to find elsewhere. Average temperatures range from 75ºF to 85ºF (24ºC to 30ºC), tempered by the steady and cooling tradewinds.
About Sandals Resorts
Come experience the very pinnacle of luxury all-inclusive Caribbean excellence. Sandals delights couples in love with supreme luxury resorts in St. Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua and the Bahamas, featuring gourmet candlelit dining for two, gorgeous tropical settings and some of the world’s most exquisite beaches, If you are planning a wedding, Sandals is the leader in Caribbean destination weddings and honeymoon packages.
Red Lane Spas by Sandals
Caribbean Inspired Spas
If you are looking to relax and rejuvenate while on your vacation, then you must take a journey down the pathway to pampering at a Red Lane® Spa in the Caribbean, where you will discover a sanctuary for mind, body and soul that reinterprets classic European spa rituals with the truly distinct essence of the Caribbean. Utilizing exclusive Red Lane® botanical products and essential oils, we promise that our spa resorts will help you discover a sense of ease and calm found only in our tropical paradise.
Red Lane Spa Resorts are locates in:
Antigua:
Bahamas:
Jamaica:
- Sandals Carlyle Inn
- Sandals Montego Bay
- Sandals Royal Caribbean
- Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Resort
- Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa
- Sandals South Coast European Village
- Beaches Negril Resort & Spa
- Beaches Ocho Rios Resort & Golf Resort
- Sandals Royal Plantation
St. Lucia:
- Sandals Halcyon Beach St. Lucia
- Sandals Regency St. Lucia Golf Resort & Spa at La Toc
- Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort
Turks & Caicos:
