Jamaica Honeymoon RIU vs. Couples

Jennifer -- If you've narrowed it down to those two brands, the Couples resorts in Negril are definitely nicer than the Rius. And they are adults-only (where the Riu properties will have families/kids).

We travel yearly to MX, PUnta Cana an&/or Jamaica. While I have never been to a Couples resort, I have been to Riu resorts and it was the worse travel experience in my life. Imho, unless it is the palace level, a Riu vacation is the equivalent of a Walmart vacation. It's like comparing a Volkswagen to a BMW, esp if the Riu is a Club level resort. Again, that is my opinion. The palace level of the Rius take it a slight notch ahead, but not by much.

Couples resorts are adults only and cater to the HM/Anni market. If you want a tropical stay in Negril, I would go there.

Check out Trip Advisor. There are plenty of reviews, pictures & forum posts.

Are you totally stuck on going to Negril? Secrets St. James/Wild Orchid is AO & imho provides the best bang for your travel buck. I love the Secrets brand because it is unlimited luxury: room service for all rooms; no wrist bands, no limits on a la carte dinners, etc. However, it is in Mo Bay.

Annie, We are always on the same page. The next time we need to use an agent, I will be shooting you an pm.

I would be honored, Carole

I soo wish we were traveling to some place tropical this year. We miss it. We are doing Bar Harbor for our anni, but nothing beats the beach and a frosty drink.

I had not looked Montego Bay because we've heard the beaches are rocky and all you hear is the airport. Is this not true? We are welcome to look at other places those were just the ones we've seen the most.

The resorts that are really close to the airport (like Sandals Montego Bay) do have planes flying overhead. But you won't have any issues at Secrets, and the beaches are nice. It's also a shorter transfer than going all the way to Negril or Ocho Rios (more time on the beach!)

Is one of the resorts most recommend for a honeymoon. There is so much information online it is a bit overwhelming.

Jennifer - It is overwhelming, and they ALL look good online In Jamaica, I typically recommend Secrets St James, Secrets Wild Orchid, Couples Sans Souci (in Ocho Rios), and Couples Swept Away (Negril). But your best bet really is to work with a travel professional who can counsel you one-on-one. There's no reason to try and figure it all out yourself online.

@Anniep: Thank you! I needed this same info about Jamaica as well for our honeymoon!

What about the iberostar grand rose hall?

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Kirst - that's another very nice adults-only resort, and one I've certainly used for honeymoon clients. The reason I give an "edge" to Secrets is the no reservations policy (eat where/when you want) and the reason I like Couples is that they have so many inclusions (even some off-property tours). But I really do like Iberostar's "Grand" level properties. Just toured the one in Punta Cana a few weeks ago and I'd love to go back!

Friends of ours went to Sandals Montego Bay and had no complaints at all. They loved it!

We booked Couples Sans Souci for all the extras you get when you book!! Everything I've read is that they really go above and beyond for HMers I would vote Couples. Plus they have have flexible payment options if you're interested in that.

I've been to both. Couples Swept Away in Negril is quiet, serene, and a great escape. The rooms are beautiful!

Club RIU Negril is more fun, better food, and good entertainment.

RIU Ocho Rios is better to me than Negril to me because after you get tired of the all-inclusive life (usually after 3 days), you can go on excursions to Dunns River Falls and into Ocho Rios. Plus the world famous Scotchies (seen on the Food Network) is almost across the street. So you can get some AWESOME Jerk chicken, pork, etc. I just went there for my friend's wedding last September. Great food too.

I'm actually going to be at Club RIU Negril next week for my family reunion. We're Jamaican and we LOVE that place. We've been to that one twice.

There is a water park across the way from Club RIU Negril too so you can do that if you get tired of being on the hotel grounds. There's also Chakka Blue tours and Jamaica Tours that can take you on some great excursions like zip lining, RVing, horseback riding

The RIU has 2 sides. One is more adult and one is for families. When I stayed at the one in Ochi, we stayed on the adult side where the suites were. Swim up bar, and just adults having a great time.

Please contact me, I specialize in sending honeymooners to Jamaica, I have visited all

of the Couples resorts, and it is one of the best places to spend your honeymoon. The Rius resorts are more family and groups. I can match or beat all internet prices,

and give you the personal service the computer can not. i have already booked many couples from wedding wire, I also have many contacts at the resorts, to assure you the best room available at the time. My email is *********@*****.***. There is no fee to use my services, and depending on what, airline you fly, there are different payment options.