Post # 1
Member
594 posts
Busy bee
If you’ve been to any, your advice is greatly appreciated. We are trying to figure out the best place to go for our honeymoon. I’m doing tons of research but personal experiences are usually the best way to go.
I am leaning towards Negril and Ocho Rios. I’ve heard that Montego Bay has a lot of hustle and bustle, and there are quite a few peopl trying to sell you stuff and drugs. I’ve heard Negril and Ocho Rios are quite the drive, but very worth it. We are trying to not kill it on the budget, so no super swanky $500+ a night resorts. We prefer all inclusive.
Anyone been to anything similar to what we are looking for? What was the resort? What was your cost estimate?
Have you been anywhere you just LOVED that probably isn’t one of the places I listed? I’d like to hear from you too!
We are on a budget though, so although I’d love to hear about those who’ve had a super expensive vacation off in Tahiti somewhere, it probably won’t help us so much in making a decision.
THANKS!
Post # 3
Member
1842 posts
Buzzing bee
Never been, but we’ve been looking at the Couples Resorts in Negril and Ochos. I just had a friend return from Ochos (Sandals Resort) and the trip looked amazing. I’ve heard the same things about Montego Bay.
Post # 4
Member
979 posts
Busy bee
We stayed at Couples Swept Away in Negril and it was amazing. It was a bit of a drive from the airport in Montego Bay, but it was kind of nice to see more of the country and the smaller fishing towns. The driver was crazy, but it seemed like everyone drove crazy there! The resort itself was great, felt like we were in the jungle. We stayed in an Atrium suite which was perfect for us. The beach was really nice and clean and the food was incredible. I would really recommend it.
Post # 5
Member
594 posts
Busy bee
@rachel_leigh: I havev been seriously been considering the Couples resorts—What was your average cost for everything?
Post # 6
Member
221 posts
Helper bee
We stayed at Couples Sans Souci for our honeymoon in November and it was awesome. I REALLY want to go to Couples Swept Away in Negril (I have been stalking it for like 3 years) so I am hoping that’s where we go next. CSS was really very nice, secluded, you could do as much or as little as you wanted – but we’re both more excited to go to Negril. The staff at Couples is outstanding. I booked on a Wednesday special (sign up for the Couples e-mails) and we booked out hotel and flights separately. The hotel was about $2100 with trip insurance and our flights were $900 coming from Canada – I checked a lot and one day they were randomly way cheaper so we booked right away.
I’d recommend it to anyone, and we both can’t wait to go back. $3000 is a small price to pay for the service, food and accomodation we got.
Did I mention i am sooooo excited to go to CSA? lol I’d recommend it over CSS (altho its more expensive) even though I have never been.
And personally, I’d stay away from Montego Bay. Totally not my style.
Post # 7
Member
291 posts
Helper bee
I just got back in January from Negril. It is AMAZING. We stayed at a RIU, all inclusive. It was aaaaamaaazing, The water is fantastic, the SUNSET was soooooo romantic (negril is on the west coast). There was so much to do, but it didn’t feel crowded. The FH was able to keep busy with all the water sports, while I could relax and get a massage. There was entertainment each night and the food was great. I would ABSOLUTLY say go to Negril.
Post # 8
Member
216 posts
Helper bee
I’ve never been – but if I were to go there, and we were realllly thinking about it (well, still kind of am), I would go to Negril and probably stay at Couples Swept Away – the beach looks beautiful, the resort looks laid back, and the caves/Rick’s cafe are close by, free catamaran cruises with those beautiful sunsets…looks great! The Caves resort also looks wonderful, but expensive. Anyway, I voted Negril!
Post # 9
Member
208 posts
Helper bee
I am from Jamaica!! Stay in Negril and take the tour bus that takes you for a day to Ocho Rios and visit Dunns River Falls and go zip lining and swim with the dolphins. Negril is the best!!! 8 miles of beach. You will LOVE IT. Make sure to stay all inclusive. You have more fun and won’ have to worry about paying for eveything and carrying cash with you every where. You land in Montego Bay anyway. That way you will get to see all three. 🙂 The beaches in Montego Bay are rocky, while Negril is all sand. There is hustle and bustle everwhere there are merchants, but staying in your all inclusive gives you the ability to be in your own space away from it until you go bargain shopping. (don’t take the first deal they give you!!! lol Always say we will check you out “Next Time” or “Later” lol. They will give you a better deal. Couples is the best from everyone I hear about. Sandals is great. Hope this helps. I hung out in Negril in summers and love visiting Ocho Rios for the attractions as well.
Post # 10
Member
1325 posts
Bumble bee
We are staying at Secrets St. James in Montego, and it looks fabulous! It’s pretty expensive including airfare. About $2500 for 4 nights, all inclusive (and that price include airfare, and an upgraded suite)
Post # 11
Member
7691 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
We stayed in Ocho Rios but if we were to go back I would definitely stay in Negril. The sunsets and views are much better. THe beaches are much better in Negril too
Post # 12
Member
746 posts
Busy bee
Ocho Rios – has lots of activities to do; shopping in local markets, Dunn’s River Falls tour – more active tours.
Negril – is known for the beautiful 7 mile beach, a more relaxing atmosphere with beautiful sunsets.
Montego Bay – in the center of the two – this is where you will arrive and there are great hotels here but it is in the heart of the action so it will have a busier feel (not on the resort but if you go off it will be more active)
Post # 13
Member
16 posts
Newbee
definitely do either Secrets Wild Orchid or Secrets St. James. They are right next door to each other and you get priveleges at both. Also, they are only a 20 minute transfer from Montego Bay airport. 🙂 Both resorts are less than a year old right now. I stayed at Secrets Capri in Cancun in January which is there old resort and had a phenomenal time. The service, food, and atmosphere was unmatched with anywhere else I’ve ever been.
Post # 14
Member
2246 posts
Buzzing bee
I went to Negril. You land into Montego bay but I have never stayed there to do anything. I have been to Jamaica 2 times and my Mom has been, 65 times. She counts. ^_^ Her favorite place is Ocho Rios. I love Negril for the beach. If you ever need advice on where to go or what to do outside your standard faciltiy then inbox me.
I can give you some excellent tips on how to enjoy the place and make it more romantic. The people of the country know how to enjoy themselves and have wonderful restauraunts outside the standard tour package.
My fiance and I had and amazing time and we just talked about it again today.
Post # 15
Member
61 posts
Worker bee
we went to Falmouth, its a tiny place just outside of montego bay. It was fab and we found it the perfect place for all the excursions we wnated to do with only one day (2 excursions in one day) we had to tavel for a long time to get to the far side of the island. So of your choice i would say montego bay would be the best choice.
x
Post # 16
Member
87 posts
Worker bee
I got married at RIU Ocho Rios here is a detailed review:
http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/riu-ocho-rios-all-inclusive/reviews/5074
i would do it again in a heartbeat