Couples vs Sandals Ocho Rios

DH and I are in the process of planning a group vacation to Jamaica
next May. We're going with 3 other couples, and we've been looking at
either Couples or Sandals Ocho Rios.

DH and I went to Sandals in Negril for our honeymoon, and thought it
was absolutely beautiful. However, we've never been to a Couples
resort, nor do we know anyone who has. Couples is a tiny bit cheaper,
and there are a couple of activities that Sandals doesn't have
(horseback riding and something else). But the Sandals guests have
priviliges at other Sandals, adn there are 2 others nearby in Ocho
Rios where we could go for a different dinner experience (Couples
doesn't have anything like this that we've seen). So, the group is at
an impasse as to which one to choose.

Has anyone been to both? Any opinions or impressions? We're all in
the 27-32 age range, all 4 couples are married (between 1.5 and 6
years). Some of us are more and some are less active than others.
Some people wouldn't mind scheduled resort activities, and some would
prefer to be basically left alone with the sand and rum. Also, we
have on extremely picky eater in the group (who doesn't eat seafood of
any sort. period.)

Any ideas would be great. If we have to, we can always just flip a
coin :) Thanks!

--Elit.

I have been to all the Sandals, stayed at Couples Ocho Rios, and visited
Couples Negril. Both are fine resorts and cater to all age groups. Either
resort you can be active or vegetate. As you mentioned though, at Sandals
vs. Couples, you can dine around at the other Sandals and have more
restaurant/visit options. You can get tired of going to the same limited
places to eat at Couples. At Sandals, you have 8 restaurants and several
others at the Beaches resorts to choose from. You can go to a different
restaurant a night. If you want variety as far as dining, I would go with
Sandals.
For ourselves, we prefer Sandals (13 times!)

"Elitsirk" <elitsirkm> wrote in message
news:88b4f774.0312180647.73c3a9cd@c om...
> DH and I are in the process of planning a group vacation to Jamaica
> next May. We're going with 3 other couples, and we've been looking at
> either Couples or Sandals Ocho Rios.
>
> DH and I went to Sandals in Negril for our honeymoon, and thought it
> was absolutely beautiful. However, we've never been to a Couples
> resort, nor do we know anyone who has. Couples is a tiny bit cheaper,
> and there are a couple of activities that Sandals doesn't have
> (horseback riding and something else). But the Sandals guests have
> priviliges at other Sandals, adn there are 2 others nearby in Ocho
> Rios where we could go for a different dinner experience (Couples
> doesn't have anything like this that we've seen). So, the group is at
> an impasse as to which one to choose.
>
> Has anyone been to both? Any opinions or impressions? We're all in
> the 27-32 age range, all 4 couples are married (between 1.5 and 6
> years). Some of us are more and some are less active than others.
> Some people wouldn't mind scheduled resort activities, and some would
> prefer to be basically left alone with the sand and rum. Also, we
> have on extremely picky eater in the group (who doesn't eat seafood of
> any sort. period.)
>
> Any ideas would be great. If we have to, we can always just flip a
> coin :) Thanks!
>
> --Elit.
>

Have been to Couples in Negril, Couples in Ocho Rios (twice), Sandals in
Ocho Rios, and various other places in Jamaica.

I prefer Couples to Sandals. Total activities, trips, etc., are better at
Couples. There are enough restaurants there and menu varieties to satisfy,
I think, anyone. And, food and service are great.

My only complaint at Sandals was the loudness of the band late at night when
we were ready to sleep. If our room had been located further away from the
entertainment area, perhaps this would not have been a problem. No
complaints about the food or service.

I think you would enjoy either Couples or Sandals at Ocho Rios. My nod,
goes to Couples.