Why We Recommend It:
The wonderful Couples Sans Souci is a five-star adults-only all-inclusive resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Though the resort is very large it has only 150 suites so it never feels crowded, and the atmosphere is warm and personable.
What we particularly like about Couples San Souci is the idyllic natural setting – much of the grounds are left almost entirely to nature with narrow walkways and footbridges through thick jungle. Mountain bikes are provided by the resort.
There you can spot all sorts of tropical flora and fauna and the resort has two private beaches (one of which is nude), a freshwater lake, a waterfall, and a natural mineral grotto and mineral spring pool.
You’ll also find three swimming pools, three jacuzzis, fitness, sports, and spa facilities, seven bars, and five restaurants.
Note: there is a three-night minimum stay at Couples San Souci.
Rooms & Suites:
The suites at Couples Sans Souci are generally spacious and well-furnished but here, more than in most resorts, there is value to be had in spending a little extra.
The price difference between the Garden Suites and higher level suites isn’t too much but you’ll appreciate the extra space, facilities such as jacuzzis, and better views.
All suites have nice balconies though and other facilities include satellite TV, daily restocked minibars, king-size beds, coffeemakers, air-con, and luxury bath products as standard.
Take a look at your room options now – with prices, reviews, and photos – at Expedia here or at Booking.com here.
Food, Facilities & Things to Do:
Couples Sans Souci has five dining venues: The casual Sunset Beach does buffet lunches and international standards – burgers, fries, nachos, sandwiches, salads, etc.
Palazzina is a slightly more formal bistro open for breakfast lunch and dinner both buffet style and a la carte. Ristorante Casanova is a, more formal again, fine dining venue open for dinner only.
Both serve something of a fusion – Italian standards but with much Caribbean influence.
Bella Vista is an open-air beachfront grill, open for lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks until 6 am. The food is mainly Caribbean/Jamaican.
Then you have casual and healthy veggie food – salads and sandwiches etc. – at The Veggie Bar, next to the resort spa, including delectable fresh tropical juices and smoothies.
Couples Sans Souci’s main bar is their piano bar, The Balloon Bar. Centered around a grand piano it is a sophisticated, beautifully decorated space.
The main pool has a swim-up bar open until 5:30 which gets busy. The other popular drinking spot is the Beach Bar open, as is The Balloon Bar, until 1 am.
All alcohol at Couples Sans Souci is all-inclusive meaning premium wines and liquors are included.
Couples Sans Souci’s all-inclusive package also includes water sports (including scuba diving), various tours and excursions including horseback riding, airport transfers, golf green fees at the nearby Upton Golf Course, and many fitness and wellness classes and programs – yoga, pilates, etc.
There are good gym facilities here and plenty of free classes, plus you can play tennis, basketball and beach volleyball. Treatments at their award-winning spa cost extra though.
The resort has a no-tipping policy, though the airport shuttle driver does, it seems, get tipped; $1 per bag is suggested.
Location:
Couples Sans Souci sits in a gorgeous little cove just a few minutes’ drive from Ocho Rios. You’re also less than a 10-minute drive from such sites as Dunn’s River Falls, Dolphin Cove, and Mystic Mountain.
Tours and excursions are available from the resort as well as free airport shuttles to and from Sangster/Montego Bay International Airport around two hours away.
Some Guest Reviews:
“The setting was absolutely wonderful, the wildlife including the ducks, turtles and peacocks make the property a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the regular day. The pond, the hammocks and swings were splendiferous. A real outdoor and adventurous experience....”
“Fabulous resort, people, food, comfort and amenities. This was our second time at Couples and there will definitely be a third….”
