GETTING THERE
GENERAL FAQ
What Documents Do I Need to Enter Jamaica?
To enter Jamaica a valid passport is required (starting
January 7th 2007)
Be sure to secure these documents before you arrive
at your departure airport. Some airlines will not allow you
to get on your flight without them.
Citizens of United States and Canada do not require
a visa to visit Jamaica.
Other nationalities please contact your local
Jamaica Tourism Board office or
www.visitjamaica.com to verify correct documentation
needed.
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How do I get through Customs, Collect my Baggage and get to
Couples?
Your flight attendants will provide you with 2 short
forms that you will need to fill out (also available once
landed in Jamaica at Jamaica Tourist Board counter in
Immigration hall.
- “White/Red” – Immigration form, one per person
- “White/Gray” – Custom declaration, one form per
couple can be used if the couple has the same
address and family name.
After disembarking proceed to the Immigration Hall. You will
need to present required entry documents along with
completed Immigration and Customs forms. They will give
back custom form (to be handed in when leaving Customs hall)
and a stub from immigration form (to be handed in at airport
when leaving Jamaica).
Go downstairs and pick-up your luggage.
Provided you are only bringing in personal items for
your vacation in Jamaica, proceed to Customs counter
marked “nothing to declare”) Remit your Custom
Declaration form.
After you exit customs go to Couples Resorts
Lounge (go straight to the end of the hallway and turn
left). A Couples Resorts representative will be waiting for
you.
Please enjoy a cold Red Stripe beer/soda/water while
waiting for other passengers to clear Immigration and
Customs.
Your shuttle will depart shortly. Your Couples
Resorts representative will escort you to the parking lot.
It is customary that an airport porter will bring your
luggage to the bus. The porter is not a Couples Resorts
employee. A USD$1 tip per bag is customary.
Please Note: Couples Resorts has a no tipping policy.
Acceptance of tips by staff is not allowed or expected.
Transfers are provided by JACAL Tours Company. Ask
the driver to put on some Bob Marley music and ask him
questions – they are very knowledgeable of the Island and
enjoy answering your questions.
The ride to Negril is non-stop and takes about 1
hour and 15 minutes. The ride to Ocho Rios is about 2 hours
long, with one stop (rest rooms/drinks/food).
Your driver is not a Couples Resorts employee,
tipping is permitted. [Please Note: Couples Resorts
has a no tipping policy. Acceptance of tips by staff is not
allowed or expected.]
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What do I Need to Do to Check in and Check out of a Couples
Resort?
Upon your arrival you will be welcomed with cold
beverages and dampened face cloths.
You will be directed to the reception desk where you
must remit your Immigration stubs for safe keeping at the
reception. This form will be given back to you upon your
check-out. When departing Jamaica, you will remit it to an
out-bound immigration officer at the airport in the
departure lounge.
Couples Resorts requires an imprint of your credit
card and a deposit of USD$250 for incidentals and to supply
a room safe box key deposit. [Each room at Couples is
provided with a small built in safe] The $250 deposit will
be returned at check-out.
You will also be asked to fill out a form with your
returning flight information. The day before departure
Couples Resorts will reconfirm your flight and will arrange
your bus transfer to the Montego Bay [MBJ] airport. The
shuttle departure time will be left in your room your last
evening at the Resort.
When you have completed your registration, you will
receive your keys and a Couples Porter will move your
luggage to your room and WELCOME HOME TO COUPLES RESORTS!
TRANQUIL DAYS…INTIMATE NIGHTS… ROMANCE ALWAYS!
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How much money should
we bring?
Once you are at Couples Resorts, nearly everything is
already included in the price you have paid. However, if you
decide to experience the local attractions or wish to make
purchases in our duty free shops, you will need money for
souvenirs. The legal tender of Jamaica is the Jamaican
Dollar, but most larger shops accept US Dollars. Couples
Resorts will be happy to exchange currency at the property.
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FAQ List
Is there a secure
place to keep valuables?
Every room and suite has an in-room safe deposit box for
which a key will be supplied at check-in. We advise guests
to place cash, jewelry, travel documents and any other
valuable items in this secure place.
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Are there medical
facilities on property?
All Couples Resorts have a nurse’s office with regular
office hours. However, should a guest need medical attention
outside of these hours, we have a doctor on call 24-hours a
day. The guest will be responsible for an additional charge
if the doctor is called or if a prescription is needed.
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What electrical
current is used in Jamaica?
Jamaica works on 110 volts, 50 cycles, the same as in the
U.S.
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Are there any gift
shops on property?
Yes, all Couples Resorts have shopping on property for
souvenirs, liquor, gifts and keepsakes. However, if you
would like to venture to the local markets, Couples Resorts
will be happy to get you there and back. Just check with the
tour desk to make arrangements.
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How much
should we tip?
Couples Resorts has a strict NO TIPPING policy. Our staff
is trained and required not to request, accept or expect
tips since non-tipping is an essential part of the
all-inclusive experience. Please do not think that you need
to tip to get great service.
We sincerely appreciate your desire to reward our
employees for their great service but ask that you please
refrain from giving them monetary gifts. Acceptance of cash
tips could cost staff to lose their jobs.
There are some situations where tipping may apply
during your travels or where you may wish to express your
gratitude.
-
For Montego Bay airport luggage
handlers, bus transfer drivers, and all off-site
excursions (included and extras) tips are expected.
However this does not include our Couples airport
lounge staff.
-
SPA personnel are employed by Couples
Resorts – no tipping.
-
Photographers are outside contracted
services and tipping is at your discretion.
-
Couples Resorts supports many local
charities, schools, orphanages and hospitals. You
may wish to bring some gifts for them but you should
declare them at the customs and you should be
prepared to pay duties on those items.
-
You may choose upon departure to leave
some small gifts for staff at the check out desk or
in your room; please include a memo stating that
this is a gift if you do so.
-
Do you want to really help staff
members who have particularly impressed you? When
departing please fill out our questionnaire where
you will find a place to name your favorite
employees. We highly regard these nominations when
considering staff rewards and promotions.
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What is the dress
code?
Vacation casual. We recommend shorts, swim-suits, t-shirts
and resort wear. However, if you plan on experiencing our
gourmet dining, men will need slacks, collared shirt and
closed toe shoes and ladies are asked to wear dress slacks,
skirt or dress. Additionally, if you plan on going horseback
riding, bring a pair of pants.
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What watersports
are included at Couples Resorts?
Couples Resorts includes an array of watersports such as
scuba diving, snorkeling, water-skiing, windsurfing,
sailing, kayaking. Instruction and guidance is available for
all watersports. See the FAQ's for each resort for more
details.
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What golf
courses does Couples Resorts have available for its guests?
At Couples Resorts green fees and transfers are
included. The day before, Guest Relations will issue your
voucher. Bus departs around 8 am and 1 pm (please
reconfirm). Please Note: In Jamaica caddies are mandatory
and tipping is customary.
Couples Negril & Couples Swept
Away:
Negril Hills
The 18 hole par 72 course, measuring 6,333 yards, is
distinguished by gently undulating fairways, elevated
tees and greens, picturesque water hazards and lush
tropical vegetation.
-Caddy is mandatory at
$14 per caddy for 18 holes; $7 for 9 holes.
-Carts are
optional at $34.50 per cart for 18 holes; $17.25 for 9
holes.
-Club Rental: $18 per set (all rentals available
in ladies and gents, left & right handed)
Couples Ocho Rios & Couples Sans Souci:
Breezes Runaway Bay Golf Course
The course is a seventy-two (72) par, eighteen
(18) holes championship golf course.
It was designed by Commander John Harris from Britain
and was opened in 1960. The features of the golf course
are long rolling fairways, large flat greens protected
by grassy mounds and sand bunkers. It has hosted many
championship events including the Ryder Cup Match
between the UK and West Indies, the Jamaica Open and
World Cup of Golf Super Qualifier.
The course measures 5,389 yards and is slope rated 117
from the forward trees. From the back it measures 6,870
yards and is slope rated 124. The course is well
trapped, protecting it from certain errant shots and
wind gusts of up to 35 mph.
- Caddy is mandatory at $16 per caddy for 18
holes walking or one person on the cart.
- $20 for two persons on the cart.
- $23 for 9 holes using a cart. If there is one person on
cart or one person walking it will be $11. If there are 2
persons it will be $15 on cart. - Carts are
optional at $35 per cart for 18 holes; $23 for 9 holes.
- Club Rental: Titleist clubs are available for $20 (all
rentals available in ladies and gents, left & right handed).
- Shoe rentals - $10 and socks for $12.
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Is ScubaDiving
Included?
Yes, with the following conditions.
Certified Diver Program
Dives are offered Sunday through Friday, deep dive in
the morning and shallow in the afternoon. On Saturday
morning we offer a two tank dive and no afternoon dive. The
dives and gear are included with the price of your stay. We
offer Night Dives for an additional charge. Consider
upgrading your certification while you are visiting by
taking an Advanced Course for an additional charge.
Certified divers can may dive once per day.
Non-Certified Divers
For non-certified divers complimentary Resort
certification and one introductory dive is offered.
Additional non-certified dives are $50 per person, subject
to availability. The Resort Course is offered Monday through
Friday at 9:00 am. Guests are asked to sign-up one day in
advance. This is not a certification course.
Full Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue
Diver and Dive Master Certifications available for an
additional charge.
Open Water Referrals
Our PADI Instructors can continue and
complete any portion of the Open Water Course you may have
begun at home for an additional charge.
PADI certifications, Advanced and Specialty Dives
Can be organized at an additional cost. Full
Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver and Dive
Master Certifications available for an additional charge.
All Divers
Please
CLICK HERE to review the medical questionnaire for
divers. All potential divers must review this questionnaire
and visit their local physician, if necessary, to get the
appropriate waivers, if any, before arriving at the resorts.
The alternative is to visit a doctor in Jamaica to be
cleared to dive. Expect the cost to be at least $100 if done
in Jamaica.
Night Dive
Available at $50 per person. Minimum of 4
participants required.
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How will we get from the Montego Bay
[MBJ] airport to Couples
Resorts?
Couples Resorts will supply ground transportation from the
Montego Bay airport to the resort. However, you also have
the option to fly on a small commercial aircraft from the
Montego Bay airport to Ocho Rios (Boscobel) or Negril air
strips and the hotel will provide transportation from the
airstrip to the resort.
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What kind of sun
protection do we need?
The Caribbean sun can be very strong, so we recommend you
bring plenty of protection (i.e.: sun block, sun glasses,
hats & visors). However, if you forget we have these
products available at our newsstands & gift shops.
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Where can we post our vacation experience
and memorable pictures
for others to see?
Couples Resorts has created a special section on our
website for those who would like to share their experiences.
Just join our
Couples Lounge and let us know about your stay or read
our quarterly newsletter.
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Are there Spa
facilities on property?
Absolutely. If you need to be rejuvenated, just call the
spa and make an appointment for an array of massages,
aromatherapy, facials, manicures, pedicures and much more.
These services are available for a modest additional charge.
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Does Couples Resorts have gym
facilities?
For those who can’t skip a workout…we have exercise
facilities at all resorts. Couples Swept Away is home to the
largest Sports Complex in the Caribbean with an Olympic
style pool (25-meters), 10 tennis courts (5 hard, 5 clay)
all lit for night play, a garden jogging track, world-class
open-air gym and much more.
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Are there tours
available off-site?
Couples Resorts is the best value on the island and
includes the widest array of off-site adventures. We include
unlimited Golf Green Fees (cart and mandatory caddy –
additional), off-site excursions including shopping tours,
tours to local bars, catamaran cruises and the famous Dunn’s
River Falls tour & Horseback Riding in Ocho Rios. See
detailed information for Couples Ocho Rios, Couples Negril &
Couples Swept Away.
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Can we suntan
in the buff?
Sure, at Couples Ocho Rios there is a private island for
just this. We will transport guests who wish to suntan au
naturel on a small boat to the island. The island has a bar
and beach grill facilities. At Couples Negril there is a
small area designated for nude sunbathing. Couples Sans
Souci has a separate beach for au natural sunbathing, there
is a pool, Jacuzzi, bar and beach grill. Au naturel
sunbathing is not permitted at Couples Swept Away. Due to
the world-wide popularity of our resorts, it is possible you
may encounter some topless sunbathers.
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What are the restaurant
hours?
You’re on vacation, so why should you have a schedule for
each meal? At Couples Resorts we offer 24-hour food service.
You can even enjoy a continental breakfast in bed or on your
balcony. Meal hours are posted at each restaurant, but we
are sure you will not go hungry during your stay.
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Are weddings included
?
Yes, weddings are free at Couples Resorts for those
wishing to get married on property. Included in your wedding
is a ½ hour his & hers massage, a 2-tier wedding cake, a
bottle of sparkling wine, the bridal bouquet and
boutonniere, the ministers fee and a personal wedding
coordinator. A government processing, license and
certificate fee of $200 is additional and mandatory.
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When should we make our wedding arrangements?
The wedding coordinators can be reached via email by
filling our wedding contact
form at anytime after the wedding date and time has been
reserved.
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When do we meet the wedding coordinator
?
You should plan to meet with your wedding coordinator the
day after arrival to go through the details of your big day.
It is best to make this appointment before your arrival to
the resort.
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What are the wedding sites
on property?
It is your choice. You can get married on the beach or in
a garden gazebo. Once on property your personal wedding
coordinator will help you find the perfect location and make
your wedding a hassle free memorable event.
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What
documents are required to get married at Couples Resorts?
The following documents will need to be received by the
wedding department in Florida at least 30 days prior to the
wedding.
- Notarized copies of your birth certificate AND passport
or driver’s license OR a copy of your passport. Notarized
proof of divorce, or notarized copy of death certificate for
widow must be included where applicable.
- You are required to be on property at least two (2)
full business days in advance in order to finalize wedding
arrangements and apply for a marriage license.
- Non-refundable government processing, license, and
marriage certificate fee of US $200.
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Can we mail our required marriage
documents and government
fee?
Couples Resorts recommend you send this fee via certified
mail or other traceable service. This fee may be paid by
either certified check or international money order, payable
to the appropriate resort. The payment should be sent along
with required legal documents to:
Island Romance Holidays
Attn: Wedding Department
11902 Miramar Parkway
Miramar, FL 33025
Please be sure to reference the guests’ names and resort
where wedding is taking place.
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Can we renew
our vows on property?
Couples Resorts offers a romantic Vow Renewal Ceremony for
only US$150. Vow Renewal guests will received everything we
offer in the Wedding Ceremony with the exception of the
massages and commemorative T-shirts.
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We are honeymooning
, do we get anything special?
The fairytale has begun and as a special congratulatory
gift, we offer our honeymoon guests a complimentary bottle
of champagne delivered to your room upon arrival, along with
a ½ hour his & hers massage. Please confirm that the resort
is aware of your honeymoon plans at time of booking and time
of check-in. You must present proof that you were married
within the past 30 days.
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What are the
Check-in and Check-out times for Couples Resorts.
Check-in is at 4 PM; check-out is at 12:00 noon.
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Does Couples Resorts
accept singles?
All rooms must to be double occupancy unless
traveling as part of a contracted group. In such event,
Single Occupancy rooms may be limited.
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Disclaimer:
All information assumes US citizenship. Conditions may
vary for other nationalities. Any references to time of
day, day of week, availability of activity or cost of a
particular item may be subject to change without notice.
References to credit cards or debit cards are
interchangeable.
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