We've been to Jamaica six times, and we've stayed at or visited every one of the Couples Resorts. They're our absolute favorite, and Jamaica definitely has a place in our hearts. Jamaicans even have a name for people like us: Jamairicans. If you're wondering whether Jamaica belongs on your list, our answer is easy. We highly recommend Jamaica and Couples Resorts. Here's why we love them, plus the regions, food, culture and planning basics to know before you go.
Key takeaways: Jamaica is our absolute favorite island, and Couples Resorts are our favorite way to experience it: four adults-only, all-inclusive resorts in Negril and Ocho Rios. Most visitors fly into Montego Bay (MBJ), and Jamaica asks every arriving visitor to fill out its free official C5 form before traveling.
Jamaica at a Glance
- Airports: Sangster International (MBJ) in Montego Bay is the main entry point for most visitors. Norman Manley International (KIN) serves Kingston, and the smaller Ian Fleming International (OCJ) is near Ocho Rios.
- Currency: the Jamaican dollar.
- Language: English, often mixed with Jamaican Patois.
- Driving: on the left.
- Where the Couples resorts are: two in Negril on the west coast and two in Ocho Rios on the north coast, roughly 1.5 and 1.75 hours by road from MBJ.
- Drier season: December through April. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30.
- Before you fly: complete Jamaica's free online C5 form at enterjamaica.gov.jm.
Couples Resorts Jamaica: Why They're Our Favorite
Couples Resorts are all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica built just for couples. According to the resort group's own policies, every Couples resort is adults-only and couples-only, and guests must be 18 or older to book and stay. That makes them a natural fit for honeymoons, anniversaries and grown-up getaways.
There are four Couples resorts, two in Negril and two in Ocho Rios, and each has its own personality:
- Couples Tower Isle (Ocho Rios). The brand's flagship resort, with its own small island just offshore.
- Couples Sans Souci (Ocho Rios). Set between lush mountains and the sea, with a mineral spring pool and a mineral grotto.
- Couples Negril (Negril). The most intimate of the four, on Jamaica's west coast, with a treehouse spa.
- Couples Swept Away (Negril). Right on Negril's famous Seven Mile Beach, with a large sports and fitness complex for active couples.
Because we've stayed at or visited all four, we can help you compare them side by side, from the laid-back beach days of Negril to the waterfalls and gardens around Ocho Rios. Inclusions and room types can change, so Ashley checks the current details for you before you book. Planning a honeymoon? Our Caribbean honeymoon guide covers what to look for in a romantic resort.
Jamaica's Regions: Where to Stay
Jamaica is bigger than many travelers expect, and each resort area feels different:
- Negril. The island's westernmost town is known for its laid-back pace, a seven-mile stretch of white-sand beach, cliffs above blue water and famous sunsets. Rick's Café is a classic spot to watch the sun go down.
- Ocho Rios. On the north coast, Ocho Rios is home to Dunn's River Falls, one of Jamaica's most iconic attractions, plus rainforest zip lines, snorkeling and the Green Grotto Caves.
- Montego Bay. Jamaica's second city, home to Sangster International Airport (MBJ), Doctor's Cave Beach, the Hip Strip and Rose Hall Great House.
- Port Antonio. A quieter corner of the northeast with hidden coves, Frenchman's Cove, the Blue Lagoon and Reach Falls.
- The South Coast. Off the beaten path, with Treasure Beach, YS Falls and boat tours on the Black River.
- Kingston. The capital, where reggae first took shape, and the gateway to the Blue and John Crow Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jamaican Culture: Music, Food and Warm Welcomes
The Birthplace of Reggae
Music is everywhere in Jamaica. The island gave the world mento, ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub and dancehall, and in 2018 UNESCO added the reggae music of Jamaica to its list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Festivals such as Reggae Sumfest celebrate it every year, and you'll often hear live music at resorts and beach bars.
Jamaican Food to Try
- Ackee and saltfish: Jamaica's national dish and a breakfast favorite, often served with fried dumplings, callaloo, green bananas and plantains.
- Jerk: smoky, spicy meats, seafood and vegetables cooked over pimento wood. Go easy on the Scotch bonnet peppers. They're flavorful, but hot!
- Fresh seafood: catch of the day with festival (a slightly sweet fried dumpling) or bammy (cassava flatbread).
- Comfort food: curry goat, oxtail and stewed peas.
- Ital food: the plant-based diet practiced by many Rastafarians, a great choice for vegetarians and vegans.
English is Jamaica's official language, so it's easy to get around, chat with locals and make new friends.
Things to Do in Jamaica
When you're ready to leave the beach chair for a day, here are some popular ways to explore:
- Climb Dunn's River Falls near Ocho Rios.
- Zip-line through the rainforest canopy.
- Snorkel or dive the reefs, including Montego Bay Marine Park.
- Explore the Green Grotto Caves on the north coast.
- Take a bamboo raft down one of Jamaica's rivers.
- Watch the sunset from the cliffs in Negril.
- Visit YS Falls and take a Black River boat tour on the South Coast.
- Tour Rose Hall Great House near Montego Bay.
Tours and attractions change from season to season, so Ashley can help you choose excursions that fit your resort and your interests.
When to Go to Jamaica
Jamaica is warm and tropical all year.
- December through April is the dry season and a popular time to escape winter.
- May to June and September to November are Jamaica's two rainy seasons, according to the Jamaica Tourist Board.
- Hurricane season: The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, according to NOAA's National Hurricane Center. Many travelers still visit during these months. If your dates fall in this window, consider travel insurance and keep an eye on official forecasts as your trip gets close.
Getting There and Entry Basics
Flying in. Many visitors fly into Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay. From there, Negril and Ocho Rios are each roughly a 1.5- to 2-hour drive. Ocho Rios also has the smaller Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) nearby.
What U.S. citizens need:
- A valid passport. Bring a U.S. passport book that's valid for your whole trip.
- Jamaica's online immigration form. Jamaica asks arriving passengers to complete a free online form (the C5) on the official government site, enterjamaica.gov.jm. Skip any third-party site that charges a fee.
- A return or onward ticket.
Good to know: Jamaicans drive on the left side of the road.
Entry rules can change, so always check the U.S. State Department's Jamaica page and the Jamaica Tourist Board's entry requirements before you travel.
Is Jamaica Right for Your Next Getaway?
If you love beautiful beaches, great food, music and genuinely warm people, Jamaica is hard to beat. For couples, Couples Resorts are our favorite way to experience it. Traveling with kids or a bigger group? Jamaica has plenty of family-friendly all-inclusive resorts too. Our Caribbean all-inclusive vacations guide explains how to compare them, and our group and family vacations page shows how Ashley plans trips for bigger groups. Prefer to see Jamaica as one stop on a cruise? Our Caribbean cruises guide covers the options.
At Simply Travel by Ashley, Ashley Muhlenkamp helps couples, families and groups across the United States plan their Jamaica vacation, and her planning services are completely free to you, with no hidden fees. Tell us about your trip to get started.
Jamaica and Couples Resorts FAQ
Are Couples Resorts adults-only?
Yes. According to Couples Resorts' policies, all of its resorts are adults-only and couples-only, and guests must be 18 or older to book and stay.
How many Couples Resorts are there in Jamaica?
There are four: Couples Tower Isle and Couples Sans Souci in Ocho Rios, and Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away in Negril.
Do I need a passport to go to Jamaica?
Yes. U.S. citizens need a valid passport to travel to Jamaica and return to the U.S. Jamaica also asks arriving passengers to complete a free online immigration form (the C5) at enterjamaica.gov.jm. Always check current requirements with official sources before you travel.
Should I stay in Negril or Ocho Rios?
Choose Negril for a laid-back beach vacation with long stretches of sand and famous sunsets. Choose Ocho Rios for lush scenery, waterfalls and easy access to attractions like Dunn's River Falls. Ashley can help you decide based on what matters most to you.
Is Jamaica good for a honeymoon?
Yes. Jamaica has beautiful beaches, great food, music and warm people, and resorts such as Couples Resorts are adults-only and built for couples. We've been six times and highly recommend Jamaica and Couples Resorts.
How do you get around Jamaica?
Visitors often pre-book an airport transfer and join organized tours for day trips. Otherwise, use licensed taxis with red license plates or transportation your hotel recommends. Jamaicans drive on the left, and you must be at least 25 to rent a car.
What is Jamaica known for?
Jamaica is known for reggae music, jerk and ackee and saltfish, Dunn's River Falls, Negril's Seven Mile Beach and the Blue and John Crow Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When is the best time to visit Jamaica?
Jamaica is warm all year. December through April is the dry season, while May to June and September to November are the rainy seasons. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.
Let's Plan Your Jamaica Vacation
Ready to become a Jamairican yourself? Fill out the "Let's Plan Your Vacation!" form on our homepage, call (419) 852-4445, or email simplytravelbyashley@gmail.com. Ashley's planning services are free, and she's available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern.