Couples Swept Away

Here goes my honest opinion of the holiday so far. We are at present on day 5 of a 12 day holiday at Couples Swept Away. This was booked very last minute as our planned Maldives holiday was cancelled due to the Middle East tensions. We are very well travelled and have had the privilege of experiencing some high class 5* resorts/hotels around the world as well as the usual 5* all inclusive resorts. Unfortunately this resort does not fall into this 5*category. However the price tag of around £10k for 13 nights for two people would indicate that we should be getting at least some 5* treatment. Far from it. I’ll start with the positives…. Beach- this is the highlight of the resort and is beautiful. Soft sand and lovely blue, inviting sea. Perfectly calm for swimming and plenty of room to find a space in the sun or shade- be aware, you will need to get up before 6am to grab the ‘best’ beds- something that is very annoying and you shouldn’t need to do, but it seems the only way as everyone else has already got up at the crack of dawn to put their towels down! Sports complex open from 6am, good 25m lap pool, numerous tennis courts, squash, well equipped outdoor gym, smoothie bar and fantastic yoga with Ria. It seems somewhat underused but is an asset to the hotel and if you’re into keeping fit there are numerous classes that you can join in with. Downside, is the wellness bar which could be more welcoming and a happy place to be. Things that could be improved… Rooms- granted that because we booked very late we had no choice with the room category and were given an atrium room. These are very basic, rustic and basic. No TV, which didn’t really bother us but when it rains often in the afternoon it would be useful to have one or at least have a Bluetooth music speaker to use! The rooms could also do with a thorough good clean, especially outside on the approach- the housekeeping is good each night with a turn down service and in the day a novelty towel animal on the bed! but otherwise it’s somewhat superficial- just doing the towels/ bed- not thoroughly cleaning…there is a coffee machine but no milk. Water is replenished just one bottle daily. Very limited mini bar selection and no snacks or nibbles at all…. Not 5* and no attention to the little details - that’s what counts to the paying customer. Tip- ask for a room away from the road- the noise is awful and not what you want from your 5* relaxing holiday resort!! Thankfully, we complained and were able to change to a different room nearer to the beach away from the noise. Food The buffet is ok. Just ok. Very ‘sameish’ each day with a small variety, not great when you are here for 13 days and the other restaurant is very limited but made to order breakfasts. Lemongrass, one of the speciality restaurants, it was ok- really nothing special and we were both disappointed in the quality of the food. Feathers - nice food, nice welcoming service. So if they can do the welcoming service why can’t the rest? Culture and consistency is key to show your guests you are valued. Not what we are feeling here at the resort overall. Sometimes you get a smile and a welcoming comment, sometimes it feels forced after you’ve already tried your best to be positive and welcoming first! Drink There are a couple of beach bars, handy for a quick drink during the day. Overall, the drinks are limited (there is only red stripe lager, no other varieties of beers or lagers!), couple of house white wines and the red wine- not good at all. The Martini bar is good addition - although placed in a strange position- on the top floor of the buffet- no outlook other than the lemongrass restaurant. This would be much better placed so that you could view the glorious sunsets….the view is basically non existent from where it is. Could you swap the area around so that Lemongrass is nearer the kitchen and the Martini bar has the outlook over the pool? Otherwise, there is a lack of a ‘isn’t this nice sat here in the evening’ type bar or place to sit and while away the early evening before dinner. Entertainment This has been ok, but just ok, no real ambience anywhere. There was a great steel drum band last night which had us all clapping and singing. Then nothing. But otherwise, not much going on and there is nowhere to just go and sit in a nice comfy seat watching the sunset and have a drink before dinner. Staff. Now this is where we have been somewhat disappointed. I did take the time to read some of the reviews before we came and many pointed towards the staff being smiley, helpful and what sets this resort apart from others on this beach… however again, we have not seen this consistently. The vast majority of staff give the impression that this is just a job… few are smiley and few seem to take respect or pride in their work… towels are left over night at the pool and on the beach beds, glasses are not collected consistently, often still there in the morning, rubbish stepped over by staff rather than picked up or cleared away, still there days later. Walking past in the day, no acknowledgement as they are on their phones, plates of last nights food still littering the beach at 9.30am the next day…. not what we have come to expect from a 5* hotel/resort. This morning I came out of the room to smashed glass all over the walkway, which was still there later after I’d informed a staff member. Tissues, bottle tops, cigarette butt’s ,used ear buds, all in the flora and fauna and outside the entrance to your rooms 🤦🏼‍♀️- so not 5*. We will of course take advantage of the lovely Caribbean sunshine and wonderful beach for the remainder of our holiday, whilst trying not to be bitterly disappointed every day. We have been to the Caribbean 4 times previously but never to Jamaica… I’m not sure if we have just chosen the wrong hotel here but our impression so far is that we won’t be returning in the future. There are some things the hotel could very easily do to make a real difference ….

We have just returned from a 2 week surprise birthday holiday for my wife and joined by some friends , for what was our first time visiting Jamaica and celebrating at the Couples Swept Away was an absolute wonderful time !!! The transfer was just shy of 2 hours due to heavy traffic through the centre of Montego Bay and the coastal road was horrendous due to the huge pot holes ! but it is definitely worth it to arrive at this just breathtaking location on the Negril beach ! Our room was spacious and clean with a large balcony and was very well maintained by the housekeeping staff !. The birds at night took some getting used to , but after a few nights and some rum cocktails you get used to them. This was the first holiday we have been on where we haven't even been in the pools ! ,we just spent everyday on the glorious beach and with sun loungers not to far from the Bamboo Bar , where Hakeem and Shaniek kept us entertained everyday. The banter and fun and games we shared with them was so much fun and they truly do deserve a special mention for making our holiday a wonderful memory through there commitment in encouraging all holiday makers to relax and have fun !!!. Thank you and much love to them both ! And to all the staff in general who were just lovely and sincerely helpful ! Really no complaints at all and thank you CSA !!! We loved it and will return one day for sure.

This place says no tipping, ha! It seemed almost everyone was looking for our tips. They act as if they are your best friend, but as you know, when you leave, they forget about you. I tipped a bit the first half of my stay, then when I realized the way the staff played you for tips it was annoying. The food was average, plenty of it, but average. The chairs on the beach, well, as usual, at 9AM 80% of the chairs had towels on them with hardly anyone around. Good luck finding your way around, they need more signs to find amenities and your room! The water and beach was great, they have a great fitness area. I am not sure I would go back.

2nd time back, and while we were there, booked our 3rd visit for 2027. We don't go to this resort for is amazing food selection (although the food is pretty good overall) but for the fabulous beach, great water sports and friendly staff. Not sure why anyone would want a drink delivered to them on the beach...personally I love taking a walk and getting my own drink! Let's face it, 80% of us need the exercise! We were nice to everyone and were treated very well. Met some great guests who have been coming back for years. I can totally see why. My only minor criticism is that the nightly entertainment is mediocre...with the exception of Exodus, the house band, and the steel drum group. Both groups are super talented. I love dancing, but couldn't get into the music played at the disco. Wish there was a little more variety there...and more fitting for the demographic of the majority of guests (over 50).

First Time Visit to CSA Arrival Arrived late afternoon at Montego Bay Airport and got through quickly. After collecting our luggage, we found the Couples Lounge easily and were checked in straight away. We waited around 10 minutes before boarding the coach. The transfer took about 1 hour 40 minutes, with AC and a friendly driver who shared light‑hearted info along the way. Room – Ocean Veranda Suite (Block 15, 1st Floor – 3209) Our room was perfectly located between the beach and the road. One flight of stairs gave us privacy and stunning sea views and sunsets. Well equipped: balcony, mini bar, ironing board, umbrella (for shade/showers!), hair dryer, TV, walk‑in shower and a hot drinks machine. The bed was huge and comfortable with a variety of pillows, the aircon excellent, and Wi‑Fi was strong everywhere — even on the beach, although we didn’t use it for business purposes. Note: I took with me my own high powered hair dryer from uk but it wouldn’t work with the Jamaican power sockets, but the one provided was fine. They provide drinks bottles in your room and which you can keep. They can be filled up at water and ice stations conveniently positioned around the resort. The water and ice are drinkable and it was nice not to see one use plastic bottles. Beach & Atmosphere The beach is stunning: golden sand, spotless with warm shallow sea. Lounger reserving does happen, but we always found loungers in decent positions on way to breakfast (between 8am and 8.30am) even though peak season. By 9–10am beds were still available, though not in the best positions. All Palapas were taken very early (usually by the same couples, who not only took the palapas daily but would also take two loungers, two chairs and two tables - for one couple!!) The resort do ask people by leaflet not to reserve and leave beds for long periods. Vendors were respectful and easy to ignore if you didn’t want to engage. Buskers added to the relaxed beach vibe and we liked to tip them. Tree frogs at night were loud but magical. Resort cats were friendly — we loved seeing them and giving them treats on the way back. Sports & Activities The sports complex across the road was excellent with good gym equipment The lap pool was quiet and it was lovely to swim outside, whilst trying to avoid the odd palm leaf, frog or insect 😊 There was a pool table which we used daily when the sun was hot around midday. There were great fresh health shots – Pineapple and ginger being our favourite. Kayaking was fun and didn’t need booking The glass‑bottom boat, bookable one day in advance, couldn’t moor over the reef on the day we booked, due to choppy water, so it toured around Bloody Bay which was still enjoyable. The free snorkelling trip was a highlight — calm guidance, colourful fish, sea cucumbers, urchins and even a stingray. We skipped the catamaran as we thought it would be livelier than we prefer. Food & Restaurants/Bars Two non‑bookable restaurants (Palms buffet and Patois Patio) offered good quality food and choice. It probably didn’t have quite the range of food we have had at some other AI’s we’ve stayed in, but we found different things to eat over the 10 days and really enjoyed the breakfasts. In the evening the entertainment would start in Palms around 7.45pm and so people would stay following their meal. Tip: check the Egg Station area at dinner — occasionally extra dishes appear there. The two bookable restaurants were outstanding. We secured Lemongrass for my 60th birthday and Feathers for my partner’s birthday - as it wasn’t open on my 60th. It was Lobster Night and superb. You have to book the bookable restaurants 3 days before you want them and cannot rebook until you’ve been. We managed one more visit to Lemongrass before the end of our 10 days visit. For lunch, Scotch Bonnet and Sea Grapes were great — especially the sushi at Sea Grapes. Bars at both restaurants good but could do with cocktail menus as we would have liked to sample some other cocktails we hadn’t had before, and had no idea what to ask for. Martini bar good and tried a couple of different types. Other Services Two Gifts shops – one larger and both well stocked Business Computers above Reception which we used to print out some documents Staff – The Heart of CSA The staff made this holiday exceptional. Concierge arranged our birthday dinners and sent champagne. Bar staff remembered our drinks. Restaurant staff went out of their way to seat us where we preferred. Housekeeping, gardening and sports staff were consistently warm, hardworking and genuine ensuring everything from the room and towels, gardens and beach were spotless whilst being warm and polite. Special thanks to O’Shane (bar) who ensured my love of Pina Colada’s was sated and Christiana (Patois Restaurants) who helped us on our first day Overall We have previously stayed in (and not enjoyed) some polished, high‑end AI resorts where guests can be sometimes be rude, entitled and glued to Instagram. CSA is the opposite — relaxed, authentic, and full of heart. In our experience, if you don’t like it here, the issue isn’t CSA.

Food less than stellar, service ok, no beach drink flag service, here an entire week before our room cleaned, best food was off resort where locals eat. The best part of the resort was our new "Family" member/staff young man who has been beyond amazing from day one

Incredible activities, beautiful engagement with Staff, delicious food. And you can’t beat the beach.

We've visited this resort many times as the beach is one of the best in the Caribbean and the value for all you get is really hard to beat. The people who work there really make the resort a special place for us and we will be back. This review is going to center on a few areas I think the resort can greatly improve upon. First, they offer a pre check-in portal through their Romance Rewards program. We've utilized this before and every time, including on this trip, none of the information translates to the resort upon arrival. As repeat guests, we've earned points and were entitled to gifts for this trip. We elected our gift, gave the size and that, nor the other items we earned were ready for us upon arrival. Also, none of the reservations we made in advance for dinner/excursions nor our requests for the in-suite mini bar were on record. We had to visit the Guest Sevices desk to get our gifts and re-do all the reservations, plus fill out a new form, wait 24 hours, to receive our mini bar requests. This should be a really simple thing to fix and it's very frustrating to think you'll have these items taken care of so you don't have to do so upon arrival. We always book a couples massage and it generally has been a good value. Not any longer. The price has risen to $360/couple and our lead massuese recommended we try the CBD oil treatment and said if we didn't care for it, we didn't have to buy afterwards. Turns out, that spoonful or more of CBD oil cost us an additional $40/person. We didn't ask if the treatment costs more and should have, but if they want their associates to try to sell add-ons, it should be dislcosed up front that it is an additional cost. I didn't care for that. Really the first time we sort of fell like a "number". The main pool at the south end of the resort needs a lot of updating. It's really small and looks the same as it did on our first visit almost 20 years ago. There's a large area between buildings not too far away that could be a great spot to build a larger, updated main pool. I think the resort would do well to consider that. The beach is, of course, the crown jewel, but a killer pool also goes a long way on vacation. Best of both worlds! We noticed some pretty bad sections behind the Martini Bar that need repair and were pretty easy to spot for anyone visiting. There's probably other areas we didn't notice, but seeing those things while getting "taken" at the Spa didn't set well either. All in all, the focus on customer service from upper management needs a refresh in my opinion. in adidtion to the above, out of nowhere, the menu was completely changed at the martini bar and many items were taken off and puzzling ones were added. The bartenders had to re-learn many drinks on the fly and without prior notice. One martini called "Key Lime Pie" mixed a ctirus with a rum cream. Everyone I saw get one had their ingredients breaking apart not long after the drink was poured. The mix doesn't work and I'm shocked someone didn't check that first before rolling it out. Also, the font is half the size of the previous menu and was very hard to read. This just made no sense to us nor any of the other guests. If it ain't broke... As always, the stafff are largely wonderful. They do an excellent job, are very friendley and welcoming to all guests who choose to engage with them. Not all are like that and that's ok. The grounds are regularly kept pristine, our room was cleaned every day and we received turn down service on top of that. Food is ok to excellent and there is plenty of variety to keep things interesting througout your stay. Drinks include top shelf liquor, all the bartenders are very skilled, some are engaging some keep to themselves. A friendly "hello" and "thank you" go a long way. I don't think they get paid nearly enough for what they do. We will be back, do not hesitate to book a stay at this place! You will love it.

Took a little time to get the restaurants down, but good service & great location. Will definitely book again