There are many all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica. Most of the big names like Beaches, Breezes, Couples, Hedonism, and Sandals are represented on this sun drenched island that basks in the gentle breezes of the West Indies.

During our recent trip, we stayed at two locations operated by Couples Resorts. This is a review of our first stop - The Tower Isle Resort.

A little background

For those readers who haven't experienced Jamaica, it is a gem of a tropical paradise complete with lush rain forests and surrounded by a crystal-clear turquoise ocean that laps soft waves onto beaches of golden sand. The setting is perfect for a Valentine's getaway or mid-winter holiday.

Hospitality from the get go

Upon arrival at the modern Montego Bay Airport (MBJ), we were directed to a Couples Welcome Suite located just outside Customs and Immigration. The cheerful Couples employees working the suite treated us to cool refreshments while we waited for our transport to Tower Isle.

The small bus was comfortable and air-conditioned, and our 90-minute drive to the resort passed quickly as the enthusiastic driver lectured on the history of the island and its culture.

About Couples Resorts

Couples Resorts operates four all-inclusive properties in Jamaica. All have excellent reputations, and each location is unique with its own allures.

During our stay, we toured all four Couples' locations. We were quite taken by the level of sophistication and style we found throughout the properties.

Some all-inclusives have rowdy party reputations. Places where post-vacation participants have little memory of what happened during their holiday - and wonder if they had a good time. That was not our experience at Tower Isle.

We found couples and friends taking pleasure in all the amenities - including premium liquor libations - in surprising moderation, and always considerate of the other guests. The Couples establishment promotes the idea that their resorts are about unhurried romance - and enjoying the company of your special someone. The concept works well for them.

Why we like Tower Isle

The Tower Isle Resort is located on 19 acres of tranquil oceanfront property, and is the oldest of the four Couples locations. A $30 million dollar renovation was completed in April of 2009, and happily, the magnificent old hotel ambiance was painstakingly preserved.

The original building was constructed in 1949, and was the first four-season hotel in Jamaica. It was also the favorite Caribbean destination for the rich and famous in the 1950s.

If the walls of the celebrated Tower Isle Piano Bar could talk, they would say that half a century across the threshold of time, you might have been seated near the likes of Errol Flynn, Joan Crawford, Noel Coward, or Walt Disney. Famous celebs were frequently photographed around the hotel and while listening to their favorite tunes in the Piano Bar.

Most of the spacious rooms at Tower Isle have exquisite ocean views and overlook a Lilliputian island with a small fortress like tower - from which the resort derives its name.

The island is just several hundred yards from the shore, and with the exception of weddings, is the exclusive domain of those guests who prefer their sun au naturel. Due to the island's configuration and structures, nude guests are afforded complete privacy and are not visible from the resort's sandy beach.

The meaning of "all-inclusive"

The initial concept of an all-inclusive resort was a pre-paid holiday with few - if any - additional service charges. Today, the model has morphed into a "somewhat-inclusive" package at many resorts.

In order to avoid sticker shock on the per-day-rate, several resorts have moved many of their heretofore "included" essentials to a list of "extra" charge services. Typical examples might include a honeymoon package, horseback riding, golf green fees, scuba diving course, tennis instructions, internet cafe, top-shelf alcoholic beverages, and better fine dining opportunities. At Couples, all these services are part of the inclusive package.

The Tower Isle resort also boasts a splendid array of six restaurants and four bars, each with a unique menu designed to reflect its location and atmosphere. Dress requirements are few, but the famous 8 Rivers restaurant offers an opportunity to dress up - a little. The 8 Rivers requests slacks, shoes and collared shirts for the men and comparable elegant resort attire for the ladies.

We recommend a vacation at Couples Tower Isle for those looking for a good value in a sophisticated, but not stuffy, couples-only getaway. Couples Resorts delivers what they promise and they do it with consummate style and class. Perhaps that is why over 40 percent of Couples annual guests are returning customers.

For links to Couples Tower Isle cut and paste: http://www.examiner.com/x-1963-Great-Destinations-Travel-Examiners~y2010m1d30-Jamaicas-Tower-Isle-Resort-promotes-genuine-couplesonly-allinclusive-vacations

© Travels with Wayne and Judy (syndicated)
Photos © Wayne and Judy Bayliff