Couples Ocho Rios:
For a "No Problem"
Wedding or Honeymoon

by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

Perhaps one of the most common phrases on the island of Jamaica is "no problem." Every request, from more champagne to extra towels, is met with this promise delivered in the lilting accent of the island residents. And perhaps nowhere is that phrase heard more than Couples Ocho Rios, an all-inclusive resort for couples only.

Honeymooners can leave their cash, credit cards and travelers checks in the hotel safe, because, while they're on the property, everything is theirs for the asking. Shopping excursions, scuba diving lessons, sailing, water-skiing, and windsurfing are provided -- not to mention lavish island buffets, exotic tropical drinks, tips, taxes, and transfers to and from the airport.

"Here all our guests are equally rich because you can't spend money while you're here," explains John Issa, the man who began this resort nearly two decades ago, the world's first all-inclusive resort in the world designed for couples only. Singles and families are not permitted at Couples, just pairs who are looking for a tropical paradise to enjoy together.

Couples is located on the north shore of Jamaica, an area known for beaches the color of a bridal veil and waters as clear as the white rum produced here on the island. The island enjoys a truly tropical climate, and even during the island's "winter" temperatures range in the mid-80's. Summer temperatures are 10 degrees warmer, although nights are cooled by the gentle trade winds that blow off the Caribbean waters.

Honeymooning is easy and carefree in Jamaica. Visitors may use either a passport or birth certificate and voter registration card to enter the country. The water supply is pure and guests can drink water in any establishment. And the locals speak English, with a lilting accent that's partly British and partly pure Jamaican. English traditions live on in this country, including driving on the left side of the road.

Fortunately, guests at Couples need not worry about driving. Guests are picked up at the Montego Bay Airport in a Couples van. The drive to the resort takes about an hour and a half, but it's a ride through paradise on a winding road shaded by tall palms with spectacular views of the Caribbean. Along the way, the van passes Discovery Bay, where Christopher Columbus came ashore nearly 500 years ago.

After a drive through the bustling streets of Ocho Rios, where vendors sell woodcarvings and baskets, the van arrives at the resort, a 172-room beachfront hotel with large windows and balconies opening to the sea. Every room includes a CD player and a selection of romantic songs and no distractions like televisions and telephones. Atop the beds sit a heart-folded towel, topped with a native flower. Some rooms have ocean views; others look out on the lush Blue Mountains.

Days at Couples are as carefree as the Caribbean trade winds. You and your new husband can enjoy Continental breakfast in bed, or head outside for the breakfast buffet. Lunch is also served buffet-style in the outdoor cafe. Any time during the day, stop at one of the four bars at try an exotic tropical drink, part of the package price. Gourmet dining takes place outside or in three specialty restaurants serving French cuisine, Continental fare or at the Bayside, a pasta bar. You can select any restaurant on any day; it's all included in your vacation price.

After breakfast, some vacationers head out for the beach loungers and a day of sun and surf. There are more activities to select from than hours in the day. Sports include tennis, squash, racquetball, paddleball, volleyball, aerobics, reggae dance classes, bicycle tours, horseback riding and golf. All fees, from greens fees to lessons with tennis pros, are included.

Watersports are some of the most popular activities here. Lessons in windsurfing, sunfish sailing, scuba diving, water-skiing, and canoeing are available daily, along with free lessons. Guests can even obtain a PADI resort scuba diving certificate with a free, day long class, and take part in the off shore dives for a look at coral reefs and colorful fish. Even landlubbers can have a look at those clear Caribbean depths without ever getting wet aboard a glass bottomed boat. And if the two of you want to work on a total tan, there's a clothing-optional beach located on an offshore island (complete with a pool and swim-up bar).

When you're ready to take a break from the sun, check the resort chalkboard for a list of changing daily activities. You can take a van to Dunn's River Falls, one of the most photographed sites in Jamaica. Here you'll form a human daisy-chain with other guests and a sure-footed Jamaican guide (who usually has a dozen cameras hung from his neck) for a cool hike up the tiered waterfalls.

Shopping in Ocho Rios is another popular activity. Plan to spend at least one afternoon in town to experience Jamaican culture firsthand and to bring home souvenirs of a honeymoon in paradise. Blue Mountain coffee is one of the most popular purchases. Considered by many to be the world's best, it sells for about $1 an ounce, about half the price found in American coffee shops.

Woodcarvings are also popular purchases. Look for dolphins, birds and even elephants carved from lignum vitae. This tree produces the national flower of Jamaica, and the dense wood has been used for centuries to make ship parts. Small sculptures start about $10. You'll find that most merchants accept both U.S. and Jamaican money.

One of the best bargains at Couples are the free weddings they perform here daily. The resort has performed close to 20,000 nuptials. On any day you're likely to see a couple exchanging vows in the front lawn gazebo, on the beach or even on the offshore island as the sun begins to sink.

For more information, see http://www.couples.com
Photo courtesy Couples Resorts
Copyright 2000 Paris Permenter & John Bigley

For more info on planning your own Jamaica Couples wedding, please visit the resort's official website. For a list of other possible destination wedding locations (including nuptials in the Caribbean), and planning tips/ideas, please visit the Destination Wedding FAQ.

All of this month's articles are

Husband and wife team Paris Permenter and John Bigley have authored over 20 guidebooks and also edit the FREE Lovetripper.com, a romantic travel magazine featuring worldwide destinations. Article is copyright 2000 Paris Permenter and John Bigley.

Frommer's has a great wedding group airfare discount article online. Group travel discounts are available on American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, US Airways, and Northwest/KLM, just to name a few...

Don't forget to read last month's destination wedding articles! The topic covered "planning your own Jamaica wedding". Have a destination wedding article or summary that you'd like to see published? If so -- please submit it here.

Be sure to check back monthly for more great Destination Wedding and Eloping articles, and visit the December "destination of the month". Then join the Destination Wedding "Message Board" and Webring -- and read the Destination Wedding FAQ!

JEWISH HERITAGE ENRICHES WEDDINGS

Paradise Island
The Bahamas
April 15, 2000 -

Jewish couples who are seeking the perfect wedding destination are now turning to The Bahamas, where a ceremony can be arranged under the Bahamas' licensing guidelines in 24 hours, and the beachfront Sheraton Grand Resort Paradise Island can handle all arrangements, in compliance with Judaic heritage.

Alfred Gorlick (CHA), Vice President and General Manager of the Sheraton Grand, himself an active member of the local Jewish congregation, describes the resort's attention to the community:

"First, our resort is sensitive to those who wish to preserve Jewish tradition as part of their wedding day. I've taken it upon myself to put in place the special arrangements our community requires, and to educate our wedding coordinators on how to properly handle all the details.

"While many couples take a year or more for the wedding of their dreams, our staff can handle everything, including obtaining the license, and tailor a Jewish ceremony to individual desires, often with no more than a day's notice."

The Resort can arrange for a rabbi of Jewish layman to conduct a religious service performed under government authority.

A chupa (ceremonial wedding canopy) can be constructed indoors or on the 3 mile stretch of pristine beach fronting the resort. Yarmulkes are available, as are materials for the traditional breaking of the wineglass, Hebrew wedding music on CD, and other needs associated with Jewish tradition.

Champagne, catering (unfortunately there is no kosher kitchen on the island), newly-appointed rooms for ceremony and reception functions, can all be arranged and reserved by a Sheraton Grand Resort wedding coordinator.

These advantages, plus easy flights from most U.S. and eastern Canada originating points, are bringing Jewish couples and their wedding guests to one of the world's loveliest tropical islands.

" The Sheraton Grand Resort Paradise Island specializes in inclusive honeymoon packages for those celebrating the most important day of their lives n one of the most romantic sites anywhere," Gorlick adds.

The Grand Beginning Package includes deluxe accommodations with private balcony, upgraded to junior honeymoon suite subject to availability upon arrival.

In addition, honeymooners will be receive a bottle of chilled champagne upon arrival with the resort's compliments, buffet breakfast every morning, dinner for two one evening at the Sheraton Grand's Julie's Ristorante Italiano, a $50.00 per couple beverage credit and a Bahama Divers snorkeling trip for two.

Newlyweds will also receive a custom-designed camera with one roll of color film, non-motorized sports, his and her Sheraton Grand logo T-shirts and bicycle rental for four hours.

Judaism in The Bahamas has recently undergone its own renaissance, according to Gorlick, who along with his wife, Bonnie, helped resurrect the old Bahamas Jewish congregation in Nassau. The congregation, affiliated with the Union of American Hebrew Congregations conducts services on a regular basis.

Call the Sheraton Grand Resort Paradise Island, The Bahamas, for reservations toll free at 800-782-9488 or see http://www.sheratongrand.com.

Photo courtesy Sheraton Grand

Saying 'I Do'
All Over Again

Nassau, Bahamas -
Married couples who visit the Radisson Cable Beach, Nassau, Bahamas, can say "I DO" all over again while they are on vacation in tropical paradise. The resort's great Vow Renewal Package costs $185 and it includes:

• Use of tropical wedding gazebo as ceremony location
• Minister to conduct the vow renewal ceremony
• Assistance from the on-site wedding consultant
• A renewal certificate
• Decorated cake
• Bottle of champagne

"We wanted to offer married couples an exciting and romantic way to enhance their vacation experience," said Brian Meister, vice president of sales and marketing for the 700 room resort.

Once a couple says "I DO" (again), they can relax and enjoy the exceptional all-inclusive offerings of the Radisson Cable Beach Resort. Set on a glorious 1,000 ft. stretch of white sand beach, the Radisson Cable Beach Resort is home to a magnificent seven-acre tropical waterscape, featuring three free-form swimming pools, cascading waterfalls, and oversized Jacuzzis.

With six restaurants included in the all-inclusive package, couples can choose from a wide variety of cuisines, ranging from local Bahamian and Caribbean specialities to Italian and Continental delights.

For the sports enthusiast, the resort's Fitness Center includes a fully-equipped exercise room, racquetball, squash and tennis courts. Golfers will want to challenge the resort's picturesque 7,040-yard, 18-hole, par-72 championship course, recognized as one of the Bahamas' finest.

Once the sun sets on this tropical paradise, guests will enjoy the resort's weekly theme parties and live, nightly entertainment. The Radisson Cable Beach Resort is also connected to a 35,000 sq. ft. casino, one of the Caribbean's largest gaming facilities.

Conveniently located 10 minutes from the island's international airport and colorful downtown Nassau, the resort offers a complete vacation experience with something for everyone -- golf, recreation, gaming, entertainment, dining and more.

All-inclusive Supersaver rates at the Radisson Cable Beach Resort start at $265 per person, per night, based on double occupancy. Rates quoted are valid Feb. 13 - May 3, 2000. From May 4 through Sept. 2, 2000, all-inclusive Supersaver rates start at $245 per person, per night, double. Reduced rates are available for children who share a room with paying adults. European Plan accomodations are also available.

Additional information and/or reservations may be obtained by contacting a travel agent or calling (800) 333-3333. Travel agents are encouraged to call (800) 777-7800, or to access Radisson using the airline GDS code RD. The Radisson Cable Beach Resort is available in most major wholesaler and charter programs, as well as directly through Radisson Worldwide Reservations. Visit the Radisson Cable Beach Resort on the World Wide Web or e-mail the resort at Radcblebch@aol.com.

Please send Robyn questions that you might have.