|
|
|
travelspa: Couples Swept Away |
|
|
|
|
by Christine Stephen
travelspa:
Couples Swept Away
 Escaping the daily grind to an uplifting,
relaxing and healing environment can
be a catalyst needed for letting go of
stress and making positive changes. There’s
something wonderful about placing yourself
in an all-inclusive resort where you are on the
receiving end. Imagine being swept away to
such a place.
Couples Swept Away Negril is one of three of
the third generation Issa brothers’ properties on
Jamaica. Couples Swept Away is located on the
western tip of Jamaica on the beautiful and
pristine seven-mile beach in Negril. The resort is
60 miles from Donald Sangster International
Airport in Montego Bay. The journey takes an
hour-and-a-half by car or just a short 15 minutes
by plane.
Staffers from the resort were waiting for us on
the other side of customs. The airport is bustling
with activity and it was a welcome sight to see our
driver. We jumped in a van along with five other
guests and headed north. The journey, which
cuts through small coastal towns skirting the
coast, is an experience in itself and should be
commemorated by purchasing an “I survived the
ride from the airport” tee shirt from the local
craftsman at the resort.
Guests are greeted in the lobby by the
concierge and a chilled glass of champagne. After
a quick check-in we were shown to our room.
Couples Swept Away Negril offers the intimacy
of a private villa and the romantic ambiance of a
tropical hideaway. There are 134 Caribbean-style
verandah suites housed in 26 two-story villas on
the property. All the rooms are equipped with a
king-sized bed, air conditioning and a ceiling fan.
Our room was accented with wicker style furniture
and wooden shutters that allow you to enjoy
the ocean breezes in the afternoons. French doors
open up to a spacious verandah decorated with
chaise lounges and a large, angular couch, perfect
for relaxing after a day of activity.
Depending on your zeal and desire the resort
offers a wide array of both land and water activity.
The 10-acre sports centre and fitness complex
is a workout enthusiast’s dream. Not only does it
offer a workout in the open air gym equipped with Cybex fitness equipment and free weights,
there’s even a personal trainer for those who
need a little extra push. With 10 lighted tennis
courts with pros available for complimentary
lessons you can sharpen your game or play all
day. After a little activity, take a dip in the
Olympic-size swimming pool or soothe your
muscles in the Jacuzzi or relax in the steam
room or sauna.The only thing missing from the
fitness complex is you.
Just a short stroll from our room through
the lush gardened paths and we were at the
beach. Truly a vacationer’s dream. This is what
they meant when the term all inclusive was
coined. The resort offers windsurfing, reef snorkeling,
water skiing, kayaking and sailing. The
water sports staff are eager to show you how to
get the most out of your day. And after a short
lesson on one of the small catamarans, we were
back on the beach. A confident smile and a
friendly push and I was on my own. Under the
watchful eye of the staff I was cruising the blue
Jamaican waters. For the truly adventurous the
resort offers both advanced and beginner scuba
diving.
After an exhilarating trip down the shore on
skis or a spin on a wind surfer, you can kick back at your spot on the beach. Rest
assured, not far behind will be your
beach attendant offering to get you a
cool glass of whatever you desire.
Time spent at the Oasis Spa is a
must. The spa provides a wide assortment
of beauty and relaxation treatments
for the body, mind and spirit.
These include body wraps, body
scrubs, mineral baths, massages,
facials, waxings, pedicures, manicures,
aromatherapy and hydrotherapy. The
spa specializes in aromatherapy treatments
for skin and body that use
individually made-to-order scrubs and masks
from fresh ingredients. After a hard day of
relaxing at the beach and soaking in the sun, or
if you’ve been more active, a treatment at the
spa is a terrific way to pamper yourself.
Ready to be wined and dined? Feathers is
for you. The resort’s gourmet restaurant, considered
to be one of the finest in Negril, offers
continental cuisine with a Jamaican flair. The
food is rivaled only by the service so make sure
you make a reservation and enjoy. You can feel
the cool Caribbean breeze while you dine in a
tropical setting at the resort’s open-air Beach-
Side-Dining room. The dining room serves
breakfast, lunch and dinner. The innovative
cuisine is a mix of local favorites and international
flavor. If you don’t want to leave the
beach, there’s the Beach Grill, offering casual
dining under the sun, moon and stars. The cuisine
is a mix of local fish and meats grilled to
order. The Veggie Bar offers a health-conscious
way to grab a quick bite. A menu that includes
fresh juices and vegetables, along with an assortment
of healthy appetizers delivers another dose
of local flavor. As with all the restaurants, all you
need is a smile.
The hospitality and attentiveness of the staff
from the start was unparalleled. Our every need
was met with an eager smile, our every desire
granted. After a week at Couples Swept Away
we were recharged and rejuvenated, ready to
take on the daily grind.
For more information call 1-800-Couples
or log on to www.couples.com
Photos:
Top: One of the two resort pools.
Bottom: The beautiful beach.
Photos courtesy Couples Resorts
|
|
|
