Couples Message Board FAQ Welcome to the Couples Lounge Message Board! To assist you get started in both reading and participating in our discussions about all things Couples Resorts, one of our star message board participants "AllieH" has compiled a list of tips and instructions to help you along with a tiny bit of message board “netiquette” in the following Couples Message Board FAQ.
Message Board Manners Other Questions
I’m new to this; how does it work? First and foremost, do NOT be intimidated by the boards! The
message board is a wonderful source of information for visitors both
new and old as well as a place to connect with others who may be
visiting a resort at the same time you are! First, you will need to register. The process is quick, painless
and free! Once you’ve done that, jump on in! How do I reply to a post or start a new topic? Posting is very simple. You simply add you comments to the end of
an existing post with your username and password or you start a new
thread and do the same. At the top of the message board
click on
Instructions for illustrated directions on how to post messages and
pictures. Why doesn’t my post appear immediately on the message board? When posting, however, you need to remember a few VERY important things. First, your post may not appear on the message board for anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Each post is reviewed by a moderator before appearing on the board. Second, after typing in your post, hit the “post message” button only once. Do not refresh your browser, or hit it again. This may cause your message to fail to go through. Third, once your post has made it to the board—especially if you’ve
not checked the board in a few hours—your post may appear further down
the page. The position of messages is determined by the time of their
approval. When a message is approved it moves the thread in which it
is located to the top. The top thread gets pushed down as more newly
approved messages come online. A note about Message Board “Netiquette” Please take just a few minutes to look over the ways in which you can acquire information about Couples, the wonderful Jamaican culture and any other pieces of information you may be looking for. If you are first time poster consider introducing yourself when you first post. We would like to know about you. So, if you’d like, give a bit of info—where you are from, age, when you are going to [or when you visited] Couples, etc. It goes without saying that all people who post of the board may not agree on some topics. There is, on occasion, friendly debate. However, respect should be shown to EVERYONE on the board. You cannot (and should not) use profanity, obscene language, or other offensive wording that would offend any users on the board. If a post is deemed distasteful, it will not be uploaded. COUPLES has provided this service to allow people to interact, ask
questions, and continue to learn about the resort and its offerings.
Please utilize the board to make new friends, discuss your plans, and
show photos of your trip to paradise. One warning about the
boards—they are addictive! Enjoy the board, and enjoy COUPLES! How can I avoid asking a question that has already been asked repeatedly? Oftentimes, the same questions are asked repeatedly, without the
poster knowing it. This is particularly true [and understandable] for
newcomers to message board. To help with this issue we have created
this FAQ [Frequently Asked Questions]. By taking a little time to
read this FAQ and those of the resorts [see next item] or search
[create link to search faq item here] for your topic of interest, it
will give you more time to jump on the board, introduce yourself, make
some wonderful friends, ask unique questions and dive on into this
obsession we know and love as the “Couples Experience”!!! Using the FAQ’s to find commonly asked questions Many of the questions you have regarding any of the three resorts can be found in the FAQ [Frequently Asked Questions about Couples] section of the Message Board. These FAQ’s have been put together by Message Board members just like you, who have spent time at Couples, and have a lot of information about the resort. It would be wise to look over these, just to get an overview of the different resorts—you will probably find the answers to many of your questions there! Additionally, when visiting the FAQ pages, be sure to check out the
other menu options, which include photo gallery, dining options, and
the Couples experience! How to Search the Message Board If you still have questions after reading through the FAQ, you may want to utilize the “Search” feature of the message board. This feature allows you to search through previous posts based on topic, message author, or dates of posts. You will find the Search Feature in the menu above the messages (see below). Once you’ve clicked on the search feature, you have several options. I will only explain the two that would be most pertinent to you finding the answers you are looking for J We should illustrate this First, you can Search by Author. To do this:
Right now, you will see all of the threads that I have posted on (WOW, I’ve been busy!). You can click on any of them, and the post will open in a new window--where you can view OR post a reply. Let's start over. Say you want to search about nudity at CN (since nudity has been a hot topic!!!). Again, click the "Search" feature at the top of the message board.
All posts that contain your keywords will be shown. You can then
browse through these and see if you can find the answers you are
looking for! I lost my password. How do I recover it? You will need to reset your password.
Click HERE to reset your password. Once you have chosen a new
password, an e-mail verification message will be sent to your
address on file. You must follow the instructions in that e-mail
verification in order to activate your new password. Commonly Asked Message Board Questions There are many questions that come up repeatedly on the board—and
rightfully so!!! These are questions that we have all had at one time
or another, and you can find your answers right here! The general consensus is YES! At this time, it is not required
that American citizens have a passport to enter Jamaica. However,
that is expected to change at some point in the near future. Having a
passport eliminates carrying the additional paperwork required, such
as birth certificate, marriage license, divorce decree, etc. Think of
a passport as a one-stop-shop, that will allow you to travel anywhere
at any time!!! Will I see nudity at the resort? Nudity in various forms is present-usually-in some way at every resort. COUPLES Ocho Rios—this resort offers Tower Island for exclusively for relaxing and socializing au naturel. You must be completely nude on the island, or you will asked to leave—albeit very politely! Many visitors who are apprehensive when trying the island have only one regret—that they didn’t do it sooner! With that said, let’s elaborate a bit more on Tower Island. There are a LOT of questions about this mystical place, so let’s see if we can’t answer as many of them as possible here! What kind of people go to the island? Go to your grocery store, library, mall. Look around! These are the wonderful people you will meet on the island! They are not set apart from the rest of us; they are newlyweds, grandparents, aunts, uncles and college friends. They are “regular” people, just like the rest of us! What is the age range/body type of those at the island? If you’ve seen it, it’s there. Those on the island are not worried about what YOU look like, so don’t worry about them; All shapes and sizes, ages, races and nationalities are represented. Think of Tower Island as the “melting pot” for those who choose au naturel! Can women/men go by themselves? Women may go alone, men may not. Think of it as “no big deal”! No pun intended!!!! People on the island aren’t looking, and should the need “arise” you may excuse yourself, wrap in a towel, and leave the area until all calms down J HOWEVER, as posted on the board previously, we are all adults, and don’t worry about what may “happen” while on the island. As the “islanders” can testify, it’s simply not about sex. It’s about spending quality time with the one you love, in a completely natural setting. Not what you are used to at home! Is the island all about sex? No, no and no! Once you are on the island, it’s no different than if you were at the resort. The nudity becomes a non-issue fairly quick. Again, this ENTIRE vacation is about reconnecting with the one you love. The island is just a bonus! How big is the island? Is it crowded? While the island isn’t enormous, it comfortably accommodates all visitors. There are portions of the island that are more private, as well as areas—such as the pool and bar—that allow a more social setting. Ask any of the islanders and they will tell you—they have NEVER felt crowded while on the island! Can we get food on the island? You can eat “munchies”. There is not a menu or extended variety of foods on the island. Can you swim from the island? There are those who swim from the resort to the island…but you need to be a VERY competent swimmer. Additionally, by swimming, you aren’t able to bring a bag/tote along for your necessities (tanning lotion, snacks, sunglasses, etc.). The island does NOT have a beach, and it is more for recreation and socializing. If you are going to COR, do NOT miss the opportunity to meet some of the wonderful, engaging folks on the island! COUPLES Swept Away—there is no nudity at CSA. However, you may see the occasional (or frequent!) topless sunbather on the beach. COUPLES Negril—CN has a designated nude sunbathing area, and there is topless on the beach. The policy also states no topless at the pool, although some say it does happen. It probably depends on the “climate” of visitors at any given time. Bottom line on topless and nudity—it is VERY common for cultures
outside of our own—especially Europeans—to do this. It is NOT
sexual, nor is it done to make anyone at all uncomfortable. It is
simply folks who are comfortable in their own skin. And if it doesn’t
bother them, don’t let it bother you! No worries, mon—you’re in
paradise! It’s widely believed that whatever resort you stay at first will
always be your favorite. Some prefer COR for the old world charm of
the resort and the availability of Tower Island. Others prefer CSA
for its quiet ambiance, beautiful beaches and availability of sports
and athletic activities. Still there are those who love the vibrant
atmosphere and white sandy beaches of CN. It really depends on your
tastes, your interests, and what you want to do on your vacation in
paradise. By visiting each resort through the COUPLES website and
reading the FAQ’s, you will be able to see what each resort offers,
and make the decision of what resort best suits you! Which type of room should I get? Between the three resorts, there is quite a choice. A common
response is to take the cheaper room, to allow for a longer stay.
However, there are amenities (such as A/C, television, mini-bar, etc)
that may sway your decision one way or another. Decide which
amenities are most important to you, and choose the category of room
the best suits your needs. Should I book through Couples, or somewhere else? The COUPLES website now offers online booking for all three
resorts. You can book hotel and flight, or just hotel. You can also
call COUPLES, and speak with one of the knowledgeable representative
who can build a trip around your needs. Additionally, you can search
the COUPLES website for a preferred travel agent in your area, who can
assist you in all flight and resort reservations. First word of advice is don’t OVER pack! Remember, you are going
to an island paradise! Much of your time will be spent in a
swimsuit. Make sure to bring several suits, as well as
cover-ups/sarongs. For dining at the fine restaurants, men will need
long pants (dockers, khakis, etc), a shirt with a collar, and
closed-toe shoes. Ladies should wear a dress or nice pantsuit, and
dress sandals are acceptable. For the other dining options, nice
shorts and shirts, along with sandals are fine for both ladies and
gentlemen. It is HIGHLY recommended that, if you are checking any
bags, you pack a carry-on with one change of clothes, one swimsuit,
and all medications and toiletries. Think of it in this way—if you
had to go 24 hours with just a carry on, what would you pack? This
will be extremely helpful should something happen to your checked
bag(s). While COUPLES employees will do everything in their power to
work with the airlines in getting your bags, it has happened that
folks have had to go a day or two before they arrive. What kind of nightlife is there at the resort? The nightlife is what you make it! If you are looking for quiet and laid back, you can have that at any of the three resorts. If you are looking to make new friends, and keeping the bar open until you can’t take any more, you can do that as well J COR--The entertainment is fun and what you choose to make of it! Most nights they will be local performers who do a show, followed by the “house band” who will play dance music until 10:00 or 11:00. After that, the piano bar gets up and running, and stays open until the last person leaves! CSA—The resort quiets down around 11:30. The main bar (located in the main dining room) stays open until the last person leaves! The resort also offers a shuttle to The Jungle Night club several times a week, and offers you a chance to see the "true" Jamaican culture. If you can, exchange American Dollars at the CSA front desk before you leave, as it is hard to keep track of the exchange rate and how much you spend at the night club (They exchange US dollars when you buy a drink, meaning they give you back Jamaican money). The drinks are about $5, and are STRONG! There are also additional beach clubs, such as Alfred's and Da Buss. Margaritaville is enjoyable for many, but has been reported to be VERY EXPENSIVE!!!!!! CN—Taken right from the FAQ, here are the things that go on regularly at CN: Resident band at dinner 8-9:30 pm everyday except Mondays How much money should I bring? That is a VERY tough question to answer. If you don’t plan on
doing anything outside of what the resort offers, you only need to
bring enough money to tip your driver to and from the resort.
However, if you want to parasail, jet ski, visit the falls, Appleton
Rum tour, buy souvenirs, etc., you will need to bring the money for
that. It’s been posted on the boards that folks bring anywhere from
$100 to $500 and up. It really just depends on the off-site
excursions, shopping trips or beach clubs that you intend to
participate in or visit. Additionally, keep in mind there are safes
in every room. So you only need to carry as much as on you as needed,
at any given time. Yes and no! Again, it depends on where you are using them.
Posters have reported problems with using debit cards, both on and off
the resort. While you can use a credit card at many of the places you
shop or visit, folks have said that you may pay a “fee” for doing so.
Recommendation—take one to be on the safe side—use cash if you can.
Most craft vendors, equipment rentals (parasail, jet ski, etc.) will
require cash. Are there ATM’s at/near the resort? Late last year Couples installed ATMs at all three resorts.
However, you receive Jamaican currency. There is a conversion fee as
well, and your bank will also probably charge a fee. The cheapest way
is to use your credit card, debit card or cash to make purchases at
the resort and in town. At Couples you can charge the items to your
room and pay when you leave. Most of the stores in town accept at
least one of the big three (MC, Visa and Amex). Should I convert my money to Jamaican currency? This depends on who you ask! The general consensus is that
American money goes further in Jamaica than Jamaican currency. Most
experienced folks will tell you to stick with the American money. Can I book excursions/make reservations offered by the resort before I arrive? No. Be sure to get your reservations (if required) in for the fine
restaurants as soon as you arrive. You will also need to reserve your
spot if you are interested in the Catamaran Cruise. Again, you cannot
do this until you arrive at COUPLES. For any pre-arrival reservations
for off site excursions, you will need to contact the outfitter
directly. You can also book these after arrival at COUPLES. What is included in the price? Your room, all food, all drinks (alcoholic and non), resort
excursions (such as Catamaran Cruise, water skiing, wake boarding,
scuba, etc.). Parasailing, jet-skiing and off-site, non-resort
excursions are extra. For a complete list of what’s included at each
resort, be sure to read the FAQ’s!!! Do I need sunscreen and/or insect repellent? It’s advised that you take a good insect repellent for the evenings.
While mosquitoes are not generally a problem, you may get a few sand
flea bites should you be on the beach at night. You should ABSOLUTELY
take a good sunscreen. The sun in Jamaica is NOT what we are used to
in the States. It’s recommended you apply it liberally, before
leaving your room in the morning—morning sun is MUCH stronger than the
afternoon sun! Even if you have gotten a base tan, or have naturally
dark skin, sunscreen is a must! What are the sunrises, sunsets, and beaches like at the resorts? COR is on Sunrise side of the island. The beach consists of a small
bay—beach is several hundred yards. For CN and CSA, the golf is at Negril Hills Golf club. You can
visit the website at
www.negrilhillsgolfclub.com. For COR
guests, golf is at the Upton Golf Course. COUPLES will pay the green
fees, as well as arrange transportation to and from the course and you
can rent clubs, if necessary. Depending on the type of club you rent,
the cost for this can range from $20-$40 USD. The costs for optional
cart rental and mandatory caddy for 9 or 18 holes is: cart rental
$17.25/$34.50; mandatory caddy $7/$14 (plus tip). When are the cruise ships in port? Ask the front desk folks, and they will be able to tell you. J
Experienced folks will tell you to stay away from town or certain
excursions when the ships are in port. Just talk to the
employees, and plan your day accordingly! Should I get my hair done at the resort before my wedding/vow renewal? Many brides have posted regarding apprehension with having their
hair done at the resort. These same brides post how happy they were
with the result when they returned home! The stylists at the resort
are very comfortable with styling hair for the bride, and are more
than happy to go from pictures you may have of the style you’d like—in
fact, bringing pictures is encouraged!!! Utilize the “Search” feature
to find comments, photos and more. In the “Search For” box, type in
“Bride Hair” (without the quotes). In the “Keyword Options” box,
select “and”. In the “Look In” box, select “Text of Messages”. You
will find posts and see photos of the brides who have actually had
their hair done at COUPLES, and suggestions for those who are
Brides-to-Be! How long is the ride from the Montego Bay airport to resort? The ride to COUPLES Ocho Rios can range from 2 hours and 15 minutes to 3 hours—depending on traffic and stops along the way. The ride to Negril can range from 70 to 90 minutes. Some folks say
there is a bathroom break along the way, some say not. It most likely
depends on the people on the bus, as well as traffic. I’ve heard the ride to the resort is bad, and the roads are terrible. Is this true? In the past, yes. However, in recent years there has been a
significant amount of road work done to improve the ride. Most
travelers will tell you that they enjoyed the bus ride, the driver,
and the couples sharing the trip. You should take the time to talk to
your driver and ask questions—these guys know more about the area than
anyone!
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