The Couples San Souci in Ochos Rios has renovated a bit since it played host to scenes of James Bond’s “Dr. No” in the 60’s, and has recently undergone another makeover.  The five-star, all-suite, San Souci (which means “without a care” in French) is the latest property to join the Jamaican Couples all-inclusive family.  It has joined with the Couples Swept Away, Couples Negril and Couples Ochos Rios in Jamaica.  After receiving a $4.5 million revamp, you will notice details such as the bronze lobby sculptures by local artist Basil Watson, and open balconies in many guest rooms. 

 Their Suites are arranged into various levels on the cliffs of Ochos Rios.  The Evergreen building is the closest to the lobby, and offers open views of the sea.  The Veranda Suites offer a large master bedroom with spacious balconies.  The Ocean Suites feature a sitting area with kitchenette.  The Beach front Suites are one-bedrooms with in-room Jacuzzis.  And the Penthouse suites feature elegant living rooms and bedrooms.

 Their all-inclusive plan includes unlimited food and drink, activities (such as fashion shows, beach cricket, tarot card readings, wood carving, performances by local musicians and weekly beach parties including rum, reggae and food), Greens fees and transfers to the Upton golf course, watersports, and accessibility to the two tennis courts and the fitness center.  They also have free shuttles that depart daily for the Crafts Market and Island Village Mall in Ochos Rios, along with Dunn’s River Falls and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bar and Restaurant.  They also offer four pools, one of which includes a swim-up bar. 

 There are several restaurants located in the Resort that you get free dining at, such as:  the Ristorante Casanova (Italian dishes); Palazzina’s, with a menu that features made-to-order pasta and desserts like baba au rum (a delight made of Appleton rum, pistachio wafers and homemade rosemary ice cream); the Bella Vista that features local favorites such as spicy jerk chicken and red pea soup; The “Made-in-Jamaica” burger is a beach grill where you can walk right off the beach in your swimsuit and bare feet and order food or an original creation from the bartender.  They also feature four bars, such as the Balloon Bar, which features live music, along with the spa bar.

 At Charlie’s Spa you can take part in popular massages such as the Pineapple and Papaya wrap or the Choco-Latte Scrub, or enjoy carrot juice at Charlie’s Spa Bar.  Though spa sessions are not part of the all-inclusive plan, many guests indulge themselves anyway, why not pamper yourself when you already have all your food, drinks and activities for free?

The Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort in Ocho Rios is an all-inclusive resort offering great accommodations, excellent rooms, and exquisite dining that will make you never want to venture far from the hotel. But if you feel the need to wander, it is located near many shopping areas and local restaurants to allow you to fully appreciate Jamaica.

This 14-floor, 730-room resort offers more than you could hope for. After going through a $20 million renovation two years ago, it is sure to please. This refurbishment added balconies, new furniture, tile floors and a bright and tropical experience. These rooms also offer in-room safes, telephones with voicemail, ironing boards, satellite TV individually controlled air-conditioning units, and Wi-Fi access for $24 dollars for 24 hours. The rooms are separated into five categories; the basic Resort View rooms, Ocean View rooms, Ocean Front rooms, Beach Suites in the Cabana wing, and one-bedroom suites in the South Tower.

 
Not only are they offering great accommodations in the rooms, but in the public areas of the hotel as well. The Sunset Jamaica Grande features the largest conference center in Jamaica, and a business center with digital photo printing and Internet surfing for $6 a half hour. They also feature the Jamagination art gallery, which gives guests a chance to learn more about the arts of Jamaica and buy paintings from local artists.

The Sunset Jamaica Grande has five restaurants, two grills and eight bars. These include the Grande Palm buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Jamaica Corner which offers low-fat selections, the Ginger Lily which serves a menu fusing Asian and Caribbean tastes, the La Diva with pasta dishes, seafood and foccacia bread, and The Café Jamalicious. The bars include the Bambu, Blue Manhoe and Ortanique (which is the best choice when looking for a spot for business meetings or romantic evenings). They also offer Barbecues, one is the Just Jamaica Party, which features a steel drum band and a walk lined with tiki torches leading the way to the beachfront bonfires and buffet.

They also offer activity and entertainment. With the two championship tennis courts you can play night or day, as they are lit for night. Also nearby you can find horseback riding and river rafting. If looking for entertainment and fun, visit the casino, which stays open late and features 80 slot machines. Or join others in the Jamaican Me Crazy Nightclub or the video game arcade, which is located on the lower level of the resort.

If you feel that need to stray from the hotel, downtown Ocho Rios is just a five minute walk from the property. From there, if you turn left you will come across stores and restaurants, and if you turn right the main street leads to the Soni duty-free plaza with the No Problem gift shop.