Quick Notes on Couples Tower Isle

One of the island’s first resorts and a former playground for 1950s Hollywood A-listers, this 226-room, 19-acre Ocho Rios all-inclusive adults only resort is still a very good option. Public areas are chic and modern, but the rooms fall a bit short by comparison. The pools are also unexceptional, though they do have ocean views, and one has a swim-up bar. The gorgeous spa, robust all-inclusive offering (excursions and top-shelf booze are covered), beachfront location, and mellow vibe are the highlights here.

Pros

• Located on a white-sand beach 

• Good service

• Truly all-inclusive: free top-shelf booze, meals, water sports (including scuba diving), and excursions

• Multiple dining options, including gourmet Caribbean fare and a 24/7 pool grill 

• Gorgeous full-service spa 

• Rooms have 32-inch flat-screen TVs, MP3 players, and free Wi-Fi 

• All units have private furnished balconies

Cons

• Pools are small

• Rooms are not luxurious

• The hotel needs a facelift. It has a look and feel of a soviet era resort - neat, cheap and functional.

• The distance from the airport. It takes 1.5-2 hours to travel one way. If you add the round trip time you'll get close to 4 hours which is a half day of beach time wasted on sitting in a car.