Resort Review - Couples Tower Isle, Ocho Rios Jamaica

Resort Review - Couples Tower Isle, Ocho Rios Jamaica

Last month I had the opportunity to visit one of my top honeymoon resorts in Jamaica. I have always loved the Couples Resorts chain and this visit reminded me why.

From the moment I stepped into the lobby I felt life's stresses melt away. The bellman, Byron, was welcoming and friendly with a smile that never stopped. The front desk staff checked me in quickly and efficiently and was soon escorted to a beautiful room with an incredible ocean view.

The room was bright and simple with a large balcony and typical amenities. What was not typical was the mini bar. This was no "mini" set up. Couples resorts offers full sized bottles of liquors and wine with options to customize based on each guest's preference. Best of all, this is included in the all-inclusive price!

The Food
Couples Tower Isle offers six unique restaurants with delicious food! There will be more about that in the next blog post (written by a special guest blogger). I will mention now that vegetarians need not worry. The buffet always had vegetarian choices in addition to a wonderful salad bar and soup options. The pool grill that is open late night and offers a very tasty veggie burger and the Veggie Bar offers healthy vegetarian food (and food for omnivores) plus smoothies and juices.

The Inclusions
Perhaps the best thing about Couples Resorts is that everything is included. More so than most other all-inclusive resorts. Everything from non-motorized water sports, entertainment, food, drinks, gratuities and even off-property excursions. You can go on a Catamaran Cruise (so much fun!), visit Dunn's River Falls, take a shopping shuttle, shuttle to Margaritaville, glassbottom boat ride and go snorkeling or SCUBA. This is all part of the all-inclusive package!

The Beach
The beach here is much smaller than Couples Negril or Couples Swept Away but it was clean, and has swimmable water. The resort itself is small, so having a small beach was never a problem. There were always some available chairs.

The Pools
The main pool has a quiet atmosphere and waterfall. Perfect for lounging and relaxing. The swim up bar pool has a much more lively atmosphere. If you want to listen to upbeat music, play games and socialize this is the place!

Entertainment
Every night there is something going on at Couples Tower Isle. I loved the martini night on the roof, sing-a-long at the piano bar and live music at the pool and beach.

This is a fantastic resort for romance where you can do everything or do nothing. For booking information visit www.lovelandandsea.com

10 Ways to Stay Fit While Traveling

My last few trips I came back with my clothes fitting quite tight, so I  decided that before my next vacation I should have a game plan to help me stay on track.

For a lot of people a vacation is a once-a-year escape and they can choose to indulge completely. I think that is great!  However, for people like me who travel several times throughout the year, complete indulgence is not always possible. 

I asked a friend of mine and personal trainer,  Amy Lillie, for some tips on staying in shape while traveling and here is what she said:

1. Opt for Stairs

 What a great calorie-burner! At the airport, hotel, mall or museum take the stairs whenever possible.

2. Sight-See in Walking Shoes Instead of Taxis

There’s often no better way to take in the joys, scents, and surprises of the cultures you’re visiting than on foot.

3. Play with the Kids

Go ahead, relax and sunbathe a little, but make sure you have some calorie-burning fun with the kids, too. Play “Marco Polo” in the pool, pick up sea shells on the sea shore or go bike riding. Chances are, you’ll have as much fun (maybe even more!) as the little ones.

4. Plan Movement Opportunities Into Every Day

After lunch, take off for aerobic adventures. Go for a nice long walk along the park or shore. Ask your hotel’s concierge for walking maps of the area. If you’re in unfamiliar territory, your concierge should also be able to point out safe, crime-free pedestrian routes.

5. Turn Airline Terminals Into Walking Tracks

Instead of just sitting, take the opportunity to burn some calories! Listen to you favorite music and take walk up and down the terminal. Every step counts!  With just 15 minutes of brisk walking, you can burn 100 or more calories. Walking will also keep you from getting bored and mindlessly munching.

6. Book for Fitness

When booking hotels, choose only those with fitness centers and/or guest passes to nearby gyms. If you can roll out of bed and roll into a gym minutes later, you’ll have given yourself the best insurance that you’ll fit fitness into each day. Plus, working out every morning will increase your motivation to eat more healthfully throughout the day.

7. Don't Overindulge at Every Meal

Don't deprive yourself, use moderation when you indulge in your favorite splurge foods. For example, have a bite or two of your favorite dessert, but don't eat the whole slice. If you know that you'll be having dinner at a restaurant you've been dying to try, then eat lighter throughout the day so you have some calories to spare. Apply the 80/20 rule: Make 20 percent of your daily calories the treat food of your choice, then try to stick to your healthy diet as best you can for the other 80 percent. Think of your calories as an allowance: Save on calories where you can, and spend them on things that are really worth it.

8. Don't Drink Up Your Calories

Ordering a poolside frozen margarita can blow a good portion of your calorie count for the day — just one contains a whooping 700 calories! Sure, you're on vacation and want to unwind with a couple of drinks, just make a healthier choice when it comes to alcohol too. Instead of sugar-laden cocktails, choose lower-calorie drinks like a white-wine spritzer, light beer, red or white wine, flavored vodka with club soda, or tequila on the rocks with lime.

9. Aim for Fitness-Maintenance

While vacationing, you may not have as much time as you do at home for your regular workout, but that’s okay. Always remember that doing something is a whole lot better than doing nothing at all! Shoot for at least 50% of your normal routine.

10. Savor the Rewards

Each day as you wake, anticipating the wonderful things you’ll be doing, the sights you’ll be seeing, remind yourself how great it feels to be fit and healthy!

For more travel tips visit www.lovelandandsea.com or www.facebook.com/LoveLandandSea

Top Honeymoon Destinations of 2016

I'm often asked by clients what the "hottest" destinations are for honeymoons each year. The truth is, I can't recommend the perfect destination to anyone without first learning about their interests, budget and travel style. It's important to work with you travel agent on finding what works best for YOU. I can however, provide you with some great ideas to get started based on current trends, pricing, flight options and available activities. 

Here is my list of the top five honeymoon destinations of 2016.

1. Cuba
We have all been hearing about travel to Cuba lately. There have been some great advances in American's ability to travel there, including several new flight options. While there are still restrictions it is certainly a hot destination this year. In fact, you should book as soon as possible since hotels are filling up fast! 

Cuba is a great option for couples looking for something new and exciting. Your honeymoon will be full of cultural activities and friendly locals. Keep in mind that with the current travel restrictions you won't be "at your leisure." To visit Cuba you will still need to follow guidelines which require a structured itinerary. 

2. Italy
With cities like Venice, Rome, Florence and Tuscany it's easy to see why so many couples want to make Italy their honeymoon destination. Food and wine tours are big this year, as well as visits to historical sites and private tours of museums and vineyards. For the couple that wants to see it all, there are fantastic 10-14 day tours which take you through multiple cities and to all of the top attractions. Pair that with an English speaking guide and most meals included and you have a worry-free and inclusive experience. 

3. Australia 
The strength of the Australian dollar continues to fall, which is good for US travelers. Your money will go further there this year which could allow you to experience more of what this great continent offers. From romantic nature experiences, lively cities with art and fine dining to some of the best beaches and snorkeling in the world, Australia has something for everyone. 

4. Iceland
Iceland offers some incredible scenery, natural wonders and Reykjavik is a city full of culture, street art, museums and music. Can you think of anything more romantic than viewing the northern lights with your new spouse? Iceland is a great place to view them. Stay at a place such as the Ion Hotel and you will be in honeymoon bliss! Iceland Air has some amazing rates if your dates are flexible. 

5. The Caribbean & Mexico

These destinations are always a honeymoon favorite for several reasons. They offer all-inclusive resorts, which offer a great value and convenience. They also offer a close proximity to the US (many with non-stop flights), beautiful beaches, tropical weather, soft adventure and plenty of water activities. Many resorts are adults-only or offer an adults-only section, which can be ideal for romance. There are many options to choose from including budget-friendly resorts, 5-star luxury properties and everything in between. 

Talk to your travel agent about what's important to you.  Your honeymoon should be a memorable and magical experience!

Don't have a travel agent? visit www.lovelandandsea.com . We specialize in honeymoons and destination weddings.