We visited Couples Tower Isle in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, looking for a peaceful, adults-only retreat with a beautiful beach and great dining. Here’s my honest SATCO review.

A Touch of History

One of the reasons I was drawn to Tower Isle is its story. The property was one of Jamaica’s original luxury resorts and, back in its heyday, a getaway for the celebrity set. Today the resort still carries that mid-century tropical charm, with black-and-white photos of past guests on the walls, art-deco touches, and a classic piano bar that feels like stepping back into a much simpler, more glamorous era. Over the years, renovations have modernized many of the facilities, while preserving the old-school elegance that gives this resort the classic personality we appreciated.

Arrival & Check-in

The transfer from Montego Bay took about two hours by coach, but it was comfortable and offered nice views of the coastline. Arriving at the resort felt instantly relaxing. The open-air lobby frames a view of the sea, and we were greeted with cool drinks and warm smiles. Check-in was smooth and personal. The staff gave us a quick orientation and made us feel welcome. From the moment we arrived, we felt safe and at ease on the property.

Dining Options

We appreciate good food when we travel, and Couples Tower Isle didn't disappoint. Most mornings started at the Java Cafe, where their baristas prepares specialty coffees or a simple cup of coffee from freshly ground Jamaican beans. There are pastries available if you want a quick bite before heading off to the dive boat or the beach.

For lunch, the Pool Grill was a popular spot, serving made-to-order jerk chicken, burgers, fries, and there were always Jamaican patties available for a quick snack. It was the perfect casual spot to refuel between pool and beach time.

Evenings were something special. Eight Rivers, the fine-dining restaurant, stood out for its classic décor, attentive service, and food that truly impressed. It was a dining experience that made you forget you were at an all-inclusive resort. Lobster Night is a must for seafood lovers, served fresh, and perfectly prepared.

Another highlight was Bayside, the open-air Asian restaurant on covered deck pods over the ocean. The views are breathtaking, and the combination of atmosphere, décor, and good food made for a most enjoyable evening. 

The buffet at the Patio Restaurant offers variety and convenience, with breakfast featuring made-to-order omelettes, fresh fruit, smoothies, breads, pastries, and hot items. Lunch and dinner buffets changed daily and included a mix of local and international dishes. There was always something we enjoyed. TIP: You can get lobster there on Lobster Night as well, so don't worry if you can't get a reservation at Eight Rivers. Regardless of where you choose to eat, you'll appreciate personalized attention from servers and the use of fresh, local ingredients.

Beach, Pool & Activities

Most of our days were spent between either of the two pools and the beach. The sand is soft, the view of the ocean is beautiful, and there are areas of sandy entry for swimming. We snorkelled from shore every day. The water was clear and calm, making it easy to see all kinds of marine life. We spotted many colourful fish, small rays gliding along the sand, starfish clinging to the rocks, and other interesting critters. One of our favourite spots was near the point by the Bayside restaurant. It’s a bit shady there, and it quickly became a highlight of our mornings before spending the rest of the day with our toes in the sand.

There’s no shortage of activities. Unlimited golf, scuba diving, and water skiing are included with your stay. The resort has a PADI-certified dive shop. Non-motorized water sports like Hobie Cat sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and paddleboarding are also available. For a little something extra, we booked the Dunn’s River Falls excursion through the resort. I recommend it if you've never done it.

The resort also has a private island just 100 yards offshore for au-naturel sunbathing. While we didn’t partake ourselves, it’s quite popular. You can visit early in the morning to see the island before it takes on a different, though still classy, vibe. If you go when it opens for au-naturel sunbathing, you’ll be expected to remove your clothing along with the other guests. The island also has a pool bar, restrooms, and a lunch buffet.

The grounds are lush and beautifully maintained. While there isn’t a dedicated nature trail, the resort’s pathways wind through tropical gardens where you’ll often spot local birds, small wildlife, and even the resort’s friendly cats wandering about. The common areas, including Jacuzzis, tennis courts, and the spa, are all designed to feel intimate and relaxing rather than crowded.

One minor drawback is that the main building casts shade over the beach and pool earlier in the afternoon than we’d like, which shortens sun time. Another consideration is that we enjoy taking long beach walks, but that’s simply not possible here. The beach is beautiful but relatively compact, so there isn’t the space to stroll for long distances along the shore.

Staff & Service

Every member of the team was attentive, and genuinely friendly. Couples Resorts has a strict no-tipping policy, yet we never felt the service lacked personal attention. Being an adults-only property, the resort feels particularly peaceful and relaxed. It isn't a party spot, so if that's your thing, you'll be happier elsewhere.

I should mention that, early in our stay, we were approached several times by some staff offering substances. This isn't uncommon in Jamaica, and they weren't being "pushy" or intimidating. Still, I don't like it. Once I outright declined, it stopped entirely and didn’t affect our overall experience. The staff remained professional, helpful, and engaging throughout the rest of our stay.