Couples Only Resorts of Jamaica
The first couples only resort in Jamaica was Tower Isle which became Couples Ocho Rios. The property recently went through extensive renovations and was renamed Couples Tower Isle. Not only was Couples Tower Isle the first couples only resort in Jamaica but it was also the very first All Inclusive resort in the world. Then along came Butch Stewart, an appliance salesman with a vision, and that vision was Sandals Resorts. Although Sandals has since branched out with their Beaches brand for couples, singles and families, it is the Sandals brand for couples only that most people associate with the couples only All Inclusive concept. Sandals has spent millions developing their brand and it is easily recognized as Jamaica’s gift to the tourism industry. Mr. Stewart is looked up to by all Jamaicans for his high standards and passion for excellence.
Couples Resorts was the brainchild of Abe Issa the son of a successful Jamaican businessman. Abe asked his father to back him in a hotel venture in Kingston Jamaica, Abe was successful enough in Kingston that in 1949 he asked a local bank for a loan to build what became Tower Isle in Ocho Rios Jamaica. Tower Isle was the first Jamaican Resort to be open year round. Lots of the stars of the day came down for a visit and it quickly became a playground for the rich. Abe’s success did not go unnoticed and he was appointed the Chairman of the Jamaica Tourism Board from 1955 to 1963. It is Abe that is given credit as being the father of Jamaica Tourism. Through Abe’s efforts Jamaica became a Caribbean Tourist destination. In 1978 Abe came up with the idea of a prepaid vacation which became the All Inclusive we now see being offerd at many resorts throughout the world. He also changed made Couples a couples only resort and the Couples only All Inclusive concept was born.
Couples Resorts now operates four all inclusive couples only resorts in Jamaica. They are Couples Tower Isle and Couples Sans Souci in Ocho Rios and Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away also in Negril. Abe turned the business over to his son Lee in 1978. Lee is very much involved in the everyday operations and you can see Lee’s and his families touches throughout the properties