Couples Sans Souci

San Souci Comprehensive Review The hotel is truly wonderful. The layout is sublime. You feel that the hotel has been incorporated into the beautiful natural surrounds (rather than the other way around). It was like a hotel in a rain forest, with beaches! The grounds had parrots, turtles, pelicans and Macaws (plus some friendly cats), even a few long tail humming birds. There are so many lovely quiet areas to sit and maybe swing in the many hammocks scattered around the place. We fell asleep in a few on our way back to our room some evenings! Our premier ocean view room (G201) was massive, with great balcony views over the foliage and ocean in the background, which made for some amazing sunset views. The shower enclosure was huge, as was the bathroom and bedroom. The air con (thankfully) worked a treat. Great balcony as well, with a double bed on it (we fell asleep on that a few times!). The only issue was it was a little overlooked by two rooms in block F to our left. It could do with a polycarbonate opaque shield to the left of the balcony for more privacy. The staff were fabulous, so attentive and friendly and we had many a good chat and a laugh with them. Even the hotel guests were some of the nicest friendliest people we have ever met on a holiday. The whole vibe of San Souci is very relaxed and friendly. The effort the hotel puts in to arranging gala nights and the like is tremendous. It takes them nearly all day to set things up on the main lawn (outside block B and A). The entertainment and quality of the bands was also superb (and I'm a musician that appreciates such things). The food was also superb. We also particularly liked going to the Martini bar for a few drinks before dinner. It is set in a lovely peaceful location on the hillside, high above the mineral pool area. The water sports team were also a great bunch of people and very helpful. You could do most things you wanted and I did (snorkelling, windsurfing, waterskiing and even a complimentary scuba dive thrown in, with great instruction). We like the fact it was a NO tipping resort, as we spoke to some others at Dunn's River who although were all inclusive at another hotel, were constantly (and almost, expectantly) giving a few dollars here and there to the waiters, just for doing their job and bringing a drink to them. The no tipping policy, takes all that awkwardness out of being served as you should be (this should be the norm). IF you were to be hyper critical of San Souci, you could say the beaches were not the greatest on the Island. The main beach is ok, but only about 4ft deep right out to the bouy markers and the waters around sunset beach itself are quite stoney (water shoes a must) , with a cold flow from the white river entering nearby, but apart from that, San Souci Jamaica is faultless. We spoke to some guests that had been there over twenty times, when they could go anywhere they wanted in the world, which says all you need to know about how good the place is. Pierre, the manager who we spoke to, is retiring after many years in charge and he must be very content with how he is leaving the place. We hope the new management/manager keeps everything as it is, as the old say goes “If it ain’t broken, don’t try to fix it”. All the staff were fantastic but there are a few we would like to mention in particular (sorry to those we missed out) Yeshekan the team leader in the restaurants for her lovely warm, smiley welcomes. Shanae and Horace: for serving us well (and Horace for getting us a table at Bella Vista when the booking app wouldn’t let us). Amoy: for all her service on our 25th wedding anniversary private meal in the most beautiful of secluded locations (well worth booking). Andre: for the great scuba lesion and taking me out for my dive (with Leon piloting the boat). Malachite and Morta: for their patience regarding my dodgy waterskiing attempts (finally got there) and also for their humour on the boat trips. Hopeton (one of the gardeners), who gave us a lovely impromptu tour of the garden surrounding the lake on morning. Lastly, who could not mention Carol, our lovely singing, omelette making lady? Best wishes to you all and maybe we’ll see you again one day. Richard & Lisa Room G201 May 2025 Read less

This was our second trip to Couples San Souci, but the last time we were there the resort was under renovation and there weer a lot of places off limits. This time, the entire resort was open and we got the full San Souci treatment. First, we flew directly into Ian Flemming Airport in Ocho Rios. This is a game changer. Our last trip, we flew into Montego Bay and the bus ride to the resort was 3 hours. This time, we were having our first drink a half hour after our plane landed. We will ALWAYS do this when traveling to Ocho Rios from now on. Check in was very pleasant, the remodeled lobby was bright and airy and welcoming. San Souci is built into the hills and the lobby is up top, so we were given a ride to our room which was one of the beachfront suites. The rooms are the same category we stayed in last time and they are remolded and roomy. nice big bathroom with a walk-in shower. No tub, if that's your thing. We headed straight to Sunset Beach, the large nude beach area. It has a beachfront, pool, bar, hot tub, shower and bathrooms. If you enjoy nude recreation, this is the best we've seen in the islands. The actual beach is tough to use. The bottom is very rocky and water shoes are a must. There is also a freshwater rivers that empties into the beach and that water is chilly. Most people who ventured out used the floats that are in every beach lounger. The main beach is much nicer if you want an ocean beach experience. A sandy bottom and warmer water. There is also a beach bar nearby. You just, you know, have to sit around in a wet bathing suit all day. The vibe around the pool is fantastic. There are trivia games during the day and pool volleyball most afternoons. The rules are pretty much made up as you go along, which makes it a lot of fun. Shanae and Ashley are wonderful at keeping things fun and lively. Trudy-Ann is a great bartender. Lunch is served at Sunset Beach every day, with a grill set up for burgers and jerk chicken and a little buffet for side dishes and seafood. We had lunch here almost every day. Monday nights there is an au natural dance party around the Sunset Beach pool and it is a total blast! We are not youngsters, but still had a great time. The vibe cannot be beat. The restaurants are hit and miss. There are buffet dinners on the beachfront lawn two nights a week. other nights you can go to one of three restaurants, or order room service. We've had better food at other Caribbean resorts, but we are not "foodies" and really don't go to Couples for the food. We were also very impressed that almost all the guests respected the smoking rules and kept to the smoking sections. We enjoyed a very relaxing couples massage on the hillside, and enjoyed exploring all the hidden spots to just hang out and enjoy the scenery. We have already booked a return visit in December. Read less

One of the best holidays we have been on. The staff were amazing, could no do enough for you. The people who stood out for me where Sanisha, Lloyd, bar staff Kareem (the photographer), Ashley and Shanae (entertainment), Natalee Bar staff were excellent. The food was amazing Bella Vista staff especially Duane the chef and Dane were so professional, the food in the main restaurant was very high standard there was something to suit everyone. We sat by the small pool for the first few days and was looked after very well by Alex, who was so helpful and funny. I cannot thank all the staff enough for making our holiday memorable. The most special person to me, was Jerome Johnson, aka "Fireball" (his nick name) who has a stall by the main pool on the sand. He is the most humble, kind, lovely person i have met in a long time. He is a huge asset to the resort. Anyone going to this resort must go and see his stall and talk to him. We were that impressed with the resort we have already booked to return next March 2026. If you have not been to Jamaica before i highly recommend this resort, you will not be disappointed. We stayed in an Ocean View suite E203 it was amazing. I really hope you take notice of my review, trust me you will NOT be disappointed. My husband and I have been to the Maldives 12 years on the row but Jamaica was the best. It was the best entertainment we have seen on holiday so much work went into events. Thank you Pierre (GM) for your wonderful staff for making our holiday speical. Read less