We stayed at Couples Swept Away for an anniversary trip.  Our expectations were high based on reviews and we were not disappointed.  The beach is amazing!!!  Clear water, no seaweed, little to no waves.  It is like a big swimming pool.  I've stayed in Ocho Rios and beaches in Negril have it beat hands down. That alone would make me return but there was so much more.

This is the most well laid out resort I have ever visited.  It was at 92% capacity when we checked in and it felt like it was half empty.  Rooms are spread out in a series of buildings, our building had eight rooms.  The place is a maze of curving paths with really lush landscaping.  You hear tree frogs all night and it feels like you are in the middle of nowhere.  You will read reviews about road noise for rooms located further back from the beach but I did not find it to be a problem at all.  It is well lit enough but we brought a flashlight which helped us spots crabs at night when we were walking back to our room.  (so cool!)

I researched a lot before going and besides the room noise the other major complaints seem to be that the rooms are dated, that locals hassle you and that there is no night life.  Re: locals, like most beach resorts I've visited in various countries there are beach vendors and people trying to sell you things, including illegal things.  All you have to do is say no and they will keep it moving. 

In terms of the rooms, we stayed in one of the older buildings so I can only speak to that but it was beautiful.  If you are looking for shiny marble and all the bells and whistles you will be disappointed.  This is not that resort.  Instead, our room was very clean and rustic.  Tiles, dark wood, white linens.  No frills but definitely not dirty or uncomfortable. 

Nightlife - this is NOT an off the hook spring break type of atmosphere, and I love that about CSA.  Nobody is pouring alcohol down your throat and blowing whistles, it is a place where many couples are in bed by 10pm.  And good for them, but we like to hang out at night and were not disappointed.  There is a piano bar and a night club.  There is liquor and a beach (what else do you want?).  The club is open until 2am and some nights we were two of a dozen couples, some nights there were more.  I'm okay with that but if you live for night life you may want to head downtown or pick another resort. 

One of the best things about the "slow" night scene is that nobody is on the beach.  We walked the beach under a full moon every night and felt like we were the only people on earth.  Once we saw another couple laying under a palapa.  Again, we loved that aspect of it but if you want to have a big party on the beach after midnight bring your friends or go somewhere else.  We did meet and hang out with several couples but it is just as easy to stay to yourselves.  Your privacy is respected here by both staff members and other guests.

Restaurants were awesome.  There are two reservation-only spots but we only went to one - Lemongrass - which is a Thai restaurant.  It was really good.  The other buffet and a la carte spots were very good as well.  I did not have a bad meal here.  The liquor is top shelf which is nice. 

There were three weddings the week I was there, and they were very small with zero to a few guests.  They can accommodate larger weddings too. 

I must mention that I have never felt so safe at a resort.  This place is incredibly well secured and it doesn't feel like it when you walk around since you don't always see guards, but they are there in the shadows.  Once we made a wrong turn and ended up at an exit gate and a guard appeared out of nowhere and asked where we were going and directed us back to where we meant to be.  We had a driver pick us up and take us out one night and they got his information as well as our room number.  When you walk down the beach and leave the resort they ask your room number, as well as when you return.  It just felt that they were concerned about guest safety in a good way.  I never once felt that anything bad could happen to us while under their watch.

One more thing - the number of couples that return to CSA on a regular basis says a lot about the kind of resort this is.  We met a couple in their 40s who where on their 26th visit.  There is a wall of fame with many couples having stayed 10+ and 20+ times.  They call CSA "home" and I can see why.  We hope to go home again really soon. 

Any questions just send me a message :)

CSA FROM THE WATER

BEACH WEDDING GAZEBO (THERE IS ALSO A GORGEOUS ALTER IN THE GARDEN)

OUR VERANDAH

ONE OF MANY PATHS TO BEACH

LUNCH AT SEAGRAPES