Couples Resort Closes for Renovations Earlier than Expected

The Couples Ocho Rios, which had planned to close for a $15 million renovation at the end of March, closed three weeks ahead of schedule due to a norovirus outbreak.

The March 9 closing was deemed necessary by Jamaica’s Ministry of Health to accommodate a two-week incubation period after the last guest checked out as well as a requirement to disinfect all areas of the resort.

Guests who canceled or who could not be accommodated were offered a full refund and a return stay equal to the same number of nights for travel by March 31, 2009, excluding Dec. 26 to Jan. 2 and Feb. 10 to 25.

Renovations at the all-inclusive resort will include four new suites, 16 new guest rooms, a wedding gazebo, a veggie and juice bar, a spa with 10 treatment rooms, a pool bar and a dive pool. The resort is scheduled to reopen by Dec. 15.