Couples Resorts to fully reopen December 1 following Hurricane Melissa

Three weeks after Hurricane Melissa ravaged western Jamaica with sustained winds of 185 mph, Couples Resorts Deputy Chairman Abe Issa has confirmed that all four of its properties will officially reopen on December 1, 2025.

“Today the sun is shining and every day gets a little better,” Issa told Caribbean National Weekly in an exclusive interview. “We’re really coming together as an island and cleaning up. Some communities have been affected more than others, and the island is prioritizing those areas and getting people what they need to recover as quickly as possible.”

Couples Resorts Deputy Chairman Abe Issa

While Melissa devastated several western parishes, Couples Resorts avoided the worst of the storm’s wrath.

“In Ocho Rios, it was less affected. At our two Negril resorts, we lost a few trees, some minor roof damage, and debris all over the place. which we’ve cleaned up,” Issa explained,

“Our teams have come together in a big way, cleaning up debris and landscape damage. We’re also making sure all of our utilities are up and running, water, electricity, getting all food and beverage supplies ready in anticipation of reopening,” he shared.

Issa Trust Foundation raises over US$500,000 for employees and communities

Beyond the resorts’ physical recovery, Couples also turned attention to its staff and neighbors, many of whom lost homes and personal belongings.

“We’ve been packing care packages all week, which include essential items like food, water, toiletries and distributing them,” he said.

The resort partnered with World Central Kitchen to provide “a thousand meals per day” in hard-hit areas like Westmoreland and Black River. The Issa Trust Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Couples Resorts, has also launched the Couples Resorts Community Disaster Relief Fund and has already raised nearly US$500,000, which will go toward construction materials for staff displaced by the storm.

“We’re raising as much as possible and prioritizing those who need it most,” Issa added.

“We’ve been deeply moved by the compassion shown by so many,” said Diane Pollard, President & CEO of the Issa Trust Foundation. “It’s a reminder of how much Couples Resorts means to people who want to give back.”

Returning guests

Issa praised the resort’s loyal repeat guests, many of whom have been staying at the properties for 10, 20, or even 30 years, for helping the recovery effort.

“We’ve received a lot of emails, calls, and DMs. Guests are telling us they plan to bring items in their suitcase to help in any way they can. This is like a second home to them,” Issa said.

Despite the storm, Issa insists the Couples Resorts’ experience will remain untouched.

“The experience at the resorts will be exactly the same as it was before the hurricane… and I think our staff members will only be more warm and hospitable after all this,” he shared.

The Deputy Chairman also encouraged guests, “Come on down to Jamaica… we have some of the most beautiful beaches and welcoming people in the world. Couples is still the perfect place for an unforgettable vacation.”