Couples - Jamaican Resorts

The founder of Couples Resorts is known as the father of modern Jamaican tourism. In 1943, Abe Issa convinced his father, Elias Issa, a successful businessman, to venture into the hotel industry and purchase the Myrtle Bank Hotel in Kingston. Abe thrived in the hotel industry, and continued to expand his influence. As a result of continuous remarks from guests of Myrtle Bank expressing the desire for a resort hotel on the north coast, Abe set out to make it happen as only he could.

In 1948, Abe set out to build Tower Isle Hotel, and in January 1949, after 365 days straight of intense manpower, Tower Isle opened its doors. Word spread quickly and Tower Isle soon became a popular Hollywood hangout. Stage and screen stars, sports and political figures frequented the resort. Walt Disney, actress Eva Gabor, screen sensation Debbie Reynolds, movie star Errol Flynn, boxer Joe Louis and playwright Noel Coward are just a few that were drawn to the old world charm of the resort. Even Princess Margaret stayed at the resort on one of her many visits to the island.