OT: All-inclusive resort ideas?

BarbMazz · 02-08-2008, 01:46 PM

There are five of us good friends (all women) and the last one is turning 50 this year, so we're planning a June "We're All Fifty" trip to the Caribbean.

Any island will do, but we've mostly looked at Jamaica, Barbados, and Antigua.

I'd love some ideas or reviews about these islands. We are looking for
1. beautiful beaches... not rough water
2. safety
3. good food
4. i'm looking for good snorkeling... don't know if any of the others are interested.

We are not especially interested in exploring an island (well, I would). I'm the most traveled but I have to re-adjust for some who don't have much travel experience. So I'm gearing for the non-travelers! A couple are real fraidy-cats so conservative is best.

No one wants to go to the Dominican Republic or Mexico, which would be the most reasonably priced (chickens, remember?). I love the thought of Antigua myself.

So, any suggestions or reviews that can be offered would be most appreciated!

BigAl07 · 02-08-2008, 01:48 PM

Barb,
I've been lucky in life and been able to do my fair share of "resorting" and I have to say.... once I started doing the "Cruise Thing" 7 years ago I haven't done another resort since. Is that an option?

boozeman · 02-08-2008, 01:59 PM

The only experience I've had with an all inclusive type resort was during college.. it was a hedonism resort in Jamaica and this being a family forum prevents me from going into further details

I agree with Al...consider a 7 day cruise visiting the US virgin islands

kathywithbirds · 02-08-2008, 02:05 PM

hey look up Coastal air transports if you go to USVI.

michael_cb_125 · 02-08-2008, 02:06 PM

I have been on 8 criuses. Personally I would rather fly somewhere and stay. I have been to Jamaica, Many of the islands in the Bahamas, Cozemel, Aruba, Bermuda, and a few other places. Bermuda was by far my favorite. Great Beaches (with Pink sand) and very freindly people. You should definatley look into Bremuda JMO~Michael

kare-bear · 02-08-2008, 02:17 PM

I would like to suggest a few places to check out. The island of Nassau in the Bahamas is connected to another island by 10 min ferry or a tol. bridge to Paradise Island. There is alot to do there. There is Golf, Casinos, Shopping, amazing Scuba diving and snorkling, tennis, beaches etc. We stayed at an all inclusive called Sandals Resort. There is great food and lots of alcohol. They stocked our room daily with wine and hard liquor every day as well as mixers. The resort included scuba diving and water sports. The Bahamas is a safe community if compared to Jamaica. We felt comfortable late at night in the towns. Please check out online the Atlantis Resort. I was amazed by their aquariums. You can go online to see what they have to offer. Unfortunatly this is a cruise ship daytrip destination so there were days when there were lots of tourists.
I know that you said Mexico was out but you should check into Playa del Carmen. We stayed at a few all inclusives there and it is beautiful. There is a ferry to Cozumel within walking distance. Very nice. Lots to do there. You can check out all of these areas by going to a website such as Orbitz.com or Travelzoo.com etc. There are pictures of the resorts as well as prices. Good luck, I could recommend a few resorts in Playa del Carmen if you would like.

BigAl07 · 02-08-2008, 02:45 PM

Booze, I know EXACTLY What you mean

Playa del Carmen is a GREAT place but so is Cozumel! The snorkeling (when I was there last year) was GREAT!

BarbMazz · 02-08-2008, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigAl07

Barb,
I've been lucky in life and been able to do my fair share of "resorting" and I have to say.... once I started doing the "Cruise Thing" 7 years ago I haven't done another resort since. Is that an option?

Cruising is out because one of us is terrified of travel, and will be drugged on the plane (she's the one I'm not sure will actually go).

I've cruised and I liked it a LOT, but this group definitely will not go for it!

BarbMazz · 02-08-2008, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boozeman

The only experience I've had with an all inclusive type resort was during college.. it was a hedonism resort in Jamaica and this being a family forum prevents me from going into further details

I agree with Al...consider a 7 day cruise visiting the US virgin islands

Yeah, but a cruise is out, booze! I would love to rent a house on St John again, but they want to be in a resort. I think that feels safer to my friends.

BarbMazz · 02-08-2008, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michael_cb_125

I have been on 8 criuses. Personally I would rather fly somewhere and stay. I have been to Jamaica, Many of the islands in the Bahamas, Cozemel, Aruba, Bermuda, and a few other places. Bermuda was by far my favorite. Great Beaches (with Pink sand) and very freindly people. You should definatley look into Bremuda JMO~Michael

Thanks, Michael... I'll give Bermuda a look-see. Can you suggest any good hotels? Do you know if there are any all inclusive resorts on Bermuda?

BarbMazz · 02-08-2008, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kare-bear

I would like to suggest a few places to check out. The island of Nassau in the Bahamas is connected to another island by 10 min ferry or a tol. bridge to Paradise Island. There is alot to do there. There is Golf, Casinos, Shopping, amazing Scuba diving and snorkling, tennis, beaches etc. We stayed at an all inclusive called Sandals Resort. There is great food and lots of alcohol. They stocked our room daily with wine and hard liquor every day as well as mixers. The resort included scuba diving and water sports. The Bahamas is a safe community if compared to Jamaica. We felt comfortable late at night in the towns. Please check out online the Atlantis Resort. I was amazed by their aquariums. You can go online to see what they have to offer. Unfortunatly this is a cruise ship daytrip destination so there were days when there were lots of tourists.
I know that you said Mexico was out but you should check into Playa del Carmen. We stayed at a few all inclusives there and it is beautiful. There is a ferry to Cozumel within walking distance. Very nice. Lots to do there. You can check out all of these areas by going to a website such as Orbitz.com or Travelzoo.com etc. There are pictures of the resorts as well as prices. Good luck, I could recommend a few resorts in Playa del Carmen if you would like.

I've not looked at the Bahamas! I've stayed at a Beaches resort in Turks and Caicos. I know Beaches and Sandals are connected somehow. I'll check it out. Thanks!

And, sure, I'll be glad to look at Playa del Carmen resorts. I stayed in a resort in the Riviera Maya a few years ago that was to die for... just gorgeous!

BarbMazz · 02-08-2008, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boozeman

The only experience I've had with an all inclusive type resort was during college.. it was a hedonism resort in Jamaica and this being a family forum prevents me from going into further details

I agree with Al...consider a 7 day cruise visiting the US virgin islands

I LOVE that smiley!

Aw, c'mon, booze tell us about Hedonism!!

BigAl07 · 02-08-2008, 03:12 PM

Beaches is the more "Kid Oriented" side of Sandals! I got to visit "Hedonism II" while staying at a Sandals resort and WOW!!

boozeman · 02-08-2008, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarbMazz

I LOVE that smiley!

Aw, c'mon, booze tell us about Hedonism!!

hmmm.... 45-50 hormonal 19-22yo in an all you can drink, clothing optional resort...

have you considered Puerto Rico ?

02-08-2008, 01:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
BarbMazz Madame Klanganator Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Near Cleveland, Ohio Posts: 3,178 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	OT: All-inclusive resort ideas? There are five of us good friends (all women) and the last one is turning 50 this year, so we're planning a June "We're All Fifty" trip to the Caribbean. Any island will do, but we've mostly looked at Jamaica, Barbados, and Antigua. I'd love some ideas or reviews about these islands. We are looking for 1. beautiful beaches... not rough water 2. safety 3. good food 4. i'm looking for good snorkeling... don't know if any of the others are interested. We are not especially interested in exploring an island (well, I would). I'm the most traveled but I have to re-adjust for some who don't have much travel experience. So I'm gearing for the non-travelers! A couple are real fraidy-cats so conservative is best. No one wants to go to the Dominican Republic or Mexico, which would be the most reasonably priced (chickens, remember?). I love the thought of Antigua myself. So, any suggestions or reviews that can be offered would be most appreciated! __________________ A Snail's Pace Beginning: an old lady's first reef http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...tml#post366161 ~not knowing how near the truth is we seek it far away~

02-08-2008, 01:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
BigAl07 Reef Addict (hopeless) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 10,619 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: OT: All-inclusive resort ideas? Barb, I've been lucky in life and been able to do my fair share of "resorting" and I have to say.... once I started doing the "Cruise Thing" 7 years ago I haven't done another resort since. Is that an option? __________________ Allen Allen's testimonial . . ."Let Me help you help YOURSELF" (Click Here) with a SW set up there is one basic fundamental rule that we ALL should follow *When in doubt... wait it out. This means take it slow and let the tank "develop" and don't rush it. Time is your friend Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!!* Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef Reef Balls & Cakes Debt Free & Change your Family Tree!!

02-08-2008, 01:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
boozeman The CodFather ~ Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: new york Posts: 8,800 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: OT: All-inclusive resort ideas? The only experience I've had with an all inclusive type resort was during college.. it was a hedonism resort in Jamaica and this being a family forum prevents me from going into further details I agree with Al...consider a 7 day cruise visiting the US virgin islands __________________ ...and when I'm old and wise little things mean little to me like autumn winds they'll blow right through me and someday, in the mist of time when they ask you if you knew me remember that you were a friend of mine

02-08-2008, 02:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
kathywithbirds Social Darwinism victim Join Date: May 2007 Location: The Hood, NJ Posts: 5,712 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: OT: All-inclusive resort ideas? hey look up Coastal air transports if you go to USVI. __________________ (\ /) This is Bunny crying. ( ; ; ) He thinks Brainy and Bunnina . ' ' ...are having an affair. "Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials." ~Lin Yutang Start: 163.5 Current: I'm not looking at the scale, I'm not looking at the scale, I'm not looking at the scale...

02-08-2008, 02:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
michael_cb_125 Manta Ray Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Charlotte,NC Posts: 3,228 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: OT: All-inclusive resort ideas? I have been on 8 criuses. Personally I would rather fly somewhere and stay. I have been to Jamaica, Many of the islands in the Bahamas, Cozemel, Aruba, Bermuda, and a few other places. Bermuda was by far my favorite. Great Beaches (with Pink sand) and very freindly people. You should definatley look into Bremuda JMO~Michael __________________ 240 Gallon MIXED REEF SUPER TANK Well at least thats what I want it to be 240 Gallon Custom Made Starphire Tank Life Reef Custom Sump,Life Reef Skimmer, Little Giant Return, 2 1200gph Koralias, 2 1580 GPH Tunze Turbelles, 1 Vortec, 72" Solaris I series, PM Kalk Reactor, Custom Made Fug, way to many more things to list Jose say hello to your NEW LITTLE FRIEND!!!!!!!!

02-08-2008, 02:17 PM	#6 (permalink)
kare-bear Fire Coral Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Northern California Posts: 75 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: OT: All-inclusive resort ideas? I would like to suggest a few places to check out. The island of Nassau in the Bahamas is connected to another island by 10 min ferry or a tol. bridge to Paradise Island. There is alot to do there. There is Golf, Casinos, Shopping, amazing Scuba diving and snorkling, tennis, beaches etc. We stayed at an all inclusive called Sandals Resort. There is great food and lots of alcohol. They stocked our room daily with wine and hard liquor every day as well as mixers. The resort included scuba diving and water sports. The Bahamas is a safe community if compared to Jamaica. We felt comfortable late at night in the towns. Please check out online the Atlantis Resort. I was amazed by their aquariums. You can go online to see what they have to offer. Unfortunatly this is a cruise ship daytrip destination so there were days when there were lots of tourists. I know that you said Mexico was out but you should check into Playa del Carmen. We stayed at a few all inclusives there and it is beautiful. There is a ferry to Cozumel within walking distance. Very nice. Lots to do there. You can check out all of these areas by going to a website such as Orbitz.com or Travelzoo.com etc. There are pictures of the resorts as well as prices. Good luck, I could recommend a few resorts in Playa del Carmen if you would like. __________________ 24 gallon aquapod, clown, spotted cardinal, sandsifting starfish, 2 blue chromis 175 gallon bowfront (empty)

02-08-2008, 02:45 PM	#7 (permalink)
BigAl07 Reef Addict (hopeless) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 10,619 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: OT: All-inclusive resort ideas? Booze, I know EXACTLY What you mean Playa del Carmen is a GREAT place but so is Cozumel! The snorkeling (when I was there last year) was GREAT! __________________ Allen Allen's testimonial . . ."Let Me help you help YOURSELF" (Click Here) with a SW set up there is one basic fundamental rule that we ALL should follow *When in doubt... wait it out. This means take it slow and let the tank "develop" and don't rush it. Time is your friend Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!!* Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef Reef Balls & Cakes Debt Free & Change your Family Tree!!

02-08-2008, 03:12 PM	#13 (permalink)
BigAl07 Reef Addict (hopeless) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 10,619 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: OT: All-inclusive resort ideas? Beaches is the more "Kid Oriented" side of Sandals! I got to visit "Hedonism II" while staying at a Sandals resort and WOW!! __________________ Allen Allen's testimonial . . ."Let Me help you help YOURSELF" (Click Here) with a SW set up there is one basic fundamental rule that we ALL should follow *When in doubt... wait it out. This means take it slow and let the tank "develop" and don't rush it. Time is your friend Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!!* Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef Reef Balls & Cakes Debt Free & Change your Family Tree!!

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