We've never been to an AI, so we're looking for a more serene, mature experience, with excellent food and music. Would also love a show, but have no need to dance much. Can't stand tourist traps (like when you get off a cruise in Nassau), and would like to feel safe visiting something off-resort, but not so much into shopping, unless it's authentically local and a safe area.
My husband and I have been to Puerto Rico a few times, but that's it. We enjoyed staying at the Conrad at Condado Beach, then we did quite a bit of driving around the island. The driving was a bit too much of the time we spent, and then we found out later we'd been through the most dangerous part of the island (Loiza), which also happened to have my favorite beach. I love the kiosks along the road where you can get fresh bacalauitas, and the quiet little beaches that have interesting stuff washed up. And Luquillo is great (be sure to visit Kiosko #8!!!) for good snacks, too.
Because this is all more my kind of scene than his, I'm considering going it alone, at least once. If so, I'd probably not venture off-resort, but would love a quiet beach where I don't have to feel self-conscious about big a big older lady (or look/feel weird because I'm alone), where I don't have to worry about anyone selling me anything, where a pretty boy might bring me pretty drinks while I read or just lounge under an umbrella. Also *really* want the sound of the surf from my hotel room (love that about Puerto Rico), with possibly a private balcony.
Where can we do this where it doesn't cost a fortune simply to get there? We'd be traveling from Kansas City. Thinking about this coming Memorial Day timeframe, or maybe Labor Day. Thanks!
Adult All-Inclusive, good for both or just me, and cheaper to get to?
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If you want to travel solo/female I think it's more comfortable not to go to an AI resort, which usually caters more to couples, rather to travel independently.
I go to Mexico (Puerto Vallarta) every year, most often by myself, I've never felt "weird". Lots of people vacation solo there. It's a "local authentic safe" area.
I have to agree, based on what you described, I don't think an AI resort will fit your needs. We've been to 16 of them throughout the Caribbean and Mexico in all price ranges. There are a few adult only resorts, but they really cater to couples. The family resorts are just that, full of families.
You might look at Aruba. The smaller hotels on Eagle Beach would fit. There is no selling or harassing on the beaches. Tons or really great restaurants and bars. Easy, cheap public transportation. I wouldn't feel out of place there as a single woman. I would also suggest Grand Cayman or Turks & Caicos.
If you go the week before or the week after either of those 2 holidays, you will find better prices and lower crowds. However, September is consider hurricane season. You would probably be fine in Aruba during that time frame.
I tend to agree that most adults only AI's cater to couples but take a look at the adult only Iberostar Grand in Montego Bay, Jamaica. We were there a couple of years ago (as a couple) but there were definitely a few singles and we even ran into a couple of families who had their adult children with them. The nice thing about the Iberostar is that they not only keep vendors off the beach but they even keep children off of the beach in front of the adults only section. They also have a different show every night (which were very entertaining) and an excellent piano bar. I can still remember the fabulous local woman singing Bob Marley songs. She was stunningly good. The food was also very good with only a couple of just goods. I don't think you would feel out of place at all and their beach service was good and unobtrusive so you can read to your heart's content.
And I also agree on the places mentioned by suze and KVR. I think there might even be an AI or two on Eagle Beach, Aruba if you still want to go that route. Or at least there used to be.
Have you considered Hawaii?