Gray21

Hello,
My wife and I have my parents coming into town to watch our two year old twins in August and we would like to go to an All Inclusive Resort in Mexio or the Carribean. We only have 4-5 days so ideally we would like to keep the travel time to a minimum (i.e. Direct Flight from Charlotte, and the resort relatively close to the airport).

We don't necessarily need adult only, but this is a trip for us to get away from the kids so adult only seems like the way to go. My wife and I are in our early 30's. Budget is not really a concern but we don't want to waste money either. The main purpose of the trip is to get away from the kids and relax, so the pool/beach is important. I don't want to have to fight others for pool chairs. Food/Alchohol is also important, and I do not want to have to get in line to make nightly restaurant reservations. We would like some entertainment (I looked at a few AI's with dualing piano bars which we would love). We don't need a club scene at night, but having a few good hang out bars would be very nice.

I was originally set on the Iberostar Grand Paradiso outside of Cancun because I saw a list where it was voted the #1 AI and all the reviews I saw on tripadvisor were very good. However for some reason the flights to Cancun direct from Charlotte are $800PP from 8/8-8/12. When I looked around at other direct flights we could get a direct flight to Nassau for $500, so I looked for AI's in the Bahamas and they were few and far between.

-Sandals Royal Bahamian had a number of poor service reviews on tripadvisor recently.
I also was unsure if we needed to book a room with butler service as a number of the reviews said this is a must have
-Memories Grand Bahama Beach - This seems like more of a value tier AI but the reviews said the food was fantastic and there were a number of very positive reviews in general.

So the question I have is do I bite the bullet on the more expensive flight and do the Iberostar, or would an AI in the Bahamas suit us just as well. I would also be open to any other carribian recommendations for AI's.

Thank you in advance for your help!

schmerl

Keep checking flights. The Iberostar Grand is a fantastic resort.
How are flights priced to Punta Cana for you. There is an Iberostar Grand there also, but we prefer Mexico.

Gray21

Thanks for the response Schmiedel. Punta Cana flights are $740. A little better but not much. I have no idea why the flights to the Carribean and Mexico are so expensive during that time from Charlotte?

KVR

I'm surprised that the price is so high. August is part of the prime hurricane season and slow period, so prices should reflect that. However, I have found that 4 - 6 weeks out usually has the better prices. Make sure you add in the trip/hurricane insurance that you can cancel for any reason, not just if your flight is canceled or your hotel closes. We stopped going during that time frame because of iffy weather plus it's HOT and HUMID. We tend to go in November, December or May before the holidays. Much better prices and weather.

I would definitely go with the Iberostar over the Bahamas. I have been to Sandals Royal Bahamian and I didn't care for the chain or Nassau. We go to Mexico regularly. There is an Iberostar in Montego Bay, Jamaica also, but I agree we prefer Mexico.

DJDbahamas

I wouldn't rule out the Bahamas. With another quick and easy flight from Nassau you could be on the beautiful and friendly island of Great Exuma where there is another Sandals property. We generally don't stay at all-inclusives so have no experience with Sandals EB, but we really loved our week on Great Exuma last July and are going back this July. The island is a world away from New Providence (Nassau). There are many daily flights from NAS to GGT so you could be there in plenty of time to enjoy some relaxing on the beach your first day. There are also direct flights from ATL on Delta on Wednesday, Saturday and Sundays.

Gray21

DJDbahamas, thanks for the tip on the other Sandals resort. Did you do the butler service? Do you think it is worth it?

DJDbahamas

Hi Gray21, we always stay in private homes so I can't comment on Sandals. There are a lot of reviews on Trip Advisor or you could post that question specifically on their forum. Our best friends are Sandals buffs and they always get the butler rooms.

mnag

Also check out Maroma (set on a beautiful beach)...same airport as cancun unfortunately. We are going in nov.

italy4four

We have stayed at the Excellence Resort in Playa Mujeres and absolutely loved it . It is away from all the craziness of the downtown Cancun , food was wonderful & its definitely worth doing the Excellence package - private beach , private pool & bar with all top shelf alcohol . We are foodies & so were wary about an all inclusive , but food was excellent We are going back to the Excellence Playa Cancun this October . Couples massage on the beach with Champagne & strawberries - wonderful & romantic !!!