Oh well, I was coming to suggest the Mayan Riviera in Mexico, or Negril Jamaica. Those are two places with lots of All-Inclusives and everything you request.

Excluding Mexico, you have limited many great options. We have been doing AI's mainly in Mexico over the last 10 years with no problems.

If you've already been to Jamaica, I guess your other viable option is the Dominican Republic, but that area isn't much for activities off the resort.

Here's a list of AI's in the Caribbean. Maybe you can find something that interests you and then you can post specific questions if needed.

http://www.caribbeanallinclusive.com/caribbean_all_inclusive_resorts.cfm


Happy Hunting.

If you only want to stay on property at the resort, not leave to do tours or activities on your own, then you could look at Punta Cana in the DR. That's the set up there.

I'm definitely not opposed to Jamaica - I've only been to Ocho Rios. I just want to avoid Mexico because of all of the violence recently - I realize tourist areas are primarily safe, but I'd still rather visit an island.

I would want to avoid "activities on our own" but wouldn't be against a token tour or activity - but it isn't a priority.

I stayed at the Majestic Elegance last February. I loved it. The beach is beautiful and lined with palm trees. The pools are nice. They are narrow and run the length of the buildings. The food was good (not great but good). The rooms were roomy and clean....loved the shower - rain shower head, side shower heads - it was great, didn't like the square toilet (weird). I would upgrade to the Elegance Club - free wifi if you want, concierge service....but with or without Elegance Club - not sure it's in your budget of 200.00 per night. Also, the Majestic Elegance Colonial next store had a fire this past April.....it's an adjoining property - not sure it would have any impact on the Majestic Elegance - but in the spirit of full disclosure.....

If you've already been to Ocho Rios, then go to Negril. Couples Negril and Sunset at the Palms are really nice AI resorts for couples. Sunset at the Palms is across the street from the beach, but would be my pick.

There are various off-site tours that can be done in that area. Black River cruise, snorkeling, YS Falls, Mayfield Falls, and the Appleton Rum Factory. We went to Negril in 2006 and Ocho Rios this past December and found Negril more calm with less agressive vendors than Ocho Rios.

I understand your concerns regarding Mexico, but it's unfounded. You are missing a great destination because of media hype and scare tatics. Every place on earth has crime and issues including your own backyard. Stating you don't want to go to Mexico because of issues is like telling someone from Florida, don't go to New York, because of issues there. I feel more comfortable walking off and resort and doing some sightseeing and shopping in Mexico than I ever did in Jamaica. We were last in Playa del Carmen in December, 2010 and several of the locals we met stated how bad there businesses are hurting because of all the negative crap in the news media that has absolutely nothing to do with the area they are in.

OK, I'm off my soap box.

KVR,
I am right on that soap box with you. I felt MUCH safer walking around in the Cancun/Playa area than I did in either the DR or Jamaica.

Look at Negril Jamaica then. But I'm chiming in with those above to say I feel a lot safer and less needing to be always aware in Puerto Vallarta than I did in Jamaica. A LOT.

Certainly that's OK if you would rather visit an island, but it's not fair to sa tourist areas are "primarily safe", when they have had no issues with the violence (which has to do with drug cartels, politics, etc.) in other parts of the country. Nada.

Oh, I'm aware that nowhere is completely safe - I certainly didn't feel particularly safe when I left my resort in Ocho Rios. We would likely stay on the resort for most if not all of the time wherever we go.

To be honest - part of the reason I don't want to go to Mexico is travel time and price - the islands seems a bit more reasonable. I'm not completely opposed to Mexico generally - and if there was a great resort in the Cancun area - I'd be happy to take recommendations as that's is the most reasonable area in Mexico price/time wise.

BellaClaire - thanks for your recommendation on Majestic Elegance it looks amazing and reasonable!

Where are you flying from? I live in Texas and Mexico is the most conveneint and least expensive for me.

Fly into Cancun and go about 45 minutes to an hour to Playa del Carmen. Look at the Royal Playa del Carmen, the Iberostar Grand Parasio and any of the Secrets resorts. They will be on the same calibur as the Majestic Elegance in DR, but to me, less expensive.

There is shopping, resturants, bars and entertainment on 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. Tons of things to see and do off the resort.

Look at this site for things to see and do off the resort. I have used them many times with no problems and will use them again next April when we go to Cabo San Lucas.

http://www.playadelcarmentours.com/

Also wanted to add, if you're interested check out my picture page. We have been to many Caribbean Islands and Mexico several times. Maybe you'll find something that you like. To us, Mexico is about 1/2 less than any Caribbean Island we've been to. Also, finding AI in the Caribbean that afforable is a challenge.

http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn

I don't think you mentioned where you are coming from? That's definitely important, especially with such a very short trip. I certainly understand not wanting a long or complicated plane ride when you're only going for 4 days.

Ah, you're right I definitely forgot to mention that! I'm coming from Washington, D.C. - ideally flying out of Reagan National Airport.

KVR - thanks for the suggestions, I will take a look.

Sure, if you have any questions about the Majestic Elegance, please let me know.

Wow that is a great list of all-inclusives KVR. Thanks for sharing!

I know of a couple who love Couples resort in Jamaica. I have no firsthand experience. They speak very highly of it. DR and the Punta Cana area has some nice resorts which historically have been reasonably priced. Check applevacations.com and see what specials they may have going on--right now they won't showing that though. (to early.) I agree with the the fact that Mexico and playa del carmen area is a great area and I would certainly look into that area in fact in the past this wsa far safer in reputation then Jamaica ever was---I love Mexico as well. You can leave the resorts but in the DR we felt we could not unless on an organized tour which we did to the capital which was an all day tour. Time is on your side to explore. I live on the east coast, so there are many options. If you do not care about leaving the resorts then DR Punta cana has some nice places. There is also a site where you can review just DR resorts. It might be a good choice for you--

http://www.debbiesdominicantravel.com/

Here is a site that gives extensive reviews of various resorts for the DR.

A great AI hotel in the Dominican Republic is Gran Ventana Resort in Puerto Plata. They have free non motorized water sports, pool bars, live music and great food choice. I went with a group of friends about a year ago and had so much fun!

www.druncovered.com, www.dr1.com,

These 2 sites are based in the Dominican republic, both have blogs or forums where they have a lot of information on places to stay. hope this helps

try: http://www.bahia-principe.com/BP/resorts/resort/Ambar

I can't see going from DC to Mexico vs the Caribbean island being a huge different time wise. As KVR said, don't discount Mexico due to the ridiculous negative hype from the story starved media. The violence happens over 1000 miles away from the Riviera Maya area. That's like avoiding Boston because of violence in Atlanta....not even close.

Riviera Maya has so many AIs to pick from, and the pricing should be as cheap as anywhere in the entire Caribbean. I avoided Mexico for years, and last year I went to an AI near Akumal....and was blown away how nice it is down there. My GF & I took public transportation with no probs whatsoever. Seriously, at least tale a look...it's a very safe & wonderful area...I will be back for sure.