All Inclusives?
Mar 3rd, 2011, 07:42 PM
#1
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All Inclusives?
My husband and I are looking to take a week-long vacation in August SOMEWHERE in the Caribbean Islands or the Yucatan Peninsula. We're looking for an all-inclusive resort with good food and service, and we REALLY want powder sand beaches and turquoise clear water. Any advice? Our budget is around $4000 USD but that can be a little flexible.
Thanks for your help!
Thanks for your help!
Mar 4th, 2011, 05:01 AM
#2
Look into Secrets Maroma and the Iberostar Paraiso Grand. Both are in Mexico's Riviera Maya area. They are both adults only all inclusive. The Grand is a bit more luxurious and has a less crowded beach.
Mar 4th, 2011, 06:38 AM
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Qwovadis: I know the storms are a little iffy and we'll definitely get insurance but its really the ONLY time we have available. We went to St. Lucia on our honeymoon last August and it was beautiful but I think we want to mix it up. Thanks again!
Mar 4th, 2011, 07:42 AM
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I agree with schmerl. Yes, do get the hurricane/trip insurance as you'll never know what the weather will do. We've been to Mexico a few times in August and September and it's HOT! I mean really hot. Not like St. Lucia in August, so just be aware.
We thought Jamaica was a lot like St. Lucia. If interested, look at Couples Negril or Sunset at the Palms.
The Veranda in Turks and Cacios will have the water and beach you are looking for.
I would also suggest Aruba, but you really need more than 4 days as it is quite a distance.
Grand Cayman will also have the beach and water, but no true AI's. The Marriott on 7 Mile Beach has an all inlcusive meal/drink plan.
We thought Jamaica was a lot like St. Lucia. If interested, look at Couples Negril or Sunset at the Palms.
The Veranda in Turks and Cacios will have the water and beach you are looking for.
I would also suggest Aruba, but you really need more than 4 days as it is quite a distance.
Grand Cayman will also have the beach and water, but no true AI's. The Marriott on 7 Mile Beach has an all inlcusive meal/drink plan.
Mar 4th, 2011, 07:53 AM
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KVR, I know it's going to be hot in Mexico and I've been looking into Turks & Caicos but I didn't know of any good resorts. I'll look into that. Also, we have 7 days for the trip--do you think that would be enough for Aruba? If so, is there anywhere you would suggest?
Mar 6th, 2011, 04:19 AM
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and we REALLY want powder sand beaches and turquoise clear water. Any advice?
Be very aware that many Riviera Maya beaches are not in the best of shape in recent years. More rocky and less sand (storms, erosion, etc)
Punta Cana beaches are the coral-y 'sand' that doesn't get hot underfoot.
The water is beautiful in either of those locations.
Also keep in mind, if you're like us, you may want a direct non stop flight. We've often limited our choices by listing only those places where we actually can fly direct non stop.
There's a big difference in a week's vacation between one four hour flight, vs 8-12 hours enroute to another place that's the same distance away.
I just prefer to spend as much of my time as possible at the resorts, not in an airport part way there, waiting for my next flight.
$2000 pp for a week will get you a lot of choices in AI resorts.
Depends in part on where you are flying from, which I don't think you have shared, as the price includes the airfare.
I suggest you explore applevactions.com
Because they have a positive presence in many of these locations, their clients usually receive a few 'extras' compared to those who book otherwise.
Be very aware that many Riviera Maya beaches are not in the best of shape in recent years. More rocky and less sand (storms, erosion, etc)
Punta Cana beaches are the coral-y 'sand' that doesn't get hot underfoot.
The water is beautiful in either of those locations.
Also keep in mind, if you're like us, you may want a direct non stop flight. We've often limited our choices by listing only those places where we actually can fly direct non stop.
There's a big difference in a week's vacation between one four hour flight, vs 8-12 hours enroute to another place that's the same distance away.
I just prefer to spend as much of my time as possible at the resorts, not in an airport part way there, waiting for my next flight.
$2000 pp for a week will get you a lot of choices in AI resorts.
Depends in part on where you are flying from, which I don't think you have shared, as the price includes the airfare.
I suggest you explore applevactions.com
Because they have a positive presence in many of these locations, their clients usually receive a few 'extras' compared to those who book otherwise.
Mar 6th, 2011, 11:19 AM
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"Be very aware that many Riviera Maya beaches are not in the best of shape in recent years. More rocky and less sand (storms, erosion, etc)"
At one time that USED TO BE a true statement. It no longer is. Mexico spent the year of 2010 doing a complete beach renovation. The beaches now are just as great as they used to be before all the hurricanes. The hotels on Maroma Beach will be what you are looking for. Maroma Beach is the best in that area. I do agree to check carefully at some hotels because some are sitting on rocky areas. There is nothing that can be done about that, it's just the area that hotel chose to build on.
We were just there in December. If your interested in being more close to night life check out the ROyal Playa del Carmen. The beach there was great.
Turks and Cacios is not an Island for AI's. There is Beaches and Club Med, which are two hotels you will not be interested in. The Veranda has an AI plan. It's a newer hotel as it wasn't there when we went back in 2006.
With 7 nights, that will be plenty of time for Aruba. The low rise area on Eagle Beach, the beach is fabulous. Look at the Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, Divi, and the Tamarijn.
At one time that USED TO BE a true statement. It no longer is. Mexico spent the year of 2010 doing a complete beach renovation. The beaches now are just as great as they used to be before all the hurricanes. The hotels on Maroma Beach will be what you are looking for. Maroma Beach is the best in that area. I do agree to check carefully at some hotels because some are sitting on rocky areas. There is nothing that can be done about that, it's just the area that hotel chose to build on.
We were just there in December. If your interested in being more close to night life check out the ROyal Playa del Carmen. The beach there was great.
Turks and Cacios is not an Island for AI's. There is Beaches and Club Med, which are two hotels you will not be interested in. The Veranda has an AI plan. It's a newer hotel as it wasn't there when we went back in 2006.
With 7 nights, that will be plenty of time for Aruba. The low rise area on Eagle Beach, the beach is fabulous. Look at the Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, Divi, and the Tamarijn.
Mar 6th, 2011, 02:38 PM
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"Be very aware that many Riviera Maya beaches are not in the best of shape in recent years. More rocky and less sand (storms, erosion, etc)"
KVR on Mar 6, 11 at 3:19pmAt one time that USED TO BE a true statement. It no longer is. Mexico spent the year of 2010 doing a complete beach renovation. The beaches now are just as great as they used to be before all the hurricanes.
They must have really accomplished a lot in a short time, as many beach areas were NOT in good shape in January 2010.
KVR on Mar 6, 11 at 3:19pmAt one time that USED TO BE a true statement. It no longer is. Mexico spent the year of 2010 doing a complete beach renovation. The beaches now are just as great as they used to be before all the hurricanes.
They must have really accomplished a lot in a short time, as many beach areas were NOT in good shape in January 2010.
Mar 6th, 2011, 03:17 PM
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Your right, the beaches were not in good shape in January, 2010. That's when they started the reno. They are in great shape now. You're more than welcome to check out my picture page to see the difference. We've been going to Mexico every year since 2000.
Mar 6th, 2011, 07:25 PM
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Do ANY of the beaches have those 'whales' (giant sand bags) still on the beaches, or the 'cliffs'? Or have they all been restored to what they were many years ago when I was there two or three times a year.
Mar 7th, 2011, 05:12 AM
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Check here for more specifics on the beach restoration:
http://forums.locogringo.com/forums/...mitbutton=+OK+
When we were in Playa in 2007 the beach in front of the Gran Porto Real was sand bagged. We went 2 weeks after Hurricane Dean hit the area. It wasn't when we where there in December 2010.
Here's Sept. 2007
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/227...38640397JlGWso
Here's December 2010
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/255...38640397tzPRWv
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/295...38640397iqqADC
Here's the beach area in front of Sr. Frogs in Playa by the pier to Cozumel in 2010:
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/281...38640397VCvPtp
Akumal 2010:
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/240...38640397CJpaLt
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/230...38640397CRLHyJ
http://forums.locogringo.com/forums/...mitbutton=+OK+
When we were in Playa in 2007 the beach in front of the Gran Porto Real was sand bagged. We went 2 weeks after Hurricane Dean hit the area. It wasn't when we where there in December 2010.
Here's Sept. 2007
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/227...38640397JlGWso
Here's December 2010
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/255...38640397tzPRWv
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/295...38640397iqqADC
Here's the beach area in front of Sr. Frogs in Playa by the pier to Cozumel in 2010:
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/281...38640397VCvPtp
Akumal 2010:
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/240...38640397CJpaLt
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/230...38640397CRLHyJ
Mar 7th, 2011, 05:24 AM
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Also, if your interested in snorkeling, check out the Sian Ka'an Biosphere. It's a very long drive, but it was so worth it. A private Island, watching dolphins and others in their natural habitat, and the healthiest coral reef I've seen in years. Tons of fish. Better than Akumel and Cozumel.
The pictures start on page 10. Got some really great underwater snorkel pics also.
The pictures start on page 10. Got some really great underwater snorkel pics also.
