Are there any all-inclusives that have terrific off-beach snorkeling and that are geared more to adults than to families?
Mar 14th, 2005, 06:17 AM
#1
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Are there any all-inclusives that have terrific off-beach snorkeling and that are geared more to adults than to families?
We like all-iclusives, but haven't been to any since our younger years at a dozen or so Club Meds (back in the 70's and 80's; we stopped enjoying them when things changed with that outfit). Main thng we love is snorkeling and we wish St John had a great all-inclusive, which it doesn't. (We do condos and Caneel for our St John trips). I'd love to know of a great all-inclusive on a wonderful beach with high-end accommodations that has snorkeling right there. E.g. we enjoyed our one trip to Swept Away-- but have no interest in returning to Jamaica because the snorkeling isn't good. Thank you to responders.
Mar 14th, 2005, 06:48 AM
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Barcelo Mayan on Mexico's Mayan Rivera, is a very family friendly AI with good snorkelling off beach. Search the Latin Amer board for more info. This resort is on a beautiful beach, on area is for swimming and water sports, and there's another area with a pier where you can snorkel.
Mar 14th, 2005, 07:34 AM
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Thank you MFNYC-- but what I hope to find is an all-inclusive that is not "family-friendly." I'd like to find a place that has the quiet (e.g. no motorized water sports, very few kids) and beauty of Caneel Bay. Somewhere that has lots and lots of snorkeling within short walking distance. Thank you, though, for responding.
Mar 14th, 2005, 11:38 AM
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Not at all hooked on all-inclusives. In fact, haven't been to one in about 10 years. We do remember with pleasure, though, many aspects of all-inclusives, especially the Club Meds in the 70's when the food was extraordinary (and very French) and there was live music every evening. We wish there were somewhere besides St John to keep going back to (Bonaire, Cayman, etc don't hold a candle to the snorkeling in St John)-- and we think it might be fun to try an all-inclusive again. Bosoco-- Can you compare the St Lucia snorkeling to St John? Is it as plentiful and various? (St John must have several dozen spots to walk in off the beach-- and of course Caneel Bay itself has enough snorkeling-- many many different beaches and reefs-- to keep one busy for a week.) I had read somewhere that St Lucia can be very windy, not so great for snorkeling-- but perhaps the leeward side of the island is calm and has terrific reefs? What's the food like at Anse Chastenet? Is the property large a la Caneel or small? Thank you.
Mar 14th, 2005, 12:03 PM
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I am trying to suggest a place that covers all your criteria. If you are looking for another St. John, St. Lucia won't do it. Anse Chastenet is physically smaller than Caneel Bay and St. Lucia is not manicured like St. John.
Mar 14th, 2005, 01:13 PM
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I am wondering if Turks and Caicos might have what you like, as far as snorkeling off the beach. We did this on the beach, but cannot compare it to St. Johns as we were never there. The AI there is Beaches, but filled with many families.
Mar 14th, 2005, 03:37 PM
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Perhaps the Sorobon Resort in Bonaire would meet your criteria.
Snorkeling from shore in Provo is rather limited; there's not much besides Coral Gardens and Smith's Reef.
That area has the best corals I've ever seen, however.
Snorkeling from shore in Provo is rather limited; there's not much besides Coral Gardens and Smith's Reef.
That area has the best corals I've ever seen, however.
Mar 17th, 2005, 05:25 AM
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Hhhhmmm,
I hate it when folks do not exactly answer the question but now I find myself going down that road.
First, when we were first married, hubby and I also enjoyed all inclusives. However, over the years, we have been more disappointed with them because of the buffet meals that always seem to serve the same thing ( and I think we are a little spoiled now, too)
You said that snorkeling is your main concern, so perhaps you may want to get more info about the Presidente on Cozumel. There's lots of info posted on this board and most will confirm the superior off beach snorkeling. A beach front room with your own patio leading to the beach might do it for you!
We enjoy the short and cheap cab ride into town with a variety of restaurants available.
I hate it when folks do not exactly answer the question but now I find myself going down that road.
First, when we were first married, hubby and I also enjoyed all inclusives. However, over the years, we have been more disappointed with them because of the buffet meals that always seem to serve the same thing ( and I think we are a little spoiled now, too)
You said that snorkeling is your main concern, so perhaps you may want to get more info about the Presidente on Cozumel. There's lots of info posted on this board and most will confirm the superior off beach snorkeling. A beach front room with your own patio leading to the beach might do it for you!
We enjoy the short and cheap cab ride into town with a variety of restaurants available.
Mar 17th, 2005, 05:54 AM
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Thank you for your thoughtful replies. I tried to find info on talk boards about Sorobon-- no luck yet. I've read that Cozumel, while "ok" for off-beach snorkeling, isn't nearly as good as some of the Virgin Islands or Bonaire. I have a feeling that we may forgo the idea of trying to do an all-inclusive and maybe try to find something very pleasant on Virgin Gorda. I appreciate the feedback!
Mar 17th, 2005, 02:54 PM
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Don't even hestitate to go to Couples in Jamaica!! My husband and I stayed there in '97 and are heading back this September. Incredible service, all-inclusive, off-beach snorkeling. And you mentioned French food. They have an incredible French restaurant. You cannot go wrong here. I recomment the one in Ocho Rios since that's where we stayed (had our Weddingmoon there! 
) and where we are returning. But they have 3 resorts. www.couples.com You will NOT regret it! Oh....and ADULTS only! You also mentioned high-end accomendations. They have private villas there, as well.
Terri
If you go, email me at [email protected] and let me know if you took my advice!
) and where we are returning. But they have 3 resorts. www.couples.com You will NOT regret it! Oh....and ADULTS only! You also mentioned high-end accomendations. They have private villas there, as well. Terri
If you go, email me at [email protected] and let me know if you took my advice!
Mar 18th, 2005, 08:34 AM
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We have snorkeled off the beach at St. Thomas(Ritz, Sapphire, Coki), St. John (Caneel and Trunk), Antigua(Hawksnest), Grenada, Aruba and Curacao. By far, the best off beach snorkeling (IMHO) is at the Presidente in Cozumel.
Mar 18th, 2005, 09:12 AM
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SWEPT AWAY in Jamaica should fit the bill for everything that you're looking for. Gorgeous beach, lots of off-shore snorkelling, every water sport available, etc. If you DON'T need an all-inclusive, and quite honestly in Negril, there's good food to be had cheaply, you could also try IDLE AWHILE, a very upscale 13-room resort on the best part of the beach. I think it may actually be the same owners as SWEPT AWAY. However, you will find some families at IDLE AWHILE. SWEPT AWAY is strictly couples or kids over 18.
Mar 18th, 2005, 09:53 AM
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I also say Anse Chastenet in St. Lucia and I do think there is an All Inclusive option. But the snorkelling there is supposed to be some of the best in the Caribbean and when we went by for a visit just looking off the pier was sensational. The waters surrounding the area of Soufriere and the hotels are erg. can't remember the word for it - like a water sanctuary...no body can disrupt the waters...eerrrgg.. what is the word - anyway - my parents are BIG snorklers and said St. Lucia out of the 13 islands had the best snorkelling at Anse Chastenet and the resort itself is no disappointment!!
Mar 18th, 2005, 11:45 AM
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Swept Away and Idle Awhile in Negril are lovely but the snorkeling off the beach stinks....just sand, some seagrass, maybe a ray...you have to go by boat out to the reef and even there Jamaica is not going to compare to Cozumel or other serious snorkeling destinations.
The beach at Anse Chastenet is on the lee side so is not windy, the water is calm and clear.
The beach at Anse Chastenet is on the lee side so is not windy, the water is calm and clear.
Mar 18th, 2005, 02:33 PM
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Whoops- my mistake. I just assumed off shore snorkeling meant a boat trip to the reef in Jamaica. I agree that the snorkelling won't compare well to Cozumel, but the hotels themselves and the beach (!) are incredible.
