Tabernash2

We are a family of four adults traveling in early June from Boston. We only have 6 nights, and want an island resort experience with gorgeous pristine beaches (preferably pink sand), snorkeling, great swimming pool(s), great food, daily maid service, room service, excursions from the resort, no car needed.

Am thinking of an all-inclusive. Will want two rooms, not a cottage to share. Considering the Columbus Isle Club Med in Bahamas, if people recommend it.

Budget is flexible, but we do love a good value. Is June 1 getting into high season?

We're celebrating some significant family milestones, so we'd like a special place that pampers us.

We know nothing about the Bahamas or Bermuda. Bermuda looks good because it's a shorter flight. But it also looks a lot more expensive (?).

Do not want to fly further than Bahamas, to minimize air travel time.

Would love your recommendations and personal experiences.

Thank you!

cmcfong

Bermuda has no all inclusives as such. You can get meal plans. Given your specs I suggest you look at The Reefs and Pompano Beach. If they don't suit, but Bermuda still interests you I can offer some alternatives. No rental cars on the island, people travel by public transportation, taxis( very expensive) or moped.

Tabernash2

Thank you, cmcfong. I will look again at those two resorts.

Do you go there often? What do you like about it?

I'm now looking at the Dominican R's all-inclusives. They seem to have sprouted everywhere there. I've been to the DR once, but to a friends house which is on the other end of the island. But there are nonstop flights from Boston that are only 2 1/4 hrs. That would be perfect.

suze

You'll want to read reviews on the Punta Cana All-Inclusives (here and on Trip Advisor). They seem to have more than their fair share of problems with people getting sick from food. Also for whatever reason visitors seem fearful to "leave the property".

gabriele

I stayed at a four star resort in Punta Cana for 10 days and never got sick. You might want to check tripadvisor reviews for any resort you are considering, if that is a concern. Beaches are much nicer than on many islands but not pink sand and I don't know if I would call them gorgeous (which for me is a description reserved for Turks and Caicos beaches). There are some gorgeous resorts to choose from, and this is one location where luxury is affordable.

Bermuda is lovely, but I was underwhelmed by the beaches -definitely would not go there for a beach vacation given all the other options if a beach vacation were my goal.

Have not been to the Club Med you are considering, but I don't know if you can expect pampering at a Club Med.

Early June is too early for most of the summer vacationers, so you should be able to get a good deal. I am getting an in box full of emails almost daily for packages for the summer, so now would be a good time to shop.

cmcfong

I go to Bermuda at least once a year. I love the water, the beaches and the civility if the people. I have a few trip reports on here which might give you some ideas about it. I have been to the Bahamas and the DR, although that was years ago. I love a quiet vacation, small parties and a slow pace. I tend to stay away from places with a great bar scene or lots of live entertainment. Bermuda has not yet legalized casinos, though I expect they are coming. It tends to be quieter and more formal than either of the other two areas. Please don't take formal to mean stuffy or pompous. Think of it as more shirts and shoes, not tee shirt and flip flops at dinner. And those great Bermuda shorts, of course.

cmcfong

If you are on Facebook, like the Bermuda Tourism page for views of the beaches.

Tabernash2

Yes, I have. Thanks!

Bermuda doesn't seem to be the place for AIs, though.

The Club Med in Bahamas has good reviews, but it only arranges Sat - Sat air transport.

I got a good price from Club Med in Turks & Caicos, which is tempting. But it's an older property and not so visually appealing. I would like a gorgeous place.

Gabriele

Tabernash2

(darned iPad.)

gabrielle, Club Med isn't known for pampering? I want Ritz Carlton pampering at Club Med pricing!

My cousin recently took her large family of adults to the Be Live Punta Cana, and they liked it. It looks nice for us. I've written to a friend of mine who lives in the DR, to ask if he has one to recommend there.

I got serious about the DR when I found that Delta flies nonstop to Punta Cana from Boston, in only 2 1/4 hours. That's great.

Thanks for your thoughts. You can see we've expanded past Bermuda and the Bahamas?

Thoughts on Club Med Turkoise?

Odin

Bermuda's beaches are very beautiful IMO and perfect for a beach vacation. The sand is pink, water clear & blue, beaches are small sandy coves, the best ones being on the south coast. But it is an upmarket destination and believe there is only one AI. Bermuda has the rare combination of having very pretty beaches and being a very pretty island with many things to do/see but if you want AI Bermuda should not even be considered. It is not in the Caribbean. Typically there are islands with beautiful beaches but flat dry landscape or islands with stunning scenery but not so great beaches. DR is a mass tourism destination & a big island which will offer many choices of AIs.

Tabernash2

Thanks, Odin. I don't think we'd want flat dry landscape. Can you recommend a resort on Bermuda?