Best All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort for Mid-lifers (45+)?
Jul 25th, 2013, 10:01 PM
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Best All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort for Mid-lifers (45+)?
I am researching AI, adult only resorts in Jamaica, and the following two questions are still lingering in my mind: 1) "Which hotel will we feel most comfortable at due to age"? We are mid-40's and celebrating our 20th anniversary. "Back in the day" we were the life of the party, but kids and careers (and some common sense) has slowed us down a bit. Although, we still plan to enjoy some cocktails and some nightlife, we would want some peace and quiet, as well.
2) Which resorts will have a variety of ages? Which resorts are packed with young, beautiful people only? Is there resorts that cater to gen x-ers? Or baby boomers? We do not need the nursing home yet...haha...but would like to feel connected to other resort guests.
PLEASE HELP! We do not want to feel as if we stumbled across the "one-night stand" resort wearing a sign that says "service me". ;-)
2) Which resorts will have a variety of ages? Which resorts are packed with young, beautiful people only? Is there resorts that cater to gen x-ers? Or baby boomers? We do not need the nursing home yet...haha...but would like to feel connected to other resort guests.
PLEASE HELP! We do not want to feel as if we stumbled across the "one-night stand" resort wearing a sign that says "service me". ;-)
Jul 26th, 2013, 09:39 AM
#2
I am not an expert on All-Inclusives, but I suggest looking at Negril, since you want to go to Jamaica.
The town attracts a diverse crowd, has for many years. I was there on a reunion trip with dear old friends celebrating 60th b-days.
The town attracts a diverse crowd, has for many years. I was there on a reunion trip with dear old friends celebrating 60th b-days.
Jul 26th, 2013, 09:50 AM
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I have yet to ever see, visit, or hear of an AI resort in the Caribbean that is "packed with young, beautiful people only". It just doesn't exist.
Most of the resort I've been to have a diversity of ages, and I think you are over thinking the whole age thing.
I would concentrate more on what you want from your vacation as far as beaches, activites, dining, lodging.
If you want to avoid the young spring break crowd....don't go in March. Other than that, worry about what you want to do, because the age thing just won't matter.
I'm the same age as you....and we have met other couples from all age groups. Our last vacation we hung out all week with a couple that was 20 years younger....and another couple that was 10+ years older....and we all got along and had a great time.
Most of the resort I've been to have a diversity of ages, and I think you are over thinking the whole age thing.
I would concentrate more on what you want from your vacation as far as beaches, activites, dining, lodging.
If you want to avoid the young spring break crowd....don't go in March. Other than that, worry about what you want to do, because the age thing just won't matter.
I'm the same age as you....and we have met other couples from all age groups. Our last vacation we hung out all week with a couple that was 20 years younger....and another couple that was 10+ years older....and we all got along and had a great time.
Jul 27th, 2013, 04:05 AM
#5
I have found Club Med brand of AIs to include "older" adults. Don't know if one in jamaica though.
Most AIs aren't packed young par tiers, usually they can't afford to travel, so you will always find all ages at them. (adults)
Most AIs aren't packed young par tiers, usually they can't afford to travel, so you will always find all ages at them. (adults)
Jul 27th, 2013, 05:40 AM
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We stayed at the Iberostar Grand a couple of years ago and loved it. The Iberostar basically has 3 resorts together: the all-adult Grand, the more family oriented Rose Hall Suites and the least expensive Rose Hall Beach which seemed to attract a younger set. We are older than you and didn't feel out of place at all. There was a mix of young honeymooners to older couples simply looking for a lovely carefree beach holiday.
Staying at the Grand you have access to all three properties but the only people allowed on the Grand property are those staying there. There are some common areas like the shopping area and the nightclub (which was definitely hopping) where all guests are welcomed but the Grand also has its own cabaret and bars. We saw some good shows (they have them nightly) and some excellent talent in the piano bar. The food is also quite good. There are four restaurants: Japanese, Italian, gourmet and steak house and also a buffet-type restaurant. Breakfasts were delicious with an unbelievable buffet spread. Lunch was available in a beachside restaurant and most days we were there they also brought a beach bbq where they offered lobster almost every day. We were standing in line one day and the woman behind us said "I never thought I'd get tired of lobster until I came here."
We went in March, which is high season, so I don't know if all of this is offered during low season. You didn't say when you are traveling.
We have also stayed at the Iberostar Grand in Mexico. They are excellent resorts.
We've also researched Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away. We've tried going to Swept Away several times and they are always sold out for our dates. We'll get there one day.
Now to your fears about the young and beautiful on Caribbean beaches and feeling out of place. This is most definitely an unfounded fear. You'll see a mix of young and old and all shapes and sizes everywhere, just like in real life. The only place we have ever really seen a lot of young and beautiful is in St. Barts. And we still go there and don't feel out of place at all.
Staying at the Grand you have access to all three properties but the only people allowed on the Grand property are those staying there. There are some common areas like the shopping area and the nightclub (which was definitely hopping) where all guests are welcomed but the Grand also has its own cabaret and bars. We saw some good shows (they have them nightly) and some excellent talent in the piano bar. The food is also quite good. There are four restaurants: Japanese, Italian, gourmet and steak house and also a buffet-type restaurant. Breakfasts were delicious with an unbelievable buffet spread. Lunch was available in a beachside restaurant and most days we were there they also brought a beach bbq where they offered lobster almost every day. We were standing in line one day and the woman behind us said "I never thought I'd get tired of lobster until I came here."
We went in March, which is high season, so I don't know if all of this is offered during low season. You didn't say when you are traveling.
We have also stayed at the Iberostar Grand in Mexico. They are excellent resorts.
We've also researched Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away. We've tried going to Swept Away several times and they are always sold out for our dates. We'll get there one day.
Now to your fears about the young and beautiful on Caribbean beaches and feeling out of place. This is most definitely an unfounded fear. You'll see a mix of young and old and all shapes and sizes everywhere, just like in real life. The only place we have ever really seen a lot of young and beautiful is in St. Barts. And we still go there and don't feel out of place at all.
Jul 27th, 2013, 06:27 AM
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My daughter and I went to the Iberostar Rose Hall Suites in Montego Bay for her best friend's wedding in March.
Sharona you took the words right out of my mouth as I also was going to recommend The Grand. Although we were not permitted to visit this property, we walked over to take a dip as the water in front was the prettiest of the three. It looks gorgeous.
If your an all inclusive kinda' traveller than you cannot beat Iberostar. Service was excellent, the food was good, some restaurants better than others. We had a great time and it was so nice to see an all inclusive "done" right!
If you choose to fly into Montego Bay try to take advantage of Club MoBay. There is a $30 or so fee each way but you are whisked in and out avoiding any lines, which could be very long as it was for me both times in the past year. During your outbound flight you can relax in the lounge with complimentary drinks and snacks and a menu to order from.
Happy Travels,
Albee
Sharona you took the words right out of my mouth as I also was going to recommend The Grand. Although we were not permitted to visit this property, we walked over to take a dip as the water in front was the prettiest of the three. It looks gorgeous.
If your an all inclusive kinda' traveller than you cannot beat Iberostar. Service was excellent, the food was good, some restaurants better than others. We had a great time and it was so nice to see an all inclusive "done" right!
If you choose to fly into Montego Bay try to take advantage of Club MoBay. There is a $30 or so fee each way but you are whisked in and out avoiding any lines, which could be very long as it was for me both times in the past year. During your outbound flight you can relax in the lounge with complimentary drinks and snacks and a menu to order from.
Happy Travels,
Albee
Jul 27th, 2013, 03:26 PM
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The majority of AI resorts in Jamaica are located in Montego Bay. The Iberostars and Secrets are chains that are also in Mexico and the DR. Those resorts gets really good reviews in all locations. Most people try to avoid Montego Bay as it can be more crowded than say Negril.
Most people recommend the Negril area as it's much calmer and quiter. However the AI options there are limited to Couples Negril, Sandals Negril the 2 RIU's and Sunset at the Palms. Having been to 2 Sandals, I'm not a fan. The Couples resorts get strong recommendations and return visitors, but I was never keen on their nude policies and I feel the Iberostar and Secrets resorts are much nicer. I would avoid the RIU's like the plague. We stayed at the RIU Tropical Bay in Negril and I would rate it as one of the worst AI's we have been to. I would go with Sunset at the Palms instead even though it's across the street from the beach.
We have also stayed at the Jewell Dunn's River Resort in Ocho Rios. Of all the AI resorts we've been to, we liked this one and rate it second to the Royal Playa del Carmen in Mexico. We are a little older than you and have been to many AI resorts throughout Mexico and the Caribbean and never felt out of place with our age. Most AI resorts now are getting rather pricey and only mature adults are able to afford them especially the ultra lux resorts.
"PLEASE HELP! We do not want to feel as if we stumbled across the "one-night stand" resort wearing a sign that says "service me".
Stay away from the Hedo resorts and the Club Meds that are for singles.
Most people recommend the Negril area as it's much calmer and quiter. However the AI options there are limited to Couples Negril, Sandals Negril the 2 RIU's and Sunset at the Palms. Having been to 2 Sandals, I'm not a fan. The Couples resorts get strong recommendations and return visitors, but I was never keen on their nude policies and I feel the Iberostar and Secrets resorts are much nicer. I would avoid the RIU's like the plague. We stayed at the RIU Tropical Bay in Negril and I would rate it as one of the worst AI's we have been to. I would go with Sunset at the Palms instead even though it's across the street from the beach.
We have also stayed at the Jewell Dunn's River Resort in Ocho Rios. Of all the AI resorts we've been to, we liked this one and rate it second to the Royal Playa del Carmen in Mexico. We are a little older than you and have been to many AI resorts throughout Mexico and the Caribbean and never felt out of place with our age. Most AI resorts now are getting rather pricey and only mature adults are able to afford them especially the ultra lux resorts.
"PLEASE HELP! We do not want to feel as if we stumbled across the "one-night stand" resort wearing a sign that says "service me".
Stay away from the Hedo resorts and the Club Meds that are for singles.
Aug 11th, 2013, 09:39 AM
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June, 2012 we spent a week at the Iberostar Grand Rose Hall in Montego Bay. We highly recommend it. You will see couples of all ages. Some honeymooners and some celebrating birthdays and anniversary. We would go back. This June we spent a week at the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso in Mexico and enjoyed that hotel just as much. Can't go wrong with either hotel for adult only all inclusive. Iberostar Grand hotels are known for their customer service. Whatever you want, just ask, and they will try to accommodate you. You will have a butler to help you with any request/question/problem. A perfect place to celebrate an anniversary.
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