tripboomer

We suddenly have decided to take our 23 year old son on a warm get away after Christmas. We are 50 year old parents. Thinking this may be last family time for awhile due to college graduation and hopefully a new job!!! We have never been anywhere really. We are looking for a beautiful beach front location, possibly all inclusive, just relaxing. Snorkeling. Some adventure options close by. For January 1st for 4 days. Any place be less expensive over all? Ease of getting there and back important. We are flying out of Indianapolis. Thank you!!

KVR

We've been to all four. Cayman is very nice with a great beach, but may be a little expensive with food and drink. The snorkeling is great Only 2 AI hotels; the Marriott and the Reef Resort.

Bahamas may be a little too cool to enjoy the pools and ocean.

USVI is also very nice with some great beaches. St. Thomas has 3 AI's; the Marriott, The Wyndham Sugar Bay and Bolonga Bay. You can take the ferry over to St. John and book boating trips to the British Virgina Islands.

The DR has tons of AI properties, so if you really want an AI that would be a good place. However, we prefer the Playa del Carmen of Mexico area better if you really want an AI hotel. Mexico and the DR will be less expenive and give you more bang for your buck.

Of the places you mentioned, Grand Cayman is my first choice with the USVI coming in second.

TPAYT

I agree with KVR. After visiting all of your choices, Grand Cayman would be the best in January if you can afford it.

Otherwise to save a few bucks, the Riviera Maya south of Cancun is your best bet---very good prices and beautiful resorts.

We,ve been to the Bahamas and Virgins often and would not go again before the end of Feb.---can it be great weather, yes. But it can also be very cool.

Dominican Republic, Punta Cana was one of the prettiest beaches we've been on, but otherwise not one of our favorites. Of course there are others who love it there. Just my opinion.

schmerl

I also agree with KVR. Bahamas is not warm enough at that time of year. I've been to all the other places you mentioned in December and they are all nice and warm.
I too would recommend looking into Mexico's Rivier Maya. Lots of AI resorts, ruins to explore, zip lines if you want adventure.

tripboomer

Thanks! All very helpful. Do you think all inclusive is worth the extra? We've never been to one. Seems like it would be easier.......but is it worth the price? We are not big eaters or drinkers.........

KVR

It depends on which location you choose. We are big AI fans, but many on this forum are not. Over the years I've found that it really depends on the Island and what they have to offer. If your not big eaters or drinkers than I would say not unless if it's for the convenience and you get a really good price.

doug_stallings

All-inclusive resorts are the thing to do in the Dominican Republic, and I'd almost always choose that option in most of the tourist areas of the DR, if only because there aren't very many independent restaurants except in a few places like Juan Dolio and Cabarete. But the truth is on almost all other islands (except perhaps Jamaica), if you don't eat a lot of elaborate meals or drink to excess, you don't get your money's worth. You can spend less by planning your budget carefully; having a kitchenette in your room definitely helps.

schmerl

We like an AI resort when we just want to relax and not have to worry about where we're going to eat or what we're going to do every night.

Knowing

We have been to all except the DR. Would suggest Wyndham Sugar Bay on St Thomas in the USVI if you are considering an A/I. You can still take a cab into Charlotte Amalie or to Red Hook. Your son can also do a little exploring on his own then.

mamamia66

I would suggest going to Grand Cayman if you want a totally relaxing getaway with your son. Have done St. John too & loved it although hated having to drive to beaches. Stayed at Caneel Bay so eventually turned in our rental car & stayed put at their 7 perfect beaches. I agree that if you are doing A/I go to Riviera Maya in Mexico. I've stayed at Barcelo Maya 3 x & loved it! Great snorkeling from the beach, awesome food and beautiful grounds. Can't imagine you wouldn't get your money's worth!

sophia1

If you go the the Mayan Riviera you could also consider staying in Playa del Carmen at a hotel or apartment rental - lots of great restaurants, pretty affordable, Tulum ruins nearby, Akumal and other locations for snorkeling. We went last March and rented a 2 bedroom apartment. Are going to Caymans this coming March!