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Help! We're first-timers to the Caribbean!! Which island should we visit?

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Help! We're first-timers to the Caribbean!! Which island should we visit?

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Old Jul 20th, 2011, 10:23 AM
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Help! We're first-timers to the Caribbean!! Which island should we visit?

My husband and I are planning a trip to the Caribbean next summer (June 2012) to celebrate our 12th anniversary & my 40th birthday.

This will be our first trip to the Caribbean. We are looking for an all-inclusive resort, right on a white sand beach (so not on a cliff), adults only preferred (we're leaving our 2 boys at home). My dream scene would be the Corona commercial. I also would like to have a beach cocktail bar where there is a steel drum band playing (not necessarily part of the resort).
We will be flying from Kansas City, MO, so we probably don't want a long flight that will take all day to one of the further located islands.

We would like some excursions (treetop zipline tours, water activities...not really into snorkeling), but we really just want to relax on the beach or at the pool.

Our budget? Nothing extremely expensive...nothing really cheap...I'm not really sure...still trying to get ideas, so any ideas are appreciated!!
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Old Jul 20th, 2011, 12:48 PM
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www.bookit.com

Excellence Resorts Couplesresorts.com

Jamaica good vibe cheap flights good AIS

Lots of adventure climb Dunne's River Falls zip etc

www.puntacana.com also good not as much adventure

Hard Rock new best for gaming good beach adventure not so much

luxurylink.com another good value site...

Happy Hunting!
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Old Jul 20th, 2011, 12:48 PM
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www.bookit.com

Excellence Resorts Couplesresorts.com

Jamaica good vibe cheap flights good AIS

Lots of adventure climb Dunne's River Falls zip etc

www.puntacana.com also good not as much adventure

Hard Rock new best for gaming good beach adventure not so much

luxurylink.com another good value site...

Happy Hunting!
qwovadis is offline  
Old Jul 20th, 2011, 12:50 PM
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couples.com sorry
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Old Jul 20th, 2011, 01:24 PM
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The majority of AI Adult only resorts will be located in Mexico and Jamaica.

You might want to check out the Jewell Dunn's River in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The only adult AI that I can think of that offers a beach party with a steel drum band. We are heading there in December. The Couples resorts are also widely recommended in Jamaica.

In Mexico, look at the Royal Playa del Carmen, any Secrets, Iberostars, El Dorados or Excellance resorts. I see more of a Corona commercial setting in Mexico.
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Old Jul 20th, 2011, 11:18 PM
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I'd recommend Barbados for first time visitors, no idea on flying time/route from where ever you are but effort is often required to get somewhere as you describe. Also Couples Swept Away Negril, Jamaica might be ok too, since it is on a white sand beach and is AI.
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Old Jul 21st, 2011, 03:38 AM
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Barbados would be a wonderful destination with ziplining, lots of watersports, submarine tours, island safaris, horseback riding and lots more.

There are a few AIs on the island but most accept kids. Almond Beach Club & Spa is located on the west coast and is adults only - see http://www.almondresorts.com/the-res...each-club-spa/ for details.

Wherever you choose, I wish you a wonderful vacation, happy anniversary and Happy Birthday.
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Old Jul 21st, 2011, 07:10 AM
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Royal Suites Yucatan - Palladium Resort - Riviera Maya
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Old Jul 21st, 2011, 01:02 PM
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There are no AIs in Saint Martin or in Sint Maarten.
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Old Oct 12th, 2011, 07:01 PM
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moxiejacobs:
St Maarten/St Martin fits the bill. Some of the best beaches I've seen. Orient Beach is pretty calm, does not drop off suddenly, and has great Beach Bars. There are umbrellas, chairs and restaurants. There is, on the island a Butterfly garden, zip-lines, and two Capitol cities to shop in. I'm not really familiar with the hotels there (at Orient Beach). I'm partial to hillside suites overlooking the water and we stay at Dawn Beach. The Westin is right on the beach at Dawn Beach but I can't recommend it since I have not stayed there. I'm not a foodie but I am told Grand Case (a small town near Orient Beach) has dozens of restaurants and gourmet food. There must be two dozen beaches on the island. Lots of places to sunbathe. Oh, one final point, this is a very European island and topless is common and nude is allowed in some places.
Meski is offline  
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