Jill

Old College friends, all married, are getting together for a carribean all inclusive trip in April. Any suggestions on which resorts are the best value? We aren't interested in Jamaica but open to any other islands. Thanks

Laura

Jill, I would suggest Jack Tar Village in St. Kitts - I've been there three times and just love it! <BR> <BR>If you want an island that's a bit more sophisticated in terms of nightlife and shopping, I would recommend Aruba. Many nice resorts there - the Holiday Inn has the best deal on the island for an all-inclusive, I'm heading back there in a few weeks for the second year in a row. <BR> <BR>Let me know if you have any further questions. <BR> <BR>Laura

Kevin

Jill I would recommmend the Almond Beach village in Barbados. Good food, great beach and plenty to do right at the resort and within walking distance to town if you care to enjoy the local culture. The only drawback to Barbados is a lack of golf, but if you're not into golf its a great vacation spot

becky

See my reply to Forum question #2 on the Dominican Republic. <BR>Also, I would agree with the reponse about Almond Beach Club in Barbados---our friends finally got in for this xmas---it is very popular, but Barbados is too expensive for me: $2400 for 1 week; I will await their comments with great interest.

Cassie

I only travel all-inclusives. Found a nice one in Cancun - the Blue Bay Village. It is an adults-only inclusive in Cancun [apparently the only one that is adults-only]. Very casual, nice beach, 2 pretty pools, plenty of deck chairs, nightlife exciting in Cancun if you want it. This resort only has about 250 rooms, which is a big plus in my book. Too big an all-inclusive causes lots of standing in line. Nice buffet meals and a couple of included speciality restaurants. Take the all day trip to Chichen Itza if you go. It takes ALL day, and is about $100 per person, but well worth it in my opinion. Cancun is one of the least expensive Caribbean destinations. <BR>

Cassie

I only travel all-inclusives. Found a nice one in Cancun - the Blue Bay Village. It is an adults-only inclusive in Cancun [apparently the only one that is adults-only]. Very casual, nice beach, 2 pretty pools, plenty of deck chairs, nightlife exciting in Cancun if you want it. This resort only has about 250 rooms, which is a big plus in my book. Too big an all-inclusive causes lots of standing in line. Nice buffet meals and a couple of included speciality restaurants. Take the all day trip to Chichen Itza if you go. It takes ALL day, and is about $100 per person, but well worth it in my opinion. Cancun is one of the least expensive Caribbean destinations. <BR>

Leslie

I would recommend St. Lucia -just went in Sept for honeymoon and really enjoyed the island. Very lush and beautiful, with plenty to do. Get the feeling of being in Paradise, without losing the option of stuff to do- you aren't in a totally deserted island. <BR>We stayed at Sandals Halcyon, which we really enjoyed and highly recommend for couples looking for a romantic holiday, with plenty of activity and fun along with it. We loved the food, activities (didn't have any pressure to participate in anything we didn't want to- contrary to some reports that Sandals pressures/bugs you to "play along"). Sandals Halcyon is the smaller of the 2 Sandals on the island, and we prefered it after checking out both. I agree with the previous posting, that said too big resorts often equal less personal service, lineups and impersonal atmosphere. At Sandals Halcyon, many of the staff knew us by name, and we felt at "home" right away. It still is big enough to offer everything on site, including 3 restaurants, 2 pools, a good beach and the list goes on. <BR>If you would like, and are interested in St. Lucia=I can provide you with my trip report on the island and in particular our stay at Halcyon. Just email me : [email protected] if you would like me to send you one. <BR> <BR>Either way, have a wonderful trip and have lots of fun!

J BUCHANAN

I'd also recommend the Almond Village Beach Resort in Barbados. There is an executive 9 hole golf course on the property and it is included in your package. Take your own balls as the golf is free, but the balls are $3.00 US each food great, entertaing great and they have a dine around program where you can choose a restaurant on the island and they'll transport you there free, your dinner is free -- booze extra -- they have nine pools so if your whole group can get accomodation in the same area you'd almost have your own private party. Accomodation are very nice with coffee makers, hairdryers & satellite TV in your room. We've been to about a dozen all inclusive resorts on different caribbean islands and this is our favourite.

Leslie again

Jill: re: Almond Beach <BR>I've never been, but began to research for a future trip...and unfortunetly found many bad reports on this resort company and Almond Beach "Club" (couples only) in particular. I know that there are always going to be some that hate and some that love a resort...but thought I'd warn you of what I've found. This resort is very expensive and rated in some travel sites as 5 star and others as 2 1/2-3 star??? We also spoke with a couple on our plane ride home from St. Lucia that got on in Barbados. They had just spent a "horrible week" at Almond Beach Club, and said it was not a good trip. Complaints were mostly very poor, unfreindly staff, not good food, and definetly not a 5 star!!! <BR>If you'd like to read one of the reports that i recently read, go to: <BR>http://caribtravelnews.com/ctr_indx.htm <BR> <BR>