StanKase

We have not been to an all-inclusive since we took our daughter to Club Med's in Eleuthera and Martinique 25-27 yrs. ago. It was not condusive for us in terms of accommodations, food (not 50% buffets) and age group we are now-60-61 yrs. old. We are avid snorkelers and prefer couples only but not with honeymooners (20-35) exclusively. If average age is 50 that is fine if accommodations are 4+ star as are activities and staff. Any suggestios based on your visits in the past 2-3 years? We would go in Nov. 2007 for 6 or 7 nights.
Thanks.

owa

StanKase, I was surprised at your question. As much as you travel, I thought you had been to all of them. This will be interesting.

Since I'm always looking for places to go with my children and grandchildren, do you travel with your daughter, etc? Good luck, Owa

ScubaMom

Stan are you a member of Andrew Harpers Luxury Travel? If not, then you might consider joining. The Hideaway Report highlights top resorts, includes reviews and the Collection also gives specials to members. https://www.andrewharper.com

KVR

As much as we like AI resorts, luxury and AI really don't really go together. However, there are exceptions. I would look at Royal Plantation in Jamaica, Half Moon in Jamaica, and the brand new Royal Cancun in Cancun, MX. Also www.luxurylink.com should have info on luxury type resorts. You'll have to sort out if any have an AI option.

vinceygirl

Raffles on Canouan in the Grenadines.

schmerl

The Iberostar Paraiso Grand recently opened in Mexico's Riviera Maya. It's top of the line, adults only, butler service, heated indoor outdoor pools, right on the beach. Total pampering.

blamona

The ultimate one, with excellent snorkeling (I know that's important StanKase!) would be Cayo Espanto in Belize. Although it is very private and isolated, so you may be looking for other active 60 year olds to hang out with-only 9 villas on whole island.

beachdreams3

You may want to look at the BodyHoliday at LeSport in St. Lucia or its sister property, LaSource in Grenada (the latter is expected to reopen later this year). Some reasons why LeSport (where I have been) may be a good fit for you: adults only, off-beach snorkeling, mixed age range (my guess would be that mid to late 40s was the average age), and served dinners (not buffets) every night except Wednesday when they have a Caribbean buffet. Reasons why LeSport may not be a good fit for you include: some of the rooms may be more three star quality (US standards) than four star,breakfast and lunch are all buffets, or you can get lighter fare at the beachfront "deli" where you order at counter and they bring your food to the table, and it is not "couples only". I haven't been to LaSource but understand it is pretty similar to LeSport, except the facilities will be newer since it has undergone extensive renovations (it has been closed since hurricane Ivan hit Grenada). Both resorts also attract a lot more Europeans (particulary from the UK) than Americans if this matters to you.

beachplum

Meridan Club, Pine Cay, Turks and Caicos

owa

Stan, I would not go to BodyHoliday in St. Lucia. I know some of the resorts you have tried, and this doesn't come close. We stayed there on our last night in St. Lucia, and would never dream of going back. Owa

StanKase

Thanks; With all the travel we have done my question was more about the "Sandles-St. Lucian" type(not there necessarily). Cayo is wonderful but it almost "broke the bank" in a 5 night stay 4 years ago. The Meridian Club,PI, Biras Creek (not good snorkeling I found out first hand. I actually found out 2004 was the last year the coral was "alive and well&quot Parrot Cay, PSV, etc. were not all-inclusive with daily scuba, snorkel, para-sailing, etc.in the rate, by my question.
We prefer not going back to Mexico though last trip to FS-Punta Mita was very enjoyable (but no snorkeling) it is ala carte as many hotels/resorts are.
I hope that clarifies my question. Maybe what I am looking for at the level I seek (<$1000/day for 2)does not exist in the Caribbean.

ElaineF

Stan,
I saw that you posted on the Egypt board about Taba, did you go? Did you enjoy it? How was the snorkling?

I hope you find an AI resort!!!!

beachplum

In the TCI, one goes out to the reef for good snorkeling and diving and the Meridian Club did provide daily trips to do the same - think that there was a charge for diving but not for the snorkeling but no para-sailing, etc. And, of course, I wouldn't choose TCI in the winter because it's just not far enough south to be warm enough for me!

StanKase

Beachplum; I just do not thinkthe rooms including the Honeymoon Cottage are up to the standard of the rates I have paid in 3 visits over about 12-13 years (last visit in 2004), I think. Also, snorkeling where they go is not nearly the best in the T&C's.
Also, food is inconsistent. The first two visits in the 1990's was first rate but in 2004 it was only average. Friends who went in April-May 2005 also were not impressed with the food.

ScubaMom

I agree with everything Stan said about The Meridian Club! Motel 6 accommodations with very iffy food. A long white sand beach isn't everything, especially for $900 a night!!

Not to mention it was the ugliest island we've ever visited. Scrub cactus and sea grass.

ScubaMom

Stan, how about the new Jade Mountain at Anse Chastanet on St. Lucia? Very exclusive and there's still healthy reefs nearby.

Odin

Coco Reef in Tobago? Not that I have been but am thinking of it for later this year. I believe the snorkeling in Tobago is good but not sure the hotels are up to standard.

beachplum

LOL ... just to prove that one's man's medicine is another's poison! Meridian is not gold-plated by any means (and doesn't pretend to be) but then give me a wonderful beach (it exceeded all expectations) and the compete privacy and remoteness and I'll take it any day! I do recall that they were very accomodating and often prepared "off the menu" for a special diet so that might be the difference in the food which, in itself, didn't light any gourmet candles. And, of course, Scubamom you and I are miles apart on PSV too! Thankfully there are lots of spots (altho picking seems slim when it comes to high end "all inclusive&quot 'cause if we all headed to the same, we probably wouldn't get reservations!

StanKase

beachplum; While we have gone to PSV 2 or 3 times over the years, but not since 2000 or 2001 we like the stone cottages on the beach and the accessability to Tobago Cay but the food was only average and the Owner/G.M., Haze Richardson is not the friendliest person.
About Tobago, we stayed at te Blue Horizon 6-8 years ago through LuxuryLink and found it just o'k. The snorkeling was marginally good then but the diving was better.It is on LuxuryLink all the time as is Biras Creek that tells me "something", don't you agree.
Is Jade Mountain a really an AI and boutique-like with children over 10-12 years old. I hear mixed reviews about the snorkeling. That is why though we have gone to probably 20 islandsin the Caribbean/Bahamas we have yet to go to St. Lucia.
We were going to Egypt and Israel in May but the political climate in Israel/Palestine is troublesome. We really want to do both if we are so close to Israel when in Egypt. Hopefully 2008 will be a better time but I have said hat for several years now.

virginia

hi stankase, one of my best friends has just returned from palm island, st.v&g's. tobago cays has some outstanding snorkeling and diving and she said is approx 30 mins boat ride. she said the food was quite good and the service very nice as well. beach drops off sharply not to far out so the swimming could be better. this may be a sand shifting issue though.
their beachfront cottages are $920 until april 15 then 795 until december. and has king sized beds - isn't it you that needs them?
www.eliteislandresorts.com