homebody

We want to go to any island in the Caribbean. We've been told to go to Atlantis or one of the Beaches for the kids (two sons-12&17). Date is late March. We are afraid kids will be bored if we go to BVI or St. John's, but they sound beautiful. Is $4000 for a week unrealistic? Would it be cheaper and actually more fun to rent a house or villa somewhere? Yes, we're quite clueless. Any info would be appreciated from all you world travelers!

wtggirl

You are traveling at spring break time and this is the main thing working against you and your travel dollars. I do not know where you are traveling from, but the best value all around is in the Mayan Riviera all inclusives. This is south of Cancun and very different than Cancun, which is college spring break heaven (or hell). The Mayan Riviera is where all the huge all inclusive resorts are. Go to Iberostar.com for some examples of nices ones. The beaches are to die for and there are really a lot of day trips there as well including the Mayan Ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza AND trips to the ecological parks of Xel-Ha and Xcaret. I have been in the travel industry a long time and during a peak travel time I can promise you that this will be one of your best values- but don't wait to book or it won't be available. Oh, and price depends on your departure city. For 4,000 I think you may have to stay 5 nights during spring break time.

benj

We went to Beaches Negril (Jamaica) in May with our 2 older kids. To be honest, it was geared for the younger crowd. The pre-teen to older teen activities were pretty much not to be found. My daughter was 17 & there was nothing for her to do other than the adult type activities. The snorkeling & watersports are great & having all food & drink included is nice. We spent about $4800 for 5 days. March is still high season & prices might be more.

Our next trip will probably find us renting a villa at Moon Dance Villas. We could get a 2 bedroom villa with our own cook & bartender for about the same price. It is super pampering & they do have watersports included plus several pools.

If you can save money on your place to stay then spend it taking tours of the area. Your kids will enjoy it so much more.

tivertonhouse

If you want relaxation without worry -- and your kids want real adventure, more than just a social director at a resort-- you might check the Treasure Beach area on Jamaica's South Coast. See the community Web site at www.treasurebeach.net. There's a full spectrum of accomodations -- but NO huge resorts and nothing as plastic as Atlantis. Villa accomodations would save you money (but book now -- anywhere in Caribbean -- if you're going 19-31 March which is peak demand. Guided mt.biking and sea kayaking with pro guides; boat trips through dolphin waters to Pelican Bar and then up and 12 miles into Black River's Great Morass for crocodile/wildlife watching;swimming with manatees at Alligator Hole;snorkelling out at Sunny Isles --
playing Tarxan on the liana vines at YS Falls/and tubing downstream -- there's
lots to explore here that would keep teens surprised. It's country Jamaica -- the real Jamaica, not the resortlands--
you might all enjoy discovering. And remembering.

girlonthego

Hi we just stayed at the Atlantis and your boys would love it, BUT very expensive... VERY expensive. I think we spent about 4000.for four nights. (It was a special occasion)Your boys would also be adults there and that would add up. I recommend Aruba! We went during spring break last year and had a blast! We stayed at the Marriott Stellaris Hotel and loved it. Airfares will be pricey, but you may be able to get them now for a decent rate. (it also depends where you are coming from) There are a million watersports activities right in front of the hotels. We went on Marriott points so I am not sure what the room would cost. I am guessing around 350 per night. It is a safe place and has good drinking water (unlike some other places). There is a forum called aruba-bb.com You can post questions and people can tell you a million things about Aruba. It is a big time share place and maybe that would be better and would save having a kitchen. I don't recommend the Holiday Inn there. It looked tired and worn to me. Good luck.

Dreamer2

If you want to do the Atlantis thing, but are priced out of on-site, you could consider the Comfort Suites that is owned by Atlantis. They have full access to all the Altantis pools, Dig, beach, etc., but you just have a 20-25 minute walk over.
As expensive as Atlantis is, I think Beaches ends up being even more, and for a whole lot less quality.