My husband and I are planning a four day romantic getaway for our 10 year anniversary coming up in October. We didn't get to do a honeymoon immediately after we got married so I want to make up for that with this trip. We can only go for four nights because we now have two young children who will not be joining us. We want a luxury all-inclusive. We want a nice beach, nice pool(s) with a swim up bar, great food, nice spa, great guest room/suite. We want to get the most for our money, flying from Florida and looking to spend less than $2500.00. My research has narrowed it down to Sandals and Secrets, either in Mexico or Jamaica. I need some advice from people who have stayed at both places, what would the better choice for us be given our desires?
Secrets or Sandals? Mexico or Jamaica?
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Have been to Mexico x 12, Jamaica x 2 and 2 Sandals resorts not in Jamaica.
Sandals is so hyped and overpriced for what they offer. Trust me their commericals and brochures are nothing like real life.
My choice would be Mexico over Jamaica. Mexico is less expensive and the resorts are way more lux for the money. I felt more comfortable walking off a resort in Mexico than I ever did in Jamaica. I would go with Secrets Maroma in Mexico if that was my only choices. However, given the choice, I would definatly go with the El Dorado Maroma or the Iberostar Grand Parsaio over Secrects. Maroma beach is the nicest beach in that area. Sorry, Negril fans, it's blows Jamaica away IMPO.
If you do decide on Jamaica, I would go with the Jewell Dunn's River in Ocho Rios. It was formally a Sandals resort. We really enjoyed that resort and it was way less expensive than Secrets or the Iberostars.
I have not been to those specific resorts (or even an AI) but I have been 3 times to Jamaica and 20+ to Mexico.
My personal opinion is that you get a lot more bang-for-your-buck in Mexico. I also find the local people a lot friendlier and less confrontational.
Secrets is new in Jamaica and still in its formative stage..Sandals as KVR stated, is hyped and overpriced for what they offer so i would recommend Jewel Dunns River if you do decide to come to Jamaica. Yow would definitely have a grand time at this resort