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Okay, after literally months of research and 2 travel agents, I come to you with a question:
Jamaica or Mexico?
Specifically, "Couples" Negril, or "Secrets" Maroma Beach in Playa del Carmen?
I am also open to the El Dorado Maroma.
We must have:
gorgeous white sand beach,
delicious food,
a jacuzzi in the room,
room service,
privacy.
And, yknow, it seems like both places have those things.
I really could care less about the sports that the resort organizes (we are musicians, we don't play volleyball).
The travel agent told me she thinks that the people in Jamaica are friendlier, but for some reason I think she just had a bad experience in Mexico. I am more drawn to Mexico because I speak a little Spanish and want to visit the Mayan ruins. Travel agent says that most of the attractions in Jamaica are on the other side of the island, but that Negril is the best beach. However, I am interested in the nude beach and possible ganja at Couples Negril.
So I ask you all for your suggestions.
To honeymoon in Negril, Jamaica or Playa del Carmen, Mexico?
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If you choose Negril, you would probably prefer Couples Swept Away as it is closer to the action when you venture off resort which you should if you want to check out the reggae shows or just walk the 7 mile beach. Couples is quite a bit further north down the beach and doesn't really have any neighboring properties other than Sandals.
I have never met a friendlier group of people than I have in Mexico. The staff of the resorts there are top notch, friendly, hard working, etc.
Secrets Maroma is a wonderful resort. Have you looked into the honeymoon suites at the Iberostar Paraiso Grand??
Also...I feel MUCH safer going off the reosrt in Mexico than in Jamaica.
Maroma Beach is much nicer than Negril's Bloody Bay, which is where Couples Negril is located. Secrets Maroma is (IMHO) a nicer, more luxurious resort than any of the Couples properties. I prefer Mexico over Jamaica, but it's a personal choice. I find the locals friendly in both locals, but Jamaica a little more agressive. I agree, I feel much safer walking off a resort in Mexico than in Jamaica.
I cant speak for Secrets but my wife and I are seasoned traveler and we were VERY much impressed with Couples Swept Away - Negril. This was the first time we had ever done an all inclusive as we just wanted to turn our brains off and relax. We've been to Jamaica dozens of times and yet we were still impressed with how S.Away made an effor to serve local foods and such. A very pretty property on a superb beach. IMHO.
Having been to both Couples and Couples Swept Away, I would reccomend the latter overall.
Given your list of requirements, you will find all of them at both Couples and Maroma. I personally prefer the beach at Swept Away (white sands, calm, warm water). I also personally prefer the vibe in Negril and the food at Swept Away (all personal choices again) but I would say the rooms at Maroma are quite a level up in terms of comfort and luxury, than either of the Couple's properties.
Not sure if you want the ganja and nude beach, or are trying to avoid them