flan24

My husband and I are thinking about traveling to the Caribbean for the first time this coming February (2/10-2/16/13). Neither of us have ever traveled to somewhere like this, so I feel we are going in alittle blind. We have done a ton of research on websites, talking to our friends and families that have all traveled to these places. We really are just unsure of which way to go. We have it narrowed down to either Jamaica or the Dominican Republic. My husband bores very easily so there needs to be actives to keep him occupied (games, water/land excursions, sightseeing, etc.) The obvious choice for us is to go all inclusive. Any suggestions on where to stay, where not to stay, things to see/do, etc. would be greatly appreciated and very welcomed.

schmerl

Not much to do off the resorts in the DR .
I would actually suggest Mexico's Riviera Maya area for you. Loads of all inclusive resorts with lots of activities going on. Ruins to visit, cenotes to snorkel, zip lines, etc.

KVR

I agree with schmerl. We love that area and one of the reasons why is because there is so much to see and do off the resorts. Also because they have the best AI resorts at the best price.

Check out this site for things to see and do. I have used them many times.

http://www.playadelcarmentours.com/

I would suggest the Royal Playa del Carmen. Nice AI adults only resort within walking distance to 5th Avenue. Plenty of shops, restuarants, bars and entertainment.

If you are not intereted in Mexico I would definatly say Jamaica over the DR. Negril gets the highest recomendations, but we really enjoyed the Jewel Dunn's River AI resort in Ocho Rios. Good things to see and do there, but you will need to hire a driver to take you around. The shopping plaza was a test in patience and not for the weary minded. Negril was more laid back. I guess for things to see and do we prefered the Negril area, but for hotels, we loved the Jewel. For Negril, I would suggest Sunset at the Palms or Couples Negril. Not as many AI's to chose from in Jamaica as Mexico.

BIKINI_GURL69

flan24,
My husband and I honeymooned in Jamaica and we had plenty of activires to keep us busy as we dont like to like around either. we stayed at a sandals resort which was all inclusive and probably met some of the 2nd nicest people (1st Japan) i have ever met in all of my travels. I dont think that you can go wrong with most places in the Caribbean. Just dont forget to pack that hot little bikini and i know you probably own! Drive you man crazy, thats half the fun!

suze

I agree with the suggestion of an AI on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. There's a huge selection of resorts that fit what you describe around Playa del Carmen. I'd rate that #1 suggestion to look into.

For Jamaica, I'd like Negril. It's 90 mins from the Montego Bar airport (plenty of inexpensive shuttle services available) and is a really special place. Gorgeous 7 mile white sand beach with a number of all-inclusive resorts. A bit rustic overall.

No, not the DR, because people seem to go to Punta Cana (which is a fake built up tourist area like Cancun) and stay only there. Nothing wrong with the Dominican Republic as an island but you'd need to be the more adventurous type to rent a jeep and get out and look around to have a rich experience.

BellaClaire

If your husband likes to move around, I wound not suggest an all-inclusive. My experience (I've been to 6 AI's) is you get there and don't leave. I would go to an island like St. Maarten, where you can explore the island every day - and you can also visit neighboring islands by taking ferries and/or catamarans to St. Barts, Anguilla, and/or Saba....