drako

Hello,

My husband, myself and 16 month daughter plan to visit in July. I have read through some previous posts and wonder why the Sands at Grace Bay seem to be preferred to the Royal West Indies Resort? To me, viewing photos it looks like RWI is nicer? I would like to hear your comments and recommendations. RWI is a bit cheaper but not that much. What makes Sands better?

Also, what will the water be like in July...will it be that beautiful blue/turquoise clear water you see in the photos? The reason I ask is we don't vacation to the caribbean too often. Last time (over 5 yrs ago) we went to Riviera Maya and the water was awful. At the time (late June) there was turtle grass blooming and in the water. The water looked like lake water and we didn't go to the beach at all. We were told it feeds the coral reef and they can't clean it up like it is cleaned up in Cancun. If we are going to spend a few thousand dollars again on a vacation we want to see our feet and the beautiful caribbean waters!!!

Thanks for any input!

writealiving

I'm curious about this myself, drako. I'm going away in July and am having trouble picking someplace too because I'm hearing about the seaweed and stuff. Riviera Maya was on my list but I want nice sand and clear water that I can swim in. I went to Turks and Caicos many years ago but in September and the beach was amazing!!

Caribzack

We have been in July and the water is beautiful, clear and warm.... The Sands is a bit newer but, RWI is also a great resort. The rooms at The Sands just feel more up to date ( and 2 years ago they were re done) The Sands has many restaurants within walking distance. Both would be great

blamona

July for me, has had crystal clear bright turquoise water-it truly is some of the prettiest water in the world. July tends to be like a giant swimming pool.

With a 16 month old, I find Sands to be a little better. Both resorts are fairly equal, and while you'll find children at both, I find Sands to cater to children a little bit better. The restaurant at RWI is getting ready to change locations, and Hemingways at the Sands is not going anywhere. Nice to have for emergency milk, etc.

If you're on more of a budget, check out the incredible Villa Del Mar. While not on the beach, it sits right behind Grace Bay Club and has umbrellas and lounges on the beach. The beds are awesome, rooms nicer, just cheaper because you're not directly on the beach. There is not restaurant on site, but you can walk around to some, of stock the fridge with some small food items.

drako

blamona - Do you know when the restaurant will be moving from RWI? A restaurant onsite was one of the things we are looking for. I will check out Villa Del Mar...how far of a walk to the beach? We want to be close since we will be making frequent trips back and forth to the room with our daughter. I am going to look closer at Sands as well...but something was drawing me to RWI. From the pictures on their website it looks like their furnishings and kitchens in the rooms are very nice but I know pictures can be very deceiving.


Thanks for the input!

Caribzack

The RWI restaurant is moving in January to the Alexandra resort. I'm sure RWI will always have a restaurant --the space is nice. Villa DM is across a road, thru Grace Bay Club-maybe 5 minute walk. Yes, RWI looks good in photos but honestly Sands is a tad nicer. IMO

mamamia66

We stayed at RWI in April & loved it...beautiful landscaping and we thought rooms very nice. We walked the grounds of The Sands and just felt like it was bigger & not as intimate. However, would stay there in a heartbeat if price was better. We walked through Villa Del Mar while it did look nice & very quiet, if I had a child, probably wouldn't stay there because of having to cross the road to get to the beach. Honestly, really don't think you can go wrong tho with any of the 3 properties. YOu are in paradise!! On a side note, if you ever head back to Mexico, check out Barcelo Maya Palace south of Playa del Carmen. Beautiful water and a wonderful resort for the price. Search "Unofficial Barcelo Maya" for website with peole who love the resort, pics, trip reports, etc.

TPAYT

In the same price range as RWI and the Sands is www.oceanclubresorts.com We have stayed at Ocean Cub West 3 yrs. in a row now and obviously really like it.

Ocean Club itself is a bit remote, but Ocean Club West is in the perfect location. Walking distance to shops, restaurnts, and huge grocery store. Full service, 3 meal beachfront restaurant. Plus grills on an island in the middle of the pool if you wish to cook out.