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Which island should we visit? Non-windy beach + all-inclusive?

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Which island should we visit? Non-windy beach + all-inclusive?

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Old Jan 29th, 2017, 07:55 AM
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Which island should we visit? Non-windy beach + all-inclusive?

Hello all,

I am currently looking at different islands to travel to with my bf and am having a hard time deciding.

My biggest preferences are: beautiful soft sand beach with clear water. Spectacular views from resort/hotel. I want to be able to admire nature's beauty while I am there..( not navigating a mega AI resort trying to get to the beach or dinner inside somewhere without any big windows.

Basically the beach is a big deal for me. I am interested in...
Room with an ocean view
Pristine beach. Non windy beach is important. It was extremely windy in Playa del Carmen every day on our last trip.
Snorkeling would be a great bonus.
Personally I wouldn't mind a smaller quiet hotel/resort but my boyfriend really wants an All Inclusive so he "doesn't have to think about anything and just be able to enjoy the vacation."

Price range would be around 3000 for the trip give or take..

Any recommendations for travel to a perfect non windy beach, hotel with views, all inclusive?

Thank you.
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Old Jan 29th, 2017, 09:17 AM
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$3000 for 2 people is a very low budget for Anguilla, besides there are no All Inclusives on that island.

When will you be traveling? That will have a some affect on the amount of wind you will encounter no matter which island you select. Breezes tend to be stronger in winter vs. summer. Choose the norther Leeward Islands rather than the southern Windward Islands to lessen your chances of encountering winds. Also, on most islands the western sides tend to be less windy then the eastern sides so take that into consideration when picking a resort.

St. Lucia is in the Windward Islands and has only a few All Inclusives most of which will be out of your price range.

So, of the islands on your list that leave Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, both of which have plenty of All Inclusives many of which will be in your price range. Air fare to those two islands tend to be less expensive than other destinations. Concentrate your search there.
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Old Jan 29th, 2017, 09:39 AM
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Very helpful question and answers for others to think about.
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Old Jan 29th, 2017, 04:05 PM
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Thank you for the feedback. The five that I selected to tag are places that I have been considering but I am open to any in general. And the price range is flexible. Looking to book February/March. I'm looking for specific places and would love to hear experiences anyone has had of the best beaches. Thanks.
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Old Jan 30th, 2017, 01:56 AM
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AI places

DR
Mexico
Jamaica

Nonwindy--any island at any time can get wind. June July August most tend to be calm, but not guaranteed

Budget-- leaves almost every island with fantastic beaches out, as the ones with most turquoise calm waters will cost that just for hotel room, not AI or air

You can try club Med in Turks and Caicos, but might have to increase budget. Resort is cheesy and basic (rough around the edges) and rooms feel like dorms, no patio no balconies. But AI and one of the best beaches in the world.

But budget really limits you to DR and back to Mexico
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Old Jan 30th, 2017, 05:02 AM
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I agree about DR and Mexico being the best choices for that budget. I'd look into Akumal. There are two AI right next to each other on the beach. You have Secrets and you also have Akumal Bay Beach & Wellness Resort. Secrets will most likely be out of your price range, especially for those dates. ABBWR is all oceanfront rooms, gorgeous beach, some of the best snorkeling around, and should be very doable for your price range. Finding an oceanfront room and view at an AI for your price will have it's challenges. Check out ABBWR...it seems to fit your criteria.
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Old Jan 30th, 2017, 08:53 AM
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Thank you all for the feedback. Bassguy66, thank you for the resort recommendation. I checked it out and it looks wonderful! Great views in many of the photos. Beach looks great!
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Old Jan 30th, 2017, 09:34 AM
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No problem Anna...glad to help!! The beauty of the ABBWR is that the bay is protected by the reef, so if you want calm water, this will give you the best shot. I chose this resort two years ago just for the snorkeling that is right there...it's awesome. The resort is very small, and you can walk anywhere in just minutes. All the rooms are oceanfront. I recommend the 3rd or 4th floor for the best views from your balcony. The people who work at ABBWR are what makes it so great. They are one of the better staffs I've encountered at AI resorts.
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Old Jan 30th, 2017, 10:29 AM
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For your price range and wanting an All Inclusive I think you are on the right track with Mexico, Jamaica (or maybe the DR).
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Old Jan 30th, 2017, 11:11 AM
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ARUBA and do http://www.riu.com/en/Paises/aruba/p...lace-antillas/

this island is amazing and the vendor DO NOT bug you on the beaches like some islands. The island is only about 20 miles long/wide so you can explore the entire island in one day and it's VERY easy to drive there.

message me if you have any questions, I've been 8 times
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Old Apr 25th, 2017, 09:06 AM
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Hope I'm not too late with this. Jamaica is a good place for you to give some consideration. The tourist capitals Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Negril are full of all inclusive destinations.

I notice you didn't mention how long you'd be staying there (naturally that would greatly reduce your options as multiple nights will increase the amount you pay).

With that said here's a few suggestions:
- Sandals Resorts (There's a bunch here all with beautiful beaches). I recommend Sandals Ochi as that's one of the most popular. Sandals Royal Plantation is if you want peace and quiet - you won't find alot of young couples there though.

- Luxury Bahia Principe - At this moment I believe they may have some specials going on as we approach summer. However, it's a HUGE resort which is a turn off for some people. The food and price is good though.

- Secrets Resort - An all-inclusive experience for lovers. If you're searching for romance this is perhaps the most perfect place on the list. A bit pricey though.

- Royal Decameron Club Caribbean - Perhaps the cheapest on my list. It's a 3-star hotel located in Runaway Bay, St. Ann. The latest prices I checked out was around US $ 85 - US $90 / night. They're a small resort which I love. They also have cottage-styled huts, unlimited food and drink, non-motorized sports and more. The beach isn't really all that pretty (not as clear as say Sandals).

Hope this post helps somewhat.
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Old Apr 25th, 2017, 09:11 AM
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Negril ROCKS!
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Old Apr 25th, 2017, 09:40 AM
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The OP's trip is over and done with (Feb/Mar)
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Old Apr 25th, 2017, 11:15 AM
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Lots of people read this forum. Not only an OP uses what is posted.
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