Hi - I am planning a trip to the caribbean with my family for February 2011. We are not picky. Traveling with my husband and daughters 17, 20. We want a nice relaxing place with good pools, a beach and all inclusive. Also want to be able to snorkle and leave the resort to explore. looking for suggestions of a practical place - an island. Bahamas? Dominican? usvi?

There is a very good chance the Bahamas will NOT be warm enough to enjoy the water in Feb.
Look into the DR and Mexico's Riviera Maya area. Loads of AI resorts that are great.

Thanks - never really thought of the weather. AI resorts - is that Allegro? Maybe in DR then...

Agree, many parts of the the Bahamas (they are not actually in the Caribbean) might be a tad cool in February. You are better off going further south.

There are lots of AI Resorts in the Dominican Republic, as well as on Jamaica, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cozemel. Many more than just Allegro. Do a google search for "All Inclusive Resorts, NAME OF ISLAND" and you'll find scores of links for AI resorts in most price ranges.

We have been to various AI resorts in Mexico over the past 10 years. You'll find a good variety in all sizes and price ranges. Look at the Iberostars, Barcelos, Occidentals and the RIUs just to get you started.

I second the suggestion of the Riveria Maya as it meets your criteria of getting off the resort and exploring better than does the DR. Playa Del Carmen is a great, funky town with lots of shops, restaurants, nightlife and you can take excursions to a variety of Mayan ruins (we did Tulum) or cenotes. We stayed at a great place, not totally AI, but with breakfast and dinner included -- it was formerly Shangri-La Caribe, now Mahekal. We also stayed at Royal Hideaway which is much more upscale, adults only, but I actually liked the beach at Mahekal much better.

Sorry..AI meaing All Inclusive---not the Allegro.
I prefer the Riviera Maya to the DR. More to do and I just like the atmosphere better.

How about Riu Aruba? (But w/ Aruba you do not really need AI b/c they have so many great restaurants)

OceanBreeze1, that is a very true statement.