All inclusive for older couple
 

We are in our late 50s. Several years ago we went to Sandals Royal Caribbean and LOVED it, but it seemed most of the guests were younger. I would love to go again, perhaps to Sandals Royal Bahamian, but I would prefer an older or middle-aged crowd. What is the average age at Sandals in the Bahamas? Or are there other all inclusives geared toward an older crowd (with the same rating and amenities as Sandals)? How about SuperClubs? What is the average age there?

If you're looking for an AI with a more mature crowd (and from that, I'm extrapolating that you might want a few more ameneties than the average Sandals can provide), I recommend the following:

Curtain Bluff on Antigua, it's an AI, but not your typical one. Wine cellar and gardens here are just about without parallel in the Caribbean. Very upscale with a more mature crowd (and by mature, I mean both chronological and emotional age). No beer chugging or pool-side Olympics, nor loud music blasting away at all hours. To be sure, it's very pricey. But it may be just what you're looking for.

You also might enjoy the Jamaica Inn on the northern coast of, you guessed it, Jamaica. It's been around for ages and has a very established feel to it of an era gone by. It's not an A/I per se, but there are several meal plans there that make it nearly-all-inclusive.

There are also several places in the British Virgins that may appeal to you. Guana Island is a private island whose rates include 3 meals/day plus wine, and I think they offer a weeklong package that includes other drinks and extras like a sunset cruise. Biras Creek on Virgin Gorda offers, I believe, a similar week long package.

I've not stayed at either Little Dix Bay in the BVI or Caneel Bay in USVI, but they might appeal to you, too. (don't know if they offer meal plans or nearly-all-inclusive packages.)

Good luck and have fun planning! let us know what you decide.

Feeling old in your 50s? We are in our 60s and no grass grows under our feet. We often travel the caribbean and we love to hear the music and antic's of the younger and local people. That's what it's all about when your in the islands. Too each their own I guess!

Dblebee,

Love your answer! My husband and I are in our early 60's, and keep forgetting that we are "older"! We just got back from bareboating in the Grenadines, and had a blast!

Actually, I'm in my late 20s and I don't care for the party atmosphere of a lot of all-inclusives. (or AIs in general, actually) Although I have enjoyed the few music festivals I've experienced there, I mostly want a secluded and peaceful retreat. I don't particularly care for the mindless consumption of alcohol or the behaviors that usually accompany it, which is why I prefer more mature crowds--it's not a term that qualifies only chronological age.

EJ suggested you look into Caneel Bay. They are an excellent hotel, although an AI would not quite define them. They do however offer two meal plans of good quality and excellent service. St. John is a very distinctive island with a very rare beauty. I think the moment you stepped foot on the island, you would fall in love.

I just had to add this story. We honeymooned at Sandals Antigua last year. We had the catamaran out pretty far when we turned around and saw a man windsurfing right next to us. We were thinking that he must be pretty good because he was pretty far out. When we were back on shore we mentioned him to the watersports staff and they told us that he was 76 and had been coming there once or twice a year for like 17 years. We went on about our day and about an hour 1/2 later we sat down for lunch. We looked out to the beach and ocean and there was the man, still out there windsurfing!! I couldn't believe it. That proved to me that you're only as old as you let yourself feel.

You might want to try the Royal Plantation Resort (run by Beaches) in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. It's very quiet, peaceful, laid back, and luxurious. As there aren't many activities or any dance club on the property, the crowd tends to be more mature. I am in my late twenties and I was one of the youngest people at the resort (which was fine with me). We met many nice people and loved the whole experience.

Thanks to all of you for your responses. I do, however, like the hustle and bustle of an all inclusive, with activities, entertainment and good dining. I don't want quiet - but I was looking for an older crowd. Judging from the Royal Caribbean Sandals, it was perfect, except it had a younger crowd. That is my question - which Sandals or Superclubs would have all that with an older crowd?

I am not sure you will find at any given time an "older crowd" at any resort. It is mixed up depending on the time of year you visit. I would give the Royal Hideaway in Playa Del Carmen,Mexico a try. It has excellent food. I think you might like it.