travelmom56

Hello
I'm sure this is has been asked a thousand + times and ways before...but I have been trying to research many of the caribbean island to try to get a handle of the best fit for my upcoming vacation plans. I am a new proud grandma of twins who will be 1yr old in May (tavel vacation time) My two children with their spouses (and my twin grandbabies) are taking me on a all inclusive vacation for a "special" birthday celebration. Therefore I'm looking for the best Caribbean all inclusive resort that would work well for my kids (in their 30's) as well as for husband and myself, young 60's. Since the babies are so young dont really need a kids club or babysitting option. We all love the beach particularily wide soft white sand beaches where you can stroll for a very long walk. Looking for a 4/5 star resort with great facilities but with reasonable pricing....not too noisy and busy but yet have things to do both on site and in the area...We also love to explore and would possibly rent a car. Don't know which island is best.....can my dream all inclusive once in a lifetime family vacation be found??

RoamsAround

There are literally scores of islands and hundreds of resorts in the Caribbean that will meet your needs. We need more information from you.

1) You have sent us mixed signals by first asking for "the best all inclusive" but then you want "reasonable pricing". Those two attributes are often mutually exclusive. You have to define "reasonable pricing" by giving us an actual dollar figure. "Reasonable" is different for everybody.

2) The majority of All Inclusives can be found in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cancun and Playa del Carmen so perhaps you might want to concentrate your search to those destinations.

3) ALL Inclusives tend to fall into the 3 to lower 4-star. the true 4 to 5 star All Inclusives WILL NOT meet anyone's definition of "reasonably priced" - another reason why you have to give us a budget figure.

4) Most All Inclusives will have plenty of guests and may not meet your definition of being "not too noisy and busy". If you want some quiet and seclusion in an All Inclusive you are going to have to pay a premium.

5) Tell us where you and members of your family are flying from and whether or not airfare is included in your overall budget. Since you are going to be traveling with at least 6 people in your group airfare is going to take up a big portion of your travel budget so you may want to limit your search to those destinations you can reach non-stop from your nearest International Gateway Airport. Going to islands that require connecting flights and/or ferries present some logistical challenges let alone add significantly to aifare costs.

6) Is there a reason why you want to go All Inclusive? In most instances you can find better resorts and dining options going non- All Inclusive for essentially the same budget, especially if you are really seeking resorts in the 4 to 5 star category.

7) With a group your size and a desire for 4/5 star accommodations you might want to consider renting a condo or private villa rather than staying at a resort. You'll have much more "room", the freedom to put the kids to bed early while still having areas where the adults can congregate, you'll be able to save money by preparing your own breakfasts and perhaps lunches yet still be able to dine out when ever you want. Condos and villas have housekeeping staffs and you can, if you wish, also hire a cook to prepare your meals. Most "condos" have similar facilities and amenities as the resorts and many villas are "upscale" giving you more amenities that you have in your own home.

If a "condo" style vacation appeals to you look at places on Providenciales' (aka Provo) Grace Bay in the Turks & Caicos - there are plenty of upscale units that are perfect for families and the 11 mile long calm water beach has the whitest sand you'll find anywhere. Check out places like Ocean Club, Ocean Club West, Grace Bay Club.

If a villa vacation interests you look at the afformetioned Provo or St. Thomas, St. John (requires a ferry ride) or St. Martin.

good luck finding YOUR spot.

doug_stallings

I think you should look in the Riviera Maya. That's where you'll find everything you're looking for at the more reasonable price point. When you rent the car, just be sure you have full insurance, which is needed in Mexico. Or you could choose Beaches Turks & Caicos, but you may find the prices there are not as reasonable as you'd like. But it's the only AI on Provo.

FYI: All-inclusive isn't really the best or cheapest option in most cases unless you drink a lot and want frenetic organized activities at the hotel. You can almost always find something better, particularly if you are willing to rent a car and eat off-site for some meals or cook in---especially if you just like sitting quietly at the beach or pool. In the latter case, you might want to look at a condo on Grand Cayman, which has American-style supermarkets, great restaurants, tons of activities, and strong sense of safety. But no real AI resorts.

KVR

I love AI resorts and I have been to many from low budget to the overly priced expensive Sandals resorts. From what you are describing it doesn't seem condusive to what you are looking for. Is there any specific reason why you are wanting an AI? I have to agree with many of the points in the above posts.

You might also consider a cruise. Look at Princess or Celebrity. It will have the more upscale feel with the better quality of all inclusive food with the reasonable price that you are looking. If you are wanting alcohol included, Celebrity offers an alcohol plan. For a 7 day cruise it's around $700 for 2 people.

doug_stallings

I keep saying that Beaches Turks & Caicos is the only AI on Provo. It's not. It's the only family AI on Provo. There is also an adults-only Club Med, which I always forget about (it has a party reputation), and according to our writer there's another very upscale AI, but it's probably not what the OP is looking for.

travelmom56

Ok, let me clarify my particular’s a little since I confused everyone….I was half kidding when I said I wanted something reasonably priced but upscale…..I know the two doesn’t really mix….Although non AI might be cheaper I just wanted to experience what AI were all about since I never been on one. We really don’t want to rent a condo or do any of our own cooking….this is a vacation and I do want some pampering….So realistically I would like a pretty area, decent resort, fairly modern resort that has some unique features, swim up bar, lazy river, nice grounds, large pools, interesting rooms/suites etc. I’m not that keen on Mexico only because I’m a little worried about the food and water there and also safety…especially that we are traveling with the babies. As far as our budget we are hoping to get something under $4000 per room (for 2 adults) including airfare from Newark NJ for a 5 night stay. I do like Beaches @ Turks & Cacios but I think this was coming in much higher then $4000 for May travel date.

doug_stallings

If you're really worried about the food and water in Mexico, then you also have to skip the DR as well, which in my opinion poses more problems. The idea that food and water are contaminated throughout Mexico is outdated, though you still have to be reasonably careful.

I think your budget is too slim for something truly upscale, but you could definitely find a resort in that range in either Jamaica or Antigua.

And you could probably stay in a condo resort in the Turks & Caicos in a 2-bedroom unit for your budget. Just because the unit has a kitchen doesn't mean you have to use it. Maybe Ocean Club? Blamona can probably recommend something, and you could fly on Jet Blue, but that will also mean leaving from JFK, which is a compromise you might not want to make.

On Grand Cayman, the Reef Resort, while far from Seven Mile Beach, does have an AI plan and a nice beach and a smaller lazy river pool. It's easy to rent a car there a drive.

Jamaica would work quite nicely as it has no food or water issues, and if you are staying at an AI, you'll have no need to rent a car; you can spend that money on tours and activities plus a couple of taxis. There are plenty of organized tours and activities leaving from the various resorts. There are some pretty nice AI resorts in MoBay (the Iberostars there are nice, and they have pretty good food). But I like Negril better. You might look at Beaches Negril, which is a great family resort on an excellent stretch of the beach there; it's also usually cheaper than Beaches Turks & Caicos.

Since EWR is your preferred airport, I think Aruba should be among your considerations. It's chock full of AIs now, or you can just stay in a regular hotel and eat separately. There are so many options there.

Finally, look at the Radisson Blu St. Martin. I know it's not an AI resort, but there are excellent restaurants nearby in Grand Case and so many great beaches you can visit with a car, which is pretty cheap. It's a nice, newer hotel, and while isolated, it's a good place for a family.

KVR

The majority of AI resorts are in Mexico, the DR and Jamaica.

I have been to around 15 AI resorts. Of that, the majority have been in Mexico with our next trip in December. Have been to Jamaica twice. I don't care for the DR and haven't been in many, many moons. The resorts areas in Mexico; ie Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Cabo and Pureto Vallarta are safe and IMHO a much better vacation destination than the DR. Look at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Zoetry, Iberostars, and El Dorado Generations Maroma in Mexico.

Just as a reference here is a list of the AI resorts in Mexico. It is quite overwhemling:

http://www.mexicoallinclusive.com/me...ve_resorts.cfm

The nicer family resorts in Jamaica are in Montego Bay. Most people prefer to vacation in Negril, but the AI resorts in that area are really limited. Mainly couples only resorts. The family resorts there like the RIU's are not resorts I would recommend. Look at the Iberostar in Montego Bay.

After staying at 2 Sandals I feel they are overpriced for what they offer. You're twins are way to young to get anything out of what Beaches offer for children at their prices. Do the adults in your party want to vacation at a resort that is geared for and will be full of kids?

Aruba is not a good place for AI. There are just so many restaurants and bars in varing prices ranges. Part of the vacation experience there is to try as many as you can.

travelmom56

Again thank you for your input...i think I will concentrate on Jamaica....Iberostars look very nice in MB....that was also my confusion...trying to decide and figure out the different area in each island...ex; MB, Negril, OR...etc the same in Mexico too...which area would work out best...Also as KVR stated and as I think I stated as well...we really don't need a place that offer good kid options as we won't be utilizing any kid area...just need it since we can't obviously stay in a couples only resort...Just trying to duplicate all the amenities that a couples only resort have but at a family resort...This trip is to be geered for 6 adults...Thank you again so much for all your great advise