any island, which resort?
 

So I began my research trying to decide what island first with our 3k-3500 budget. I received many great responses, but I am still left unsure. So let me try another angle. Which resort, all inclusive hopefully, would you suggest with a budget like ours? Here is my resort wish list:
-relatively small, like 150 and less rooms.
No high rises please. I dont imagine riding down an elevator 15 floors and walking a quarter mile just to get to the beach screams relaxation.
-on the beach
-rooms that are pretty contemporary, no tacky floral bedspreads. I mean its not a dealbreaker, I just dont want to think "ugh" when I walk in the room.
-very good staff and customer service
-adults only is ideal, but I can put up with a few ankle biters if I have to.


I guess id just love to have another resort experience like we did at couples sans souci. They were so nice and attentive, clean, good food, free stocked mini bar, huge room, felt very secluded, no kids, no vendors harrassing us, it was so great. And I believe we paid like $3200 for airfare and accomodations for 7 days. We did go in July, so thats probably why it was so affordable.

Anywhere like that?

Based on your other post, tell me which resorts you have found in your budget and I can tell you if they fit with what you are looking for.

If you are looking for something like Couples in Jamaica on another Island in that budget, I really don't think it exists. Your best bet is searching through the Mexico AI's and see if you can find something that fits your criteria and budget.

My first choice would be the Royal Playa del Carmen.

Here's a list of AI's in Mexico.

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

Or, go back to Jamaica. Look at the Jewell Dunn's River in Ocho Rios.

I know you said you have date constraints, but you will find the best prices the first week of December. Look at leaving on a Tues or Wed. We go every year somewhere at that time and have found great prices, and I pay some of the highest air out there because of my departure location. We are going to Cabo this year. Also, you might find something in your budget elsewhere is you are willing to go 4 of 5 nights instead of 7.

We are trying to help, but what you want at the price you are willing to pay, at the time of year you are wanting to go, is not really feasible.

It's not reasonable to expect to compare July prices to December prices. One is low season, one is high season.

I know from your other post you don't want this, but Mexico, specifically the "Mayan Riviera" will offer the most that is closest to what you seek.

Hello, misslindsey,
I read your other thread.
I read the replies.
Unfortunately, phrasing your question in a novel way won't change the responses.

December is a very busy travel time. People go away for Christmas/The Holidays. People go away before Christmas/The Holidays.
You are cannot compare July prices to December. It's not realistic.

So, it would appear that you have 2 options:

1.Change your budget (i.e., incease it); or
2.Change your criteria (floral bedspreads/elevator rides from 15th floor/ankle biters/Mexico/Dominican are all ok)

When we go to Aruba in "prime time", it costs $1200 per person for airfare(from Toronto) just to give you an idea of cost. Then we add accomodation and meals. BTW, even if you cld find something in Aruba in your price range, I would never recommend Ai in Aruba just because there are so many great restaurants.

It will be interesting to see the responses you get here with your new question. I am very interested because I would love to find what you are looking for. hope you do too.

OB1

As noted in the other thread, LOVE Trip Advisor. Start with their list...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travelers...lusive-g147237

I really liked the comment someone made about Tulum. Sounds neat. Don't know if LaSource in Grenada is going to work budget wise, but it's a beautiful location.

If you price Couples San Souci that you liked so much before, for the dates of this next trip, it will give you a better idea what people are trying to get at here.

When you are looking for cheap ON the beach you may need to give up requirements like what kind of bedspreads are in the room or if there are vendors or not. When you are on a limited budget (like I always am) some things have to give.

As I mentioned on the other thread, Negril Jamaica has close to what you seek. I was just pricing hotels there for friends who are going over Christmas. But what you'll get in the ~$100/night category is modest, not contemporary, but no high rises etc.

you can have everything on your list at akumalbeachresort.com and it fits your budget. 10 min walk into the town of akumal via the beach which has really good snorkeling.
here's a live cam from just down the beach: http://www.locogringo.com/upload/akumal-beach-cam.html

On her other thread she said no to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, etc. If those are now back in the mix (like the excellent suggestion from virginia above) that will really help her be able to find something.

i know suze, i suggested negril & an ai on antigua on that thread... but akbr is so close to what she's looking for i thought i'd mention it.

Lots of good ideas here and on the first thread (didn't mean to sound like I was disagreeing!).

I just think some of the "wish list" is working against her finding anything. When you eliminate the major plaers in budget-friendly destinations and care about things like pattern on the bedspread when you're trying to keep costs down...

Does on the beach mean a flat walk out or do you just mean you want to see the beach? You don't have to take the elevator down 15 floors and walk a quarter mile. But, it is on a cliff. Try the Caves in Negril, Jamaica. Think of a dozen cottages that are up on cliffs overlooking the water. There is a good Spa, a nice sprinkling of other guests and all-inclusive rates so you don't need to leave the resort area.