Looking for some help. I am trying to plan a vacation in July for my 17 year old daughter and myself. I am looking for an All Inclusive Island (Not Domincan Republic, Jamaica or Mexico). I am trying to find somehting clean, on the beach, and will have activities for my daughter and I. We love snorkeling, jets skis, zip line and great beaches! I have been looking into Antigua and Aruba. Does anyone have any suggestions for even a different island? We went to Barbados last year and stayed All Inclusive and had a wonderful time. We would go back in a heart beat but thougt maybe we can see someplace different instead. Any advice??? Thank you.

Jamaica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic offer the largest selection of AI resorts, so since you've already ruled them out it's going to much more of a challange.

Antigua and Aruba will have the second best selction of AI resorts.

Here's a list of other Islands that have AI hotels:

Curacao - Breezes and the Marriott

Grand Cayman - The Reef Resort and the Marriott

Nassau - Breezes, RIU and the Paradise Island Harbor Resort

St. Kitts - The Royal St. Kitts and the Marriott

St. Lucia - Almond Smugglers Cove, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, St. Lucian by Rex Resorts, Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort

St. Martin - Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino, Le Flamboyant Hotel & Resort

St. Thomas - Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Marriott Frenchmans Reef&Morning Star, Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa

Grenada - Grenadian by Rex Resorts

If your interested in areas like Costa Rica or Belize, there are a few there to chose from also.

St. Lucia and Antigua have more all-inclusive resorts than any other islands (after the three major destinations, which you have ruled out). Antigua AI resorts in particular can be spectacularly mediocre and party-oriented, so shop carefully if you want to go there (the beaches are magnificent). Aruba has a few all-inclusive resorts, but it is an island better known for having good restaurants, so the AI thing there is not as much of a good deal.

Just be careful about the resorts that KVR has suggested. Many of them are actually not AI resorts (certainly not in the sense that you're thinking ... with hundreds of rooms, loads of water sports, and included activities and entertainment day and night).

Grand Cayman has no AI resorts. The Reef Resort on Grand Cayman, for instance, is wonderful but relatively intimate and offers only an all-inclusive meal and drinks plan. It has great entertainment, but it's nothing like what you've probably experienced on Barbados.

There is a smattering of AI resorts all across the Caribbean, but you probably need to focus on places that are modest in price and easy to get to (which leaves out places like Grenada). I would NOT recommend an AI in Costa Rica for you; although a lovely place, the AI resorts there are mostly on mediocre beaches that are not always safe for swimming, so I think you'll be disappointed. But there are AIs there, as well as in Belize and even Panama that are very good values.

I do wish you'd take a closer look at Mexico, which is a phenomenal value right now and would be perfect for you, but I'm sure you have your reasons.

I agree with Doug. I actually gave you what you asked for, but after you do further research, it may not be actually what you're looking for.

There is a difference between AI and offering a AI plan. Most of the Islands I mentioned offer an AI plan, but are not actually all inclusive. I would suggest that you check their web-sites and see exactly what they do and don't offer. No suprises mean no disappointments.

I don't understand why so many people want to exclude Mexico. After reading what they are looking for, Mexico offers just that. I agree, you probably have you're reasons, but it's a shame. Good luck in your search. If you narrow down any specific Island or resort, I'm sure someone can provide more info.

Yes, I'm totally with KVR on this. I'm mystified as to why people aren't going to Mexico, which is the best travel bargain in the Caribbean, has wonderful food, great people, an excellent exchange rate against the U.S. dollar, and some of the most beautiful beaches you'll ever see.

I'm stumped as well....loved Mexico. Incredible AI's all along the Riviera Maya.

Thank you all for your responses. I do have my reasons for ruling out Mexico and thank you for respecting them. Would much rather go to a British or Dutch influenced Island. Thank you again.

For Dutch - Aruba or Curacao

For British - Barbados, Grand Cayman or British Virgin Islands like Tortola. No AI's in BVI.

I am also looking for an AI for our family -- which includes kids ages 17, 17, 19, and 22. An AI would be convenient because eating out with six family members gets expensive...and at an AI they can eat whatever they want whenever they want it.

We love Mexico --where would you recommend going in Mexico, Jamaica or the other Caribbean locales? We would need lots of activities for young adults. We have stayed at the Moon Palace in Cancun and it was fun. Just looking for a different place. Thanks!

You should probably post your own thread so other people can see what your looking for and respond.

Check out the Mayan Riviera of Mexico. Hotels like the RIU, Occidential, Barcelo, and Iberostars are good choices.

There are tons of things to see and do in that area. Mayan Ruins, ATVs, snorkeling, cenotes, speed boats, zip lining, eco parks, fishing, scuba diving, etc.

Tell us what you are really interested in seeing/doing and can provide you with tour companies/web-sites.

I was considering this year dominican republic, but will have to check mexico when you are saying that it is good for AI holiday. Want to go somewhere this october with my girlfriend.

KarolS ,
For lots of activities check out the Iberostar Paraiso complex and the Barcelo Maya complex. Both are BIG resorts with plenty to keep your teens busy.

Stayed at the Barcelo Maya with kids aged 10 - 18 last year and they all had a great time..

We did the RIU Palace in Playa del Carmen very nice...

For Aruba I would suggest RIU also or for something cheaper Divi or Tamarijn... Good luck!