My wife and I are planning our first vacation together (we have traveled numerous times together, but always with family/friends). A friend recommended Jamaica and a Sandals resort. I started doing research and Sandals was not getting the same praise as Couples, nor could I determine a good location (Negril, Montego Bay, etc.)So I am reaching out to my fellow Jamaican travellers for advice.

We are your typical late 20's Angelenos. We are young and fun with an appettite for extraordinary cuisine and luxury. We are not rich, but are willing to splurge if it's worth it. My impression based on reviews is no Jamaica resort can satisfy all. For instance, reviews say Sandals is commercialized and not as nice of place, whereas Couples has great accomadations but poor food, Hedonism has great party atmosphere but is poor in every other category especially age demographic. Help us find the right island and resort please! We have thrown around Royal Plantation, Ritz Carlton, and Half Moon to name a few; however we are afraid we will get the luxury, but miss out on the fun and debauchery.

To give you an idea of the type of Hotels we stay at Morgans Hotel Group or Starwood Hotels are usually our hotels of choice, although we are still very open minded.

The Caves is the ultimate in Luxury, but there is no party scene. If you want a romantic getaway...that's it, but you may want to wait for the Caves till you have kids and need the romantic getaway. It is the most unique vacation experience I have had at a resort....fantastic. Rockhouse is a cool trendy place on the cliffs in Negril that may be a bit more happening than the caves and a bit less expensive. Jamaican Inn is another luxury upscale that you may like. I would think Rockhouse would be your best bet. Sunset at the Palms is not directly on the beach, but has a beach area and gets rave reviews. You may also want to consider Mexico. Playa del Carmen is a fun hip town with tons to do and plenty of nightlife, and there are a few nice upscale AI's and non AI's in walking distance. I LOVE Playa and am returning this year. It seems to have the best of everything.

Thank you for your help. We will look into Playa del Carmen and Rockhouse.

Since you mention "an appettite for extraordinary cuisine and luxury" I'd have to strongly suggest that you stay away from all inclusives in general and Sandals in particular. One AI that is an exception is the Caves, as previously mentioned.

Rockhouse is stylish and hip without breaking the bank. If you don't mind taking taxis to the beach or to enjoy some nightlife, it could be an excellent fit for you.

Again, as others have suggested, if Negril doesn't suit you, perhaps Playa del Carmen or Cancun would be better for you in terms of nightlife.

A few different people/forums have recommended The Caves. Is it easy to navigate away from there to find some nightlife or a nice beach?

Getting a taxi from The Caves on the cliffside down to the beach or to Alfred's or The Jungle (Thursday
nite late for the 'debauchery' you
seek) is supremely easy.

The Caves is intimate, features extraordinary food and a setting no other in Negril can match, certainly
not mass-market Sandals.

If the Yucatan appeals, check out also MAROMA, south of Cancun, pricing out about the same as The Caves.

Playa is more developed, a younger crowd (sort of like Cabo). Hotel del Seo and Hotel Basico worth sussing out there.

I very much enjoyed Couples Swept Away and found the food to be fresh and well prepared. Beach and activities are excellent.

For luxury AI, check out Iberostar Grand Paraiso in the Yucantan, as well as LeBlanc. We prefer LeBlanc but it is quiet at night (though in walking distance from the hub of Cancun). The Grand has access to other properties clubs and disco so more nightlife.

Both are luxurious and LeBlanc top notch for food and service.

While I prefer Jamaica overall, you will find more of what you are looking for in the Yucatan.