Family Beachfront Resort in St Martin, Mexico, DR? - non-all-inclusive
Aug 16th, 2009, 09:03 PM
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Family Beachfront Resort in St Martin, Mexico, DR? - non-all-inclusive
We are planning to go in the winter with 3 families, each with kids under 10 to the Caribbean. Not planning on using a Children's Program, so I think it's better if it's not all-inclusive. Would prefer a direct flight from NY/NJ. Thought of St Martin, Punta Cana and Riviera Maya. Any suggestions?
Aug 16th, 2009, 10:01 PM
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Having been to all three, I'd suggest St. Maarten in part because of the modern/ better-designed airport and reliable ground transportation; it will make your life easier traveling with young kids. The Maho/Mullet Bay area on the quieter west end has several options for families: the Sonesta Maho Hotel, and the Royal Islander Beach and RI Terrace (these two mostly-timeshares have studios and suites with kitchen areas). There is also a well-stocked grocery store on the block, along with MANY dining options. (Cheri's Cafe is very kid-friendly and throws a wonderful New Year's Eve Party.)
Hope those suggestions help!
Hope those suggestions help!
Aug 27th, 2009, 09:09 AM
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The DR has mostly AI complexes as it's not all that safe to leave the resort without being on a guided tour. Therefore, the hotels offer several dining choices and on-site activities.
The Riveria Maya outside of Playa del Carmen is also mostly AI resorts as there is nothing close to many of those resorts. The closest town is Playa del Carmen and many resorts are around 30 minutes to hour to get there. The boutique hotels in the town of Playa del Carmen I don't think would be as family friendly.
Even if you choose an AI hotel in one of those destinations, you wouldn't have to use the kids club if you didn't want to. With kids it's a lot easier to go AI as they can get food and drinks easily anytime of day/night and if they don't like it they can get something else and it basically already paid for. Many resorts have really fabulous pools and other activites designed for kids. The Occidential Xcaret in the Riviera Maya has free passes to the Xcaret Eco Park next door. The Palace resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya area offer free tours to certain attractions that are included in the base price.
If you really don't want an AI, look at the Marriott in Aruba. Family friendly, great pool area and within walking distance and/or a short bus ride to many great restuarants.
The Riveria Maya outside of Playa del Carmen is also mostly AI resorts as there is nothing close to many of those resorts. The closest town is Playa del Carmen and many resorts are around 30 minutes to hour to get there. The boutique hotels in the town of Playa del Carmen I don't think would be as family friendly.
Even if you choose an AI hotel in one of those destinations, you wouldn't have to use the kids club if you didn't want to. With kids it's a lot easier to go AI as they can get food and drinks easily anytime of day/night and if they don't like it they can get something else and it basically already paid for. Many resorts have really fabulous pools and other activites designed for kids. The Occidential Xcaret in the Riviera Maya has free passes to the Xcaret Eco Park next door. The Palace resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya area offer free tours to certain attractions that are included in the base price.
If you really don't want an AI, look at the Marriott in Aruba. Family friendly, great pool area and within walking distance and/or a short bus ride to many great restuarants.
