first trip to caribbean
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2007
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first trip to caribbean
planning a trip in Nov of 2007 for second honeymoon. Wanting all-inclusive (meaning all). Husband wants to learn to scuba dive.
We were looking at Mexico but weather doesn't seem to jive for Nov, so we opted for the Tropics. We are not partial to adult only but do not want to feel as though kids are underfoot either. I see a lot of negative feedback about Sandals
Any suggestions?
We were looking at Mexico but weather doesn't seem to jive for Nov, so we opted for the Tropics. We are not partial to adult only but do not want to feel as though kids are underfoot either. I see a lot of negative feedback about Sandals
Any suggestions?
#2
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 757
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So many islands....! Any other things you are looking for?
Goto http://www.doitcaribbean.com/ and get a feel for the differents islands. You can also type in all inclusive at the Search.
I don't think Grand Cayman has AI. Aruba does but there are so many good restaurants, it is a shame to go with an AI.
Goto http://www.doitcaribbean.com/ and get a feel for the differents islands. You can also type in all inclusive at the Search.
I don't think Grand Cayman has AI. Aruba does but there are so many good restaurants, it is a shame to go with an AI.
#3
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Joined: Mar 2007
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have hearts set on Jamica. looking for relaxation, fun night life and do some discovering of the island. Ocho Rios and Montego Bay were the two I had it narrowed down to if we went with the Sandals.
We're considering also checking out some of the local dining, reason for the ai like the idea of the water sports and not having to nickel & dime ourselves.
We're considering also checking out some of the local dining, reason for the ai like the idea of the water sports and not having to nickel & dime ourselves.
#4
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,832
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Our first trip to the Caribbean was to Sandals MoBay. It's their flagship property, so it's a little older, but it's got a beautiful waterfront. While it may not offer a super modern type of luxury, we stayed in the almond block and were very pleased with our accommodations. We even had a big walk-in closet. Our room was almost on top of the water and we listened to the waves every night as we fell asleep. The staff, services and amenities were wonderful. The staff will take your breakfast plate and bring it to your table. The food was outstanding, with the exception of the desserts. The bartenders are the best we've ever had. One last thing: this is the "party resort" of the Sandals. Or so we were told. We didn't find it that way, but we were told we were a tame bunch.
#5
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,764
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take a look at couples swept away. ALL!-inclusive with dive resort course included. very romantic. in negril on 7mile beach. 6 restaurants, 10 bars. the motto is "yes, it's really all included". i know 2 couples who have been. one just married 2 years ago in their 20's and loved it and want to go back (and both have been to other carib destinations). the other couple is late 40's, remarriage for both. they loved their honeymoon and have been back 3 times so far.
#6
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Joined: Mar 2007
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THANKS TO ALL. SAW THE COUPLES SWEPT AWAY N LINE ALSO. HAVE PRETTY MUCH NARROWED DOWN TO MOBAY OR THE SWEPT AWAY. BOTH SEEM LIKE WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR. OLDER I DON'T MIND AS LONG AS CLEAN.
BY THE WAY DO YOU HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT MOSQUITOES AND SUCH HERE LIKE IN MEXICO?
THANKS AGAIN FOR THE SUGGESTIONS.
BY THE WAY DO YOU HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT MOSQUITOES AND SUCH HERE LIKE IN MEXICO?
THANKS AGAIN FOR THE SUGGESTIONS.
#7
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,075
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We stayed in Negril. Look at Sunset at the Palms and Couples Negril. Or if you like seclusion look at Sandals Whitehouse. Also look at Sandals Dunn's River in Ocho Rios. If I was willing to spend the money, I would stay there.
We go somewhere every Nov. and only had one time when weather was a problem, which was Hurricane Wilma. We were booked for Cozumel and ended up at Sandals Grande St. Lucia.
We are looking at going back to Cancun/Playa del Carmen this Nov. Look at Royal Hidaway, Secrets Capri, or Excellance Riveria. They all get good reviews. We've decided on the Royal Playa del Carmen. It's adults only and all rooms have a jacuzzi tub (not just a bathtub with jets, but a real jacuzzi) and in room bar. There is no extra cost for those like Sandals charges.
We go somewhere every Nov. and only had one time when weather was a problem, which was Hurricane Wilma. We were booked for Cozumel and ended up at Sandals Grande St. Lucia.
We are looking at going back to Cancun/Playa del Carmen this Nov. Look at Royal Hidaway, Secrets Capri, or Excellance Riveria. They all get good reviews. We've decided on the Royal Playa del Carmen. It's adults only and all rooms have a jacuzzi tub (not just a bathtub with jets, but a real jacuzzi) and in room bar. There is no extra cost for those like Sandals charges.
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#8
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Joined: Mar 2007
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Thanks, will give them all a look at. (Hey everyone, Sorry bout the CAPS thing earlier. battery problem on keyboard kinda sticks with the last thing it was doing) Anyway....I appreciate the insight. It's so nerve-racking when you tryong a whole new country.
Just about everything you read on fodors about Mexico in Nov is a "No Go" for that time and lots on the bugs because of the aftermath of storms. Will definately keep it in mind for next summer vacation if this one works out.
The "couples" might be a good option also, they're a lot less money than the Sandals too.
Location anyone?? Nigril to Mobay to Ocho Rios?? A whole lot of difference with sightseeing? I know Mobay is probably more popular than the others. They're all slammed with cruise ship tourists I assume once away from the resort??
Just about everything you read on fodors about Mexico in Nov is a "No Go" for that time and lots on the bugs because of the aftermath of storms. Will definately keep it in mind for next summer vacation if this one works out.
The "couples" might be a good option also, they're a lot less money than the Sandals too.
Location anyone?? Nigril to Mobay to Ocho Rios?? A whole lot of difference with sightseeing? I know Mobay is probably more popular than the others. They're all slammed with cruise ship tourists I assume once away from the resort??
#10
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 36
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After trying numerous other islands and resorts, we inevitably return to Caneel Bay on St John, and are always glad to be back. The other places have their positive points, but nowhere else can come close to the beauty of the beaches, the view of St Thomas as the sun sets and the lights come on, and the open feeling of being on a large piece of land with only a few other guests. Nov should be cheaper, and after hurricanes, and not as crowded. Ask for a room on Scott Beach, preferably room 67 or as close as is available. One of our sons went thre on his honeymoon after listening to our rhapsodizing about Caneel for years. He and his wife are now confirmed Caneeliacs too.
You can eat all meals on the resort, but restaurants in Cruz Bay have improved and offer a very competitive alternative. Snorkeling is reasonably good off the beaches, especially Turtle and Hawksnest. Scuba is available as is day sails etc.
Hope this helps.
You can eat all meals on the resort, but restaurants in Cruz Bay have improved and offer a very competitive alternative. Snorkeling is reasonably good off the beaches, especially Turtle and Hawksnest. Scuba is available as is day sails etc.
Hope this helps.
#11
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5
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Thanks, it does.
We decided on Negril, Couples Swept Away, for Nov anniversary and are going to try and swing Mexico in April, after spring breakers are gone. So for the Mexico trip I am definately going to check it out.
Thanks to all for the feedback. It all helped alot!
We decided on Negril, Couples Swept Away, for Nov anniversary and are going to try and swing Mexico in April, after spring breakers are gone. So for the Mexico trip I am definately going to check it out.
Thanks to all for the feedback. It all helped alot!
#12
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
Debfish,
Couples Swept Away is a great resort !! The beach there is gorgeous (swimming pool clear, aqua water & nice white sand). We stayed in an Atrium room there & that was sooo tropical-feeling (w/ the dark wood shutters on all 4 walls & the tons of foliage around the bldgs). I really like the layout of CSA, w/ the smallish bldgs all interspersed w/ the tropical plants, palm trees... It doesn't have as much of a hotel-like feel like other resorts we've been to.
At all of the Couples resorts, the intro Scuba diving resort course is included in the cost. Actually, the scuba resort course has been included at all of the Jamaican AI resorts that we've been to, as well as unlimited diving for certified divers (my husband really likes this option). The AI resorts we've been to in Mexico never include the scuba resort course or diving for certified divers.
I have a ton of pics of CSA if you're interested:
See folder "Couples Swept Away--May 2006"
http://photos.yahoo.com/jmrperotto
Jackie

Couples Swept Away is a great resort !! The beach there is gorgeous (swimming pool clear, aqua water & nice white sand). We stayed in an Atrium room there & that was sooo tropical-feeling (w/ the dark wood shutters on all 4 walls & the tons of foliage around the bldgs). I really like the layout of CSA, w/ the smallish bldgs all interspersed w/ the tropical plants, palm trees... It doesn't have as much of a hotel-like feel like other resorts we've been to.
At all of the Couples resorts, the intro Scuba diving resort course is included in the cost. Actually, the scuba resort course has been included at all of the Jamaican AI resorts that we've been to, as well as unlimited diving for certified divers (my husband really likes this option). The AI resorts we've been to in Mexico never include the scuba resort course or diving for certified divers.
I have a ton of pics of CSA if you're interested:
See folder "Couples Swept Away--May 2006"
http://photos.yahoo.com/jmrperotto
Jackie

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