hokiestina

I'm looking for an all inclusive resort for my upcoming anniversary in October. I'll try to provide some background and as much detail as possible as to what I am looking for:

My previous 2 all inclusive trips have been to the Riveria Maya area of Mexico (El Dorado Maroma and Excellence Playa Mujeres) and we loved the beaches, resort facilities, and luxury accommodations.

We are interested in experiencing a new location, but don't want to give up the quality resorts we have grown accustomed to as I have noticed that many of the caribbean island resorts look a bit more dated.

Preference is to an adults only resort, but doesn't have to be if it is not a huge resort (200 rooms or less). Any suggestions or recommendations for a new resort would be much appreciated!!!

KVR

Comparable resorts to those you have already been to can be found in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. You are correct in your assessment of "that many of the caribbean island resorts look a bit more dated." Not only that, they are 2 - 3 times more expensive and the AI factor is really a 2nd thought.

In Jamaica look at the Iberostars and Secret resorts in Montego Bay, the Couples resorts in Negril and Ocho Rios and the Jewell Dunns River resort (which we loved) in Ocho Rios.

In the DR look at Excellance, Secrets, Iberostars and the Majestic Colonial.

If you loved Excellance in Mexico, then the Iberostars and Secrets in Jamaica and the DR will be on that same level. However, keep your expectations in line as the resorts in Mexico tend to much better.

Odin

There are many luxurious hotels on the islands, the best hotels are generally not the AI ones although there are some notable exceptions.

Barbados
http://www.colonyclubhotel.com/ this is not an AI hotel but you can purchase AI meal plan.

http://www.fairmont.com/barbados/

http://www.sandpiperbarbados.com/

And Sandy Lane, if you have the budget.

Antigua also has some very luxurious hotels, again not all are AI

http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/jumbybay/

http://www.hermitagebay.com/

http://www.cocobayresort.com/antigua_hotel_home.php
Coco Bay is a very small AI and might not have enough amenities.

And several others.

Delishbajansauce

Barbados can definitely offer the luxury accommodations you prefer . As Odin mentioned earlier you find a typical all-inclusive plan on Barbados but you'll be able to add meals as desired to customise your package.

I second , Colony Club and The Sand Piper hotels on Barbados , as they offer a great ambience in which to stay.

Good luck
Happy Travels

KVR

I don't agree with either of those responses since some of the hotels listed are not AI and/or do not offer comparable amenities as the resorts you have already been to. However, Couples just put in a new Couples resort in Barbados. That resort I would consider "comparable" to what you have already experienced.

In my experience of 16 AI resorts throughout the Caribbean and Mexico and a few Non AI stays in the Caribbean. You will not find anything really comparable to the AI resorts in Mexico. Jamaica comes very close, but is a definitive 2nd as well as the DR.

Most resorts in the Caribbean that offer AI are 2 to 3 times more expensive and don't offer the lux accomendations, multiple dining options or other amenities that Mexico does. Usually, the AI option is a 2nd thought.

I just noticed that you stated you were going in October, which is prime hurricane season. Weatherwise, you might prefer Barbados over Jamaica and the DR. Though there is no guarantees.

Caribzack

We loved Blue Waters resort in Antigua. Small, great food , nice rooms etc...

suze

You will pay more in the Caribbean islands for similar properties to what you pay in Mexico. That's just pretty much a given.

writealiving

I stayed at Iberostar in Montego Bay and Puerto Plata. Montego Bay was gorgeous though I did do a day trip to Negril and was sorry I didn't stay there. I can't answer for Mexico having never been there but I would highly recommend the Iberostar in Montego Bay. The resort was gorgeous. I can't rave about the food though I never expect an all-inclusive to be gourmet, but it was good.