rosiegoes

Greetings - big birthday trip...trying to plan for family of 4 MLK long weekend

2 kids are well behaved world travelers already All the choices below work in our price range, however the last (radisson blu) would have to buy meals and i can imagine that adding up.

We are interested in a beautiful beach with great snorkling and a very nice long weekend with easy access from JFK

No need for shopping or high rises, simple natural beauty is my desire with some luxe civilized treats onsite. I don't even want to sight see, but would do a boat trip out for snorkling.

We were advised as follows:

Jamaica:

Jamaica Rose Hall Suites - All inclusive
sunset beach & waterpark - A.I,

Punta Cana:

Ocean Blue - all inclusive
Iberostar Bavarro - AI
Iberostar Dominicana - AI

St. Martin (has the french appeal to me though have heard bad reports about crime)

Radisson Blu - not all inclusive

Any advice is welcome as i continue the search! thank you so much

sharona

Hi rosiegoes. Welcome to fodors.

I've stayed at the Iberostar Grand (adults only) in Jamaica. The Rose Hall Suites is part of the same resort. We really liked it but again we were staying at the Grand. The beach there is just okay and there is no snorkeling. We went on a boat snorkeling trip and while we had a great time the snorkeling was only so-so. We did go zip-lining while in Jamaica, which is only about 20 minutes or so from the Iberostar.

We've also stayed at the Iberostar in Mexico. We have really liked both of our Iberostar visits and while we haven't stayed at either of the properties in Punta Cana I can tell you that both of the properties we stayed at were very well run and very similar. They seemed to have a lot of activities for families.

I've also stayed at the Radisson Blu. It's a bit isolated but it's on a pretty, small beach and it has a great pool. It's about a 10 minute drive to Orient Beach. There aren't many restaurants near the Radisson but it's a short drive to both Grand Case and the little village area of Orient Beach where there are 4-5 family friendly restaurants. You'll want to rent a car if you go to St. Martin unless you stay in the Maho area (Dutch side) where there are a lot of restaurants within walking distance.

Having said all of that be aware that you are going in the dead of winter and while you'll likely have warm weather on the islands you've listed it won't be hot. You need to go farther south to be assured of warmer weather in January. I know some will disagree but that's been my experience.

suze

I don't know your specific resorts but I like Jamaica a LOT more than the DR myself.

KVR

Have been to Jamaica and DR, not St. Martin. I preferred Jamaica over the DR. Snorkeling is not really a draw in Jamaica, though there are catamaran trips you can do, but still the snorekling is meh. The sightseeing there is really good. Lots of waterfalls and tropical beauty. Go with the resort's tours or hire a private driver to get around. We found more things to see in do in Ocho Rios than Montego Bay where the resorts you listed are located.

The Iberostar's are really great resorts. Sunset Beach is where the cruise ships drops off their passengers if that matters to you.