Help on picking a adult only all inclusive resort
 

We are having troubles with picking a adult only all inclusive resort. It is our 25th wedding anniversary this summer so we would like to take a trip some where in the Caribbeans. We have never travailed to a island before so would like your help. Money is not a issue nor do we need a lot of night life.

What are you looking for in the resort or its surroundings? There are hundreds of AI resorts out there. More info as to your interests would be helpful.

Have you looked at any adult only AI's that have peeked your interest? Not all Caribbean Islands even have resorts like that, so that will limit your choices.

Sandals, Couples, Secrets, Iberostars are good choices. Mexico, Jamaica and Dominican Republic will have the most choices. There are a few on St. Lucia and Antigua.

Our top thing or I should say my husband's top thing is that they have lobster all you can eat. We have 7 children so being our 25th we would like to find a resort with no kids (need a break from them) Would like to find a resort that is not on a beach that is lined with other resorts something a little more exclusive. It does not have to have a lot of night life. Would like to do some deep-sea fishing and snorkeling. Mostly this is to get away from the kids,relax and enjoy each other.

I have never seen an AI provide all you can eat lobster. Some of the higher priced, so-called luxuary resorts like Sandals, may have one night where they serve lobster for dinner. But is won't be all you can eat. I have also never seen shrimp or crab legs either. When we stated at Sandals, we got lobster for our returning guest dinner and then they had a midnight buffet that had lobster on it. Now that was all you can eat if you hurried up and got there as once it was gone they didn't refill. Both times the lobster is served cold on ice. That was years ago though and I don't think Sandals even does that anymore. Even cruises only provide one night that they serve lobster for dinner. You can order as many as you want for that sitting.

Here's a list of some ultra luxuary resorts. You can research if any provide all you can eat lobster:

http://www.ultimateall-inclusivetrav...earch/rating/4

You may also want to ask on the Trip Advisor fourms.

The Sterling Brunch buffet at Ballys and Zeffirino's at the Venetian in Las Vegas have an all you can eat Sunday brunch with Lobster. It's around $80 p/p, but so worth it. That's the closest I've ever seen.

If you find an answer please post as I would be interested.

I don't think you are going to find all-you-can-eat lobster anywhere. I've never heard of that.

There really aren't all that many adults only, all-inclusives, so you can really narrow down your choices if those two are must-haves. Also be aware that there are some "lifestyle" resorts under that heading (like Hedonism w/nudity) so you'll need to read carefully if that's not what you're after.

I agree that Jamaica, the DR, and Mayan Riviera of Mexico generally speaking have the most options for AI resorts available.

(just as a posting tip)... If you have some resorts on your short-list you are considering, if you post the island and the resort, more people might be able to chime in.

My husband and I just returned yesterday from the Iberostar Grand in Montego Bay, Jamaica. It's an adult only, all-inclusive, and my husband had lobster almost every day. I'm allergic so unfortunately I couldn't partake. It's a very nice resort with really good food and great service. They set up a beach BBQ almost every day and while they didn't have lobster every day they had it 3-4 times and you could get as much as you wanted. They also had lobster in most of their restaurants and again, you could get as much as you wanted. We happened to overhear one woman say she didn't think she would ever have too much lobster but she had indeed had her fill.

I can highly recommend this resort. It's next to two other Iberostar properties and while you can use the facilities and restaurants at both of the other two hotels the guests in those hotels cannot use the facilities at the Grand. That works out well since, as I said, the Grand is adults only and they took that very seriously and wouldn't even allow children on the property. Those three hotels are the only thing on that beach so you're not in a long string of hotels lined up on the beach. They offer shows every night such as Reggae Night, Big Bands, Boogie Night, etc. As we were there for 10 days we saw most of them and they were surprisingly good. There's also a disco on the property if you feel like dancing the night away. Well, most of the night since it closes at 3:00 a.m. They also have more sedate music in their piano bar and we heard some fabulous musicians and singers there.

We took a half day sailing cruise on a 53' catamaran to go snorkeling at the Montego Bay marine reserve. It wasn't great snorkeling but it was still a fun time. At least all the coral was alive, unlike a lot of places we've seen lately.

We've traveled a lot in the Caribbean and we've only recently started staying at all-inclusives. I think as long as you go fairly upscale you'll be happy with the food and of course you can't beat the unlimited drinks if you are into that sort of thing. However, having said that, we did stay at a highly rated and relatively expensive all-inclusive last fall in Antigua and we would not stay there again. But I would go back to the Iberostar Grand in Montego Bay in a heartbeat.

I was also going to recommend the Iberostar Grand also, but the one in Mexico. The Iberostar Grand Paraiso. You can eat lobster just about every day in many different ways. It is luxury adults only and fatastic service. They have a great golf course right there and you could always book a deep sea fishing trip.

I don't know about Lobster every day - but I would check out the following resort the new Sandals one on Exuma - they all come with butler service.

Oh yes...the Iberostar Paraiso Grand also has butler and concierge service. Bottle of your favorite alcohol brought to your room, 24 hr. room service, etc.

sharona and schmerl thank you on the tip of Iberostar AL that one I have not heard of so I will defiantly check into it. suze thank you for the tip on the posting. KVC thank you for the web sight that you posted it did help.

I appreciate all your help.

We've actually stayed at both the Iberostar Grand, Montego Bay and the Iberostar Grand Paraiso, which is located between Cancun and Playa Del Carmen. We stayed at the Paraiso just last spring. The rooms are identical and most of the amenities are the same: butlers, 24-hour room service, nearby free golf, etc. But we definitely liked the Jamaica resort more than the one in Mexico. It seemed better run and we liked the staff more in Jamaica. But both are wonderful properties and I think you would have a fabulous anniversary at either.

You didn't say exactly when you plan to travel. If you're going in the summer, especially late summer, you might want to consider purchasing trip insurance in case of hurricanes. It'll likely be quite hot wherever you decide to go.

we are going the last week of July for 5 days. We have decided to go to St Lucia or Jamaica. Iberostar or Sandals are the resorts we are leaning towards.

If anyone has a preference between the islands and resorts please let us know what you think.

Thank you for all your help. I can not believe how hard it is to pick a place to go.

Iberostar would be my pick over Sandals. The Iberostar in Mexico would be be my pick over the Iberostar in Montego Bay.

I think with just 5 days you need to consider travel time. Can you get a direct flight to either island?

I haven't stayed at a Sandals but the Iberostars are very nice. I've been to both St. Lucia and Jamaica and we'll go back to Jamaica before we'll head back to St. Lucia. But we like the beach and the beaches are better in Jamaica. There are things to do on both islands other than the beach, i.e., hiking, ziplining, some sightseeing, etc.

I have another place that is something to consider. To begin with, it is a long flight. But we have been to Palm Island in the Grenadines a couple of times, most recently last month. The manager, another employee, and a bartender greet you at the dock with a rum punch and take you to your room. (You fly into Union Ilsand and take a boat to PI.)Very scenic private island. It is an A/I and in winter no children are allowed. In June they would be. However, I'm not sure that a lot of people would bring their kids there. It is such an awesome experience to be on these wonderful white beaches with the gorgeous water. The food is very good and not only do they have lobster, but you can make a special request for anything you want. I know that I asked the day before Valentine's Day if I could have grilled shrimp for the 14th. When I went to order that night, the server said that he already had my order. Our last night there, I asked if I could have a cheeseburger and fries about two hours before dinner and -again- the server said to me,"I already have your order". We ate with another couple a few times and she always had ordered lobster ahead of time - and got it! They serve wine at dinner or you can order a mixed drink or beer or whatever. We've always met nice people and enjoyed ourselves. They return with you to the dock to see you off when it's time to leave.

I have another place that is something to consider. To begin with, it is a long flight. But we have been to Palm Island in the Grenadines a couple of times, most recently last month. The manager, another employee, and a bartender greet you at the dock with a rum punch and take you to your room. (You fly into Union Ilsand and take a boat to PI.)Very scenic private island. It is an A/I and in winter no children are allowed. In June they would be. However, I'm not sure that a lot of people would bring their kids there. It is such an awesome experience to be on these wonderful white beaches with the gorgeous water. The food is very good and not only do they have lobster, but you can make a special request for anything you want. I know that I asked the day before Valentine's Day if I could have grilled shrimp for the 14th. When I went to order that night, the server said that he already had my order. Our last night there, I asked if I could have a cheeseburger and fries about two hours before dinner and -again- the server said to me,"I already have your order". We ate with another couple a few times and she always had ordered lobster ahead of time - and got it! They serve wine at dinner or you can order a mixed drink or beer or whatever. We've always met nice people and enjoyed ourselves. They return with you to the dock to see you off when it's time to leave.

The beaches in Jamaica are much nicer than the beaches in St. Lucia. It is also easier to get around in Jamaica.

Knowing - have you read Desperate Voyage by John Caldwell? It was written by the guy who bought Palm Island - Great Read!!! I met his son years ago when I went to Palm Island - a magical place with a lovely, romantic history! LOVE IT!

I agree with Knowing's recommendation of Palm Island as an AI (including top shelf alcoholic beverages) to consider. I have visted twice, and although not luxurious in the Ritz Carlton sense, it is exceedingly comfortable and private with a lovely beach, crystalline waters, flavorful food, and accommodating staff.

Havingfun: Friends of ours just returned from Sandals Grande in St. Lucia and they had a couple of issues - they stated that the hotel seemed a little outdated and there were a couple of problems in the room (running toilet, that they had to fix themselves; AC that didn't work properly; food was "OK"; etc....). I have been to St. Lucia (Coconut Bay, AI, but not adults only) - it's a beautiful island, but after their report, I think I'd steer clear of the Sandals resort. Since it seems Jamaica has high-praises, maybe do a little more research into that location. As a side note, my husband and I stayed at Aventura Spa Palace in Riviera Maya Mexico. It was an adult-only AI, but I think they've seperated the property into adults-only on one side, and then family-friendly on the other... I would HIGHLY recommend any of the Palace Report properties, though :) (and our trip next year will probably be to Jamaica, so if you decide there, would love to see a review in the future!) Enjoy and Have Fun!!

Linda
aka NJScubaDiva

Just returned from our second annual trip to the Iberostar Grand Bavaro in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. I have been to numerous all inclusive resorts and only have the highest praise for the Iberostars.I would go to any of the other Iberostar GRAND hotels in Jamaica or Mexico but will return to the one in Punta Cana because it has a casino at the Iberostar next door. Jamaica and Mexico do not have a casino. Extensive research on Trip Advisor reports the Punta Cana beach better than Mexico. I would choose any one of these 3 based on ease of travel

Hi!

I have read alot of the feedback here and I have to comment. Since you are heading to the Caribbean during the summer, the main thing you should consider is the weather. While ``Jamaica, the DR, and Mayan Riviera of Mexico generally speaking have the most options for AI resorts available`they are not destinations that I would recommend during that time of year.

The farther south you go the less likely you are (most of the time)to be hit with hurricane type weather conditions.

My suggestion HANDS DOWN would be to head to Barbados. So much to do, great weather year round, spring water right from the tap, the safest of all caribbean destinations, friendly people, THE BEST food (and I am a foodie) without a doubt.

Let me know if you want more information and suggestions.

J

Couples Tower Isle or Couples Negril, both in Jamaica would be wonderful choices. Couples are a little more "mature" than
Sandals. They have all the same amenities and better food.

BellaClaire- I have read it! It was a very good read! I'm sure his son had some outstanding stories for you!

My husband and I are having the same problem. We want to go to an AI adults only resort in Mexico. We have been to Excellence Resort in Punta Cana, and enjoyed it very much. This time we are looking for something that is a little more upbeat. Excellence PC was very laid back, no music around the pool. I have looked into Excellence Playa Mujeres, and Secrets, but would like to get some input from other people before we decide. The only other thing that is very important is the choice of Beer. I am a Miller Lite drinker, and in PC the didn't have that so I was drinking El Presidente Light which I enjoyed very much, along with the "Drink of the Day"

acamm72, you should post your question as a new topic, so everyone can see it.

Look at the Royal Playa del Carmen in Mexico.

In most countries, AI resorts only provide their domestic beer. Very limited restaurants/bars will provide foreign US beers, and if they do it's very expensive.

I think two good areas to look at AI's are as mentioned above by KVR Playa del Carmen, and also Nuevo Vallarta the new-ish developed resort area to the north of Puerto Vallarta, sometimes dubbed 'Riviera Nayarit'. Sorry don't know specific resorts to suggest.

Thank you KVR I just did.

SInce it's a big anniversary trip and you're looking for presumably a romantic as well as finer level trip, you could do a hell of a lot worse than that Sandals on Exuma, Emerald Bay. It is several cuts above the normal Sandals experience (which we happen to like just fine - Antigua is our favorite) and may have everything you want, especially if you go the butler route. They will likely give you enough lobster to make you start thinking a hamburger would be a nice change.

Everyone has their own thing, certainly, but I think the Iberostar (in Jamaica anyway, haven't seen any others) is about as romantic as a truck stop in Ohio. Too damn big.

Since the original post is TWO YEARS old, I think the OP already went on their big anniversary trip.

Hi. My husband and I have travelled to an A/I in Mexico for our honeymoon and stayed at the Excellence Playa Mujeres - and Oh My Gosh!!! Luxury Plus. Food, beverages, entertainment, Everything about this resort was Amazing!!! Check out Excellence Playa Mujeres reviews on tripadvisor.ca so that you can click on the photos that people post and you will see just how Amazing this place is. And I thought that this place would be hard to beat but we recently went to Punta Cana for our anniversary and stayed at the Majestic Colonial Punta Cana (which is the adults only side) and we stayed in a swim up room (3113) and it was Amazing. We had a Jacuzzi tub in our room plus a Jacuzzi tub on out balcony!! Both resorts have huge showers. Butler service etc... Again look for the reviews on tripadvisor.ca. I am an avid trip advisor review reader and will research a resort for months and read reviews for months before I book a resort. I hope you can find a place where you will both enjoy an Amazing holiday!! Good Luck with your search and if I can suggest one thing ... no matter where you go take Dukoral (for travelers' diarrhea) you take it twice before you go (I think two weeks before and then a week before). It's expensive (about $100.00 each person) but well worth it. It lasts for three months and prevents travelers' diarrhea. I work to hard for my money to go on holidays and get sick. We went to Cuba and stayed in a 5 start resort (Melia Cayo Coco) and we both got sick and I will not go back to Cuba!! Mind you we didn't take Dukoral as we found out about it after our trip - but I will not go back to Cuba. Resort was ok ... food was terrible - not a lot of selection - and drinks were crappy - not blended with ice or nothing!! So, my experience of Cuba was not good and we both got sick on the second day and this ruined our anniversary trip in August so we went away for an anniversary make-up trip in December to Majestic Colonial!!!

Hi!
Maybe if you wanna try something different for adults only all inclusive resort, I recommend Desire Pearl in the mayan riviera mexico, this resort is clothing optional only for couples.
Also in Desire you can enjoy the beautiful beaches like few in the world.
http://desirepearl.originalresorts.com/
The caribben offer many choices for the concept adults only all inclusive resort.
Greetings.

Sandals would be your best bet on an island like St. Lucia with lots to do. They have three resorts there and you can use all of their restaurants. Good luck.