My husband and I won a trip from a local radio station. We are able to plan our own trip, ie, we can stay where we choose.(we get a voucher to help pay for the accomadations and airfare) we are looking at 4-5 nights, travelling in sept-oct 2004. we would like suggestions of when to go, where to go. we are in our late 20's, like to have a good time, but enjoy quite and relaxation. we have looked into sandals royal caribbean, seen both pos & neg reviews. Any help would be great!

I don't know if you are restricted to just the islands in the caribbean but if you want a really nice AI that really doesn't feel like one, look in the Royal Hideaway. The Royal Hideaway is in Playa Del Carmen, which is about 40 miles south of Cancun, Mexico. You are still located on the beautiful cost of the Caribbean and yet you have a beautiful AI resort with nearby options - excursions to the ruins, snorkeling, etc. Good luck - Susan

I forgot to mention, the prize is only for jamaica. what's the best all inclusive in jamaica?

Couples Negril or Couples Swept Away (in Negril)

I agree that Swept Away looks wonderful. Also we checked out Grand Lido Negril. That looked very pampering too. You would definitely enjoy Negril. The beach is excellent & there are many fun places to party. We are going there in 2 weeks.

Lucky you for winning the trip!!

Based on some recent reports here, I would put Jamaica Inn on the list. They have an all inclusive option too. I would also consider The Caves on the cliffs of Negril.

Sandals Negril.

Check with www.tripadvisor.com , www.negril.com , & www.jamaicans.com

The bbs at these sites will be very helpful. Read as many reviews & trip reports as you can and post as many questions as you desire at the places as well as here. It may be helpful for you to tell us what you are looking for in an A/I.

One reason we chose Couples (originally for a honeymoon) was for the relaxation and quiet. Especially Swept Away,, you can be as active or quiet as you desire and tremendously romantic to boot. I feared the entertainment coordinators at Sandals harrassing us to "participate" in beach activities is the main reason we did not look at those.

My husband and I went to Couples Negril last January and we booked our return trip before we left. There are just so many good things that can be said about this resort. It is all about pampering pampering pampering. The resort caters to your every whim from red flag service on the beach to late nite snacks at 2 in the morning. The beach at Couples is by far the best one on the Seven Mile Beach/Bloody Bay Area. The pools and the resort were immaculately clean and housekeeping comes by your room twice a day. And the people we met there were so friendly and laid back and we still keep in touch. Trust me, once you go you'll never want to leave. Congratulations on winning!!!

My husband and I were married at Couples Swept Away December 2002 and returned for our anniversary last year. Both trips were relaxing. We hope to go back again this winter. Have a great trip no matter where you may choose!

I have to chime in on Couples Negil. I've stayed at Grand Lico Braco and Couples Negril and CN wins hands down!

Great beach, excellent food. Braco's beach leaves a lot to be desired.

I've heard that Grand Lido Negril is good, but it's an older property than CN.

Enjoy! Greenie

Do you have to travel Sept/Oct? That is hurricane season. If you could switch your dates to earlier or later it would be better.
That said, we stayed at San Souci the past two Septembers and absolutely loved it. Free spa treatments were an added plus!
Lisa S

Half Moon at Montego Bay, Jamiaca. I saw and add for it at Luxurylink.com and it looked like the most fun resort I have ever seen. I have been to Atlantis on Paradise Island and this one had more amenities than Atlantis. I have never stayed there but the auction I saw said it had unlimited water sports like glass bottom boat rides, sailing, windsurfing, some kind of water bike riding?, it even had its own dolphin excursion on site. WOW. I mean who has that. It has lots of restaurants and bars. It even had 54 swimming pools. I have to tell you I thought it seemed to good to be true. Has anyone ever been there and actually seen the place? I would be interested in hearing. I just think if I had a few free nights I would spend them at the biggest bang for the buck place I could find in Jamaica and when you said Jamaica, this came to mind. good luck.

Half Moon has so many pools because they are private pools for the villas -only two or three pools are open to everyone. The dolphin encounter - in my opinion - is a shame, not an attraction.