Thanks for all the info. Like I said, we're very new to this (and certainly new to destination weddings!)

So let's reboot:

We are looking for somewhere to take a group of people varying ages.

We have thought about all the advice and perhaps a more family-oriented resort would be better as to not alienate anyone. So then I guess it doesn't have to be adult-only.

There's Breezes Curacao, Dreams Punta Cana, Beaches Negril, all of these seem to be fine destinations. How does one pick? Is there an all-inclusive forum somewhere?

I agree 100% with what KVR posted above.

(for KVR) a large part of the reason I go to PV often is that it is a lot easier to get to from Seattle than the Caribbean side of Mexico (believe me, I'd love to go to Playa del Carmen & Isla Mujeres sometime).

siroptimus~~ My comments are from this perspective... I am thinking of the places I've been myself, then in terms of where I would be comfortable taking my own Grandma and older relatives. And that most definitely isn't the island of Jamaica.

As far as Mexico and <turmoil going on in that country...read horror stories about their police, doctors, and government> It simply is not true, at least not in a way that affects tourists going to tourist resort destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas, or Puerto Vallarta. If you (or your family) aren't comfortable with it, that's understandable, but those shouldn't be the reasons because they are not true. Mexican people are THE friendliest towards tourists of any place I have been.

My best suggestion is to backtrack a bit, and maybe consider some of the other Caribbean islands?? What about Bermuda or the Bahamas or Caymans. They are much more Americanized and less wild. Maybe St Thomas or St John (US Virgin Islands) since it is officially part of the US, the travel requirements and I assume marriage issues would be easier. They are English speaking islands.

Also I encourage you to repost new topics on Fodor's to get more specific opinions from people with real experience, like maa thread specifically to ask about "Destination Wedding in Punta Cana" so you'll attract readers who may have the information you are seeking (more than the general title of "help us pick a vacation spot").

buena suerte (good luck)!

OK, I'm not going to break my arm patting myself on the back, but many people on this forum feel I have really good experience in knowing a lot about AI resorts in general. Been to 14 and counting and have done a lot of research.

There is really not a general forum regarding AI's. The best forum for information on hotels is Trip Advisor. Reviews, pictures and forums for each destination. The problem with that forum for a new person is it is ALOT of information and you must read, read, read. I've been a member for several years and spend a majority of my days reading and asking questions before going on a trip even if the trip I'm planning is not for 1-2 years. It is time consuming and quite daunting if you are not anal like I am about geting as much info as you can before you go.

Breezes Curacao - One word. "NO!" It is for families and is in great need of remodeling. The food and rooms are below average for the price they charge. Curacao is difficult to get to from most US airports. We had to fly Continental to Aruba and then a puddle jumper on Insel Air. Flights on AA go through Miami and many are overnights. You just have to check. For a destination wedding with several older people, it would be a hassle getting there and back.

Beaches anywhere - "NO!" Unless you want the wedding held at the Caribbean version of disney land. Kids, kids, kids.

Dreams - is a very good resort chain. It is family oriented and will have kids, but a little more tame. I'm not going into again about the DR. That's your choice.

I'm going to again recommend Aruba. It has everything you stated you want. The RIU and Occidental are great AI resorts with minimal families that time of year, close to the airport, safe, english speaking, great beaches, fancy pools with swim-up bar and great weather.

Also look at the Veranda in Turks and Caicos. Limited AI, safe, close to airport, english speaking, gorgeus beach. No fancy pools though.

The problem you may run into now is budget. You'll just have to check. If you go between the first 2 weeks in Novemeber (before Thanksgiving), you will probably get a good price. Any time during Thanksgiving week to December 1st expect to pay double or more.

Another issue is, if you insist on AI, you have limited choices of destinations. Not all Islands have AI hotels and some with just a few will be quite expensive. That's why we go to Mexico, you get way more for your money there.

BTW, Thanks Suze. I agree with your comment also. I have that same issue, since I live in Texas, Carribean/Mexico is only about 2 hours by plane. Again location, location, location.

Go w/ Riu Aruba as suggested by KVR. It has everything you want.
We are heading to Aruba for our 3rd trip in February! We never go AI b/c Aruba has a great selection of restaurants. But, you want AI so go w/ Riu which is AI.

Riu Aruba only about a 15 minute taxi ride from the Aruba airport (AUA).
Aruba is out of the hurricane path so you do not need to worry about hurricanes in Aruba in Nov.

Just Google "Riu Aruba" to take a look.

I will look into Riu Aruba. Thanks guys.

Yikes! out of our price range. Thanks anyway guys. We're gonna just chance Jamaica.

I thought that outside of Mexico or Jamaica the price would be too expensive. However, if you are not going until next November, it's too early to really look anyway. If you are really interested, get a travel agent to help you. Prices do come down after the Spring/Winter break and Easter holidays. Start looking about May 1.

If your set on Montego Bay, go for it. Just please do the research and keep your wits about you. It really is a beautiful Island.

I have been to Jamaica twice Sandals Negril and Grand Ocho, we also went to mexico stayed and Secrets Silver Sands. I would suggest Jamaica over Mexico, due to the fact that Secrets does not offer off site snoarkling also transfer are not included in the AI also they do expect tips even though they say there included. I liked Sandals Negril better then Ocho but would go back to both, But we are planning a trip for may and cant fiqure out where we are going we have looked into grand caymen islands, safe, beautiful beaches awesome snoarkling is what i read everywhere. theres a few hotels that offer AI options. But not adults only.

The beautiful thing about the Dominican Republic is that it's big (compared to other islands) and diverse. One area may be more beach oriented while other areas are more historic/cultural, other more into nature. Where you should visit in the DR really depends on what you're looking for, but there is something for everyone.

For culture/history junkies, here's the oldest city in the Western Hemisphere: http://dominicanacity.ownforum.org/v...ic.php?f=2&t=2

For beach lovers, the number one tourist area in the Caribbean: http://dominicanacity.ownforum.org/v...c.php?f=6&t=27

For lovers of small Caribbean towns, there's a region for you too: http://dominicanacity.ownforum.org/v...ic.php?f=3&t=5

If its a nice big city that doesn't feels like a big city, the DR has it as well: http://dominicanacity.ownforum.org/v...c.php?f=3&t=32

Maybe you want a mountain retreat, guess what?: http://dominicanacity.ownforum.org/v....php?f=17&t=51

But, if its a full fledge metropolis, you got it, the DR has that too:

http://dominicanacity.ownforum.org/v...ic.php?f=2&t=3

http://dominicanacity.ownforum.org/v....php?f=2&t=102

http://dominicanacity.ownforum.org/v....php?f=2&t=136

http://dominicanacity.ownforum.org/v...c.php?f=2&t=57

And last but not least, the shopping: http://dominicanacity.ownforum.org/v...c.php?f=2&t=99

http://dominicanacity.ownforum.org/v....php?f=10&t=31

As you can see, the DR can't be judged by one area or experience. It really has everything you could ever want for a vacation.

Where ever you decide to go, enjoy it to the fullest!!

In April I went to Curacao and the Breezes was just fine. Dont expect a 4 or 5 star hotel and you will be just fine. I read some recent reviews on Breezes on trip advisor and the reviews seemed pretty good. So I am guessing that they are working
hard to improve things.

But yes, Curacao is hard to get to, but it is a fabolous dutch style island and I wouldn´t hesitate to recommend Breezes. Just dont expect way too much from them.

KVR: In order to reserve a wedding day we need to book ASAP. Then we need to give our guests notice as well, way before we even actually book their rooms. Further we are using miles for our (and some guests) airfare so we need to get that booked as soon as airfare becomes available.

I was hoping to have longer to plan and check out each resort, but really we need to get on this.

I want to thank everyone for their suggestions, and for future trips we will definitely look at other more remote, exotic, etc locations.

Just from my perspective - We did MoBay and were happy with it. The Sandals there are older resorts, but if you know that..
Book the earliest flights available. They are less subject to delays, and fares may be lower.
I understand about the older guests. I would do Royal Caribbean over the flagship because of them. It will be quieter.

First of all....definitely no to Dreams @ La Romana. Huge disappointment!!!!! I could go on for days but won't. I am extremely well travelled and have been to all over the Caribbean numerous times. We travel at least once per month for vacation. I definitely agree with previous posts about ARuba. Keep in mind you are booking too far out to see the best deals. I stayed at Riu last thanksgiving during a high peak time and got a total steal!! I'm not saying you have to wait, but don't let the rack rate prices scare you. Most hotels also offer group rates for large parties especially for weddings.
I love Aruba and found that ai is not my preference there due to all of the great choices but if I were looking for ai it is a great choice. They have a fabulous swim up bar, amazing beach with tons of things to do. There are a lot of great places to visit within walking distance. I found the food at the hotel to be very good and I am very picky. It seams far but it is the same distance as flying to curacoa.


I've been to Jamaica several times and probably won't go back. It is one of the least impressive on my list but everyone is different. If you have a fun group it can make a difference.

Either way talk to the group reservation desks and see what they can work out for you. You may find some of these places to be more affordable than you first thought.

Hello,

I went to

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev..._Republic.html

We had a wonderful time and it was fairly affordable if i remember correctly. The hotel is on the Caribbean side so the water is calm and warm and clear. Lots of palapas (I am wicked white so that is important) to choose from without having to get up at 7 am to reserve one. The staff was so accommodating and friendly. Our rooms were very nice and we were very satisfied with the food! This place was beautiful/clean but I will say modest too. (it doesnt have 15 restaurants and 27 pools etc...)

It is not adult only but there is no Elmo running around. I don't have kids and right now they annoy me (sorry families) and I don't remember being annoyed even once. I think I saw one of the buggers running around the pool once.

We saw a wedding there and it was breathtaking. The couple seemed happy. It was so cool to watch the hotel guests laying in rafts in the water, watching the wedding and start cheering when the couple kissed and were pronounced man and wife.

http://www.weddingsbyiberostar.com/i...g_packages.htm