Help with Family Vacation
 

Having just joined, I am amazed at the wealth
of information that you all provide.
I need help with suggestions for an All Inclusive Family Vacation for next summer
2005.
Budget is moderate...under $6,000 including
airfare. 5-6 nights would be great.

Profile, wife and I love good food, good
snorkeling (off beach if possible), and
clean rooms (not musty smelling)
We have stayed at Caneel Bay, Rose Hall in
Jamaica, Bermuda, and at a small hotel in Great Exuma.
We have three girls, ages 8, 10, 12.
They do not need a kids club, but some exploring or organized activities would
be a plus. They love to read books, snorkle,
and build sand castles.
We want a beautiful beach and not a busy
area (no St.Thomas or St.Martin)
Thinking of Riveria Maya, Cozumel,
BVI (Cane Garden or Long Bay) or Punta Cana.
Westin St. John or Beaches Turks and Caicos
would be ideal but unfortunately out of price
range...

Appreciate any and all comments. As detailed
as you like!

Thanks! :-)

Mark H.

Mhummel, With your budget, going in summer is going to help. You did not tell us your departure airport. I took our family of 10 to Barcelo in the Riveria Maya over last Christmas holiday which was expensive. It is a large resort, but we never had to look for a chair. We thought the food was good for an all inclusive. There is a kids club, snorkeling off the pier, and a very nice beach. There is an unofficial Barcelo site that is full of information. Good luck.

Thanks for the reply. We will be flying
out of Philadelphia.
Barcelo is a serious consideration for
us..thanks!

MH

Hi again Mark,

I would second owa's comment on the Barcelo. We've been there twice. Its a very nice resort with good facilities. Having access to shade without having to play the towel game and get up early to reserve one is a requirement for us. Barcelo met this with ease. In fact, you could usually find us sacked out on the hammocks they have strung around both of the pools.

In looking at your situation though, there might be a problem with the rooms. Not sure if you can get 5 people in a room without going to a suite which might bump the price a bit.

But the whole Riviera Maya area has a wide range of mostly AI accomodations, with a lot of information and reviews available.

Good luck in your search!

Ken

The kids are at the age now, when separate rooms or a large suite are
a must.
We can stretch the budget a bit or
not stay for 7 nights...

Mark