taf

OK, where to start? I am looking for specific advice on where to go for first-timers to the Caribbean. Here is our wish list.
1. An all-inclusive
2. Traveling from Chicago, we don't want to spend two days traveling, so someplace fairly close. Some of the places such as Aruba look great, but we really don't want that much travel time.
3. We are two couples in our 50's, so we don't want tons of families, but it doesn't have to be a couples-only resort.
4. We are pretty independent travelers, so even though we want to experience an AI we still would like to feel comfortable leaving the resort for some sight-seeing and shopping, etc. Perhaps renting a car for a day or so, or taking some interesting tours.
5. We would like an active property that offers things to do other than water sports. We probably wouldn't use a lot of that, so would like other options.
6. Good and varied food, drinks. It doesn't have to be gormet, but we don't want to dread every meal.
7. Some night life, either at the resort or close by.

So, am I being unrealistic? The only other beach type vacation we have ever taken was in Hawaii, would go there again in a minute but just don't want to travel that far this time. I guess I am looking for a bit of Hawaii closer to home? We are more than willing to travel in the shouler season, thinking late spring before hurricane season. So far, the Bahamas, PR, and the Dominican Republic have seemed to meet the location criteria, but I am so confused. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

virginia

briefly i would take dominican republic off the list. not a place to go exploring on your own.
bahamas is mostly about water sports and the beach.
pr would be very good. may i also suggest you look at jamaica. many good adults only or mostly adults ai's, tons to do and see. or maya riviera coast - south of cancun. see www.locogringo.com for a comprehensive listing of resorts and things to do, including ruins, shopping in playa del carmen, eco-marine parks, cenotes, zip-lines, diving/snorkeling, etc.
once you choose a location we will be better able to suggest specific properties and activities.

KVR

I would suggest the Royal Playa del Carmen, MX.

We just returned a few weeks back and had a great stay. The hotel is adults only and all inclusive. The rooms are all suite, with very nice amentities and an in-room jacuzzi. They provide ala cart dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as buffet and a 24 hour serve yourself drinks and buffet. The food was very good. They're located directly on the beach and within walking distance to 5th Avenue where there are lots of shops, restaurants and bars.

There are plenty of things to see and do off property including seeing the Mayan Ruins, Xcaret and Xel-Ha, snorkeling, ATV, zip lines, cenotes, fishing, sailing, etc.

Nassau, Bahamas has AI's, but we really didn't care for the Island. Really not much to do off property except water sports and visiting the Atlantis Hotel and Casino.

The DR is full of huge AI resorts with lots to do on property since it's not recommended to leave the resort unless on a guided tour.

Also look at Negril, Jamaica. Plenty of AI properties. Look at Sunset at the Palms or Couples. I wouldn't personally rent a car there, but good sightseeing tours included the Mayfield waterfalls, Black River and Appleton Rum factory tour, YS Falls, Ricks Cafe, Margaritaville, sailing and snorkeling.

Grand Cayman is another good option, but you won't find any AI's there. The only 2 left have closed there doors so I've been told.

I have a friend that lives in Chicago, who we met up with in Aruba. They got a direct fly and it didn't take them 2 days to get there. Aruba is a great Island. Lots of things to see and do, plenty of shopping, good nightlife and great restaurants/bars.

Odin

I've just come back from Grenada (2nd trip) and can recommend this island, there are AI properties and it is easy to travel around the island exploring independently. Visiting the Grenadines is also possible.
St Lucia could also fit the bill, the scenery is more spectacular than Grenada although local people are not as friendly as in Grenada.

Barbados have lovely beaches and upscale AI properties, sightseeing on the atlantic side, good introduction the Caribbean. I'm not sure about Jamaica, I've been thinking about visiting but I have been given varying reports.

mymoosie

Ohhh Grenada is lovely and if you don't mind the travel time, it may be a good choice.

Odin - Looking forward to your trip report.

diann24

I would for sure take DR off the list. We returned in July 07 from Hawaii and although it was beautiful we love the beach and water activities and the Caribbean waters are hard to beat. In my opinion they win hands down over Hawaii. That being said, we are also in our 50's so can relate to what you are saying. I would suggest the Mayan Rivera in Mexico. Not sure of your budget and the royal hideway is an upscale AI and adults only. There you can shop, sightsee or stay on the resort. If that is out of the budget, then there are plenty more to look into. Adventure spa is nice to and half the costs. Grenada is a great island, very scenic and a friendly people, but not sure of the how to fly there from Chicago.

jlillberto

For less travel time from the Chicago area, check out the charter packages offered from Fun Jet and Apple Vacations. Otherwise you risk lengthy delays. It took me about 12 hours each way when I met my sister in Key West this August. It used to be that charters were unreliable schedule-wise but the regualar airlines seem to be in a melt down. Over the years, we flown on charters from Chicago to both the Caribbean and Mexico with no problems.

Judy

horsesfordanny

We travel to the Caribbean a number of times each year and typically do all-inclusive vacations. I would recommend El Dorado Royale or Excellence Riviera Cancun. These are in a safe area and have excellent food and pretty good nightlife on the resort and in Playa Del Carmen. For all inclusives in general, try www.allinclusiveoutlet.com
They have nothing but all inclusive resorts to choose from.
Danny

KVR

If you choose a hotel in Mayan Rivera in Mexico just be careful of it's location. Most of the big resorts are out in the middle of nowhere and will be either a very expensive cab ride or an inconveninet hotel shuttle bus to and from the town of Playa del Carmen. If you plan on spending most of your time at the resort, then it won't matter, but if you want to go out most evenings it may be an issue. On our first trip to Playa del Carmen no one warned us of this and we were very disappointed in the location. We stayed at the El Dorado Seaside Suites. This last visit at the Royal Playa del Carmen was the perfect location for us.