We are a group of about 4 adult couples (mid to late 30s) planning a group trip. I thought I would see if anyone has any advice or suggestions on where to go in the Caribbean or Mexico in July timeframe. We are looking for a place that will offer us a great beach with calm water, activities and nice accommodations. We are thinking All Inclusive would be best since we will be in a group.


We are currently looking at both Negril and Playa del Carmen as possible choices. Any advice on resorts or locations? Any other islands we should look into?

Thanks,
TC

The Royal Playa del Carmen is fantastic and would fill your needs. It is close to everything, so you can walk to different clubs, rooftop lounges, shops, etc. The beach there is very nice. It is a bargain for what you get. The rooms are beautiful..drinks are top shelf if you ask, great pool, very good food...many choices of restaurants. Playa is a fun place to go with a group.

I agree with the Royal Playa del Carmen. We stayed there this past Sept. We've been to many AI hotels all over Mexico and the Caribbean, and the Royal Playa del Carmen was by far the best. Lots of nice amenities, fabulous rooms with great features, on-line check-in, good food and service, no reservations for restaurants, and within walking distance to great nightlife, shopping, restaurants and bars. The price was very reasonable compared to many other resorts on that same scale.

I have never been, but I'd like to go to Villa Rolandi in Isla Mujeres, a short ferry ride from Cancun. It's not al, but the rate includes breakfast and dinner and it seems like a great value.

Another idea, though not al but also modified american plan (breakfast & dinner) is Nisbet Plantation in Nevis.

How does the Royal Playa del Carmen compare to something like Secrets Capri or Aventura? I know there has been significant beach erosion- is it the same at the Royal?

Thanks!

Secrets Capri in Playa is very nice. They even have a shuttle to take you into downtown at night. We really enjoyed our stay there.

an fyi re playa del carman in july. i have a good friend who is really in excellent shape. she normally runs daily. went to a july wedding in the area and passed out just walking on the beach. another friend hit the pavement when she and her husband went shopping on cozumel, also in july. both victims of the heat.

pdc area has loads of cool activities (ziplines, atv jungle tours, horseback riding, snorkel/diving, cenotes not to mention the ruins & great beaches). but if you plan to be active you might want to consider a different time to go. or drink loads!! or water and not too many cocktails until evening.

every island has some calm water beaches and nice resorts. jamaica has a wide array or resorts and activities. i know 2 couples who love couples swept away on jamaica.

if you could be a bit more specific about what all you'd like to do and your budget you will get more specific responces. is everyone traveling from the same place? how long do you have? golf? diving/snorkeling? big resort or smaller?

It is my understanding that there is still a decent beach at the Royal. Their hotel on the other side of the peir has sandbags. Shangri La could be another good choice. It includes 2 meals a day, so it gives you freedom to try different restaurants in Playa. There are stores and markets to buy beer and alcohol, so you could stay at a place like shangri la and do some of your own drinks to save $$. Shangri La has bungalos on the beach. Neat atmosphere and probably won't be around too much longer as big hotels seem to be buying up the places with character. I have never stayed at Secrets, but I can tell you that I typically stay at 4-5 star places..ie:Ritz..Four Seasons and small boutique resorts. I will say that not all the guests were not that of a typical 4-5 star (not that I cared..but some would) You usually don't see many tatoos and people getting loaded and rowdy and there was some of that, but they were having a great time and didn't really seem to bother anyone. The rooms were 5 star and the resort itself was at 4. It was a real bargain. I loved being able to walk everywhere. You could even walk to the ferry dock for a boat to Cozumel. I know someone mentioned Villa Rolandi on Isla Mujeres. We are headed there in March, so I can't help too much, but Isla is supposed to be a really neat island with lots of culture, retaurants, etc. There is a brand new Palace resort on Isla that is AI and getting good ratings. There is so much great food through Mexico that you don't get to experience with an AI, but it does make it easy. Hope this gives you a few options.

Secrets is a wonderful resort and is adults only - a BIG plus. You of course have to fit your budget. There are many good AI in the Playa Del Carmen/Cancun area but most allow children, but there are several adult only. Adult only typically are more expensive.

Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away have awesome beaches and are very nice resorts. Far nicer beaches than in Cancun area these days and calmer water.

We are recently back from Cancun and the Riviera Maya. We had booked El Dorado Royale, got there and checked out after one day. A five star resort it was not so take all the ads with a grain of salt and go to tripadvisor for lots of reviews.

We landed at Le Blanc and loved it! Upscale and elegant and maybe too laid back for some but ideal for us. However, if you are looking to party hearty I am sure there are better options.

We are looking for a place that we can party a little. (nice bar, maybe some places to go in the evening that aren't full of really young people, music in the lobby at night.) We definitely want a place that is 4-5 star- something classy but not too romantic such that guests would get bothered by a group of us at the beach/pool.

We aren't rowdy by any means but are looking to have fun. Want a place that has water activities ie jet skis, snorkeling, tours. Everyone is traveling from the same place. Some in the group would probably might like to golf. We wouldn't want too small of a resort but not a huge sprawling place either.

I will have to check out the AI on Isla Mujeres- I haven't heard of it yet. Is the weather better in Jamaica in July vs PDC? I know all those areas are going to be hot but if we went to PDC we would like to have the option of going to see the ruins etc.

Unforntuatley, since Playa del Carmen and Cancun have had the misfortune of hurricanes and tropical storms ove the past couple of years, their beaches are not as great as they once were. The beach in front of the Royal Playa del Carmen was still very nice when we were there in September. In relation to Secrets Capri or Adventure Spa Palace, I don't know as I haven't been to those resorts.

You might look at travelers pictures and read reviews on Trip Advisor to get a better outlook on what thoses beaches look like.

We have our pictures of the Royal Playa del Carmen at:

http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn

beachbum2, since you mentioned Isla Mujeres, I started checking it out. We haven't been to Cancun since 2002. Was not aware of all the development on Isla Mujeres. The Villa Rolandi looks very nice, but a little to pricey for us. I do like the look of the the Avalon Reef Club. It's AI and well priced so we could venture off and try some of the local restaurants and bars. Something for us to think about for a future trip. Thanks for mentioning it.

Ixchel Beach condos are also a great option. There are still some great hotel deals on Isla. There is also a new Palace resort. It looks very nice and is small, so it may actually be nicer than a typical AI.

beachbum2: please write a trip report after you get back from your Villa Rolandi trip. I think it looks great (and it looks pricey, but consider that the rate includes breakfast and dinner) and Isla Mujeres seems awesome!

If you are four couples travelling together then you certainly have your own headstart to a party- I love Isla Mujeres and, even though it is very small, it is a fun place. If you haven't already, look at www.isla-mujeres.net for lots of information. Take a look at www.playamedialuna.com or www. hotelsecreto.com for nice places to stay within walking distance of plenty of little bars and restaurants. I would opt for that rather than the AI in your situation.