My husband and I are planning a 15 year wedding anniversay trip in Feb of 2005. Would love to stay at Couples Swept Away but it's not in our budget. Any recommendations to something similar (smaller resort, low key, in Negril, couples only, nice) but less expensive? Also, any recommendations in the Rivera Maya (our next choice)?

All inclusives seem to be MUCH more expensive than staying in a resort. Beware if they seem too cheap--- there will be a reason! They only seem to be cost worthy if you would be eating and drinking a lot anyway.

I think you would be happier at a more upscale hotel that is not AI rather than a cheap AI - the food and drink will not be good. Couples only is tough for a non AI though. Consider Idle Awhile in Negril. I have only read good things and I toured it last year and it is in a great location. It is not a family oriented hotel so there shouldn't be many kids around - especially if you go before Spring Break. You can probably arrange to have breakfast included there and great restaurants are a very short stroll away. It is owned by Lee Issa and his wife - owners of Swept AWay and Couples Negril. You will be able to use the Swept Away sports complex which has a nice pool and whirlpool. There are pictures on the Idle Awhile website. I have stayed at Swept Away twice and I liked the pool at the Sports Complex the most because there was never anyone there. Idle Awhile does not have a pool and that bothers some people but very few people use the pools in Negril because the ocean is like a big blue beautiful pool.

Maybe try the Royal Hideaway in Playa Del Carmen. My husband and I went there for our 1 year anniversary and absolutely loved it! -Susan

Negril has a wide choice of places to stay in every budget. You can pick a beach location or the cliff area or even go between the 2. Try going to www.negril.com. There is a message board there as well as a list of some local places to stay. The people there are repeat visitiors or locals & really gave me great advice for our trip.

Negril was an excellent place for us. The relaxed pace, friendly people & wonderful beach was everything we hoped for. Do take some trips off the resort. You'll miss so much if you don't.

I would also recommend Royal Hideaway in PDC. My husband and I were just there in June and we had a fabulous time. I booked through www.skyauction.com and got a fantastic deal compared to what travel agents were quoting me.

take a peek at RIU Tropical Bay Negril. its quite reasonable and I've seen some good things. its on the same beautiful stretch of beach as Couples and Grand Lido.

Check out Idle Awhile in Negil. Not an AI but has a great restaurant on site and several very good restaurants within walking distance either way on 7 Mile Beach. . .

No exactly couples only, nor all inclusive, but a number of the resorts on the cliffs end in Negril are don't really permit children, so are adults only.

We stayed at the Rockhouse over Thanksgiving a couple of years ago, and there was only 1 family with children. The Web site says that children under 12 are not welcome.

We ate most of our meals at the wonderful restaurant at the Rockhouse, but a cab to the other end of the beach was only a few dollars.

HTH,
Racy

I absolutely love Swept Away! I know its pricey but I would keep checking for specials.

I also very much enjoy the villas Rock House and the restaurant is good as well. But the villas have really gone up - I paid 70 a night just 4 years ago and they are pushing 200/nt now - and by the time you add meals, etc, you are right up there.

So I would make sure you consider all your costs before assumnig one option will be much cheaper then the others.

Idle Awhile is very nice and well located.

I would also suggest you also look at Coral Seas Beach Resort. Very reasonable AI, on the beach, mid range and I have heard it is not rwody like some of the others. I had lunch at Coral Seas Cliffs and liked it fine. noth fancy but warm serice, clean and the rooms were plain but well kept.