JMNJ

Hey all, looking for a lux AI for my mom"s 60th somewhere in the caribbean... bringing the whole family ranging from 7 months to 13 years for kids and a few single 30 somethings... so beyond nice beaches, we need something for everyone- any recommendations?

RoamsAround

for questions like this it's always better if you give us some idea of your budget for both airfare and accommodations as it could make a big difference on where you go. Try to be specific, don't use terms like "affordable" or "won't break the bank" as these are meaningless without an actual dollar point of reference.

You say you want a "Luxury AI" and they can be very pricey. Check out Beaches on Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos - it's AI and very family friendly.

Keep in mind that most luxury resorts are not "All Inclusive" but many do have meal plans.

Of the islands on your list Jamaica will have the most All Inclusives and in a variety of price ranges so you might want to concentrate your search there. The Dominican Republic, Cozemel, Cancun and Playa del Carmen also have an abundance of AI, some of which fall into the "luxury category so you should investigate those destinations.

One thing you should know is most AI's cater to adults so the children in your group might feel out of place. Likewise, the "family friendly ones" such as Beaches (in the T&C) might mean the adults (especially the single ones) may have to compromise a bit on adult related activities. It's going to be a trade off.

I'm not positive but I don't think there are any AI's on Grand Cayman and Curacao - if there are you choices on those island will be limited.

While not AI (but they do offer a meal plan) the Four Seasons Resort on Nevis (I know that island was not on your short list) is very family friendly while still catering to adults. They have an excellent Children's Program, it It fits your request for a luxury resort and there are plenty of adult activities.

Lastly, regarding the 7 month old in your group - realistically you won't find any resort that has a program for a child that young although most will offer some type of baby sitting service. For all practical purposes that child's parents (and the older people in your group) are going to be the child's main source of entertainment.

qwovadis

JADE MOUNTAIN and ANSE CHASTANET P O Box 7000, Soufriere, St. Lucia, West Indies ... and all-inclusive (AI). Rooms All Anse Chastanet rooms have fridges, ...

www.ansechastanet.com/reserve/booking_info.html

My fav...

luxurylink.com other good options AI and non AI

www.puntacana.com jamaica.bookit.com roundhill.com nice

www.atlantis.com shorter flight lots of activities too.

Happy Hunting!

dee7493

The Veranda Resort Turks & Caicos

Gran Velas Riviera Maya

The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, DR

Casa de Campo, DR

A cruise is a good value and has something for everyone

I specialize in group travel, Villa rentals to the Caribbean & Mexico

virginia

hi, what a wonderful trip you are planning.
there is a fantastic lux ai 10 mins from playa del carmen, mex. it's 40 mins south of cancun which is normally an easy place to fly to from everywhere.
http://www.occidentalhotels.com/grand/Xcaret.asp
has things for all ages. is adjacent to: www.xcaret.com which is a very cool eco water park with enough activities for everyone to enjoy. another slightly lower key water park is just down the road: www.xelha.com
the resort is close enough to tulum, coba or chichen itza for tours. not to mention duty free shopping in playa, ziplining, atv jungle tours, exploring cenotes, etc
info on everything you need to know at locogringo.com
fyi for the naysayers: maya riviera is a very safe/tourist friendly destination. NONE of the drug related crime one hears about is there - actually 1000's of miles away.