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-   -   Please help All Inclusive Caribbean or another resort/ family reunion (https://www.fodors.com/community/caribbean-islands/please-help-all-inclusive-caribbean-or-another-resort-family-reunion-991075/)

mamamo Sep 6th, 2013 02:41 PM

Please help All Inclusive Caribbean or another resort/ family reunion
 
Hello,
Thanks to everyone that has helped in the past plan fun trips for two. (roamsaround, blamona, etc.) Loved FS Nevis, Regent Palms, Turks, Ritz VI, etc.
Now I have the fun task of planning a trip for 16 people ranging in ages
from 1 - 75 and everything in between.
I know from all my reading that Mexico is the best for all inclusive. While I love Mexico
we have already done that a few times and the group want a new place to visit. Checking off that bucket list ya know. So mexico is 100% out (for this trip).

Is there an all inclusive we would be happy with in the Caribbean?? I saw some nice ones but they are adults only. Obviously we need one for kids. If there is not an all inclusive any ideas on another hotel? What is Turks weather like Thanksgiving week or do we need to be further south??? Cayman maybe?

Another criteria given the ages of everyone is wherever we end up I want to make sure it is a place that has a hospital in the event that it is needed. We will get insurance and all that but I don't want to be totally remote where a hospital is not an option.

Budget is open- looking for five star/four stay maybe

Time of year TBD need to find the place - will most likely be shoulder season but not hurricane season.
Other things needed:
-good food
-great beach and pool
-safe (where kids can roam the beach and not have to worry about being approached all the time)
-water activities (snorkel, fishing, etc)
-full service resort with activities
-tennis
-open to flat island or mountain

Thank for your help.

DAVENPORT1 Sep 6th, 2013 04:27 PM

If your budget is truly open and you can swing it, look at Jumby Bay.

This is a five star resort, all inclusive including all water sports: Hobby Cats, waterskiing, kayaking, paddle boards, snorkeling equipment, tube riding. They do have a kids club and the island is so safe that there are no room keys. There are two tennis courts as well.

Mode of transportation on the island is bicycle or golf cart. The only motor vehicles on the island are emergency vehicles including an ambulance. Should you need medical care, the resort has a medical staff available 24/7 and the main island of Antigua is a 5 minute fast ferry ride.

You can stay in resort rooms or rent one of the fabulous villas which still includes full access to all inclusive amenities. Food is wonderful and service is second to none. If loved FS Nevis, Jumby Bay will be your last and possibly only true love in the Caribbean.

mamamo Sep 6th, 2013 05:17 PM

Yea I know I said open budget- maybe not jumbo bay open with 16 people.
Is there a 2nd, 3rd, 4th choice, etc in Caribbean?

Thanks for your reply. I will research but need a few options in the wing.

WWK Sep 6th, 2013 05:29 PM

We've visited Turks three Novembers in a row and had perfect weather. Actually warmer and sunnier than our latest trip there in January.

For AI, you can check out BEACHES, but despite its name, it has a very disappointing beachfront. It does, however, tick all the other boxes on your list.

RoamsAround Sep 7th, 2013 04:28 AM

I too was going to suggest Beaches on Providenciales (T&C's) give the age ranges in your group. However, since you clarified that your "open budget" may not be no so "open" you may find it out of your price range. Sorry, but you are sending "mixed signals" as far as budget is concerned by first saying it's "open" and also mentioning 4S, Nevis, Regent Palms and the Ritz Carlton (all high end properties) but then saying Jumby Bay is out of your range. So, without further clarification on how much you can spend some of the suggestions I and others may make may be out of your price range.

Also, if you give a bit on the "All Inclusive" and look at resorts that offer "Meal Plans" you could expand your options.

The one thing that concerns me most is your need for a hospital. If members of your party are so frail that they may need medical attention they should check first with their doctor(s) before making the trip just to be sure they are not putting themselves in jeopardy. If you want a (good) hospital nearby just as a precaution that will limit you destination choices. For instance, the island I live on has a hospital but you really don't want to go there if you have a serious medical condition. If you need a "good hospital" you'd be wise to stick to one of the larger and/or more populated islands. It really boils down to are you concerned about First Aid type care (you can find that almost anywhere) or treatments for major medical conditions (which we Ex-Pats go back to the US, Canada or England to get). Lastly, if medical conditions are a major concern make sure you purchase Medical Evacuation Insurance (SkyMed, MedJet, etc.) as you'll really want to go 'back home" for treatment. You'll have to decided for yourself what level of medical care those in your party might need and act accordingly.

Anyway medical issues aside), look at the following:
Galley Bay or Jolly Beach on Antigua
Cap Juluca on Anguilla
Caneel Bay on St. John
Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda

Last thought, have you considered renting a large villa? You can get ones that are fully staffed with housekeepers, and a cook or chef (if you don't want to prepare your own meals).

mamamo Sep 7th, 2013 12:39 PM

Yes you're right sorry my post was misleading when
you are trying to provide advice.
To be honest grandparents are paying
and want a nice place so I am trying to
come up with a bunch of options all inclusive and not all inclusive in all different price ranges
(Still 5 star or 4star).
Beaches is on the list bc it fits the bill for all ages.
What else? I thought galley bay was adults only.
Will check jolly beach.
Puerto Rico??
I'll add ritz cayman, westin
What about hotel in PR or Aruba?
A house or villa is out- everyone needs
their own space- too many different personalities.
No underlying medical condition just
want to be in a place where you can get help, first aid
hospital / doc etc. if something comes up.

WWK Sep 7th, 2013 02:24 PM

Does it have to be AI?

Highly recommend THE RADISSON on Palm Beach if you're looking at Aruba. Not my favorite island b/c it's pretty Americanized, but that might work in your favor with the range of people going.

Lots of cheap-high end food available, much of it within walking distance. And Radisson has the best beach of the hotels on the strip. Plenty of water sports, etc.

Grand Cayman is wonderful, but one of the most expensive islands in the Caribbean. I'm not a big fan of The Ritz because some of the hotel rooms are across a busy main street from the beach. Also find the hotel quite expensive for what it offers.

Westin is right on 7-mile Beach in Grand Cayman. I have not seen the rooms, but have heard that some can be small, maybe not up to a high standard. However, location is good, and beach access is very easy.

Cayman and Aruba both have very good hospitals.

KVR Sep 7th, 2013 06:14 PM

I would research Jolly Beach in Antigua before choosing it. It's a solid 3* and will not meet your expectations compared to the other resorts you have listed.

AI in the Caribbean is nothing like Mexico. You will not find lux resorts with multiple dining choices and varied activities for a decent price. Most of the AI's in the Caribbean are quite limited with what is actually included and the ones that include more cost 2 to 3 times more that what you will get in Mexico.

If Mexico is "out", then look at Jamaica or the DR. The only other destinations that have "comparable" AI resorts to Mexico. The Iberostar in Montego Bay is a second choice to Mexico.

Puerto Rico does not have any AI resorts. I really don't think the older/mature people in your group would like Beaches in T & C. Is everyone in your group up for a multitude of children? Their beachfront is really a shame and it really all about their multiple pools. Definitely not what T & C is all about. Grand Cayman doesn't have AI resorts either.

I agree with Aruba, If you have to have AI that would meet several ages ranges expectations, the RIU Palace would be a good choice. Also, the Divi as they have 3 sections to their hotel, which would accomendate everyone and sits on a better section of beach.

Another option would be Marriott chain. They have several hotels on various Islands that offer an AI option and is a very good hotel for everyone in your party.

http://www.marriott.com/hotel/all-in...n-vacations.mi

Here's is a site that list AI in the Caribbean. It may also help with your research:

http://www.caribbeanallinclusive.com...ve_resorts.cfm

Another option to think about is a cruise. Cruises tends to meets everyone needs. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity offers pre-pay AI alcohol packages if that's important to some of the people in your group.

mamamo Sep 8th, 2013 05:57 AM

Thank you to all.
Cruise, Mexico, DR are all out-want something new.
I didn't realize that on Marriott- cool. Which is the nicest one on that list.

At this point I am researching AI and NON AI
I have on my list jumby bay, beaches (although you're right may be too many lil ones for the teens),
Seven stars T and C too.
Iberostar Jamaica which one and is that the nicest AI on Jamaica? I think MOBAY makes sense vs 90 minute car trip to negril- too much for kids after long flight.

I'll add radison Aruba and westin Cayman.
Where else is worth looking into? Anywhere in PR?

Thanks a TON!

WWK Sep 8th, 2013 11:09 AM

There are three Marriotts in Aruba- Ocean club and Surf Club are timeshares. Marriott Stellaris is a regular hotel. All three are at the far end of Palm beach,(furthest from town) next to where the new Ritz Carlton is being built.

Several years ago, we stayed in a two-bed timeshare unit at The Surf Club. It was a beautiful- if rather small- unit, oceanfront, with every amenity. But the beachfront was a zoo- wall to wall people- so we never went back.

We much prefer the location of The Radisson. It has the widest beach of any hotel on the strip, and is very close to many restaurants/shops.

About Negril: There's a small very upscale property on the beach called MOON DANCE VILLAS. You can rent out part of the place, or the whole property, and can also hire a private chef. It is right on the best part of the beach, next to COCO LA PALM, which is where I often stay. Downside? It might be beyond your budget, and you will have to deal with some of the benign hassling/haggling of vendors on the beach. That being said, I way prefer Negril in almost every way to Montego Bay, for beach food, and atmosphere.

Lastly: I forgot completely that we used to stay next door to THe Westin Cayman at Villas of the Galleon, which was a very nice beachfront property of private condos. You could also check out THE AVALON units, further down the beach. Both of these are self-catering, but it's not hard to arrange water sports etc. through vendors on the beach or through the properties themselves.

Good luck!

schmerl Sep 8th, 2013 02:01 PM

The RIU in Aruba is all inclusive also.

KVR Sep 8th, 2013 08:40 PM

Marriott - I would go with the Aruba location on Palm Beach. Really I think Aruba would fit everyone's needs.

Many people on this forum recommend Negril because it's so laid back. Truthfully, we didn't care for it and preferred the Ocho Rios area better. More things to see and do off the resort that wasn't so far away from the hotel. However, we found in Ocho Rios that the locals are way more aggressive. We hired a driver to take us on excursions and activities. The Montego Bay area is not highly recommended, but I do feel it has the better, more lux AI's than Negril and Ocho Rios especially for family AI's.

I researched PR for several months and decided against it. The resorts there are overpriced for what is offered as well as food and drinks. It's a metropolitan city with a beach. There is reports of crime there, but usually not against tourists. A good place to visit for a day or two before or after you catch a cruise ship. Many people chose to stay in multiple areas to get a good feel. However, outside of the main area of San Juan, there is not much out there. I found the hotel selections in/around San Juan a joke. Most of them need lots of renovations and cater to a younger party crowd and are expensive. We can go to a lux Mexico adult's only AI for 1/2 of what we could find in the PR.

If you decide to not go AI, Grand Cayman and T & C would be good choices especially for children. However, there is not much on either island to do beside water related activities if that matters to you.

Still, I go with Aruba. More things to see and do off the resorts for all ages. I also mentioned the RIU Palace in Aruba. I think it and the Marriott ticks most of your wants.

Odin Sep 8th, 2013 10:48 PM

Having been to a Mexican AI this year, I now know what I suspected to be true: ie it is nowhere near 2-3 times less expensive than Caribbean islands. The only difference is that Mexican AIs cater more to Americans so offer 24 hour room service, huge bottles of alcohol on tap in the rooms and copious amounts of food and the resorts themselves are huge. The Latin destinations are simply not the same as the Caribbean islands at all, inc PR.

There is no mention here of Barbados and it's numerous AIs esp in the 4 star category, St Lucia has several, Antigua has more than just the extremes of Galley Bay and Jolly Beach (St James Club for instance, and several others on the Atlantic side), Jamaica, if you are considering non AI, then St Martin, Aruba.

mamamo Sep 9th, 2013 03:24 AM

Thanks this is great! Ok PR is off the table- I had no
idea. Thanks!!!!
Silly question, why is Montego Bay not highly
recommended? I have never been so fully
want to understand before taking lil ones, etc.
The AI sounds great but more important
is it not safe? Are you bothered on the beach?
Is there a wall around resort and you can't leave to walk
beach? Have been to lots of places but am
not familiar with this one so I really want all the inside info.
Sounds like Iberostar is best in mobay.

Turks and Caymans are on and I am familiar
with them.
I'll add Barbados had never really thought about
it. Aruba and Antigua are on.
Thanks for all the help.

Odin Sep 9th, 2013 04:58 AM

West coast Barbados (best side of the island is St James/St Peter), Crystal Cove or Mango Bay if you want AI.
Antigua, St James Club, Verandah Resort. St Lucia - Windjammer, Coconut Bay has great reviews but is a little isolated plus several other options. Everywhere in the Caribbean you have to be careful as most beaches are public. Yes you might get bothered on the beach but mostly if you decline politely you are left alone. Jamaica has the reputation of being more aggressive and parts of the island are dangerous, away from the tourist areas. But its pretty much like that all over, the US is pretty scarey as far as I am concerned.

WWK Sep 9th, 2013 05:04 AM

Interesting to read all the varying opinions. The beach in Ocho isn't nearly as nice as the one in Negril, and the vendors are much more aggressive.

I also don't like Mobay. If you stay at an AI, you might as well be in Miami. You won't get out and interact much with locals. Maybe that's what you want, but not what I'm looking for on vacation. Also most of the beaches in Mobay are not that great compared again to Negril's.

Lastly, it is harder to wander around in Montego Bay than in Negril. Some neighborhoods are seedy and unwelcoming to tourists. You have to watch for this in Negril, too, if you leave more populated areas like the beach and the West End, but it's not as prevalent as in Montego Bay.

sharona Sep 9th, 2013 08:52 AM

You can take Galley Bay in Antigua off your list. It is adults only.

We stayed at the Iberostar Grand in Montego Bay. It's a really nice resort. It's on a strip of sand that includes all three Iberostars, the adults only Grand and the other two which welcome families. I don't know about the other two but the Grand kept all vendors off the beach. Because it's rather isolated they were able to pull this off. We did get off the property several times for excursions. It's pretty well located for some of the big tourist activities and it's also quite close to the airport, maybe 20-25 minutes. We never felt unsafe, either at the resort nor at the tourist sites. Some vendors can be aggressive, maybe moreso than on other islands.

I also agree with Odin that we haven't found Mexico to be lots cheaper than Caribbean islands, particularly the better all-inclusives. They price their rooms for the huge American market. One of our priciest beach vacations was in Cabo but we knew it going in as it was a very upscale property. Having said all of that, however, I notice Mexico isn't on the table for your trip anyway.

For lots of things to do that appeal to a wide variety of ages I think Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica and perhaps St. Lucia would be your best options. Also St. Martin, which has an advantage of offering both Anguilla and St. Barts as easy day trips (although the ferry to St. Barts can be rough for those prone to seasickness).

KVR Sep 9th, 2013 08:57 AM

"Having been to a Mexican AI this year, I now know what I suspected to be true: ie it is nowhere near 2-3 times less expensive than Caribbean islands."

You apparently didn't go to the right one. Having been to many AI's resorts on the West coast and on the Caribbean side of Mexico as well as many in the Caribbean, I stand by my original comment that you quoted.

The reason Barbados wasn't mentioned here is that the AI hotels there are overly expensive and does not offer all the inclusions that Mexico does. If the OP chooses NOT to go AI then it would probably be a good destination.

I agree with WWK with their comments on Jamaica. Negril is laid back and a good place to relax and chill. ie; boring. We did enjoy the off site excursions we did there though. It's a better area to not go AI as most of the AI hotels our on Bloody Beach and there is nothing else in that area.

Ocho Rios has the better excursions off property, but the locals are really aggressive. You need a guide to keep them at bay. The only good thing about Montego Bay is the airport is right there and they have the better lux AI resorts. I was very disappointed they built the better AI resorts there. It's like they are trying to get people to stay in that area by luring them with those resorts as it has nothing else to offer.

KVR Oct 3rd, 2013 05:09 PM

Odin, I read on another thread you actually stayed at Petite Lafitte in Playa del Carmen, MX, which is not an AI resort. What AI resort did you stay at in Mexico? Would love to read a trip report.

doublex100 Mar 28th, 2014 10:09 AM

Wondering what mamamamo decided on the family reunion. We are considering similar options (also maybe a cruise) for our family in December (2 grandparents, 4 adults, 4 kids), and would love to read a trip report...


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