tenntom

We've thought about Mexico and Jamaica, but really haven't found the trip we were looking for. Would like to go in July and stay for a week

suanniammsncom

Hello,
I cant really help with Jamaica or Mexico, but for a safe island you cant beat Grand Cayman. Our family 16, 14 10 & 6 yearly rent a house on the north side of the island and snorkel, explore. I cant believe my teens never get bored.
Susan

cmeyer54

We also liked the north shore area of cayman - Rum Point was fantastic for our two teenagers. They also liked Aruba. Both golf, scuba, sun and just hang out. We went to Cancun reluctantly and it was not that great - a bit dirty, crowded during spring break with drunken teenagers, attractions were so-so.

golf_guy

Think about a private staffed villa at Tryall Club west of Montego Bay, Jamaica. Private pool, magnificent golf course, nice beach, excellent tennis program. Check Tradewinds Villa (4 bedroom), Pinnacle Villa (3 bedroom)or Fairwinds Villa (4 bedroom)at Tryall via www.jamaicavillas.com. This is Linda Smith's site and includes a neat calculator to check the cost of a villa vacation compared to a hotel/resort.
Also check Fern Hill villa (4 bedroom)at www.fernhillvilla.com. This is the villa's owner's site and he offers substantial discounts off posted rates.
Also look at www.randolins.com for Randolins villa, with its own private beach -- also at Tryall.
The kids will thank you for this vacation. You just need to be ready to them telling you how much they want to come back again next year. And the year after that. And the year after.....

tivertonhouse

If you're 'less resort' and more adventuresome, the Treasure Beach/South Coast area of Jamaica might prove a good one. See the community Web site at www.treasurebeach.net for a closer look.
Coastal boat trips for wild dolphins, Pelican Bar, crocodile/wildlife watching in Black River's Great Morass;snorkelling out at Sunny Isle,2.5 miles offshore;YS Falls for swinging on liana vines over the mt.pools and tubing down-river;horseback riding, mt.bike riding on countrylanes -- there's much to do here if you and your kids are adventuresome. Villas with air conditioning should top your list of possibilities.

benj

We are heading to Negril Jamaica in May. Our extended family has stayed at Moon Dance Villas there & it is great. No entertainment but you have your own staff in a villa & some great beach.
This trip we are staying at Beaches Negril. It is all inclusive & has tons to do. There is a teen & also kids section. The video arcade is fun & lots more to do for just the young ones.
You can check it out at www.beaches.com. We are taking 2 big kids (22 & 17) & getting a 1 bedroom suite. It has a separate bedroom for us & in the living area it has a queen sofabed & 2 twin pullout beds. The great thing is that it has 2 bathrooms.

Have fun wherever you go.

Penpen825

Both locations are great for families as they offer so much to do off the resorts as well as on. Negril is the better side of the island and Beaches (there are two there) is really the best for kids of all ages - they will never be bored. It is pricey however but the area is beautiful. There is also the Rui that is more affordable.

In Mexico, the resorts tend to be much larger but we were very impressed. This past sumer we went to Paraiso del Mar and highly recommend it. We really researched the resorts in Playa Del Carmen and for the money, it can't be beat. Rooms are beautiful, the pool is huge and very impressive, good food with a nice selection and beautiful beach.

Penney

Weadles

Another recommendation for Negril, although definitely check world weather forecasts before you book. I seem to remember that July can be quite rainy in the islands.

We stayed at Coco La Palm in two huge jr. suites with our kids, ages 13 and 16. The rooms were quite nice, although there were some plumbing and other maintenance issues while we were there. The resort itself offers two medium sized pools, and is located on what I think ( after 20 visits to Negril) is the best part of the beach. Water sports are next door with "Uncle Bill", and there are several restaurants within walking distance ( although skip Coco La Palm and Margueritiville which are both TERRIBLE!). The West End, or Cliffs, offers wonderful cheap eating -- esp. Chicken Lavish and Three Dives.

Our kids loved Negril ( it's our second trip back with them). Plenty to do both day and night. They enjoyed seeing the Jamaican divers jump off the cliffs at Rick's Cafe, and also enjoyed XTABI, where you can swim through a cave right into the ocean! We went water skiing, snorkelling, and fishing, all of which are easily arranged.

Another resort that I looked into while we were there is IDLE AWHILE, just next door to COCO. It's more expensive, but wow! the rooms are really quite nice, and you have complete access to the sports complex at SWEPT AWAY, which is just down the beach.

Good luck with your choice!