Summer Vacation with Older Kids (18 &22)
 

My wife an I want to take our kids (18 & 22) to the caribbean for four or five days this July. We're looking for a fun resort (nice beach pools, clubs, good food) with easy access to a casino. We've heard nothing but bad reviews on Atlantis Paridise Island, so I'd greatly appreciate any suggestions. Also your thoughts on all inclusives if appropriate.

Thanks
Ken

We are taking our kids (17 & 23) to Negril Jamaica in a few weeks. We are staying at Beaches Negril since we wanted an all inclusive & our youngest wasn't over 18. There are several resorts that might be fun for you in Montego Bay since Negril doesn't have casinos. It does have great beaches, cliffs & good food & nightlife but no casinos.

Given your criteria, Aruba would appear to be an obvious choice. Lots of activities for all ages, casinos, water sports, etc. Since you want a nice pool I would look at the Hyatt, Radisson, possibly Marriott or the former Allegro (I forget the new name).

I would not do all-inclusive in Aruba. Lots of places to eat in various price ranges; easy to get around by taxi, bus, rental car.

July is the earliest part of hurricane season, so not much risk anywhere, but less in Aruba than farther north.

Saw your question from last May and am wondering where you ended up going. We have exactly same age kids and very similar critiera. Hope you found somewhere that workded. Where did you go?

We have vacationed the last several years on various islands with our children, now 18 and 21. Last year at Atlantis was great. I know you hear lots of negatives but it worked well for us. We all enjoyed the fabulous pools, waters slides and beach during the day. The older daughter had a blast in the onsite casino at night, the 17 yr old was carded and asked to leave. So if they're 18 the casino can be fun. There are a couple of dance/disco type clubs but they're pricey and you really have to "dress to impress". The year before we went to Westin/St. John, a gorgeuos resort. The beach is OK, but we rented a boat and took off on our own, exploring the island and some of the best snorkeling anywhere. We've also done Abaco, which is great for fishing and snorkeling but pretty laid back at night. Hope this is helpful.