The Caribbean
 

My family..6 of us are looking to go the either the Caribbean or Mexico this March.

We are flexible as to where we go.

We would like an All inclusive. There will be 7 of us. We want sit down rest. maybe at least 5 restaurants on property. no buffets, lunch and bkfst is fine though.

My parents, my sister, bro in law, me, DH and our then 18 month old son. A little night life is good, nothing like the Cancun scene though.

Any ideas or suggestions and hotels that you can suggest.

Thanks
Christina

I'm just curious. If you are flexible as to whether you go to the Caribbean or Mexico, but you need to have a property that has 5 restaurants. Haven't you limited your flexibilty ?

If this is not a joke, try to be more specific than flexible.

I'm sure you will get some responses, but this post was my chuckle for the day.

Marion

You didn't mention what you want to spend. Check out this one:

http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/STTSB/main.wnt

Having a toddler along is going to limit your options. You can't go, for example, to most of the upscale AIs, including Grando Lido Negril, because they are adults-only. You could probably find a big AI in the Dominican Republic that has a wide range of restaurants (but even Paradisus doesn't guarantee no buffet meals, but you're never going to find one that doesn't require some buffet meals at dinner. You could try Punta Cana Resort & Club or the Barcelo Bavaro Palace (only the Palace would give you a relatively strong chance of no buffet meals). But to be honest, I think your only options with those requirements will be in Mexico, so look at hte Riviera Maya, which was less damaged by the hurricanes. I don't know the individual resorts there, but there are a few large AIs.

My mom and I just returned Monday from Aruba. We stayed at the Renassance Resort and Casino.It was very relaxing.You can watch the cruise lines came in go in the Marina.There were 25 rest. within walking distance of the hotel.I think 5 inside the hotel.Lots of shopping all around the Resort.They also have a boat that takes you to a private beach.One side of the beach is for family's with kids and the other side is Adult only.The water is crystal clear there.They have babysitty service too.You can walk over to either side.The do have an all inclusive package but I would skip b/c the rest. outside the hotel are also very good.The night life is a 5 minute walk down a busy street so you wont be to nervous to venture.I did not see any buffet rest. but they have fresh seafood all over.We were suppose tobe in Cancun ,but the hotels there are destroyed from Wilma. Aruba has great weather all year round and it's safe from Hurricanes.I think my mom would agree we will be back in Aruba next year.There were all age group of kids.
Try Marriot.com
Best of luck
I did get to see the Wyndham Resort there. Very nice too.

Check out the Barcelo Maya all inclusive resort just south of Playa del Carmen on the Mexican Riviera. I would advice against Cancun because it is too commercialized and party central, but further south is more like old Mexico with wonderful new all inclusives. It is on one of the best beaches in the area that has on site snorkeling and has a great outdoors disco and good theatre. Lots of activities, but you can only eat at the ala carte restaurants twice in one week.

Great information, lots pictures and questions can be answered about this resort at the "Unofficial Barcelo Maya" website at

http://www.unofficial-barcelo-maya.com/

We are going to the Dominican Republic. We are going to stay at the Ocean Blue Hotel which is new...opened in May 05.

Looking forward to going.

Have a great vacation. Enjoy! 8-)

Thanks...I will