We have read with interest the posts about Sandals and all-inclusives.<BR><BR>For the past 6 months we have researched the Caribbean for a place that is cost effective, memorable, relatively easy to get to, very relaxing - and offers some fun. As most people know, life is very hectic these days with a weak economy and "downtime" is crucial to being productive.<BR><BR>That said, our analysis of most of the higher end properties in the Caribbean actually demonstrates that many of the all-inclusives are better value than "going it alone". We looked at all top end resorts in the Caribbean (that we were interested in) and most were unaffordable for us. We are Canadian - with the American exchange and the very high 17% service charge on everything - some of the resorts become ridiculous.<BR><BR>The way the AIs are packaged - with air, food, accommodation, activities, drinks and the extras - it seems it is better value for the dollar. This is our conclusion based on spreadsheets of comparable facilities and an analysis of the prices.<BR><BR>We like the looks of Peter Island, Petit St. Vincent, Biras Creek and some of the others -but these resorts are extremely expensive and difficult to get to.....with slightly more than a week to relax - we do not want to spend two of them traveling.<BR><BR>FYI - we chose one of the couples resorts in Jamaica and for 8 days, 7 nights our total is $4500 Canadian - and that includes a wedding. That total includes everything - no hidden costs.<BR><BR>There's many posts slamming all-inclusives on this board - but there never seems to be any numbers etc. to back up the posts.<BR><BR>I'd love to see another analysis of why people say AIs are not good value - with all costs for a non-AI shown - including restaurant meals, wine (nice wines), drinks, tipping, flight, transfers, rental of watersports stuff, SCUBA costs etc.<BR><BR>Just our opinion.<BR><BR>Cheers.

Well said, John! we know we're not getting top shelf liquor and 5 star accomodations, and we're willing to take "premium brand" (Smirnoff is fine with me), and a nice room, for the advantages of an AI. We should not be criticized for doing this!! Hope you have a great time.

I would have to agree with John. For some of us, AL's are the way to go. My vacations fall into two catagories, they are either exploration/educational trips or R&R trips. My trip to Rome and Florence was fantastic and definitely fell into the first one. My Maui trip fell into the deep R&R catagory. Both types of trips are equally enjoyable to me, but when I am in R&R mode, I don't even want to think about where to eat, let alone find the Duomo on my map. <BR>All inclusive's provide me with an R&R that I can't equal. Luckily there are enough AL's out there so we can choose which one best suits our life style. You all here provided me with enough information so that I was able to make a decision and book with The Grand Lido Negril. All I will have to ponder over is which bikini to wear.

oh, wear that teeny weeny ittsy beeny yellow polka dot bikini, it looks great on you!!!!!

John,<BR>You may want to look into the luxurylink.com auctions for your next trip. We've used them twice with very good results including a very reasonably priced stay at Peter Island a couple of years ago.

We have done both AI's (Sandals) and non-AI'S. Although we didn't use all of the sports that Sandals had to offer, i.e. tennis, we did a lot of snorkeling, enjoyed the nightlife, karaoke, and the gardens. Sandals has always come out to be a lesser amount for us(much to our surprise!). So, enjoy your trip!

I agree you all should not be criticized, but it is helpful that people here have pointed out the "flaws" in Sandals. I was thinking about booking a vacation there this winter, but then read about the mediocre food and well drinks and decided against. If that doesn't bother you, fine, but I would have been furious to spend my money that way. I appreciate the posters who take the time to give their informed comparisons.<BR><BR>PS John. I haven't really seen people slamming AIs, just Sandals.

Well, I think this whole debate thing is just silly. Some people love AI's, some hate 'em. Neither side will convince the other side. Why not just allow people to enjoy the Caribbean the way they WANT to. Neither is right/wrong, good/bad, etc. <BR><BR>But, a couple of things: <BR><BR>To John, I really don't think it's fair to compare resorts such as Biras Creek, Peter Isalnd, Petit St. Vincent, etc. to your average AI. It's not an apples to apples comparison. But I'm glad you found a trip you are happy with.<BR><BR>To IMHO, what the heck is an AL? Gee, I thought the discussion was about AI's (all-inclusive resorts...get it? AI?) <BR><BR> Anyway, why worry about whether everyone on this board agrees with your choice? Go, have fun, relax!

Hey, John:<BR><BR>All-inclusives are a great deal if you want to partake in expensive activities (such as tennis, golf, scuba, eating and drinking to excess). If you just plan on laying on a beach, you'll end up paying much more dollar for dollar at an all-inclusive. <BR><BR>So its hard to provide the numerical comparison you ask for because it really depends on the activities you do.<BR><BR>As Jess stated, the value of Sandals as compared to *other all-inclusives* is what has been much debated on this board. I've been to Sandals (once-supposedly their "best" property) and a host of other all-inclusives that ranged in price from $150 per night per person to $750 per night per person. Sandals was by far the worst value, IMO. I felt robbed and they will not get my business again.<BR><BR>You will have a great time at Couples. Enjoy!