Tina

Hi everyone, I going on a honeymoon in July and I need to know what is the best all inclusive resort. We are both youn (30-34), and love fun, somewhat luxurious accomodations. Let me know what you think.

anon

Please...reconsider whether you really want (or need) all inclusive accomomdations. I don't even know what island you intend to visit, but unless safety is a primary concern, I would discourage an all-inclusive vacation. Not because they are not a good value, but because the economic value to any destination is absorbed by the large entity owning the hotel, rather than spillover benefits to restaurants and bars that don't get business from AI guests (but DO get business from non AI hotels).<BR> Yah! I know...AI is EASY, but don't get fooled...it's not inexpensive. It may be a very good value for the tourist, but it does nothing for the island economy. So...if you want to feel like the island benefited from your visit as much as you benefited from your vacation, AI resorts will simply fall short. <BR>Then again, if you wanna be a pampered pet, check into the closest AI with a good vet!

Trish

There is something to be said for AI's, as well as traveling independently. I think your first step needs to be choosing your location and then going from there. Also, are you interested in exploring oe just staying at the resort?

Lisa

Tina,<BR>I went to The Bahamas last May and a great time. My boyfriend and I stayed at Sandals "Royal Bahamian" Resort and Spa. We chose to go there for our yearly vaca because I researched it, and it was voted the best all-inclusive resort. It definitely lived up to all the hype. It is a beautiful resort, there are 8 different restaurants and the food was great at all of them. All the staff was super friendly and you can order anything to your room at any time. There are pools and jacuzzis everywhere on the resort, and two of them are olympic sized and have swim up bars. Snorkeling and boat rides are all included and they have their own private island that can go to that is only one mile away. You can actually see it from the beach of the resort. There is entertainment every night on the resort and there is always something to do. Almost all of the people that go there are young and on their honeymoons or celebrating an anniversary. I think we were probably one of the only non married couples that were there at the time. I'm not sure how the weather is in the Bahamas in July, but we went in the middle of May and the weather was great all week. There was only one day that it was cloudy and rained for about 20 minutes or so. We really lucked out. All in all, I loved it and I would definitely go back again. We didn't really leave the resort that much because we were having such a great time there, but we did go into the city to do some duty free shopping one day-I got a Fendi bag for half the price you would in the States! We also went to one of the small casinos to gamble a little bit. The Bahamas have a lot of things to do-there are several night clubs and booze cruises and other things to do. Sandals has a really helpful website if you are interested. Well good luck, I hope this was helpful.

shelley

I agree with Lisa. Sandals Royal Bahamian is the best place. We went there for our honeymoon when they first opened up about five years ago, and had a great time. We met SO MANY people from all over the world. Both of us were 30 and 34 years old at the time. We still meet up for dinner with couple we met back then every year on our anniversary! I have heard from several people that the place hs only gotten better. I am all for all-inclusive.i like not having to go all over. There is plenty to do right on the grounds. We too went into town one morning to do some shopping. All in all, would highly recommend it!

Mary

I have done both, AI and non AI, and I would never do a non AI vacation again. I'm sorry to hear about the fact that the economy suffers from AI resorts (if this is truly the case) but we have a limited pocketbook too and there was HUGE difference in the value and costs. I refuse to over-extend ourselves financially no matter what the reason. Our vacations are precious and we save all year to go. We've gottn so much more for our money at an AI and we had such a better time overall on our vacations to AI resorts vs. non AI. Just my opinion. <BR><BR>Tina: What island(s) are you considering?

Kristen

Grand Lido Sans Souci in Jamaica is a great all-inclusive...even spa services are included. See my trip report at http://www.epinions.com/content_20585090692

steve

I agree with anon is some ways, but not totally. You are actually supporting the economy of these islands by going to these All inclusives...you know why????? because the resort employes the locals, buys their food(seafood, fruit, etc), and probably pays taxes there. If we didnt go to these resorts, they would close...resulting in locals losing jobs, crop sales, etc...so go have fun!

Penney

I agree that Sandals is great fun but all the resorts are different so really depends on your personal tastes. We prefer Sandals Antigua and Negril over Bahamas - like the smaller resorts but still active.<BR><BR>Amoung the top of the Sandals chain is the two newer Beaches - Grand Sport which has more activity and Royal Plantation, which is the top bananna for Sandals.

kim

My husband and I planned our first All Inclusive vacation several years back, and discovered that A-I's are the only way to go. It's so nice to know that bar tabs and dining are not extra, as well as scuba diving and other water activities we enjoy (that can sometimes cost upwards of $75 per person if we're not at an A.I.) We too have made many new friends that we keep in touch with via e-mail, holiday cards, and reunions at various resorts. We've always used the same travel agent and after our second booking, she gets us discounts and extras like flowers in our room. The Grand Lido resorts in Jamaica are our favorite! Best way to see them are at goislands.com The one at Negril included massages (and my hubby played golf one day... included). The meals are wonderful and the staff were great. It's not cheap but we always feel that we get exactly what we pay for. I hope you have as wonderful an experience as we have.