Women Gone Wild
Jan 20th, 2007, 10:42 AM
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Women Gone Wild
Hello fellow travelers,
A woman friend of mine and I are planning a week-long trip, probably in May. We want nothing more than to LAY ON THE BEACH all day and swim in beautiful water. So, the CARIBBEAN is our destination choice.
We did an AI in Jamaica a couple of years ago and enjoyed it. Per the typical reviews of AI's NO the cuisine wasn't 4 star, but the staff was friendly, the beach beautiful - we don't have to have gourmet CUISINE. Neither of us are big drinkers - and I know that leads many to immediately suggest avoiding an AI - but, trust me, the payoff of having to NOT worry about a blessed thing for a week is worth the $$ trade-off.
Two things I'd like to see an improvement on as far as our Jamaica AI: the room was small and the A/C worked when it felt like it. I definitely want a NICE ROOM and A/C I can rely on.
BUDGET: she just bought a house. I'm not particularly flush myself. Is it completely
insane to ask for what I've described (which we'd like air fare included, too) for $1,500 per person?
AMENITIES: she exercises regularly so an ONSITE GYM. I'm a SPA SERVICES person.
We prefer not to go to Jamaica again; we had a great time but we want to try somewhere new. Aruba and Cancun are out for the same reason.
Specific resorts and your feelings about them would be greatly appreciated.
As would pointing me (or providing me the link) to a particular forum thread that addresses all I've mentioned so far.
Lastly, if there are particular websites you think might be helpful, we welcome hearing about them.
I've read the forums on this website for many years. I know I'm asking some of the most well-seasoned travelers for help and I thank you for it in advance!
Laurie
A woman friend of mine and I are planning a week-long trip, probably in May. We want nothing more than to LAY ON THE BEACH all day and swim in beautiful water. So, the CARIBBEAN is our destination choice.
We did an AI in Jamaica a couple of years ago and enjoyed it. Per the typical reviews of AI's NO the cuisine wasn't 4 star, but the staff was friendly, the beach beautiful - we don't have to have gourmet CUISINE. Neither of us are big drinkers - and I know that leads many to immediately suggest avoiding an AI - but, trust me, the payoff of having to NOT worry about a blessed thing for a week is worth the $$ trade-off.
Two things I'd like to see an improvement on as far as our Jamaica AI: the room was small and the A/C worked when it felt like it. I definitely want a NICE ROOM and A/C I can rely on.
BUDGET: she just bought a house. I'm not particularly flush myself. Is it completely
insane to ask for what I've described (which we'd like air fare included, too) for $1,500 per person?
AMENITIES: she exercises regularly so an ONSITE GYM. I'm a SPA SERVICES person.
We prefer not to go to Jamaica again; we had a great time but we want to try somewhere new. Aruba and Cancun are out for the same reason.
Specific resorts and your feelings about them would be greatly appreciated.
As would pointing me (or providing me the link) to a particular forum thread that addresses all I've mentioned so far.
Lastly, if there are particular websites you think might be helpful, we welcome hearing about them.
I've read the forums on this website for many years. I know I'm asking some of the most well-seasoned travelers for help and I thank you for it in advance!
Laurie
Jan 20th, 2007, 11:38 AM
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You didn't mention where you are flying from, but since May is off-season, I think your budget would give you some options.
I'd suggest looking at the Domincan Republic. It has decent beaches and a lot of AI resorts. Some girlfriends and I did a package trip for $1100 -1200 each for a week near LaRomana (Bayahibe) a few years ago at Christmas, but the rooms were not that nice. Given your budget and planned travel time, I think you could find nicer rooms. Maybe look at the Iberostar or Sunscape properties. The beach in that area was very nice. Punta Cana has a lot more options, but I prefer being on the Caribbean v the Atlantic coast.
You said you didn't want to go to Cancun again, but you may want to consider some of the resorts south of Cancun(the Playa del Carmen area for example), since this is another area that has a lot of AI options.
I went to the BodyHoliday at LeSport in St. Lucia last month, and I really enjoyed it. But I seriously doubt you will be able to spend a week there for $1500/person. The best rates I have seen are about $450/night (for double occupancy). It does include some spa treatments and a lot of fitness and activities in the price, though, so it might be worth considering if you think that you would want to have a lot of spa treatments.
Definitely look at Tripadvsior reviews for resorts you are considering. It takes some effort to sift through them and figure out if you are more like the person who loved a particular property or the one who hated the same place, but overall, they are helpful.
I'd suggest looking at the Domincan Republic. It has decent beaches and a lot of AI resorts. Some girlfriends and I did a package trip for $1100 -1200 each for a week near LaRomana (Bayahibe) a few years ago at Christmas, but the rooms were not that nice. Given your budget and planned travel time, I think you could find nicer rooms. Maybe look at the Iberostar or Sunscape properties. The beach in that area was very nice. Punta Cana has a lot more options, but I prefer being on the Caribbean v the Atlantic coast.
You said you didn't want to go to Cancun again, but you may want to consider some of the resorts south of Cancun(the Playa del Carmen area for example), since this is another area that has a lot of AI options.
I went to the BodyHoliday at LeSport in St. Lucia last month, and I really enjoyed it. But I seriously doubt you will be able to spend a week there for $1500/person. The best rates I have seen are about $450/night (for double occupancy). It does include some spa treatments and a lot of fitness and activities in the price, though, so it might be worth considering if you think that you would want to have a lot of spa treatments.
Definitely look at Tripadvsior reviews for resorts you are considering. It takes some effort to sift through them and figure out if you are more like the person who loved a particular property or the one who hated the same place, but overall, they are helpful.
Jan 21st, 2007, 03:29 PM
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One lies on the beach, one does not lay on it unless performing a sexual act with a partner. I am really tired of this frequent grammatical error.
'Laying on the beach all day' is gemerally illegal. certainly exhausting and a great way to collect sand in places where one really doesn't want it!
'Laying on the beach all day' is gemerally illegal. certainly exhausting and a great way to collect sand in places where one really doesn't want it!
Jan 22nd, 2007, 09:32 AM
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curious,
Loosen the straps, it's really not that big a deal....at least to most of us. I'm pretty sure there are more important things in your life to worry about.
Ispado,
There should be a lot of choices for $1500. Just do a search on any search engine for "All-Inclusive" vacation, and you'll find more than you can handle.
Loosen the straps, it's really not that big a deal....at least to most of us. I'm pretty sure there are more important things in your life to worry about.
Ispado,
There should be a lot of choices for $1500. Just do a search on any search engine for "All-Inclusive" vacation, and you'll find more than you can handle.
Jan 22nd, 2007, 01:25 PM
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Scott, you are so wrong - good grammar has got to be the most important cause going and I spend my life at it (looking for an emoticon for DWI). You might also want to read some of the really good rants available on "Me and my fiancee are going to..." or the equally horrid "She told my brother and I...."
Liza, a bit of clarification re on line and in line. One waits "on line" if your internet processing time is slow. If queuing in a shop for service, one is of course waiting "in line".
Ispado - apologies for hijacking your post - I hope you and your friend have a super holiday.
Liza, a bit of clarification re on line and in line. One waits "on line" if your internet processing time is slow. If queuing in a shop for service, one is of course waiting "in line".
Ispado - apologies for hijacking your post - I hope you and your friend have a super holiday.
Jan 23rd, 2007, 04:48 PM
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St. Thomas, St. John or St. Croix USVI in May is fantastic!
American Airlines, Spirit and Jet Blue have great rates to USVI.
"A woman friend of mine and I are planning a week-long trip, probably in May. We want nothing more than to LAY ON THE BEACH all day and swim in beautiful water. So, the CARIBBEAN is our destination choice.....AMENITIES: she exercises regularly so an ONSITE GYM. I'm a SPA SERVICES person."
Try Morningstar St. Thomas...
ST John: Westin Resort--ask for locals discount for May
St Croix: Carambola Resort or Divi Resort
American Airlines, Spirit and Jet Blue have great rates to USVI.
"A woman friend of mine and I are planning a week-long trip, probably in May. We want nothing more than to LAY ON THE BEACH all day and swim in beautiful water. So, the CARIBBEAN is our destination choice.....AMENITIES: she exercises regularly so an ONSITE GYM. I'm a SPA SERVICES person."
Try Morningstar St. Thomas...
ST John: Westin Resort--ask for locals discount for May
St Croix: Carambola Resort or Divi Resort
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