avpat88

My boyfriend and I are attempting to find a good deal at a beautiful resort on one of the Caribbean islands. However, we have no idea where to start; What island should we pick? What is the best value? Which one is both beautiful yet still fun for two 21 year olds? Not looking for a wild time, just a good mix of adventure and tranquility for a fair price. Looking to go first week of march and neither of us have been anywhere in the Caribbean before, HELP! =)

screen_name_taken

Try biras.com

It's pricey.
It's the most beautiful (IMO) island in the Caribbean.
It's peaceful.
It can be boring if you are looking for casinos, nightlife, noise, crowds.

It offers a total "get away from it all", or do as much as you want.

You can take a small boat and explore. You can shower outdoors, but in privacy. You can forget what day of the week it is. There is no TV, radio, or clock in your room, but you can watch TV in the community room.

Paradise!

kfusto

Check out Couples Negril - bet it would meet your needs very well.

As for value, Mexico offers the best value but IMO the beaches and vibe in Jamaica are far more enjoyable. But, you can get cheap deals at resorts such as The Valentin Imperial Maya that may sway you.

girlonthego

Aruba is a great island to getaway has sun, fun, gambling,good restaurants and a variety of hotels with varied pricing. We stayed at the Marriott which is huge. It was a great hotel. The Hyatt and Radisson are also very nice. Holiday Inn has a property there that has very good pricing, but is not in the same category as the other hotels. Dining is excellent and also varied in price. Beaches have white sand and green waters. Lots of watersports and there is night time action if you want it.
We also found it very safe, but were not doing the nightclub circuit. We went with our kids who were around 10 at the time. You will find all ages.

avpat88

Thanks for the suggestions, think we are deciding between Aruba, Punta Cana, and Negril...any more suggestions are welcome, thanks!

kfusto

IMO Aruba is not a pretty island at all. It is highly Americanized and not lush at all. I personally did not like it and would not return - Miami is closer and much the same, only prettier.

Punta Cana is all about the resort you stay in. If you are looking to park it at an all inclusive resort, it would be a good option. It is quite isolated from anything else to do. We like lots of options so it does not appeal to us.

schmerl

I would look into Mexico's Riviera Maya. MANY resorts and beautiful surroundings. There are zip line for adventure There are ruins to explore, cenotes to snorkel, lots to do.
I've been to PUnta Cana, Jamaica. and Aruba and I prefer Mexico.

foodiechan

Cancun and Playa del Carmine on the Mexico Riviera are both good first destinations for you. Nice beaches, lots of bars and clubs, and plenty of culture.

Aruba might be good if you like gambling, but I don't think their nightlife is as good.

If you crave value then go for all-inclusive, but you might find confining to the resort a bit limiting.

Have fun and enjoy the Caribbean!

leecarol

I only know about the DR. For an all inclusive- Club Med Punta Cana is a blast.

For a little more culture mixed in and a really fun, hip place try Cabarete in the DR. Here is a review I wrote and hope it is useful to you. Have fun.

I stayed for a week last week during "hurricane season" but we had perfect weather for the entire stay. It was quiet, as it is the low season, meaning we had the resort to ourselves and all the wonderful care of the employees- who are Dominicans who attend to your every need in a truly caring, attentive, warm, respectful and friendly way, while being very professional- very different from the US. The rooms were clean, charming, comfortable, although simple with all the amenities I needed- kitchen, cable TV, wireless internet. The price was very reasonable. Usually I think of the DR as all-inclusive resorts but this was a refreshing alternative to that type of stay. Security was great- I never thought twice about leaving my ipod out for hours on the property - the guards will help you, watch you, I felt like I was a child again being taken care of and watched over. The property was prestine, natural, extremely well maintained. Units have beautiful views- I just kept saying in any direction I looked- that is beautiful, and that is beautiful.. over and over. The food at Velero was good. but what I liked is leaving the property and finding local dominican restaurants with great food, great locals to talk to, and unbelievably inexpensive prices ($3 , $4 a meal). Because it is on the Atlantic you have surf! body surfing, sailing, windsurfing, surfing.. and kite surfing for the adventurous- combo of snowboarding, sailing, trapeze, surfing.. The craziest sport I have ever seen. The town is very cute- lots of shops. At nite the restaurants on the beach pulled out tables w/ very beautiful lighting- it was a magical scene with food ranging from local to italian, Japanese, Irish, All American. (but I still like the local restaurants the best!). A combination of cultural experience, beauty, new cuisine, relaxation, pampering, and great music and dancing at nite for those who like to stay up late. Velero is on the point of Cabarete bay and has the best view and location in the area. Hope you get a chance to experience this- it is unmatchable.

bellaboo

Why not look at Tulum, 2 hours south of Cancun. Eco chic cabanas on the beach from luxury to budget. Turquoise waters, white-powdery sands, incredible food, great vibe, activities......

bellaboo

http://www.locogringo.com/tulum/