All-inclusives

[Vishenka69]

Would love to hear recommendations for all-inclusives anywhere but DR. All the reviews on Trip Advisor seem very mixed. We've had very good experience with Iberostar and not so good one with RIU.

[lawyergirl25]

I had a good experience at Grand Lido Braco in Jamaica when we went for our honeymoon. The resort was beautiful, very well maintained, and the staff was excellent. The fact that it was adults-only made it even better - it was so quiet and peaceful that you couldn't help but relax. Plus there's plenty to do, as all the non-motorized water sports are included, and you can easily access Ocho Rios on the northeastern side of the island and Negril on the northwestern.

GLB is run by SuperClubs, and you can check out their website here (http://www.superclubs.com). Let me know if you want more details.

[Pink_Converse]

We loved the Iberostar Quetzal. It was my first experience with an AI and I would definately go back there.

[leftrightrepeat]

Oh man.. We went to the Royal Hideaway on our honeymoon, and it was heaven on earth. None of the meals were buffet style (for breakfast you could do either buffet or ala carte), and all of the liquor was top shelf. I could go on and on for days, but I'll spare you ;)

If you want more info, etc. just PM me!

[Vishenka69]

Lawyergirl25, GLB looks amazing but it's a bit too steep for a regular vacation. Breezes looked good too, I'm going to run that by our friends.

Pink Converse, we've been to Quetzal a few years ago and loved it too.

[Rosebud]

Peter Island was ranked the best all-inlcusive in the Caribbean by Conde Nast Traveler. It's a gorgeous place!

I run The Honeymoon Bio over on that "other" wedding site so I hear a lot of AI feedback. The biggest raves I get for all inclusives are about El Dorado Royale and Royal Hideaway in Mexico, Peter Island in the BVIs, Jumby Bay on Antigua and Couples Negril on Jamaica.

:D

[lawyergirl25]

Breezes looked good too, I'm going to run that by our friends.
I've only stayed at one Breezes resort, but I've heard that the ones in the Bahamas and Curacao are really nice, if that helps. I would warn you away from the one we stayed at, in the DR, but you already said it was off your list, so I won't bother. :) (I don't think there's a problem with Breezes in general, just the particular one where we stayed.)

[Vishenka69]

Thanks girls, lots of option to research. We're just planning on regular old vacation, so don't need to go as fancy as we would have for a honeymoon (also don't want to spend as much as we did on our honeymoon). Just looking for a nice relaxing place where we can lay on the beach and eat 24/7. :D

[Bbbethie]

What sort of budget are you looking at? What aspects are important to you? Food? Entertainment? Beach?

DH and I have stayed at three different AIs in the Riviera Maya area of Mexico and they each had their pros and cons.

[villanelle75]

Regarding the Mayan Riveria, keep in mind that with the recent hurricanes, much of the area was heavily damaged and many resorts are closed. My parent's tiem share company has closed all of their resorts in that area (Cozumel, Xuelha, Playa Del Carmen, etc.) and canceled all reservations through February at a minimum. The tennis pro who has become a family friend sent us a descritption of the damages and a few photos of two of the Cozumel resorts. The beaches are gone- totally non-existant, and I'd be wary of any place trying to tell you thatir resort isn't damaged. They'll try to get guests in as soon as possibel to make money, but you might not be getting whta you think or what you would have a few months ago.

[MES in Chicago]

We loved Couples Negril in Jamaica. Fabulous!!! It was our HM, but we plan on going back for our 2nd year anniversary. Well worth the $$, which really wasn't that much for the service you get.

[HeatherFL]

Had a good time at Moon Palace in Cancun.

~H.

[Vishenka69]

I would say that beach and food would be our top priorities, but decor and service are also pretty important. As for budget, I'd like to stay under $2500 total.

I'm also very weary about going to Cancun or any nearby areas. Several travel agents told me that everything is definitely up and running but I would like to avoid those areas for now just in case.

Thanks for all the recommendations. I'm looking all of them up to make sure that they fit our budget and other criteria.

[PaulsGirl]

I've heard great things about the Royal Hideaway as well. I'd looooove to go.
leftrightrepeat, if you don't mind, could you tell me more? Mind sharing pictures? I'm really interested in this place, it got rave reviews on Fodors, I think it was. By the way, our DDs were born two days apart. :)

eta: And I just noticed our anniversary dates are one day apart! :D

[Vishenka69]

My travel agent also recommended this place, Golden Crown Paradise in Puerto Vallarta. Has anyone been there or heard anything? The reviews and pictures on Trip Advisor seem very good.