HELP..WHERE to go, where to go with an ALL INCLUSIVE

tmhudson

I really need help picking a hm location. We are on a budget so I am trying to book ASAP to get the best deals.  We are getting married Oct 23 2010. We are set on going to an all inclusive resort so we dont have to worry about money while we are on vacation. My fiance wants to have a casino there but that is not a must.  Really we want the idea of sandels but nicer and not so old. We also are afraid we will be bored after a few days. Any suggestions for sandels concept but nicer??? Really afraid to pick the wrong resort and be let down...so much money to be heartbroken

duckie1905

Okay, well first of all, set a budget.  What do you want to spend, what can you afford to spend, and what is your limit?  Second, where exactly do you want to go?  AIs are found all over the Caribbean so narrowing it down a bit (to at least a country) will also help you decide where to stay.

In the past DH and I have used cheapcaribbean.com as well as VIP and Expedia to book AI vacations.  I use tripadvisor.com for reviews but usually take those with a grain of salt.

As far as being bored, DH and I frequently stay at AIs and mosty enjoy ourselves.  One problem people have with AIs is that they don't get the "experience" or "feel" of an area because they don't leave their resort.  Some prefer to stay in smaller hotels, eat at local restaurants, etc.  DH and I have found that we have a nice balance between what the AI offers and also what the town and people offer and have never felt like we didn't experience the culture just because we stayed at an AI.  We have always been comfortable leaving the resort to wander around in town or eat at local restaurants and explore other places even though we had paid for our meals and drinks at the resort.  But, AIs aren't for everyone.

ellenalabama

Have you looked at the Moon Palace in Mexico?  I'm almost positive they have casino and it is AI.  We stayed at Aventura Spa Palace (one of their sister resorts) and if it is as nice as that there is  NO WAY you could go wrong!

sunshine_day_dreams

If you want a Sandals type environment, check out Couples resorts.  I know there are definitely a few in Jamaica...not sure if there are any elsewhere.

Try searching Travel Zoo and Trip Advisor for reviews and deals.

bcnoelle

We are going to Excellence Playa Mujeres in Cancun.  It has really great reviews and my mom went last spring and loved it.  I know there are options to do other activities that you can sign up for.  I really can't compare it to Sandals since I've never been to one though.

mindiosu

I will second EPM. We just returned from our honeymoon and loved it. However, if activities are a priority, outside of games and shows at the resort, this might not be the place for you. It's very private and on it's own little stretch of beach with only one other resort. You have to travela  bit to get to any of the excursions. We did the Xplor Park excursion and drove 30 minutes into Cancun and then took a bus 1.5 hours to the park. We did not get bored once, but our priority was relaxing, good food, and great rooms. 
 
Check out the Palace resorts- they offer golf and many excursions are included. They also offer transport to their several other resorts in Mexico, so you can hop around and try them all out. Sun Palace is a couples only resort in Cancun and Aventura has adults only areas.

Mexico seems to have the most up to date resorts, but Jamaica, St. Lucia, & Costa Rica are great places for adventure and extreme sports- waterfall hikes, etc. I worked with Jennifer from VIP Travel and really appreciated her input. I was able to email her my wish list and she came up with some great area and resort suggestions. I would definitely recommend getting in touch with her. GL!

2xtime

Definitely check out the Palace Resorts. They are very highly rated and include a lot, even some excursions.

happywithhim715

RIU Palace in Cabo San Lucas... We went this summer  where we got engaged actually! It was amazing... i cannot talk enough about it.....if you want pictures/questions email me at lilvalval26@yahoo.com..... I LOVED every momemnt of it and I have been to other parts of Mexico, Dominican and the Bahamas....

flipflop44

we hm'd and got married in Antiuga.  I was NEVER bored and we stayed on the new side of the grande sandals resort.  Totally wonderful experience.  I priced direct with Sandals and then also email Jennifer at VIP!  She helped direct us with questions and what would fit.  I just would not rule out Sandals!

JessLovesTravel

I would check out Dreams Palm Beach. It is an awesome all-inclusive resort located in the Dominican Republic.  The resort offers a ton of activities and guests rave about the ocean trampoline, lounging by the pool enjoying a snack, snorkeling, beach volleyball and the circus show. Your future hubby can gamble the night away in the casino--it’s open until 2:00 am. 

 

The food is also very good at the resort. If you and your future husband are looking for a romantic evening, I would suggest Bordeaux, it’s an adults-only restaurant serving French cuisine. The best part about having your honeymoon at Dreams is that you can earn nights toward an anniversary stay next year.  Check out the details here http://tinyurl.com/n9jzwf.

 

I hope you have a fabulous honeymoon!

Rachel soon to be K

I know there are all inclusive resorts, but have you considered cruising?

Most cruise ships have casinos and they are pretty much all inclusive (if you want to spend extra $ you can but you don't have to spend extra on anything). In my opinion Royal Caribbean is prett much the best cruiseline to check out.