Where's the best Couples Only, All-Inclusive with fun things to do?

aceme73 · April 2013

We were originally thinking about going to HI since we are close (we live in CA) but our wedding is in PA so we have some options to go to the Caribbean/Bahamas area too. I love HI, but in my research I realized there are no Couples Only hotels there. That is a MUST HAVE for us!

Here are some additional details on what we are looking for:

- Mid-range budget: $3-5K total
- Time: late August for 7-9 nights
- Couples only
- Resort style with MANY restaurant/food options
- All-Inclusive preferred
- Lots of things to do since we are very active - snorkeling, scuba, kayaking, hiking, waterfalls, tours, maybe a cute town to explore (i.e. we don't want to be stuck on the resort the whole time)

I know this is pretty specific but if anyone has any recommendations we would really appreciate it. Thank you for your help!

MrsGandthebeag · April 2013

I would suggest Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau, Bahamas. They have almost everything on your list. I don't think there's hiking or waterfalls but I could be mistaken.

girlinchicago · April 2013

Since you originally wanted HI, I'm going to suggest St. Lucia. It's got the same "feel" as Kauai in terms of it being green and lush. Since you didn't mention when you're going or for how long, I can't say about the budget, but you can definitely find adults-only AIs with lots of restaurants and plenty to do. You can definitely do tons of water sports, hike the Pitons, see waterfalls, etc. I know there are a couple of Sandals in SL. TheBody Holiday would be perfect for you guys - there are some packages within your budget on Luxury Link. Also, have a look at Rendezvous or Ladera. Ladera isn't all-inclusive, but it is adults-only.

Ctrossello · April 2013

We went to Excellence Resort in Playa Mujeres, Mexico. We spent between 4-5K on an ocean view room (upgraded to Excellence Club) for 6 nights. It was adult only which was great and I think has about 9 different restaurants I think. It is all-inclusive as well.

The resort is about 20 min north of Cancun. It is outside the hotel zone of Cancun so you don't have the option to walk to restaurants, etc. But if you are looking for all-inclusive that doesn't necessarily matter. It is a bigger resort, definately not secluded. They were almost at capacity when we were there, but honestly it never felt crowded. Their main bar, or matini bar gets busy around dinner time as everyone is headed to the restaurants but otherwise you can always find a quiet corner to relax in day or night. Oh and I should mention they have a really good selection of alcohol. If you are Excellence Club and go to the Excellence lounge you have all top shelf (Greygoose, etc). All the other bars are still great though (Absolute, Smirnoff, Baileys, level etc).

Food was good. It didn't knock my socks off but food opinions are very subjective. If you check out the reviews on TripAdvisor some people think it is the most amazing food ever and some not so much. I have had better, and I have definately had worse lol! I will say, they do a great job for lunches on the beach and poolside. They have pizzas, two restaurants, and a grill on the beach that does something different each day (like Paella, Taco day, etc).

Pool scene is very fun by the pool bar. If you want peace and quite there is a lazy river that snakes through the whole property where it is much quieter. We stayed right by the pool bar and had alot of fun. By the main pool they have some activities like water volleyball, trivia (which is hysterical after a few mudslides), poker, etc.

Ground are gorgeous!! The place is immaculate, definately one of the better kept resorts I have been to. They welcome you with a cold towel and glasses of champagne when you pull in. I mean you can't really get better than that.

We tried to go to Isla Mujeres, which is an island right across from the hotel. You can rent golf carts and drive around the island to explore. Due to weather we opted to stay at the hotel, but we met a couple who went who said it was alot of fun. They also mentioned they felt very safe as well. We did take a bike ride/tour one morning which was fun. There is a golf course literally down the road if you are into golfing.

MayDay513 · April 2013

We are going to Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau. I am excited. Lots of restaurants I believe 9 total, although all aren't open every night. I think they have all the activities you want too.

MrsGandthebeag · April 2013

Huynhette, make sure to book the Asian restaurant right away when you get there. You need to get reservations ahead of time and the food is fantastic. It's really fun as the food is cooked right in front of you on a huge grill.

hoffse · April 2013

I would suggest Sandals Royal Plantation or one of the Couples resorts in Jamaica. They both hit every one of your categories. We are going to Sandals Whitehouse, and it hits every category except for a town nearby - we didn't care as much about that and just wanted an awesome beach (the beach at SWH is 2 miles long and completely private - no vendors). But I think SRP might be our next AI experience if we decide to go again. It sounds fab for a honeymoon.

SRP doesn't have a huge number of restaurants on-site, but they have exchange privileges with the Sandals resort next door (5 min down the beach), and so you get like 16+ restaurants total you can choose from. Nice thing is, though, SRP is smaller and more intimate than the next door resort, and the exchange privileges aren't mutual. So while you can go to their resort, they can't come to yours (sorry, I'm blanking on the name right now). It gets great reviews from people who are looking for a more romantic atmosphere and less of a party - the party is accessible but you aren't forced to live in it if you don't want.

aceme73 · April 2013

Wow these are some great options! I am adding those to the list as options to look through.

I can't believe I missed those details! We're going late August for 7-9 nights

Has anyone heard of Couples Swept Away in Negril Jamaica? Any reviews of Jamaica in general?

girlinchicago · April 2013

Couples hotels are great and Swept Away is very highly rated. I say add it to the list!

BAS19 · April 2013

We are planning on Couples Swept Away for 7 nights in September. I'm super excited.

Since no one else mentioned it, late August is the height of hurricane season, so even if you never purchased trip insurance before, I would recommend it. You never know when a storm is going to come through and shut down airports and the islands usually have smaller airports and get shut down a lot easier due to a strong tropical storm.

slgirl21 · April 2013

These are great ideas. I'm getting married one year from today..super excited. Yes watch out for hurricane season, I live in S. Fla, and the national hurricane center came out with there report this week about the seaon. we are suppose to have 20 named storms and 4 major hurricanes, so if you are able to get insurance I would recommend it.

aceme73 · April 2013

I will DEFINITELY get some insurance. Thanks for the advice!

Where's the best Couples Only, All-Inclusive with fun things to do?

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