Ok, so my wife and I want to do an all inclusive vacation for our 10 yr anniversary (in 2010), but we are starting to research so we know how much we need to save between now and then.  

Does anyone have experience with any of the resorts, like Sandals, Couples, etc?  We want couples only, no kids, basically more of a relaxing trip than an excursion filled one.  Looking at the Caribbean, we have been to Ocho Rios on our honeymoon, so would like to go somewhere else other than Jamaica.

PM sent

PM sent

Gary, I am going on a honeymoon next year.  Mind if I get that PM from you too?  We were thinking of doing the all-inclusive thing as well, most likely in Jamaica.  YEAH MON!!

I have done all inclusive vacations the past 2 summers and I love them.  All have been in the Caribbean, but hasn't been "couples only" or "no kids".  2 years ago we did the Dominican Republic.  There were 4 or 5 hotels on the resort (I believe one was "no kids") and 10-12 resturaunts, a golf course, plenty of pools and beach space, all you can eat buffet open from 7am to 10 or 11pm with plenty of variety and local food.  There was no real need to leave the resort.  HOWEVER, where we were...Spanish was the predominant language by both workers and guests.  I know enough to struggle to get by, but because of that I don't think I'll be going back there.

Pluses:  Open bars (8 of them) no limit to meals, very friendly staff, beautiful location

Cons: Rooms were "out of date" with electric problems, AC problems, older TVs.  Was at times very crowded.

Last summer we went to the Bahamas.  Nassau.  The hotel was just trying out the all inclusive packages and it was very nice.  The rooms were recently updated.  Scenery was awesome and everyone spoke English very well.  When the menu says "Fresh Fish" it means that it was caught THAT morning.

Pros: 5 very nice restaurants to choose from.  Beautiful rooms.  Open bars (3 of them)  3 beautiful pools.  Smaller resort then DR.  Bahamas seems more "stable" then DR, we would leave the resort area to explore.

Cons: Some restaurants still required a reservation.  Hotel was being renovated, occasional construction noise.  Kids are on site but have never been a problem.

Both places had artificial reefs with tons and tons of aquatic life.  Spectacular.

We have found some AWESOME deals simply by looking.  Both trips have been booked through www.cheapCaribbean.com and they have gone the extra mile to make sure we were happy.  Not affiliated, just a happy customer.

PM sent

Gary, I am going on a honeymoon next year. Mind if I get that PM from you too? We were thinking of doing the all-inclusive thing as well, most likely in Jamaica. YEAH MON!!

Don't you volunteer to mow the lawn either

PM sent

Gary, I am going on a honeymoon next year. Mind if I get that PM from you too? We were thinking of doing the all-inclusive thing as well, most likely in Jamaica. YEAH MON!!

Don't you volunteer to mow the lawn either

I thought it was for his Glaucoma.

                   -sm

My wife and I went in 2001 for our anniversary. We stayed at the Iberostar on the Mayan Riviera. What a beautiful place!! There was food available from 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. The pool was beautiful, it had a warterfall and was bigger than some lakes I've fished. We  had no issues with the rooms, we never turned the TV on (we weren't there to watch TV if you know what I mean) and no electricity problems.

The help spoke English, except for an occasional maid, but most spoke enough English to get by.

It is by far the best way to spend a vacation, in my opinion.

Good luck with your decision,

Falcon