All-Inclusive Resorts

[stillmovingforward]

Most of you know, my DD1 and DSIL1 are ER resident doctors in a very high-needs area. So they are grossly overworked and underpaid. They have an upcoming vacation week together but limited/no time to plan it. All they want to do is lay in the sun on a beach and drink. I'm thinking an all-inclusive resort would be ideal. But our family knows nothing about them and we don't know where to point them for a good one.

Can you guys point me in the right direction for some places? Both kids have passports, if needed. They don't need any activities. 

They want/need: 

• Sunny beach to lay on
• Food and alcohol included
• Safe
• Affordable (they only make residence wages right now)

[seriousthistime]

My DS and DDIL did Sandals in Jamaica.  It was at least 10 years ago, so I don't know if the place is still there and/or is still all-inclusive.  They were not rolling in money at the time.

They were expecting to eat quite well at the resort.  When they got there, they found out that all of the nice restaurants had been reserved in advance and they were stuck eating at the resort's cafes and coffee shops.  It was not the experience they were expecting. 

So I guess I'd advise them that to check if advance reservations are recommended for absolutely anything they hope to experience, including lounge chairs at the pool or beach, and then they should make those reservations and stick to the schedule they've reserved. 

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

www.gaylordhotels.com/

[gs11rmb]

We stayed at Iberostar Selection Paraiso Maya Suites (Playa del Carmen) for a week in November.  It was a very nice resort and cost $3,000 for a family of four.

[wvugurl26]

If you have a local travel agency that might be the best choice. Typically they get paid by the hotels. They could probably come up with options since they have little time to devote to planning.

Sandals isn't cheap but I've never been disappointed.

I've been to places in St Lucia, Jamaica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Mexico might be the best bet for cheaper airfare.

[Annie7]

I loved the "Excellence Punta Cana" in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It was a smaller resort so no need to reserve beach chairs. Most everything was included and didn't need reservations. The resort is right on the beach and there were many pools too. I went in mid-December and the weather was excellent. Though we couldn't get into the ocean because of rough waters, we could sit on the beach and enjoy the view.

[jerseygirl]

I wouldn’t go to Mexico even starting to have criminal problems at tourist sites

[Happy prose]

Hop on a cruise. 

[MarionTh230]

DH and I stayed at the El Dorado Royale by Karisma.  Outside of Cancun/Maya Riveria before Kiddo was born.  Adults only resort.  We went to town one day and went shopping.  The other 4 days I sat on the patio, sat on the beach, sat by the pool.  Did a whole bunch of nothing and it was glorious!  I do remember having to make a reservation at one restaurant.  I think the others were reservation suggested?  I'm having a hard time remembering.  We didn't have any problems, but I can see where that would be an issue if the resort is full.

I have seen some Mexico tourist spots in the news in the past year or two.  I don't know that I'd be interested in going on a Mexico vacation these days. I haven't checked for any Mexico travel advisories either.  But, if they do not have kids they should consider an adults only resort.  Totally loved it (before Kiddo!!!!).  Most of the Karisma properties are in Mexico, but there are a few in different countries.  

For our particular stay it was in the rainy season and/or off season.  October.  Price was not bad at all.  The airfare was not cheap though.  Not cost prohibitive, but certainly a cost consideration when compared to the price of the resort.  Again though, this was before Kiddo so it's been over 7 years ago.

I have a coworker that did a Sandals resort in Jamaica with his wife.  He said they did enjoy it.  No other detail besides that though.

[stillmovingforward]

Mar 6, 2023 16:43:02 GMT -5 Happy prose said:

Hop on a cruise. 

We talked about that. They can't people enough for a cruise. They are just beat from dealing with people.

[stillmovingforward]

Thank you everyone! I really appreciate it. Feel free to keep with the suggestions

[jerseygirl]

US travel advisory noted for Mexico

travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html

[MarionTh230]

Mar 6, 2023 21:01:14 GMT -5 jerseygirl said:

US travel advisory noted for Mexico

travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html

I'm not surprised. I know the news has reported quite a few issues with tourist spots in Mexico. Quintana Roo is on the list which should be the state that includes Cancun. Unfortunate because it really was beautiful there. I am glad we had the opportunity because I agree it's not on my list of preferred places these days.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

I have been to 2 all inclusives in Mexico, both in Playa del Carmen.  One was The Reef Playacar.  I’ve been here twice, once with my sister and her family, the second time right after I got put back together, about 3 years later.  It was good, not spectacular and the cost was reasonable.

The second place was Blue Diamond, also in Riveria Maya.  This was an adult only resort.  It was much more upscale than The Reef.  This package I bought from Costco, and got a really good price on it.  This was more expensive last time I looked.

I hate large, high storied resorts and both of these have <200 rooms, which keeps it manageable for me.  I’d definitely go back to either again, but preferred Blue Diamond.  

[azucena]

Headed to Hilton La Romana Punta Cana in 11 days but who's counting?! This will be our first all-inclusive experience. 7 nights for 2 adults, DD14 (I think adult is 12+) and DD10 is costing about $5k.


Direct flights were crazy expensive, so I'd say first step is looking into where they can fly cheaper.

[wvugurl26]

I second azucena's recommendation to look into flights first. That's why I suggested Mexico because I think the OP is west coast based. My brother has mentioned a website where you can put in a flight budget and it will tell you where you can afford to go. Maybe Google Flights?

I know everyone has different comfort levels. I'm not sure the current travel advisory for Mexico is any higher than the last time I went. There was definitely one the last time we went in 2018.

I prefer to do my own research and bookings but with limited time the best choice might be a travel agent or a package from Costco or something similar.

There's a wide variety of price points on all inclusives so I think the airfare is the most important piece.

[Cookies Galore]

Where would they be flying from? That would definitely guide where I look. I'm roughly 30 minutes from PHL, so flying to the Caribbean is quick and easy. If I were West coast I'd be leery of extra long travel days just to get to (example) the Dominican Republic. If they are residents they are stressed the F out and do not need the travel stress of flying across the country for a one week trip.

Flights are stupid now. Check those first. We're going to Aruba in July and I am not happy with how much our flight cost.