Wakeboarder Forum Index

 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   StatisticsStats   FavoritesFavorites   RegisterRegister   ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages  Log inLog in 
BlogsBlogs   

School me on... all-inclusive Caribbean resorts

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Wakeboarder Forum Index -> Non-Wakeboarding
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Aubs
Motorboat Queen
Motorboat Queen


Joined: 12 Jan 2003
Posts: 9167

PostPosted: Feb 07, 2016 9:42 am    Post subject: School me on... all-inclusive Caribbean resorts Reply with quote

Looking to do a 5ish day mini honeymoon after our wedding in October. We'd like to do some days in the Caribbean to just relax after the stress of the wedding. We are doing 2 weeks in Europe in Spring 2017 for our true honeymoon, but that will be planned and organized like crazy.

Can't be anything too outrageous in price, so just keep that in mind please.

Thanks all!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
ohsix
PityDaFool Who Posts This Much
PityDaFool Who Posts This Much


Joined: 12 Jan 2003
Posts: 6837

PostPosted: Feb 07, 2016 11:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

As you probably know, that's the middle of hurricane season, so plenty of people will tell you not to plan a trip then or buy hurricane insurance.

I've been to Excellence near Punta Cana, DR and Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica. Of those two, I preferred Excellence. I'm not crazy about the all-inclusive concept though. If you have any specific questions about either of those two, I'll do my best to answer from memory.

Remember to book all your international travel in whatever name is on your passport (likely your maiden name in October).

Congrats on the wedding and honeymoon plans. 5 days in the Caribbean is the full honeymoon for most people.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
nmballa
Wakeboarder.com Freak
Wakeboarder.com Freak


Joined: 14 Jan 2003
Posts: 3906
City: Milwaukee

PostPosted: Feb 08, 2016 12:22 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I can't believe you're getting married. I feel old.
_________________
jt09 wrote:
I used to get all happy when the girlie would make a colonic appointment. That meant she was going to be breaking out the "fine china" soon.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=509037985&ref=profile
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Yahoo Messenger
Aubs
Motorboat Queen
Motorboat Queen


Joined: 12 Jan 2003
Posts: 9167

PostPosted: Feb 08, 2016 6:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

nmballa - LOL I agree - it is shocking to me too! I feel so old Sad

ohsix - I haven't heard great things about Jamaica recently. My sister liked Punta Cana... but I feel like it's the new Cancun - super trendy right now.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
ohsix
PityDaFool Who Posts This Much
PityDaFool Who Posts This Much


Joined: 12 Jan 2003
Posts: 6837

PostPosted: Feb 09, 2016 6:57 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Aubs wrote:
ohsix - My sister liked Punta Cana... but I feel like it's the new Cancun - super trendy right now.


Well, it was '09 when I went and I am a bit of a trendsetter. Arrow

My parents used to go to Caribbean all-inclusives several times a year, but they've been doing the BVIs a la carte the last few years.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Bambamski
Wakeboarder.com Freak
Wakeboarder.com Freak


Joined: 03 Apr 2003
Posts: 4405
City: Calgary

PostPosted: Feb 09, 2016 7:10 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you are worried about Hurricanes why don't you go a little further south.

Panama, Belize Honduras, Aruba or the Corn Islands. They are probably less likely to be effected if there is a hurricane. We just got back from sailing through the San Blas in Panama. Most amazing islands I've ever seen.

I've been there done that with the crowded all inclusives. For me it's all about remote and uncrowded. Palm Island in the Grenadines, or one of the small islands in the BVI would be great.

Depends if you want to be one of 1000 people on the beach or one of 20.

_________________
Don't do anything rash.....and don't do anything to get a rash...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message MSN Messenger
ontrider
Ladies Man
Ladies Man


Joined: 30 Jul 2003
Posts: 16491
City: Russia

PostPosted: Feb 09, 2016 7:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bambamski wrote:
If you are worried about Hurricanes why don't you go a little further south.

Panama, Belize Honduras, Aruba or the Corn Islands. They are probably less likely to be effected if there is a hurricane. We just got back from sailing through the San Blas in Panama. Most amazing islands I've ever seen.

I've been there done that with the crowded all inclusives. For me it's all about remote and uncrowded. Palm Island in the Grenadines, or one of the small islands in the BVI would be great.

Depends if you want to be one of 1000 people on the beach or one of 20.


Aruba is a good idea for hurricane season. Generally out of the path of storms and they have some decent all-inclusive stuff that is reasonable. I've been there a couple times, it's a nice island, one of my parents favourites as well, they used to go there almost every year.

Bam, not sure where you went in the BVI, but we looked into that and it was pretty expensive. I'd probably try that island if I found anything reasonable. Basically we wanted the same thing, not 1000 people on the beach. Ended up going to Providenciales which I recommend 1,000%.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Blog
Bambamski
Wakeboarder.com Freak
Wakeboarder.com Freak


Joined: 03 Apr 2003
Posts: 4405
City: Calgary

PostPosted: Feb 09, 2016 1:44 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The BVI isn't cheap, although the Turks isn't cheap either. I would have thought the Turks and the BVI would be similar in cost. I've never been to the Turks, a buddy has a place there and it's big dollars plus it's not all inclusive.

There are so many price points for those types of holidays. It depends what you want. If you want 5 star with the masses you can find lots of places for pretty cheap. If you want small 3.5-4 star with a quiet beach and island there's lots of those as well. I did't love the DR, I've only been once though and just thought there are so many other places in the Caribbean that have the same beaches and resorts, and if you go off the resort or walk the beach at night you don't feel like you might shot for 20 bucks.

Flying out of Miami has to be cheap. I'd actually wait till three of four days before you leave and just plug the google flight calculator and see where the best deals and weather are. If you're not going for a specific reason ( I kiteboard) so it's harder for me as I'm picking a spot based on beach wind etc. If all you want to do is drink, hang out on the beach and ..... Then does it matter where you go?

_________________
Don't do anything rash.....and don't do anything to get a rash...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message MSN Messenger
Aubs
Motorboat Queen
Motorboat Queen


Joined: 12 Jan 2003
Posts: 9167

PostPosted: Feb 09, 2016 5:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bambam - Any recommendations in the BVI then?

ontrider - Where do you stay when you go there?

Bambam - Turks is certainly not cheap. That would be ideal, but the pricing of it is nutso! I have a hard time justifying going to the islands for a honeymoon since we live in freakin Florida where I can go to the beach every day if I wanted to. I'd really like to be somewhere that has a unique beach and has some different flare. We've thought about just doing a few days in Napa instead of doing an all inclusive place, but Napa in October is pretty pricey, so not sure it makes sense. Dad is gifting us 100k American Airlines miles as part of our wedding gift, so anywhere that American flies (preferably out of Ft Lauderdale or West Palm over Miami) I am game for!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
ontrider
Ladies Man
Ladies Man


Joined: 30 Jul 2003
Posts: 16491
City: Russia

PostPosted: Feb 09, 2016 8:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

We stay at The Sands at Grace Bay, it's not all inclusive though. They have a restaurant right on the resort (Hemmingways) which is decent and reasonable and there are other options within walking distance for lunch and dinner. My cousin also lives on the island, so there are some added perks there. Good point though being in Florida, it's not like you need a "beach" vacation. I forgot about that. If I lived in Florida I'd probably do something short and cheap to tide me over until Europe to be honest. Ever looked at Costa Rica?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Blog
pet575
Wakeboarder.com Freak
Wakeboarder.com Freak


Joined: 20 Jun 2006
Posts: 3630
City: Kansas City, MO

PostPosted: Feb 10, 2016 9:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I've been to St. Thomas, USVI twice and there are tons of spots to be at there that are super cheap compared to BVI. You can still get to some of them via a day cruise if you want to go that route. Neither of the places I stayed were all that but I wasn't there to stay in the hotel the whole time and they were passable as all-inclusives. I guess it depends on your standards but we had no complaints about accommodations or the food.

It has been 12 years since my last trip so I'm not sure my info on which places I stayed is all that relevant anymore. But we've looked at returning soon and there are lots of options.

_________________
Wakebrad wrote:
I honestly think it has to do with internet penetration...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Bambamski
Wakeboarder.com Freak
Wakeboarder.com Freak


Joined: 03 Apr 2003
Posts: 4405
City: Calgary

PostPosted: Feb 10, 2016 2:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'll look up my BVI place. It might not fit your budget though, it was kind of over the top. We had a float plane pretty much at our disposal to drop us off at a bunch of different islands. We spent a day on Sir Richard's island while we were there as well. He wasn't there though.

If you want a unique vacation and something you'll remember you could do a sail boat trip. It's my new favorite holiday by a mile.

http://sanblastour.com/boats-and-crews/

I'm sure sailing through the Bahamas would be great as well and would be super close to you. That way you aren't really on a beach vacation, more of a snorkeling, swimming, SUP sight seeing vacation. You're not really in the sand unless you go to the islands.




IMG_1376.JPG

 Description:
 Filesize:  81.77 KB
 Viewed:  55246 Time(s)



IMG_1375.JPG

 Description:
 Filesize:  88.91 KB
 Viewed:  55246 Time(s)



IMG_1368.JPG

 Description:
 Filesize:  98.84 KB
 Viewed:  55246 Time(s)



IMG_1371.JPG

 Description:
 Filesize:  75.83 KB
 Viewed:  55246 Time(s)


_________________
Don't do anything rash.....and don't do anything to get a rash...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message MSN Messenger
htownbdr
Wakeboarder.Commie
Wakeboarder.Commie


Joined: 14 Jan 2003
Posts: 1460
City: Austin

PostPosted: Feb 11, 2016 3:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I took a trip to Costa Rica and stayed at Casa Chameleon http://www.casachameleon.com last year and was probably one of my favorite "beach type" trips I have been on. A bit of a pain to get to but a perfect place if you want to do very little and have all meals prepared to your taste. The staff was unbelievably friendly as well. Feel free to pm if you want more details.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Bambamski
Wakeboarder.com Freak
Wakeboarder.com Freak


Joined: 03 Apr 2003
Posts: 4405
City: Calgary

PostPosted: Feb 12, 2016 6:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Htown

Any kitesurfing there?

Place looks great. I looked at the our BVI place Aubs. Not going to be for you.

_________________
Don't do anything rash.....and don't do anything to get a rash...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message MSN Messenger
FlyZone CR
Wakeboarder.Commie
Wakeboarder.Commie


Joined: 25 May 2008
Posts: 1089
City: Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica

PostPosted: Feb 12, 2016 8:04 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Mal Pais (where Casa Chameleon is) isn't really kite-territory.
Only Lake Arenal and Bahia Salinas (up north) are.

_________________
FlyZone Wakeboarding Costa Rica
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Aubs
Motorboat Queen
Motorboat Queen


Joined: 12 Jan 2003
Posts: 9167

PostPosted: Feb 14, 2016 5:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

htown - A few people have suggested Costa Rica and they say how affordable it is. I'll start doing more research on it and will check out the place you suggested.

Finding a beach vacation when you live in Florida isn't the easiest.

Debating on just heading to Napa for 4 days... we shall see...
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
goofyboy
Wakeboarder.com Freak
Wakeboarder.com Freak


Joined: 19 Jul 2004
Posts: 4463
City: Houston

PostPosted: Feb 15, 2016 8:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I love Napa. I'll take it over the beach any day of the week.
_________________
Work SUX!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Aubs
Motorboat Queen
Motorboat Queen


Joined: 12 Jan 2003
Posts: 9167

PostPosted: Feb 15, 2016 5:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

goofy - Here's the problem with Napa in October. It is prime season and so expensive. And, if I'm going to go there, I'm going to spend a lot in shipping wine home because I'm going to really plan it out well. As the planner in our relationship, I thrive off of a perfectly organized schedule. The fiance wants to make sure I don't do that for our immediate honeymoon, as I'm pretty much planning the entire wedding. Europe will be planned out down to the minute, so for this one, relaxation is key.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
FlyZone CR
Wakeboarder.Commie
Wakeboarder.Commie


Joined: 25 May 2008
Posts: 1089
City: Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica

PostPosted: Feb 15, 2016 8:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hey Aubs for any info about Costa Rica shoot me a message.
Look for flights to Liberia (LIR). For such a short trip you don't want to waste time flying into San Jose.
I personally would look into the Samara/Nosara area. Beautiful, laid back, not overdeveloped or crowded...
Anyway, if I can be of help let me know.

_________________
FlyZone Wakeboarding Costa Rica
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
chavez
Ladies Man
Ladies Man


Joined: 22 Sep 2003
Posts: 27375
City: Roseville

PostPosted: Feb 16, 2016 7:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

October is the tail end of harvest season in Napa. Lots to do, but extremely busy. Staying in town during that season can be extremely expensive (300-500/nt). By the time you add everything up, you could probably go to a pretty damn nice spot in the Caribbean or Costa Rica.
_________________
Quote:
That's Mr. Gingermex to you a$$hole.


RIP MHL 04/25/1958 - 01/11/2006
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Blog Visit poster's website
goofyboy
Wakeboarder.com Freak
Wakeboarder.com Freak


Joined: 19 Jul 2004
Posts: 4463
City: Houston

PostPosted: Feb 16, 2016 8:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ah. I missed the October part for Napa. I would avoid it as well.
_________________
Work SUX!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
STPHNSN23
Guest





PostPosted: Feb 20, 2016 4:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

we're headed to st. lucia in april. what's your budget? outrageous is relative.
Back to top
STPHNSN23
Guest





PostPosted: Apr 28, 2016 3:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

aubs, i saw your fb post about all-inclusives. our honeymoon in st. lucia was fantastic. we got home on tuesday. we stayed at calabash cove for a week. it is in gros islet, just north of castries.

we did the all inclusive, and it was worth every penny. the resort is a sit by the pool and chill type of resort. it's small, only 26 rooms. we stayed in a swim-up room. the pool bar is a lot of fun, and we spent a lot of time there. the bartenders were great.

the beach is very small but nice. they have paddle boards and kayaks for guests to use.

the restaurant was phenomenal. we are not fancy eaters, but it blew our expectations away. they have different specials every day along with a small permanent menu. apparently, the restaurant is one of the best in st. lucia. it's not the typical resort food that i've experienced before.

if st. lucia is on your radar or if you have any questions about the resort, let me know. we only left the resort once during the week. that was to see the friday night street festival, which was fun.

definitely do the helicopter from vieux fort up to castries.
Back to top
Aubs
Motorboat Queen
Motorboat Queen


Joined: 12 Jan 2003
Posts: 9167

PostPosted: May 01, 2016 5:35 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks @Stphnsn23 - I'll check out Calabash Cove. Right now, we're leaning towards the Excellent Resort just outside Cancun. Heard LOTS of great things about it and price wise, it's great: http://www.excellenceresorts.com/resorts/excellence-playa-mujeres/
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
STPHNSN23
Guest





PostPosted: May 03, 2016 5:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

my new sister- and brother-in-law were at one of those excellence resorts in mexico last october. i don't remember which one - want to say riviera. their only complaint was a sewer smell in their room, but they were quickly switched to another room. other than that, they had nothing but good things to say.
Back to top
Aubs
Motorboat Queen
Motorboat Queen


Joined: 12 Jan 2003
Posts: 9167

PostPosted: May 09, 2016 6:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Everyone really likes those damn Excellence ones! Can't find a website or anything with sales. Do you think a travel agent would save costs? I know not many people use them, but some people do say they get better deals using them.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
STPHNSN23
Guest





PostPosted: May 14, 2016 6:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

We used Carey at beachbumvacation.com. I don't know if we saved any money, but she gave us a lot of suggestions for places that we wouldn't have considered on our own. That's why we ended up at the resort we did instead of sandals. It can't hurt to see what an agent comes up with for you.
Back to top
churchy
PityDaFool Who Posts This Much
PityDaFool Who Posts This Much


Joined: 25 Jan 2003
Posts: 5814
City: Boise, ID

PostPosted: May 16, 2016 12:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I am wanting to plan a trip somewhere this fall. I was thinking Cancun, but after reading this, Costa Rico is on the table. I don't know anything about CR though. Is it sketchy? Safe to leave resort, etc. One of the guys on a friend's trip to Cabo ended up in a bathtub with a gun to his head so I'm a little sensitive to the safety right now. I get free flights and condos so price really isn't an issue (just got back from a semi free Hawaii trip yesterday Smile ).
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Blog
E.J.
Ladies Man
Ladies Man


Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Posts: 7597
City: Mogadishu

PostPosted: May 16, 2016 2:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

churchy wrote:
Is it sketchy? Safe to leave resort, etc. One of the guys on a friend's trip to Cabo ended up in a bathtub with a gun to his head so I'm a little sensitive to the safety right now .


You have to tell this story. That's nuts & I've been thinking of a trip to Cabo. Hell, I have always assumed Cabo & Cancun were about as safe as it gets(Mexico wise).
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Chad H
PityDaFool Who Posts This Much
PityDaFool Who Posts This Much


Joined: 28 Jun 2004
Posts: 6449
City: Atlanta

PostPosted: Jul 30, 2017 6:27 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Going to bump this up again. We are just beginning to figure out where the hell we want to honeymoon. Right now its looking like Costa Rica,USVI, etc. Pretty much open to anywhere beachy and would prefer all inclusive. Open to opinions on best value etc.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
flixmaster
Site Owner
Site Owner


Joined: 30 Oct 2003
Posts: 7487

PostPosted: Aug 01, 2017 6:52 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

We did the D. Republic this March. It was a great trip but we will not be going back.

Flyzone is in costa rica. He can probably point you in the direction of the better resorts.

_________________
Wakeskating
Ronix Wakeboards
Wakeboarding
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Blog Visit poster's website
chavez
Ladies Man
Ladies Man


Joined: 22 Sep 2003
Posts: 27375
City: Roseville

PostPosted: Aug 02, 2017 9:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Chad H wrote:
Going to bump this up again. We are just beginning to figure out where the hell we want to honeymoon. Right now its looking like Costa Rica,USVI, etc. Pretty much open to anywhere beachy and would prefer all inclusive. Open to opinions on best value etc.

I'm sure you saw a bunch of the pics I posted last week.

We did not do AI as we have not cared for it in the past (whether it be on a cruise or on land). Depending on where you go there may be better options off resort.

That trip was right about 3500 all in for a full week. Rental car, food, room, flights, etc. Accommodations were 5 star - and I don't mean 5 star by Mexico standards. That resort would rate 5 star here. Hell, the president of Mexico (Enrique Nieto) stayed there one of the nights!!!

For that 3500 we could have chosen a lot of AI options - would have gotten us in to the higher end of them - but we were much happier doing it euro plan style. We ate at some really good restaurants off site, as well as really good ones on site. We are not huge drinkers - we prob had 2-3 drinks each in a full day.

She's not around WB much these days, but Bethany was there just a few days before us. She spent 2 weeks there and recommended a handful of really good spots. She's been a number of times before that as well.

Cabo is perfectly safe if you aren't looking for trouble. I have no idea what Churchy's bud did to end up in that situation, but know that it is very out of the ordinary. Very Americanized (not unlike Cancun, or parts of CR). Hell, I had a nice laugh every time we passed Starbucks, Costco and Home Depot. Just know that places like Cabo or Cancun aren't super cheap to visit anymore, so expect prices to be not that far off what you'd pay for things at home.

_________________
Quote:
That's Mr. Gingermex to you a$$hole.


RIP MHL 04/25/1958 - 01/11/2006
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Blog Visit poster's website
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Wakeboarder Forum Index -> Non-Wakeboarding All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Page 1 of 1

Add To Favorites

Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum
             


Copyright © 2012 - Wakeboarding - Wakeboarder.com - All Right Reserved
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group