Best resort for an all-inclusive vacation??

[beesha77]

We're looking at honeymoons and wondering where to go. The only place i have been is the Riviera Maya which I loved. But i'd like to go somewhere else. We were looking at the El Dorado Royale in Riviera Maya which looks really luxurious but he's stayed there before and I'd like to stay somewhere where I haven't been and experience it together. We want beach, warmth, sand, possibly a 5-star and not have to worry about the bill at the end. My dream is to go to Bora Bora but it's not really possible right now since I've read you need about 10 days total between the travel time and vacation time and with kids at home i don't want to have to stay that long. Thoughts on places you've stayed? TIA!!

 

[MsP]

I've been very pleased with RIU Palaces in Mexico. [however, I can't say that I've been pleased with the regular RIU line of hotels]

 

[MissGotRocks]

Went to the Excellence resort in Punta Cana in October. We loved it! Have also been to the Sandals in Negril, Jamaica and had a fabulous time there as well. The all-inclusive resorts are so wonderful as you never have to worry about money once you are there. It made for wonderful, carefree vacations! Would definitely be interested in Aruba but it is a longer flight which means more money and more travel time. We'll think about that location when we have a longer time to stay.

 

[April20]

Excellence Playa Mujeres is FANTASTIC. We've been twice and have sent three friends and they all loved it. Really, you can't go wrong with any of the Excellence properties!

 

[sillyberry]

Excellence Playa Mujeres is FANTASTIC. We've been twice and have sent three friends and they all loved it. Really, you can't go wrong with any of the Excellence properties!

100% agree. I've been to EPM three times and husband and I are headed back in two weeks!!!

 

[sonnyjane]

Excellence Playa Mujeres is FANTASTIC. We've been twice and have sent three friends and they all loved it. Really, you can't go wrong with any of the Excellence properties!

Can I ask, is the bathroom situation weird??? That's the one thing stopping me from booking there!!! I feel like there's not much privacy!

 

[April20]

Excellence Playa Mujeres is FANTASTIC. We've been twice and have sent three friends and they all loved it. Really, you can't go wrong with any of the Excellence properties!

Can I ask, is the bathroom situation weird??? That's the one thing stopping me from booking there!!! I feel like there's not much privacy!

Personaly, the bathrooms don't bother me. No, it's not super private, but I've stayed in three different all inclusive brands and all of the bathrooms have been set up similarly. In fact, we stayed at a Secrets resort last month and they were much less private than EPM. All that being said, it's not a set up I would want if I was staying with anyone other than a SO.

 

[sonnyjane]

Excellence Playa Mujeres is FANTASTIC. We've been twice and have sent three friends and they all loved it. Really, you can't go wrong with any of the Excellence properties!

Can I ask, is the bathroom situation weird??? That's the one thing stopping me from booking there!!! I feel like there's not much privacy!

Personaly, the bathrooms don't bother me. No, it's not super private, but I've stayed in three different all inclusive brands and all of the bathrooms have been set up similarly. In fact, we stayed at a Secrets resort last month and they were much less private than EPM. All that being said, it's not a set up I would want if I was staying with anyone other than a SO.

Thanks! I'm not overly modest, but the fact that the bathroom door was more like a stall didn't really appeal to me. Not a total deal-breaker, just caught my attention.

 

[stargurl78]

We stayed at the Sandals La Toc in St Lucia and we LOVED it.

 

[MissStepcut]

Excellence Playa Mujeres is FANTASTIC. We've been twice and have sent three friends and they all loved it. Really, you can't go wrong with any of the Excellence properties!

100% agree. I've been to EPM three times and husband and I are headed back in two weeks!!!

Are you two still doing the distance thing, or did he make it your way yet?

 

[Enerchi]

Just returned from a week in Barbados and stayed at Almond Beach Club and Spa. I would NOT recommend that location, as there is no beach (!!!) and too much 'early morning competition' to get a lounge chair - either on the few feet of raised beach or by any of the 3 pools. There is also nothing to do in the evening - they only put on entertainment approx 3 nights of 7.

Instead, if Barbados is being considered, I'd recommend the Almond Beach Village. Much larger, on a beautiful beach and plenty of property to wander after dinner. The other thing with this property is that it is family oriented, so there are children - but that's only a downside if you are looking for an adult only setting.

Meals were amazing at both resorts (there is a shuttle to take you between the 3 Almond resorts on the island) and the island itself is beautiful! Very lush, very pleasant people, plenty of rum , eager staff to assist you, good variety of tours and amazing weather!

 

[Amys Bling]

We are going to the verandah in Turks and Caicos in August. Use trip advisor to read reviews and see pics I've been to many islandand Turks and Caicos looks amazing have been yet- but friends have and they were not disappointed.

 

[sba771]

I have been to the Sandals St Lucia Grande, Sandals Whitehouse and 2 weeks ago was at Sandals Montego Bay. Its pricey, but we clearly love it. I find the food yummy, the service great and the resorts beautiful. We always get the least expensive room and have never been disappointed.

 

[tigian]

Excellence Playa Mujeres is FANTASTIC. We've been twice and have sent three friends and they all loved it. Really, you can't go wrong with any of the Excellence properties!

100% agree. I've been to EPM three times and husband and I are headed back in two weeks!!!

DH and I were so happy staying there. We are planning on going again at some point and would love going to other Excellence properties.

 

[allycat0303]

Secrets Maroma Beach.

It was very unexpenive but SO incredible. It's adults only (I don't know if you were looking to bring kids).

I was drawn to this place because I loved the way the decor of the suite. I researched for many many days, because the feel of the room, for me, gives a feeling of the style of the resort.

Food was better then I've had in restaurants at home! Gorgeous beach, service was top notch. I recommend to EVERYONE who asks me.

 

[gsellis]

I have heard good things about the Sandals properties in St. Lucia too. It was one of my favorite islands on the eastern Carribean cruise.

 

[Iowa Lizzy]

Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun is great. When DH and I went there last winter, it was rated #1 on Trip Advisor in Cancun. Food is good, service is FANTASTIC and the spa is heavenly. I believe we paid somewhere in the $600-$700/night range. I can't recommend it enough! The place is gorgeous; very sleek and modern. Every request seems to be met with "it's my pleasure."

 

[Kaleigh]

www.curtainbluff.com It's amazing. Have been going for many years.. The food is to die for, the staff is so lovely. It's very romantic. Lots to do, and see. Shhh don't tell anyone... I hate to recommend it because it's very private and is a slice of heaven..

 

[luv2sparkle]

Don't worry about recommending it Kaleigh! It looks totally lovely and beautiful but my first reaction when I saw the rates was 'Oh my gosh, is that PER night. Guess you can tell how much we travel. Holy Cow! I guess if you can get in later in the year Aprill/May it is a little more affordable but I guess I wasn't expecting $1K a night. Is that the usual price for an all-inclusive resort?

 

[sonnyjane]

This was on the front page of Yahoo! this morning! http://travel.yahoo.com/ideas/top-10-all-inclusive-beach-resorts.html

 

[sillyberry]

One other thing -- I really do recommend an adults-only facility if you're looking for a romantic getaway. I've stayed at the RIU in Negril and there were kids running around everywhere and it really changed the atmosphere.

luv2sparkle, all-inclusive rates REALLY vary based on quality, season, location, etc. If you look at the Top 10 list sonnyjane posted, the starting high season rates per adult per night range from $220 to $1,028 per night. You can get pretty cheap rates, but some can get pretty sketchy!

 

[Amys Bling]

One other thing -- I really do recommend an adults-only facility if you're looking for a romantic getaway. I've stayed at the RIU in Negril and there were kids running around everywhere and it really changed the atmosphere.

luv2sparkle, all-inclusive rates REALLY vary based on quality, season, location, etc. If you look at the Top 10 list sonnyjane posted, the starting high season rates per adult per night range from $220 to $1,028 per night. You can get pretty cheap rates, but some can get pretty sketchy!

we stayed there as well.