[rebekahb]

We are going out of town for our anniversary in a few weeks. Last minute trip. Any thoughts on any of these areas? The places I've picked are based on flight cost/flight times. I've never been to any of them and always like to hear likes/dislikes. I did see in Tommy's thread a few people mention Negril which I why I looked it up but not really a fan of all-inclusive places.

Puerto Vallarta
Negril
Eleuthera
Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)
Cancun/Isla Mujeres
Possibly Aruba

[Manny01]

Aruba hands down. Amazing island, more arid which is a nice change from the typical tropical island, no hurricane risk, virtually no crime, pristine beaches, food is out of this world, everyone speaks English, and enough activities to keep you busy for a good long weekend.

[Th3Walrus]

We don't like all inclusives either. Aruba is great, but most hotels have seriously jacked prices since we last went right at the start of Covid. If we go back we'd prefer to stay at the Amsterdam Manor on Eagle Beach.

[Alfisti]

if you can spare the cash then Aruba but right now, i hope you have spare kidney's. Everything, everywhere is obscenly priced.

[Tommy-G]

Puerto Vallarta- https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotel...-spa/overview/
Stayed here for a work conference. Looks like they have done some renovations since. Great location. Close to town for shopping and dining. Restaurants in the hotel were good. Hand full of bars on property. Spent most of the time at the pool/hot tub but the beach was OK. Best part of the trip was a short boat ride across the water to: https://vallartainfo.com/tours/rhythms-of-the-night/


Negril-been to Montego Bay but not Negril

Eleuthera-never heard of it

Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)-was here MANY MANY moons ago. Loved my time there but it was so long ago I couldnt tell you much other than dont leave the resorts. They have a Hard Rock and a few casinos but 99% will be all inclusive

Cancun/Isla Mujeres-ABSOLUTELY love Secrets the Vine https://www.amrcollection.com/en/res...tm_medium=Yext
Great spot near town but out of the party district. Cancun was not at all what I expected. I figured Spring Break everywhere and it was not at all. Beach and multiple pools were amazing. Water was a little rough but gorgeous. High end shopping mall right down the street with guards toting AK's. Short bus ride into town for dining and shopping. We had an amazing trip but wife will not go back to Mexico bc of the "unrest" in that country.

Possibly Aruba-never been

If you want to see pictures of any of these trips, spots let me know

[rebekahb]

@Alfisti that cracked me up! We have $900 in flight credits on Delta so that helps. I know things will be pricey but it beats sitting in my house staring at the walls. Also, I've learned that as long as it's not astronomical and you aren't being stupid take advantage of the time you can. You never know when it can be pulled from you and no one ever said they wish they had worked more

I had just thrown Aruba in there but going to do a little research on which area (I know Eagle Beach was mentioned) and check availability.

[rebekahb]

Originally Posted by Tommy-G

Puerto Vallarta- https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotel...-spa/overview/
Stayed here for a work conference. Looks like they have done some renovations since. Great location. Close to town for shopping and dining. Restaurants in the hotel were good. Hand full of bars on property. Spent most of the time at the pool/hot tub but the beach was OK. Best part of the trip was a short boat ride across the water to: https://vallartainfo.com/tours/rhythms-of-the-night/


Negril-been to Montego Bay but not Negril

Eleuthera-never heard of it

Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)-was here MANY MANY moons ago. Loved my time there but it was so long ago I couldnt tell you much other than dont leave the resorts. They have a Hard Rock and a few casinos but 99% will be all inclusive

Cancun/Isla Mujeres-ABSOLUTELY love Secrets the Vine https://www.amrcollection.com/en/res...tm_medium=Yext
Great spot near town but out of the party district. Cancun was not at all what I expected. I figured Spring Break everywhere and it was not at all. Beach and multiple pools were amazing. Water was a little rough but gorgeous. High end shopping mall right down the street with guards toting AK's. Short bus ride into town for dining and shopping. We had an amazing trip but wife will not go back to Mexico bc of the "unrest" in that country.

Possibly Aruba-never been

If you want to see pictures of any of these trips, spots let me know

I was curious about the water in PVR. In some pics it looks pretty and others it's hard to tell.

Eleuthera is in the Bahamas. I absolutely love the Bahamas. We went to Exuma last year and want to go back but flight prices are way to high right now. We've also been to Nassau/Paradise Island several times and it's an easy trip over from NOLA.

Meh, we've been in many countries where they have AK's and it makes me feel safer. This year in Italy, you had 3 different types of police carrying guns around all the major attractions. I know a lot of people who aren't fond of Mexico though.

That's good to hear it wasn't what you expected because I would have thought the same thing which is why I don't think we've ever been. As of yesterday, we could get a non-stop on Spirit for $159 RT. NOT a fan of them but it's definitely a nice price point.

[Watching The World Burn]

Have you ever looked into Curacao? Very close to Aruba. Not as arid, but excellent food, not many all inclusives (which is nicer) and good water.

[wtwo3]

We've done Puerto Vallarta. We stayed at the Hyatt Ziva all-inclusive and it was incredible. Had an amazing penthouse room with private pool and incredible views.

The only cons are you won't get the bright blue water and white sand beach that you might get on the Caribbean side of things, but other than that it was an incredible trip.

[rebekahb]

Originally Posted by Watching The World Burn

Have you ever looked into Curacao? Very close to Aruba. Not as arid, but excellent food, not many all inclusives (which is nicer) and good water.

I did but flights were $200-$300/pp higher than the other locations. I will check again later to see if there have been any changes. Thanks!

[Dino GT]

We`ve been to all of those places except Eleuthera. It all depends on what you like to do when your on vacation.
One of the best places we stayed at was Sunset at the Palms in Negril. We went there twice. We went to Ricky's café 2 or 3 times (to watch the sunset, best sunset you ever see in your life) by cab and had no problems wondering around outside of the resort.
Barbados is another good island, we stayed at Sandals and went outside of the resort and had no problems. St. Lucia is another good island, we stayed at Sandals right next to pigeon island, we also wonder around all the time outside of the resort and never had any problems.

[rebekahb]

Originally Posted by Dino GT

We`ve been to all of those places except Eleuthera. It all depends on what you like to do when your on vacation.
One of the best places we stayed at was Sunset at the Palms in Negril. We went there twice. We went to Ricky's café 2 or 3 times (to watch the sunset, best sunset you ever see in your life) by cab and had no problems wondering around outside of the resort.
Barbados is another good island, we stayed at Sandals and went outside of the resort and had no problems. St. Lucia is another good island, we stayed at Sandals right next to pigeon island, we also wonder around all the time outside of the resort and never had any problems.

I don't like to lay on the beach all day every day. If there are some boat trips we can do or snorkeling (not a deal killer if not). I love a nice cocktail/glass of wine watching the sunset.

We don't mind exploring town and eating at local restaurants. I prefer to do this vs an all inclusive. Not absolutely opposed if someone can share that after nights you won't be bored out of your mind. Also, the last time I stayed at one I don't think I got a feel for the town. The ones I have looked at are pretty pricey which makes me feel like I need to eat/drink there vs venturing out. Maybe I'm wrong and am open.

I'm going to check out the Sunset at the Palms.

I didn't love Barbados. I think I talked it up more in my head and compared to other places we've been it was ok. We have been to St. Lucia as well.

[Watching The World Burn]

Originally Posted by rebekahb

I did but flights were $200-$300/pp higher than the other locations. I will check again later to see if there have been any changes. Thanks!

Sounds good. If you change your mind, plenty of decent restaurants and I'd recommend taking a boat ride to Klein Curacao if you are ok with an hour boat ride. There's cataraman's that will take you, or a bigger boat if you get seasick easy. About an hour ride out. Its a cool little island with great snorkeling.

[Dino GT]

Originally Posted by rebekahb

I don't like to lay on the beach all day every day. If there are some boat trips we can do or snorkeling (not a deal killer if not). I love a nice cocktail/glass of wine watching the sunset.

We don't mind exploring town and eating at local restaurants. I prefer to do this vs an all inclusive. Not absolutely opposed if someone can share that after nights you won't be bored out of your mind. Also, the last time I stayed at one I don't think I got a feel for the town. The ones I have looked at are pretty pricey which makes me feel like I need to eat/drink there vs venturing out. Maybe I'm wrong and am open.

I'm going to check out the Sunset at the Palms.

I didn't love Barbados. I think I talked it up more in my head and compared to other places we've been it was ok. We have been to St. Lucia as well.

If you like boat trips and sunsets, then I don`t think that you can go wrong with Negril. We went 1 time on the boat to watch the sunset and the cliff diving at Ricks Café. Sunset at the Palms is the only place that we ever been to more than once. That`s how much we liked it. It`s a very small resort in the middle of a forest close to the ocean. Don`t expect Luxury, it`s like paradise, raised wooden cabins surrounded by all kinds of plants, trees and animals, the most relaxed place we`ve ever been to. Look it up and see if it`s something that you would like.

[rebekahb]

Originally Posted by Dino GT

If you like boat trips and sunsets, then I don`t think that you can go wrong with Negril. We went 1 time on the boat to watch the sunset and the cliff diving at Ricks Café. Sunset at the Palms is the only place that we ever been to more than once. That`s how much we liked it. It`s a very small resort in the middle of a forest close to the ocean. Don`t expect Luxury, it`s like paradise, raised wooden cabins surrounded by all kinds of plants, trees and animals, the most relaxed place we`ve ever been to. Look it up and see if it`s something that you would like.

Thank you!! I'm about to show my husband and see what he thinks. This place looks so relaxing! I don't like big resort style places that feel like a factory. The lush greenery paired with the beach is really neat. I'll keep you posted on if we move forward. If we do, I may reach out with a few more questions if that's ok with you.

[Dino GT]

Originally Posted by rebekahb

Thank you!! I'm about to show my husband and see what he thinks. This place looks so relaxing! I don't like big resort style places that feel like a factory. The lush greenery paired with the beach is really neat. I'll keep you posted on if we move forward. If we do, I may reach out with a few more questions if that's ok with you.

Yeah it`s a very small resort, I think it`s less than a hundred rooms.
Don`t go there just because we loved it .
A few of our friends went there too, and they also loved it.
I forgot to mention that they also have a piano bar/café with all different kinds of cocktails, which is something that you like. And the chefs restaurant ( they call it table) is also really good.
NP, if I can help by all means, ask away

[Dang3r]

Punta Cana is only for staying within the resorts or got robbed by tours into the farest (more or less worthy) corners of the island. If you are more related to explore the region around your resort, stay off it, you would regret it.
We saw hotels in-between the middle of nowhere with iron barrels up to the second floor to protect the guests from burglars, into the main city every fourth person is trying to soliciting... dont get me wrong, Punta Cana isnt bad at all but the surroundings made me fed up to leave the resort for exploring like I had done at other vacations.

[Dino GT]

Another place that we really liked was Bahia Principe Luxury Samana in Dominican Republica. I think it had around 140 rooms or so. We were there in 2019 and we are planning to go back someday.
Like you, we like is small resorts, adults only, with the option of going outside of the resorts to do some site seeing.
We don't go to resorts to party, those days are behind us. We're in our mid. to late 50's. We go is to relax. We've been to much more luxurious places, like in Aruba, Mexico, etc. but they are much bigger places and there's a lot of partying going on.

Getting back to Sunset at the Palms, the beach is across the street from the resort, they have security that walks you across the street to the beach. The beach Is maybe a minute walk from the resort. They also have a bar, food and a couple of shops on the beach.
These small resorts are all gated and 24/7 security.
Everytime we go outside of the resorts site seeing or shopping, we use the taxis that are assigned to the resorts, like that we know that we are save.

[Alfisti]

If you want to mix with locals you really need to pick your spots. Considered St Marten? Interesting mix of french and dutch, safe enough to wander about.

[WhiteF80M3CompCT]

If you decide to go off list, I’d strongly suggest Grand Cayman. Yes, it’s a little pricier, but the perks are:

-Stretches of absolutely gorgeous, pristine beaches
-Best snorkeling I’ve ever experienced, including Maui
-Basically zero crime
-Amazing food
-Beautiful, clean, well kept resorts

I’ve stayed at a few places there, but this is one I’ve hit repeat on a few times. Have fun wherever you go

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotel...-spa/overview/

[Alfisti]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$

It's the wrong time of year but my issue with these places is the price. Wife and I looked at all these options pre-covid and instead flew to Nice and spent a week on the French Riviera for less.

[rebekahb]

We've been to Grand Caymen and St Maarten both were ver nice. Just looking to do something we haven't done. We booked flights to Cancun last night because we got a non-stop RT for $169.

Alfisti I was aggravated because I could have gotten a flight to Croatia for the same week for $426. I was just looking at the time and honestly should have booked. It more than doubled when I checked again.