Suggestions for all-inclusive?

[disneygal]

Hi friends. Has anyone been to an all-inclusive property that they enjoyed? For me, the trick is to avoid the huge hotels with buffets and find a place where the food is really good. I'm attracted to the budget-busting properties, private islands, etc. Trying to avoid that also, unless of course there's a really attractive auction. We did enjoy Palm Island in the Grenadines (LL auction package). Royal Hideaway in the Riviera Maya was right on the mark. I'm looking fornice accomodations,good food and areally good beach. Any ideas? Thanks in advance - I know you'll have some great ideas.

[mary-j]

Disneygal, I'm rushing off to work just now(night duty) but I do have a few ideas for you so I will try to post them to you tomorrow. I would give you some just now but there are not enough hours in the day for me just now. Have to run, but will put my thinking cap on at work tonight and hopefully come upwith some good ideas for you.

[disneygal]

Thanks mary-j! No rush. It sounds as though you've been to some interesting places, so I'm looking forward to your suggestions. Happy New Year!

[lhbrown]

Hi disneygal,

Try Biras Creek or Little Dix on Virgin Gorda. The beaches are great on Virgin Gorda, and at Biras Creek as well as Little Dix all your sports are included and you can take out the meal package if you chose. Food is excellent in both places. Also, think about Peter Island in the BVI.

[mary-j]

Disneygal, sorry but I've not had much time to think about resorts for you as I've been very busy and we are up at the children's hospice with our son staying for over the new year period now and not got my computer with me so I am using theirs for a short time today. Anyway, have a look at Camalame Cay. It is not a busy resort but it is all-inclusive and intimate and very nice. It is in The Bahamas. Don't know if you would consider The Bahamas as a destination. We have been to lots of the Sandals resorts which are ofcourse all-inclusive. I know they are probably larger than you want but they are built in a way that there are areas which are very quiet so if you want some privacy then it is never a problem. Yes they have the main pool but they also have lots of other smaller pools and their beaches are mostly private. We have always had wonderful holidays at Sandals and their restaurants are not your typical buffet ones. They are all waiter service and you usually have about 5 or 6 to choose from and you can also use the facilities and restaurants of the other nearby Sandals resorts. They would be worth thinking about. I will come up with more resorts once we go home. Happy New Year!

[disneygal]

Hi mary-j and travelfan - thanks for your suggestions! Peter Island was high on the list, we actually saw it from a boat on another trip. But then we never made it there. We do like Virgin Gorda too, and I was thinking about the Bahamas. Now, I just need a really good auction package! Best wishes for a happy New Year, and safe travels whereever you go.

[mary-j]

Disneygal, another resort in the Virgin Islands is the Westin Resort in St. John's. If you opt for one of the villas then you will be guaranteed much more privacy. Also have you considered Mexico? Secrets Capri is a beautiful all-inclusive resort for adults only and is one of the smaller properties belonging to the Secrets Resorts. They are also opening anther resort called Secrets Maromawhich is supposed to be on one of the top beaches in Mexico. All the suites in their resorts have 24 hour room service and minibar in rooms as standard.

[disneygal]

Hi mary-j. Yes, I love Mexico. That's one of my favorite destinations, and there are some wonderful all-inclusives there. I think I mentioned elsewhere that my sister had recently been to Secrets Capri and was very impressed. I will keep a lookout for the new Secrets Maroma, that's a great idea! St. John is very nice, we were there briefly on a cruise. So many choices.... now where's that perfect auction?

[bonniejoy03]

We stayed at Peter Island for our 40th birthday. It was wonderful. I hate to call it an all-inclusive because it is not like some of the all-inclusive resorts. It is very private. Meals are mostly sit down. The food is excellent. Drinks are paid for seperately. We looked at Biras Creek in September and that property is also lovely. It is in a great location. We didn't end at Biras restaurant, only the Fat Virgin Cafe at the end of their dock. I did see some LL packages to Biras off season that were priced nice. I would highly recommend either property.

[disneygal]

Thanks everyone for your great ideas. I'll tell you what I'm thinking at the moment. It looks as though Secrets Maroma is now scheduled to open in March 2008. I'm going to watch for that and possibly book something when it becomes available. For 2007 I'm thinking about combiningtwo 3 or 4-day LL packages in Costa Rica. I've been reading all of your great comments on that country. Villas Corcovado looks very interesting, and it does include meals. Punta Islita also sounds great. I have friends who have been there also and gave it rave reviews. I know it's not all-inclusive.... La Mansion Inn also has me interested. I'm a little concerned about doing multiple little flights on the domestic airlines. Visiting multiple properities might create an issue with the air transportation. I'd be interested tohearwhether you think this is a good plan. Also, I'm thinking about November - would this be a good time to visit Costa Rica? If I get serious about this plan, I'll post a new topic asking for advice. Right now I'm still looking at options. So any other ideas for all-inclusives are welcome. Thanks!