OT: Short vacation recommendations- Island All Inclusive

[yesrutgers01]

OK- Wife and I want to just take a short 4 day island vacation.

Specifically looking for
All Inclusive - I'm ok with up to around $800 per night
Easy flight from Newark
Island but not looking at Jamaica or the DR
Prefer Adult only but as long as it is nice- kids will be back in school so even non adult may work out
Good selection of on site restaurants - non buffet

If Aruba- it does not have to be a casino.
Just looking for relaxing getaway where I don't have to worry about additional expenses for food drink.

I know- just google it. Problem is...you say all inclusive and you still get everything
Online reviews suck- would prefer to hear personal experiences.

I am hoping to go late Sept or sometime in Oct

Thanks!

 

[armenius]

Beaches in Turks and Caicos

 

[wheezer]

OK- Wife and I want to just take a short 4 day island vacation.

Specifically looking for
All Inclusive - I'm ok with up to around $800 per night
Easy flight from Newark
Island but not looking at Jamaica or the DR
Prefer Adult only but as long as it is nice- kids will be back in school so even non adult may work out
Good selection of on site restaurants - non buffet

If Aruba- it does not have to be a casino.
Just looking for relaxing getaway where I don't have to worry about additional expenses for food drink.

I know- just google it. Problem is...you say all inclusive and you still get everything
Online reviews suck- would prefer to hear personal experiences.

I am hoping to go late Sept or sometime in Oct

Thanks!

One of the enjoyments of going to Aruba was the hotel not being all inclusive and trying various restaurants in the area
I stay at the Hilton and can walk the short distance to many fine places
A taxi ride might be seven bucks to something further and easily available
Why stay trapped in a hotel with a few restaurants and the same menu night after night?

 

[armenius]

One of the enjoyments of going to Aruba was the hotel not being all inclusive and trying various restaurants in the area
I stay at the Hilton and can walk the short distance to many fine places
A taxi ride might be seven bucks to something further and easily available
Why stay trapped in a hotel with a few restaurants and the same menu night after night?

I agree, most people who go to Aruba feel this way because the island has so many great places to see and eat. If you're looking for an All-Inclusive, don't overspend on Aruba, save that for another trip.

 

[wheezer]

I agree, most people who go to Aruba feel this way because the island has so many great places to see and eat. If you're looking for an All-Inclusive, don't overspend on Aruba, save that for another trip.

I might agree on some destinations as all inclusive but not Aruba
Some places are dangerous out side the hotel area. Aruba is good

 

[yesrutgers01]

One of the enjoyments of going to Aruba was the hotel not being all inclusive and trying various restaurants in the area
I stay at the Hilton and can walk the short distance to many fine places
A taxi ride might be seven bucks to something further and easily available
Why stay trapped in a hotel with a few restaurants and the same menu night after night?

That is one of the unique things I hope to get that you can't get from google. One thing I do look for in an all-inclusive and one reason why I like sept/oct for a trip- I look for a resort that does have a good choice of restaurants - and not the typical buffet/Japanese/Italian - not sure why you go to an island for hibachi...lol Example- Moon Palace in Ohco Rios- had the above mentioned but also a very nice Caribbean Restuarant - that had very local type dishes. And we were able to eat at each place we wanted without prior reservations because of kids are just back in school but close enough to full staff as the busy season was just ending.
My personal reason for liking all inclusive- wife like to count my meals and drinks too much- and when on vacation- it is the one time I like to splurge. Her weakness is the bakeries...and there is just a little part of the guilty pleasure that is ruined if everytime either of us want to indulge, you know there is going to be a charge for it. I know we are paying anyway- but love it feeling like it isn't.
That said- we do like a place near area restaurants...we have no problem leaving the resort and eating elsewhere.
Bottomline- it is just so much easier knowing that you are going to pay X for a vacation. And just add in excursions if you choose to take them.

 

[rutgersal]

Beaches in Turks and Caicos

Beaches is mad expensive but excellent. Also good is Club Med, Turks and Caicos, which isn’t as pricey as Beaches, but also isn’t as nice. Both are all inclusive. you can get quick quotes at clubmed.com and beaches.com.

The worst thing is the immigration line when you arrive but that’s pretty much true anywhere in the Caribbean.

Aruba is also excellent but expensive,

 

[yesrutgers01]

I agree, most people who go to Aruba feel this way because the island has so many great places to see and eat. If you're looking for an All-Inclusive, don't overspend on Aruba, save that for another trip.

We have never been to Aruba and thus, why I mentioned it. The other thing with All Inclusive- wife and I are so damn busy on a daily basis. And for the last year- beside work, all the covid stuff etc- we have had to care for our older German Shepherd who ended up with his rear legs paralyzed for nearly a year due to numerous lower back problems. This was a full year of waking twice nightly and either using a harness, wheelchair or carrying a 100lb dog.
So, this trip in general- is more of a get away, relax, be cared for and not having a schedule. My wife is also the type that may just want to sleep in until 11am or not even get out of bed all day on a trip like this. If I have to plan to leave the resort or making specific reservations, we may never eat or she will just get annoyed.
We don't want to do Jamaica as that is her home and ends up always being our go-to. She has been to PR many times for presidents club, not interested in the DR or PC because of the issues a couple of years ago. and want a nice easy flight.

 

[armenius]

Beaches is mad expensive but excellent. Also good is Club Med, Turks and Caicos, which isn’t as pricey as Beaches, but also isn’t as nice. Both are all inclusive. you can get quick quotes at clubmed.com and beaches.com.

The worst thing is the immigration line when you arrive but that’s pretty much true anywhere in the Caribbean.

Aruba is also excellent but expensive,

Good deals at Beaches in mid September. Around $4000-4500 for two. That's much cheaper than normal! (Including flights)

 

[yesrutgers01]

Beaches is mad expensive but excellent. Also good is Club Med, Turks and Caicos, which isn’t as pricey as Beaches, but also isn’t as nice. Both are all inclusive. you can get quick quotes at clubmed.com and beaches.com.

The worst thing is the immigration line when you arrive but that’s pretty much true anywhere in the Caribbean.

Aruba is also excellent but expensive,

I have really considered Beaches T&C. Havent been there but seems that everyone loves it. My question for them is if it is too geared toward families with small kids. We do Sept/Oct because most kids are in school but I don't want it to have that feel of a kids park.
I'm not too worried about price. We are only going for a short trip.

 

[armenius]

I do travel on the side. Send me a message if you want me to assist

 

[armenius]

I have really considered Beaches T&C. Havent been there but seems that everyone loves it. My question for them is if it is too geared toward families with small kids. We do Sept/Oct because most kids are in school but I don't want it to have that feel of a kids park.
I'm not too worried about price. We are only going for a short trip.

Yes, Beaches generally is very welcoming for families, but like you said, in September when school has just started, it's unlikely to be crowded with them.

 

[DJ Spanky]

Consider looking into Puerto Rico. We've gone there several times, although it's been more than a decade since the last trip.

 

[yesrutgers01]

Consider looking into Puerto Rico. We've gone there several times, although it's been more than a decade since the last trip.

Wife has been there a lot but she has concerns about their post hurricane. havent heard much about how the resorts have recovered.

 

[yesrutgers01]

Man- Flights to almost anywhere not Cancun is crazy. I was just looking at Beaches T&C but in the dates looking- room selection is ehhh- or crazy$$$ You can get a decent price, under 1k per night(still high) but you are either ground floor, 2nd floor partial ocean. But looking at location, it looks like just a touch of blue over rooftops. And flights are super costly almost 2k per. and mult stops
So- I said WTF and looked at JAmiaca- back to the Moon Palace that we loved- rooms are better and much less- jr suite balcony/ocean view is about $500 a night for a couple. But even thier flights are over 1k per person.

 

[Knightmoves]

Good deals at Beaches in mid September. Around $4000-4500 for two. That's much cheaper than normal! (Including flights)

Outstanding deals can be gotten at the height of hurricane season in the Caribbean. Mid September is just perfect timing if one wants to roll the dice against being stranded in a hotel with no food, water or electric.

 

[Scarlet4Shore]

Wife has been there a lot but she has concerns about their post hurricane. havent heard much about how the resorts have recovered.

I was there to help with rebuilding in January 2019 after PR was hit by Hurricane Maria in 2017. The city of San Juan and the surrounding resort areas were up and running as normal back then. I would assume they have continued to make progress throughout the island.

I've been watching this thread. Something to keep in mind is the time frame you are looking to go is still peak hurricane season. You may want to consider something out of the traditional hurricane belt, unless you are ok with rolling the dice. Have fun where ever you choose!

 

[armenius]

Outstanding deals can be gotten at the height of hurricane season in the Caribbean. Mid September is just perfect timing if one wants to roll the dice against being stranded in a hotel with no food, water or electric.

OP asked about Sept/Oct, figured they know the risks. But yes you are right.

 

[yesrutgers01]

Outstanding deals can be gotten at the height of hurricane season in the Caribbean. Mid September is just perfect timing if one wants to roll the dice against being stranded in a hotel with no food, water or electric.

If looking at Jamaica, They consider June 1- Nov as hurricane season with a 2% chance.
Now, Sept is one of the rainer months with 24 days of rain but that gives about 5 inches of rain. most rain storms very quick. they would expect a total of 22 sunny to partially sunny days in Sept.
I guess there is always the chance. If went with one of the pricier places, I would most likely spring for vacation insurance.

Just want to get away for a few days.

 

[yesrutgers01]

Interesting enough- looking at outside the HB- Barbados and Grenada - Grenada may have the best deals on some really nice rooms at Sandals. Barbados was nice too but their half reasonable rooms are sold out for quite a while and you end up in 2k+ a night rooms. that is a little more than I want to go...:)

 

[rutgersal]

I have really considered Beaches T&C. Havent been there but seems that everyone loves it. My question for them is if it is too geared toward families with small kids. We do Sept/Oct because most kids are in school but I don't want it to have that feel of a kids park.
I'm not too worried about price. We are only going for a short trip.

No kids at Club Med.

 

[rutgersal]

Man- Flights to almost anywhere not Cancun is crazy. I was just looking at Beaches T&C but in the dates looking- room selection is ehhh- or crazy$$$ You can get a decent price, under 1k per night(still high) but you are either ground floor, 2nd floor partial ocean. But looking at location, it looks like just a touch of blue over rooftops. And flights are super costly almost 2k per. and mult stops
So- I said WTF and looked at JAmiaca- back to the Moon Palace that we loved- rooms are better and much less- jr suite balcony/ocean view is about $500 a night for a couple. But even thier flights are over 1k per person.

Jet Blue has reasonable flights to Turks but you have to fly from JFK

 

[yesrutgers01]

Jet Blue has reasonable flights to Turks but you have to fly from JFK

looking at flights to and from everywhere- Fri-Mon seems to be the most expensive. I may have to rethink an extra day as tue return drops the flight costs enough to almost pay the extra day.

 

[RU-Kidding]

If looking at Jamaica, They consider June 1- Nov as hurricane season with a 2% chance.
Now, Sept is one of the rainer months with 24 days of rain but that gives about 5 inches of rain. most rain storms very quick. they would expect a total of 22 sunny to partially sunny days in Sept.
I guess there is always the chance. If went with one of the pricier places, I would most likely spring for vacation insurance.

Just want to get away for a few days.

Marriott has added 29 or so properties to their all-inclusive offerings. We're going to one of the Royalton's in Punta Cana mid-October (weather permitting). There's been no issues in DR since those bizarre episodes a few years ago.

https://all-inclusive.marriott.com/resorts-and-destinations

 

[T2Kplus20]

Man- Flights to almost anywhere not Cancun is crazy. I was just looking at Beaches T&C but in the dates looking- room selection is ehhh- or crazy$$$ You can get a decent price, under 1k per night(still high) but you are either ground floor, 2nd floor partial ocean. But looking at location, it looks like just a touch of blue over rooftops. And flights are super costly almost 2k per. and mult stops
So- I said WTF and looked at JAmiaca- back to the Moon Palace that we loved- rooms are better and much less- jr suite balcony/ocean view is about $500 a night for a couple. But even thier flights are over 1k per person.

No all-inclusive options, but St John is an amazing island. Best beaches in the Caribbean.

 

[yesrutgers01]

No all-inclusive options, but St John is an amazing island. Best beaches in the Caribbean.

Love St John but for the many reasons I gave- only looking at All Inclusive on this one.

 

[rutgersal]

No all-inclusive options, but St John is an amazing island. Best beaches in the Caribbean.

St John is amazing, as is the British Virgin Island of Tortola.

 

[BLewis1968]

OK- Wife and I want to just take a short 4 day island vacation.

Specifically looking for
All Inclusive - I'm ok with up to around $800 per night
Easy flight from Newark
Island but not looking at Jamaica or the DR
Prefer Adult only but as long as it is nice- kids will be back in school so even non adult may work out
Good selection of on site restaurants - non buffet

If Aruba- it does not have to be a casino.
Just looking for relaxing getaway where I don't have to worry about additional expenses for food drink.

I know- just google it. Problem is...you say all inclusive and you still get everything
Online reviews suck- would prefer to hear personal experiences.

I am hoping to go late Sept or sometime in Oct

Thanks!

Re: Marriott adding to all-inclusive portfolio, just came back from Royalton in Montego Bay. It's ok, but if you can spring for $800 night, you can do better. The butler service was overrated, the nicer of the two buildings needs a facelift and the older of the buildings won't be finished with its facelift for several months. They have two nearby adult-only places I can't speak for. I would, however, highly recommend the RIU properties in Jamaica.

Re: Aruba, I got a kick out of your reasoning for the all-inclusive preference, and I can empathize. I'd say this. I preferred the Ritz Carlton and the Stellaris both to the Renaissance downtown, and while not all-inclusive in the strict definition, you can in essence prepay a given amount of food/drinks with points, which is what I did; ie, say, 30,000 points for X amount of dollars credit toward meals. Worked a charm. BTW, the former pair have great beaches. The Renaissance is downtown and has no beach, but does have a rooftop n infinity pool, and a shuttle boat to a private island with a beach. And its closer to all the Dutch-owned diamond places downtown if your wife wants to drain the checkbook.

 

[T2Kplus20]

St John is amazing, as is the British Virgin Island of Tortola.

Whenever we vacation in St John, we do a charter or two to hit the BVIs. Jost Van Dyke is also a blast.

 

[RU-Kidding]

Re: Marriott adding to all-inclusive portfolio, just came back from Royalton in Montego Bay. It's ok, but if you can spring for $800 night, you can do better. The butler service was overrated, the nicer of the two buildings needs a facelift and the older of the buildings won't be finished with its facelift for several months. They have two nearby adult-only places I can't speak for. I would, however, highly recommend the RIU properties in Jamaica.

Re: Aruba, I got a kick out of your reasoning for the all-inclusive preference, and I can empathize. I'd say this. I preferred the Ritz Carlton and the Stellaris both to the Renaissance downtown, and while not all-inclusive in the strict definition, you can in essence prepay a given amount of food/drinks with points, which is what I did; ie, say, 30,000 points for X amount of dollars credit toward meals. Worked a charm. BTW, the former pair have great beaches. The Renaissance is downtown and has no beach, but does have a rooftop n infinity pool, and a shuttle boat to a private island with a beach. And its closer to all the Dutch-owned diamond places downtown if your wife wants to drain the checkbook.

Marriott has plans to upgrade those all-inclusive properties over the near future. I believe they were just acquired within the last 2 years or so.

 

[yesrutgers01]

Re: Marriott adding to all-inclusive portfolio, just came back from Royalton in Montego Bay. It's ok, but if you can spring for $800 night, you can do better. The butler service was overrated, the nicer of the two buildings needs a facelift and the older of the buildings won't be finished with its facelift for several months. They have two nearby adult-only places I can't speak for. I would, however, highly recommend the RIU properties in Jamaica.

Re: Aruba, I got a kick out of your reasoning for the all-inclusive preference, and I can empathize. I'd say this. I preferred the Ritz Carlton and the Stellaris both to the Renaissance downtown, and while not all-inclusive in the strict definition, you can in essence prepay a given amount of food/drinks with points, which is what I did; ie, say, 30,000 points for X amount of dollars credit toward meals. Worked a charm. BTW, the former pair have great beaches. The Renaissance is downtown and has no beach, but does have a rooftop n infinity pool, and a shuttle boat to a private island with a beach. And its closer to all the Dutch-owned diamond places downtown if your wife wants to drain the checkbook.

If we do Jamaica again, most likely the Moon Palace Ocho Rios. Wife grew up in Jamaica, knows it well. Though, she would never recommend MB for a stay.
the new Marriott AC’s are interesting. Been a Bonvoy member forever.
Antigua property looks nice. But I am sort of afraid that many of these hotels may be similar to your experience and still renovating.

not worried about the wife and the checkbook. We have been there, done that. and she makes her own good $$$
Funny story in regards- back around 07, we took all the kids to Atlantis. Of course, we took a trip over to shop.
we go into Rolex and look at them and the go shopping around. We split up for a couple of hours each with a couple of kids.
I run back to Rolex and buy her a watch as a surprise. Don’t remember exact model but went with the blue face oyster and it cost about 15k. Had to come back at 4:30 before they closed to pick it up. I’m all excited as we are heading back and we both turn toward Rolex and I’m confused when she is greeted at the door before my guy comes over to great me.
found out that during the time we split and she must have come in right after I left(no- she didn’t buy me one, if that sounds like the logical wonderful ending) damn woman also bought herself one. But she dropped closer to 40k.
so, she wears my gift to more casual and hers to formal. Great woman as she is, that X-Mas I had a Cartier watch waiting for me.

 

[armenius]

Interesting enough- looking at outside the HB- Barbados and Grenada - Grenada may have the best deals on some really nice rooms at Sandals. Barbados was nice too but their half reasonable rooms are sold out for quite a while and you end up in 2k+ a night rooms. that is a little more than I want to go...:)

Sandals in Grenada is top notch

 

[yesrutgers01]

Whenever we vacation in St John, we do a charter or two to hit the BVIs. Jost Van Dyke is also a blast.

A few years back- we had an incredible week set up in Virgin Gorda - the hosts of the estate we were staying at ended up being the most prejudiced people we ever met and we left after just a day- we then found a place in Nanny Cay Tortola - Not all inclusive but a very nice quite place. Not much in any amenities but still- just beautiful.
When we had our original stay planned (which was at the Caribbean Wind, VG, there were 3 days of private charters planned.We would love to get back to those islands but not for this trip

 

[BigRnj]

Kamalame Cay in the Bahamas… hands down. You’ll thank me when you return.

 

[Scarlet4ever]

Not an island, but our favorite all-inclusive that we've done is the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, just north of Puerto Vallarta. It's a lot more expensive than when we went, but it may still fit in your price range. They also have a property in Riviera Maya.

 

[yesrutgers01]

Kamalame Cay in the Bahamas… hands down. You’ll thank me when you return.

Love this place- just checked out the website- but not right for this trip.
Also a major consideration for a longer very special trip as it is pet friendly too. Which is also a major reason we do not get away for long anymore. The wife does not want to put our dog into a dog "resort" - as we have not found anyplace that has impressed us so far and it is very difficult to find nice places that allow dogs.

 

[NotInRHouse]

I second Puerto Rico, they have cheap flights on JetBlue from EWR, and while I didn't do all inclusive there, if you stay in a neighborhood like Condado you essentially walk to everything anyway.

 

[toby83]

Staten Island?

shell near my location


i miss El Gaucho steakhouse in Aruba

 

[Leonard23]

One of the enjoyments of going to Aruba was the hotel not being all inclusive and trying various restaurants in the area
I stay at the Hilton and can walk the short distance to many fine places
A taxi ride might be seven bucks to something further and easily available
Why stay trapped in a hotel with a few restaurants and the same menu night after night?

💯 I'd find a way to do this over an all-inclusive anywhere. Palm Beach has so many good restaurants in walking distance or you can venture out in a cab a little further to Noord, Eagle Beach or downtown Oranjestad for even more options. We always stay at the Hyatt next door to the Hilton.

I agree, most people who go to Aruba feel this way because the island has so many great places to see and eat. If you're looking for an All-Inclusive, don't overspend on Aruba, save that for another trip.

 

[yesrutgers01]

💯 I'd find a way to do this over an all-inclusive anywhere. Palm Beach has so many good restaurants in walking distance or you can venture out in a cab a little further to Noord, Eagle Beach or downtown Oranjestad for even more options. We always stay at the Hyatt next door to the Hilton.

For my short 4 days- the wife may not want to even venture out of the room much less the resort or worry about reservations or worry that if she just wants to stay under the blankets, I may not eat.
So- all inclusive seems to be the way to go.
mat any other time, not necessary