Advice needed Carribean / Mexico Last Week of June (1 Viewer)

[top dog]

We are looking to go to somewhere tropical for our 15 year anniversary. Last week of June. I'm trying to figure out what is the best place to go at that time of year. Heard Aruba may be windy... I've been leery of Mexico with all the problems they have there in this day and age...

Any suggestions from folks that have traveled around that time in the summer? Places to avoid, places to look into?

Oops.. Forgot important info... Adults only and all inclusive if possible.

 

[MAC_32]

Hedonism.

 

[El Floppo]

I haven't been down to Mexico and the Mayan Riviera for a few years (Tulum area), but from what I understand that place is safe and without problems. I assume you're concerned about the killings and what not from all the Zetas etc?

We looked at going down there for xmas/nye and also at Spring break, but it wsa ridiculously expensive for flights and hotels. I'm thinking the prices have crept up for trips there- used to be pretty cheap.

Summer is a great time to go anywhere in the Carib, esepcially early/pre-hurricane season. Prices are low at hotels and flights are usually pretty decent too. Give us more info about what you're looking for and I know from experience that there a bunch of guys here who can help you out.

I'm a huge fan of Anguilla and St Barths, which are a little more mellow and smaller than your St Maartens, Barbados, St Thomas, etc.

eta--- oops- just saw AI in your requirements... not my scene, so I'll defer to the other guys.

 

[Dentist]

Turks and Caicos was absolutely fantastic.

sorry i didn't read the thread entirely.

I hate all inclusives and turks and caicos doesn't have very many... I know they have at least one though, but it wasn't highly rated.

Also I'm not sure what type of budget you are on, it was an expensive place... I stayed at Seven Stars resort which was absolutely AWESOME but also was pretty pricey even in the off-season like that.

Having said that, i'm known around these parts as a pretty cheap person and I felt like it was worth every buck.. and would be happy to do it again.

 

[flysack]

Wherever you go, check the plumping before you pay the lady.

 

[Judge Smails]

I'll be in Cabo - buy ya a taco and cerveza if you're there..

 

[culdeus]

budget is going to be key here. How much a night are you wanting to go? Adult only AI can be pricey even at that time of year. Looking at 400-600/night easy.

 

[dmac37]

The best bang for the buck in all inclusive is Riviera Maya area in Mexico, fly into Cancun. Safety is not an issue there, it is like saying avoid the entire United States because of Detroit or south side Chicago.

I have been to Aruba (now extremely expensive), Punta Cana (food is not good) and resorts in Riviera Maya- going to Jamaica for the first time next month.

There are many adult only resorts in Mexico that should work for you. The Valentin is a good bang for your buck adults only all inclusive, only problem for me was it lacked nightlife IMO. The Grand Palladium is my favorite resort, not adult only but an adult only section of the resort. It is huge with many food options (unlimited no reservation ala carte dinners), great beach & pools, and many live music options at night. Many resorts only have the cheesy stage shows and limited food options.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Dominican Republic sounds nice

 

[dmac37]

Dominican Republic sounds nice

It is very nice with great resort grounds and beaches but the food is very poor even for all inclusive standards. For some maybe not a deal breaker but IMO this is what separates a lot of the resorts.

 

[brianj74]

Stayed at the El Dorado Royale and El Dorado Seaside in Mexico a few times, liked both. The grounds were clean, the room were spacious, lots of selection food wise, would recommend both. The Seaside is quite a trek from the airport whereas the Royale is about 20 minutes or so. Neither had a great beach.

Stayed at the Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar in the Dominican. Much like the above, had no issue although you had to book restaurants in advance, which was a pain even though most were not even full. Best beach of the three places.

All three places were all-inclusive and adults only.

 

[top dog]

budget is going to be key here. How much a night are you wanting to go? Adult only AI can be pricey even at that time of year. Looking at 400-600/night easy.

Thanks for the above everyone. As far as budget goes, I've been looking on cheapcarribean.com and most of the resorts there are averaging about $3500 for two people for 3 days 4 nights with air fare. That sounds like a decent price.

 

[RUSF18]

Stayed at the El Dorado Royale and El Dorado Seaside in Mexico a few times, liked both. The grounds were clean, the room were spacious, lots of selection food wise, would recommend both. The Seaside is quite a trek from the airport whereas the Royale is about 20 minutes or so. Neither had a great beach.

Stayed at the Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar in the Dominican. Much like the above, had no issue although you had to book restaurants in advance, which was a pain even though most were not even full. Best beach of the three places.

All three places were all-inclusive and adults only.

Both those resorts are owned by Karisma Hotels. I got married at Azul Beach Hotel (also in Riviera Maya, allows kids) in June and have already been back. The quality of the food and drinks at their hotels is excellent even for a normal resort, let alone an all inclusive. A lot of AIs pour weak drinks or won't give you shots...not there. They're constantly seeking you out to ask what you want, bringing refills before you ask, etc.

We're going to go to one of those adults only probably later in the year.

 

[Insoluble]

Playa del Carmen in Mexico has some great all inclusive resorts. I would venture out there if you get a chance. My friends do an annual trip out there and they've been all around Mexico and the Carribean and still enjoy this particular location the best.

If you don't need an all inclusive resort I'd also recommend St. Maarten as a great relaxing and beautiful island to spend a week.

 

[Tecumseh]

St. Lucia.

 

[Judge Smails]

St. Lucia.

One of my favorite memories. On a 7 day cruise, stop in St. Lucia. Bummed that it was raining. Looked beautiful. So while the family hung out on the ship I decided to disembark and explore. Stumbled into a OTB sports book. Handicapped a race from Belmont Park, made about $60 in wagers, hit the exacta and tri's cold, walked out 10 minutes later with $1700 cash and used it to pay for final cruise balance from activities/bar etc in full. Nice.