Family Vacation to Caribbean or Mexico (1 Viewer)

[Al Czervik]

Planning a family vacation to the Caribbean or Mexico for later this year and looking for some recommendations. 

Will be my wife, me and our two kids (14yo daughter and 16yo son).  We have been leaning toward all-inclusive as we have never done that and thought it would be nice to enjoy the food and drink along with the available activities at many all-inclusive resorts (i.e. kayaks, snorkeling gear and other stuff to occupy kids).

A big thing for us is the pool.  Would like to have a resort with a kickass pool set-up and the availability to get drinks poolside and/or swim up bar.  Would also like to go to a place with options for decent excursions (swim with dolphins is important for the girls, boys like adventures like zip lining or swimming/snorkeling in a cool location).  Would probably schedule 2-3 excursions, so wouldn’t be a daily thing.

Here are some places we have liked/considered:
-Beaches Turks and Caicos (was the first place we discovered on a Google search, but price tag was very high, like around $11,000 for the week.  And travel agent also said it was a bit difficult to get to).
-Moon Palace Cancun (price tag was at the top of budget at around $8000 and we were ready to book.  Then friend went there and said don’t go.  Said food wasn’t good and they hassled you all week to buy a timeshare.  And they had a colored wrist band system… people on board with the timeshare had a VIP color and others had a different color.  If you didn’t have a VIP wristband, you were basically ignored.)
-Royalton Riviera Cancun (thought we had a winner in this one too and were ready to book.  But upon reading reviews, we learned it is built on swamp land surrounded by mangroves and mosquitoes seem to be a problem.)

Appreciate any recommendations.

 

[Chemical X]

cruise

 

[need2know]

Caribbean and it's not close

I have done all inclusive in Jamaica and St Lucia.  Was amazing

 

[fantasycurse42]

Check out Iberostar Paraiso Maya, much rather be around there than Cancun... Also, probably cheaper than what you're looking at.

Think it checks off most of your boxes.

 

[El Floppo]

Planning a family vacation to the Caribbean or Mexico for later this year and looking for some recommendations. 

Will be my wife, me and our two kids (14yo daughter and 16yo son).  We have been leaning toward all-inclusive as we have never done that and thought it would be nice to enjoy the food and drink along with the available activities at many all-inclusive resorts (i.e. kayaks, snorkeling gear and other stuff to occupy kids).

A big thing for us is the pool.  Would like to have a resort with a kickass pool set-up and the availability to get drinks poolside and/or swim up bar.  Would also like to go to a place with options for decent excursions (swim with dolphins is important for the girls, boys like adventures like zip lining or swimming/snorkeling in a cool location).  Would probably schedule 2-3 excursions, so wouldn’t be a daily thing.

Here are some places we have liked/considered:
-Beaches Turks and Caicos (was the first place we discovered on a Google search, but price tag was very high, like around $11,000 for the week.  And travel agent also said it was a bit difficult to get to).
-Moon Palace Cancun (price tag was at the top of budget at around $8000 and we were ready to book.  Then friend went there and said don’t go.  Said food wasn’t good and they hassled you all week to buy a timeshare.  And they had a colored wrist band system… people on board with the timeshare had a VIP color and others had a different color.  If you didn’t have a VIP wristband, you were basically ignored.)
-Royalton Riviera Cancun (thought we had a winner in this one too and were ready to book.  But upon reading reviews, we learned it is built on swamp land surrounded by mangroves and mosquitoes seem to be a problem.)

Appreciate any recommendations.

@Reaper has been to T&C Beaches.

Al- there are a ton of similar threads to this where we've all commented about this stuff... I'd say to do a little research in those first. 

if you're not in the mood I'll check back later... I'm not an AI guy, but have been to a lot of spots in the carib and riviera maya, with and without family. 

 

[Al Czervik]

@Reaper has been to T&C Beaches.

Al- there are a ton of similar threads to this where we've all commented about this stuff... I'd say to do a little research in those first. 

if you're not in the mood I'll check back later... I'm not an AI guy, but have been to a lot of spots in the carib and riviera maya, with and without family. 

I did do some searching and read through some threads (including the mega VI thread... sounds like a place I need to go someday, but not what we are looking for this vacation).  

Seemed like a lot of conversation on different islands and debates on AI or not AI, but did not find much on recommendations.  Was hoping for some "check out _____ resort. we stayed there and it was awesome".  If you can think of a really good thread, please feel free to link.

 

[Chemical X]

cruise

IMO, the cruise, especially the Caribbean, could be great.  a 14 and 16 yr old could be tough to entertain, especially at one place for an extended period.  personally, the chance to hit different islands and try different excursions, coupled with the inclusivity of the cruise program makes this a great option.  the kids can surely do their own thing, eat the buffet, etc., while you and the mrs. get some alone time.  but also plenty of included onboard activities.  just a thought....could be cost effective depending on where you live.

 

[El Floppo]

I did do some searching and read through some threads (including the mega VI thread... sounds like a place I need to go someday, but not what we are looking for this vacation).  

Seemed like a lot of conversation on different islands and debates on AI or not AI, but did not find much on recommendations.  Was hoping for some "check out _____ resort. we stayed there and it was awesome".  If you can think of a really good thread, please feel free to link.

there have been a few lately about the cancun, mayan riviera region.

that area might be great for you guys- tons of AI big resorts that offer a lot of activities on site, plus lots of mayan history nearby (ruins of various types), cenotes and nice towns to visit. cozumel is beautiful (the water especially) and an easy day-trip.

 

[Al Czervik]

IMO, the cruise, especially the Caribbean, could be great.  a 14 and 16 yr old could be tough to entertain, especially at one place for an extended period.  personally, the chance to hit different islands and try different excursions, coupled with the inclusivity of the cruise program makes this a great option.  the kids can surely do their own thing, eat the buffet, etc., while you and the mrs. get some alone time.  but also plenty of included onboard activities.  just a thought....could be cost effective depending on where you live.

Good suggestion.  Will talk to the wife about a cruise being an option too.

 

[Scoresman]

There's plenty to do around Cancun/Riviera Maya without going all inclusive and should keep teenagers entertained.  Tulum/Chichen Itza/Xcaret.  We did Xcaret on our last trip and it was a fun day.  

 

[eoMMan]

Mexican all inclusive. Check out Apple Vacations website.

 

[Galileo]

Grand Velas in Riviera Maya came highly recommended to me.  Unfortunately, I can give a first hand account as it it was completely booked when we vacationed in the area.  But I agree with El Floppo regarding the area.  I did stay at the Hard Rock Riviera Maya.  Nice place, great pools, decent food, but the beach/water activities at the Hard Rock sucked, IMO.  But we did visit the ruins in Tulum...checked out a couple of great cenotes...it is a hop, skip, and a jump from Cozumel...eco-adventure parks in the area

 

[El Floppo]

 fwiw.. carib islands I'd recommend (non AI... but I think there's AI there too) based on your interest in, or lack of aversion to, cruises and AI:

- Antigua

- Barbados

- St Maarten

- BVI

- T&C

quieter spots I prefer, but might be boring for typical teenagers.. mostly just beaches and good food/drink.

- Anguilla

- St Barths

- Grenadines

- St Lucia

eta: I can't really comment on cruises... not my scene at all. but lots of fans on the board, and seem like lots to do for kids and allow you to explore islands as much or as little as you want.

 

[need2know]

i have never done a cruise either but i hear a ton of positives about them.  would def seriously consider one

 

[Scoresman]

I don't have any plans of ever setting foot on the USS Lysteria to take a cruise.  Seems to me the food/activities/pool are almost always going to be better at the destination than on the boat, so why not just spend more time on the islands?  But different strokes and all.  

 

[Galileo]

Several suggesting cruises here...personally, I love them, BUT I am not sure I would recommend them with teens.  Unless you are on one of the newer mega ships (which tend to be much higher cost), there is not really much for a teen to do.  Cruises are great for lounging by a pool (typically small and crowded), drinking, eating, casino, stage shows, etc...  Sure, they usually have a teen club somewhere, but they seem pretty lame.   I took my kids on a cruise once.  They were a little younger than yours, and we had multiple families go together.  Ports of call were fine,but the kids (mostly "tweens") got a little bored on the ship.  At least there was a group of them to hang together.

 

[Brony]

Planning a family vacation to the Caribbean or Mexico for later this year and looking for some recommendations. 

A big thing for us is the pool.  Would like to have a resort with a kickass pool set-up and the availability to get drinks poolside and/or swim up bar.  Would also like to go to a place with options for decent excursions (swim with dolphins is important for the girls, boys like adventures like zip lining or swimming/snorkeling in a cool location).  Would probably schedule 2-3 excursions, so wouldn’t be a daily thing.

Appreciate any recommendations.

Kickass pool, all-inclusive drinks, and excursion options doesn't help narrow the list down.  You should start to think if you want a huge mega-place or something smaller/quieter.  Do you want close access to any culture or towns/cities, or is it strictly R&R?  Does it need to have a beach and if so, how good is the beach at the resort?   Would you be annoyed if you had to claim a beach chair early in the day?  How important is food quality?  Figure some of these out and it will help you start to eliminate some properties and locations. 

 

[Johnny Bing]

Negril Jamaica if it is in the budget, or a more budget friendly is Montego Bay and take a shuttle to 7 mile beach (Negril) for one of the days.  Has everything on you want list.  Pool bars, zip lining, catamaran, kayaking, etc.

You don’t want an excursion every day or you always feel rushed.  We did one every other day, plus it gave you something to look forward to on your off day relaxing on the resort.  Plenty of things to do at these all-inclusive resorts.  they are designed to entertain you all day, just comes down to what you find entertaining. 

I agree with some others, I’m not a fan of the cruise vacations.  Too much risk and horror stories or people getting sick.  And to feel like I’m always on an itinerary doesn’t seem as relaxing as taking each day as it comes. 

 

[Al Czervik]

Kickass pool, all-inclusive drinks, and excursion options doesn't help narrow the list down.  

You should start to think if you want a huge mega-place or something smaller/quieter.  I guess based on the examples, we seem to like bigger, mega places (though I would not want something as big as Atlantis where going from room to pool is a hike).

Do you want close access to any culture or towns/cities, or is it strictly R&R?  Mostly R&R.  Culture/town is not a deal breaker.

Does it need to have a beach and if so, how good is the beach at the resort?   Yes, must have a nice beach.

Would you be annoyed if you had to claim a beach chair early in the day?  Yes, don't want to wake up early to have to go put a towel on a chair.

How important is food quality?  Want good food, but we aren't big food snobs.  Wife and kids are not very adventurous with food.

Figure some of these out and it will help you start to eliminate some properties and locations. 

 

[Al Czervik]

Negril Jamaica if it is in the budget, or a more budget friendly is Montego Bay and take a shuttle to 7 mile beach (Negril) for one of the days.  Has everything on you want list.  Pool bars, zip lining, catamaran, kayaking, etc.

You don’t want an excursion every day or you always feel rushed.  We did one every other day, plus it gave you something to look forward to on your off day relaxing on the resort.  Plenty of things to do at these all-inclusive resorts.  they are designed to entertain you all day, just comes down to what you find entertaining. 

I agree with some others, I’m not a fan of the cruise vacations.  Too much risk and horror stories or people getting sick.  And to feel like I’m always on an itinerary doesn’t seem as relaxing as taking each day as it comes. 

Is Jamaica safe?

 

[kentric]

If you have the opportunity, head over to Barbados.  It is a wonderful island in the southern side of the Caribbean.  We have a timeshare in The Crane Beach Hotel which is on the ocean side and have been going there for upwards of 20 years.  The people are very, very friendly and there are enough things to do to keep things entertaining.  I'm not sure whether there are all-inclusive resorts on the island or not.  

In any case, enjoy your vaca.  

 

[Ilov80s]

Caribbean and it's not close

I have done all inclusive in Jamaica and St Lucia.  Was amazing

I have the total opposite opinion-Cancun blows the Caribbean away

 

[Johnny Bing]

Is Jamaica safe?

Kingston is the rough area, which the tourism isn't anywhere near Kingston.  You will be on the west side at Negril/Mo Bay and Kingston is on the east side about 4 hours apart. 

They know tourism is their largest piece of their economy, so you are treated very well when you are there.  But we rarely closed down a bar off the resort.  I don't care what country your in, I'm staying at the resort if there is going to be heavy drinking. 

 

[El Floppo]

I have the total opposite opinion-Cancun blows the Caribbean away

Cancun? it's a dump- let's be honest. riviera maya is nice and offers lots of options.. but beaches aren't as nice as most caribbean islands, neither is the water, food or vibe IMO. 

 

[Ilov80s]

Cancun? it's a dump- let's be honest. riviera maya is nice and offers lots of options.. but beaches aren't as nice as most caribbean islands, neither is the water, food or vibe IMO. 

Wait what? I've never been to a Caribbean island with food anywhere close to Cancun. How is Cancun a dump?  

 

[fantasycurse42]

Check out Iberostar Paraiso Maya, much rather be around there than Cancun... Also, probably cheaper than what you're looking at.

Think it checks off most of your boxes.

Just pointing this out again... Wife & I stayed at the Grand Paraiso sister property for adults only - you should really take a look. It hits everything you asked for at a price that could be below your budget.

 

[fantasycurse42]

Wait what? I've never been to a Caribbean island with food anywhere close to Cancun. How is Cancun a dump?  

Someone has clearly never been to Aruba. Their food blows Cancun out of the water. 

 

[Ilov80s]

Someone has clearly never been to Aruba. Their food blows Cancun out of the water. 

I haven't been to Aruba but I've heard mixed reviews from the people I stay with in Cancun. Obviously the resort you are staying at makes a big difference but Harry's, Freds,Puerto Madero, Peters and many of the small local Mexican restaurants are amazing. The food at the Royal Sands where I stay is always good too. 

 

[James Daulton]

Do adults with kids go to Cancun? 

 

[El Floppo]

Is Jamaica safe?

I read this like marathon man

 

[Brony]

You'll have a good trip with lots of options.  Generally speaking (but not absolute based on resort), beaches will be nicer in Caribbean; but service will be little better in Mexico.  If you're looking into the Caribbean, I'd look at what islands have good flight coverage from your local airport.  Jamaica and Dominican both have plenty of big resorts that meet your criteria on the lower end of budget.  We did trip to Punta Cana last spring and many of the resorts there fit everything that you are looking for.  Use tripadvisor to suss out chair availability and food quality.  

 

[fantasycurse42]

I haven't been to Aruba but I've heard mixed reviews from the people I stay with in Cancun. Obviously the resort you are staying at makes a big difference but Harry's, Freds,Puerto Madero, Peters and many of the small local Mexican restaurants are amazing. The food at the Royal Sands where I stay is always good too. 

Mixed reviews about Aruba? 

IDK about that, I've been to Mexico many times and a bunch of islands in the Caribbean, Aruba food was the best hands down, IMO. 

OP also mentioned an all-inclusive, so this conversation is probably moot, as you might find some resorts with good food, but all-inclusive food is never going to knock your pants off. 

 

[Ilov80s]

Do adults with kids go to Cancun? 

 There are places that cater to all types but Cancun is very family friendly. 

 

[Don Quixote]

-Beaches Turks and Caicos (was the first place we discovered on a Google search, but price tag was very high, like around $11,000 for the week.  And travel agent also said it was a bit difficult to get to).

I've been to T&C, but did not stay at Beaches.  That said, I don't think it is that difficult to get to.  It's along the main drag on Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales. I think I was able to get a flight to Providenciales on a connecting flight in Charlotte.  You can probably get an airport transfer from most resorts (probably a 15-20 minute drive from the airport).

 

[Galileo]

You'll have a good trip with lots of options.  Generally speaking (but not absolute based on resort), beaches will be nicer in Caribbean; but service will be little better in Mexico.  If you're looking into the Caribbean, I'd look at what islands have good flight coverage from your local airport.  Jamaica and Dominican both have plenty of big resorts that meet your criteria on the lower end of budget.  We did trip to Punta Cana last spring and many of the resorts there fit everything that you are looking for.  Use tripadvisor to suss out chair availability and food quality.  

I did not find much in the way of interesting excursions in Punta Cana.  I stayed at the Royalton.  Beach was great.  Pools were adequate, but not spectacular.  Food was average compared to other AIs

 

[fantasycurse42]

 There are places that cater to all types but Cancun is very family friendly. 

You like Cancun over Riviera Maya? I've done each a bunch, but moving forward (as has been on our last 3 or 4 trips), we prefer RM.

 

[Ilov80s]

Mixed reviews about Aruba? 

IDK about that, I've been to Mexico many times and a bunch of islands in the Caribbean, Aruba food was the best hands down, IMO. 

OP also mentioned an all-inclusive, so this conversation is probably moot, as you might find some resorts with good food, but all-inclusive food is never going to knock your pants off. 

I think if someone goes to Aruba, Cancun or wherever 1x, it's pretty random what they think of the food. A particularly good or bad resort or restaurant choices/experiences could wildly change what you think of the food for the entire location. I go to Cancun every year, my MIL winters there so maybe I just know which places are good and end up with more consistently quality places. When I've been to the Caribbean, I don't have that background knowledge so I might have had some bad luck with restaurant choices. 

 

[fantasycurse42]

I think if someone goes to Aruba, Cancun or wherever 1x, it's pretty random what they think of the food. A particularly good or bad resort or restaurant choices/experiences could wildly change what you think of the food for the entire location. I go to Cancun every year, my MIL winters there so maybe I just know which places are good and end up with more consistently quality places. When I've been to the Caribbean, I don't have that background knowledge so I might have had some bad luck with restaurant choices. 

Fair enough, but Aruba is a food island, hard to do bad at restaurants there. I think there are only a small handful of AI's on the island bc the options are just so plentiful.

 

[Johnny Bing]

Is Jamaica safe?

This is where we stayed once when we were on a budget.  RIU Montego Bay.  Great pool bar, which is where we spend most of our time.

It was just as nice as a Sandals resort but cheaper.  You can stay here 8 nights all inclusive for $4K plus flight second week in December.  That was one room for 4.  Not sure if you are getting separate rooms for the kids or they are staying in yours.  

Food was fine, they had typical buffet at night with some local foods and "american" food.  Along with restaurants you booked a reservation that were more finer dining with a menu.  

They had night entertainment each night, which we didn't go off the resort at night.  Plenty of bars on the resort to bay hop. 

 

[Ilov80s]

You like Cancun over Riviera Maya? I've done each a bunch, but moving forward (as has been on our last 3 or 4 trips), we prefer RM.

Where in RM are you staying? I like both, it's really just one long stretch. The Mayan Riviera name was just a rebranding that was done awhile back. 

 

[El Floppo]

Wait what? I've never been to a Caribbean island with food anywhere close to Cancun. How is Cancun a dump?  

what islands have you been to? I posted above a bunch that far surpass what I've experienced in Cancun (caveat- we get the hell out of Cancun and head straight to RM or Cozumel- Cancun has always struck me as a place where large masses of american prefer to hang out with large masses of americans... too touristy and cheap drinkey for me). but yes- there are islands where the food pretty much sucks and is still super expensive. also- I've never liked the water/beaches at Cancun. far enough to go that I'd want better when I can get better. IME and O, the food in PDC is better than Cancun. I'm basing my ratings on living NYC... there are islands listed above where the food is on equal footing with anything I can get in NYC. we had a nice meal on Cozumel this last trip that felt like it was getting there. but otherwise, while good enough, nothing I'd ever discuss as one of the positives for going to the area.

 

[Johnny Bing]

if your set on Mexico I have heard of good things about this resort in Puerto Vallarta.  The rooms are more like a condominium so there is plenty of space for the kids and you can get some alone time with separate bedrooms. 

Garza Blanca Preserve Resort

In December $4K all inclusive plus flight for one week stay. 

 

[fantasycurse42]

Where in RM are you staying? I like both, it's really just one long stretch. The Mayan Riviera name was just a rebranding that was done awhile back. 

We've stayed at the Iberostar Grand Paraiso about 10 miles north of PDC 2x and Paradisus.

Side note, the Paradisus is located near this awesome Crocodile farm called Crococun, highly recommend taking the trip there for anyone that vacations around there 

They had us walking through a crocodile enclosure and I was scared ####less. Wife turns to me like she is going to take pictures and says 'smile,' I'm just like "WALK YOU ####### IDIOT!!! GOOOOOO!!!!" These were like 8-12 foot crocs.

 

[Ilov80s]

what islands have you been to? I posted above a bunch that far surpass what I've experienced in Cancun (caveat- we get the hell out of Cancun and head straight to RM or Cozumel- Cancun has always struck me as a place where large masses of american prefer to hang out with large masses of americans... too touristy and cheap drinkey for me). but yes- there are islands where the food pretty much sucks and is still super expensive. also- I've never liked the water/beaches at Cancun. far enough to go that I'd want better when I can get better. IME and O, the food in PDC is better than Cancun. I'm basing my ratings on living NYC... there are islands listed above where the food is on equal footing with anything I can get in NYC. we had a nice meal on Cozumel this last trip that felt like it was getting there. but otherwise, while good enough, nothing I'd ever discuss as one of the positives for going to the area.

Just Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados. My situation in Cancun is so enjoyable that I've no interest in going anywhere else. 

 

[fantasycurse42]

I bet Cuba has some awesome food, anyone been?

 

[Ilov80s]

This is where I stay. They have AI Joe and I believe that gets you the same food as the people that pay ala carts. It fits all your requirements and the service is fantastic. It's awesome having a waiter on the beach, swim up bar with tvs, two pools- a party pool and a relaxing pool. 

 

[Ilov80s]

I bet Cuba has some awesome food, anyone been?

My inlaws went last winter as it's easy to get there from Cancun/Belize. They said the food was pretty good but the overall experience was amazing. They were instructed to bring lots of little American BS items like Hershey bars, tooth brushes, shoes, etc. to give away as you go through the city.

 

[El Floppo]

Just Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados. My situation in Cancun is so enjoyable that I've no interest in going anywhere else. 

huh... food in Barbados was much better than Cancun, IME. but again- going back 17yrs +

but I hear you- if you have a spot you love to go to, almost no point in not going. almost. the wife and I used to do long weekend trips up and down the carib in the off-season. american airlines would have these crazy deals that would pop up for that weekend, so we'd go... 2-3x a year. didn't go everywhere, but hit a lot of spots. ended up at anguilla one trip and basically- like you with cancun (minus the mil with a spot... that would be nice!), always go back there. got married there. have taken the kids there a handful of times. love it- the food, the water, the beaches, the people... everything- but we figured out how to dial it just right to our finances. we did it enough that we started going other places instead to break it up... but every time, we're wishing we were back at our favorite place- even if we've gone to some other nice spots with the kids since.

 

[William Munny]

Beaches T&C can't be beat family beach vacation wise. Went a few years ago when it was a bit more reasonable. Since then I've added two more kids and have been priced out pretty much. A week would be like 15g. 

Ive never been to Jamaica but they have two more resorts there if you want to go that route. 

 

[culdeus]

Where in RM are you staying? I like both, it's really just one long stretch. The Mayan Riviera name was just a rebranding that was done awhile back. 

A rebranding in the sense that it's important to set apart hotel zone from others.  Hotel Zone is awful.