<p>jym—I just reread this thread—did you say when you are planning to go? That can make a difference…i.e. Bermuda isn’t as warm and balmy as other locales until later in the year. Are any of the travelers into any specific sports (scuba, etc.)–i.e. would a more sports-oriented resort appeal more than others? Do you want a mountainous area with lots of things to do on land, or do you expect most of the time to be at/on the water? When you start comparing, you should see what kind of audience it appeals to most. You’ll probably want to avoid a place that caters to families with young kids, or honeymooners (way too boring and quiet!)—but on the other hand, try to avoid excessive party places (for your own enjoyment!!) </p>
<p>When I first read the title of your thread, I thought you were planning to take your son and his many girlfriends!!! Now THAT is a completely different itinerary all together!</p>
<p>Thanks all-
Gonna look into these. As I mentioned, swe took a day trip to xpu ha when we wre there-- it was right after it opened, and very pretty.</p>
<p>I believe Bermuda is too cold this time of year, as it is too far north. When we did Grand Bahama Island a few yrs back, it was cool (sweater weather) and the water was kinda cold. so I thin we will head farther south. </p>
<p>We had a long talk at lunch today. Updates are:
They don’t care much about the casino option, but s#2 is really pushing for an “all inclusive” as it gives him more freedom. that ruled out Purerto Rico ans they have few AI’s, and the ones they do are expensive.</p>
<p>2) S#1 is probably “uninviting” gf, as their relationship is not where he’d like, and thinks it best not to include her, as he fears it would be awkward. So, this changes things a bit. We said he could bring a buddy instead, if he’d like, so he doesn’t feel like a third shoe (s#2 really wasnts to bring gf, but all is in flux right now).</p>
<p>So,. I am back to research these options. I hadn’t entirely ruled out Cancu, but I would prefer to try something different. If we do Jamaica, they hve to stay on property, as it isn’t too safe elsewhere, if I recall correctly. Costa Rica came up in conversation at lunch, as did Aruba. I will also now look at Belize and the Caymans. </p>
<p>Hahaha astrophysicsmom!
Didn’t realize the title was confusing!
And it appears our posts crossed. I agree-- as we are looking at the end of the xmas break (anytime after the 27th) it will be too cold in Bermuda. I have wanted to go to Bermuda, and I believe there is a marathon in Bermuda, which my H would love!</p>
<p>oldfort—which Club Med did you go to? We’ve been to a bunch, from the clubs with family clubs when the kids were little, to ones that catered to older kids, to the more adult-oriented ones. I hesitate to recommend Club Med, until I know what people want/expect, but I agree that those have been some of the most wonderful vacations we’ve had. However, the rooms are not plush (even though most have been significantly updated/renovated than they were 15-20 yrs ago), and while we always enjoyed the food, people who are expecting more pampering (and object to sitting and meeting people they don’t already know), tend to be disappointed. And, depending on the specific location, the nationality and feel of the places vary a lot, but I’ve always enjoyed the European feel, especially if you avoid going on an American holiday. Most of all, Club Med locales are terrific for a group of people with varying interests. I always enjoyed them because while H wants to be on the move and doing something every minute on vacations, I enjoy sitting and reading and soaking up the tropical feel of everything, and enjoying the local colors. We generally found people with very similar interests as us…who think of packing for a beach/island vacation with mostly flip flops and beach clothes, with a pair of gym shoes thrown in for more adventurous outings…and leave the fancy clothes at home.</p>
<p>Columbus Isle. It’s one of their more luxurious villages. It has air con, flat screen tv, even a mini bar. But it is like a summer camp. There were a lot of french people.</p>
<p>You are right to avoid Jamaica. A lot better, safer places to go, even though the beaches are beautiful. It’s not worth the other stuff you have to deal with. You might consider the U.S. Virgin Islands. We really had a great time with friends at the Club Med Turquoise (Turks and Caicos)—not a kids club (which is key for you guys). However, it’s mostly a beach-only locale—landscape similar to the Bahama Islands…if any of the travelers are scuba divers, they have a dedicated dive center, which is great. H just returned from a week on Bonaire (island next to Aruba), but he was with a bunch of divers, so they stayed at a place specifically geared toward that. However, he said it was the warmest water he’d ever been diving in, and gave it a big thumbs up.</p>
<p>I also planned to took at the US Virgin Islands. With as weak as the US doaar is now, I don’t want to make the trip outrageously overpriced (plus, I’d personally rather go skiing, so when the $$$s really add up, I will have a COW!).</p>
<p>Does anyone know if there are multi-room condpo type arrangements anywhere on a property that also does an all inclusive? I can look on VRBO if anyone has pointers. I dont want to shop and cook, so prefer buffets and restaurants, but a multi bedroom condo would be a nice option too. Anyone know of any such thing?</p>
<p>astrophysicsmom-
I thought (???) I had said towards the end of my first post that we were looking at over new years or right after. The Window of time is anywhere between dec 27- jan 5. </p>
<p>sax-
Renaissance looks beautiful, but the website was giving me weird messages when I put in the # of rooms and occupants. Do you know if it offers all inclusive? I dont personally like the all inclusive, but it gives the “kids” more freedom. I am going nuts with all this!</p>
<p>jym…I believe it offers all inclusive but we have never done this. There is a small mall right next to the hotel which has a dunken donuts, fast food, a sabarros , and a few restaurants. The hotel is in the capital city (small and friendly) so there is a large mall, movie theatre, and plenty of places to walk to dinner.There are also a couple clubs. We stayed at the ocean side twice (one time using someone elses time share that we bought for the week). One of the really great things was taking the boatride back and forth to the private island. There are tennis courts on the island and volleyball at the hotel near the pool. (suggest you bring your own deflated ball and a travel pump.) You can also take the bus 15 min. down the island where all the big oceanside condos are and water sports ($$$). Lots of action down there but nice to get away from it all by going back to the oceanside hotel. Taking the bus (or taxi) was easy. Our family is big into scuba and the scuba shop would pick us up right at the hotel and take us the 10 min. down to the big beaches. Your kids might be just as happy or more depending on what they like to do down at the other end of the island where all the big condos and hotels are one right after the other but we really fell in love with the opportunities of being in the “city” and on the ocean at the same time. </p>
<p>My kids (21 and 19 )would go back yearly if they could. Neither one has any desire to go back to Mexico.</p>
<p>If you decide on aruba and renaissance don’t stay marina side.
I’d also consider other hotels at the other end of the island where the action is if you want to keep boys “happy”. Much more young adult action the other end. Lots of reviews on line, good and bad.</p>
<p>jym, have you considered a cruise? I haven’t done any, but have friends who do it regularly, every couple years. Their kids (twin boy and girl) always take a friend apiece. There is a certain amount of security in having plenty to do, and not needing to continually supervise.</p>
<p>Hey binx!
We did a cruise last winter (with great assistance from cc’ers and one in particular!!) so the boys don’t want to repeat a cruise this year. </p>
<p>I will check into the club med and the aruba options, as well as others suggested here. Sax, wha’s wrong with themarina side? We may have limited options with last minute planning. Then again, with the Hollowell stuff kicking up in te news again, maybe there will be options on Aruba!</p>
<p>LOL.Jym. The major hotel chains are lined up in a row on the beach at one end of the island. So you can walk out of your hotel and be on the beach immediately. Lots of people, lots of pretty girls running around. All the water sports are located down at this end.</p>
<p>The Rennaissance has two hotels located very close together, one ocean side and one marina side. The marina side is located on the major road (2 lane) thru the island and the small but pretty adult pool is here along with the spa and workout stuff. The rooms overlook the inside of the lounge and it is all attached to a major mall. The boat that takes you to the island actually comes inside the lobby by going under the road to pick guests up.</p>
<p>Oceanside is located away from the main road on the ocean and has a larger pool with swim up bar.Views can be of the ocean and sunrise or sunset… oh and airplanes There is a breakwall from the ocean so they built a small lagoon and beach outside the hotel. Very nice but not much action. The resorts island is very nice white beaches and beautiful water but it is rather quiet. Tennis courts, a burger place. </p>
<p>The reviews on the hotel on the above link seem pretty accurate. Although we did not experience any mosquitoes on the island as some of the reviews stated. We went in the summer so it’s something to check out.</p>
<p>Like I said we loved it. Kids were very happy. H and I very relaxed. I think most of the water sports were pretty expensive and not included in anything so it’s pay as you go. We scuba most of the time so we don’t do the waverunner, waterskiing stuff.</p>
<p>Trying to present an accurate picture so you have all the facts. </p>
<p>a guy that i work with just went on his honeymoon to a new all inclusive in mexico. i don’t remember the name of it, but i could probably dig a little deeper and figure it out. since it’s new, they got great deals on the best stuff and it had a great location. perhaps if you guys are looking for something fun and different you could go somewhere that few people have gone before! they loved it.</p>
There is a breakwall from the ocean so they built a small lagoon and beach outside the hotel. Very nice but not much action. The resorts island is very nice white beaches and beautiful water but it is rather quiet. Tennis courts, a burger place. </p>