Looking for suggestions for a trip with hubby. As of now, I am checking out Jamaica, St. Lucia, Los Cabo and Curacao.
If we do Jamaica, Ive narrowed it down to Negril. We will probably do all-inclusive, but I am flexible.
Any thoughts as Ive never been to any of the aforementioned locations??
Punta Cana has some great all-inclusive. Check out Melia hotel chain. We stayed at one last year. I thought the food and drinks were above average.
We searched all over for weeks and weeks last year. We thought we wanted all-inclusive but honestly when I tried to hone in on the beaches they looked…limited. And the food never had great reviews.
We finally found Anguilla and a week there did not disappoint! We went in April which is apparently off season and cheaper (who knew!?). The most amazing beaches I have ever seen and great food…from walk up beach restaurants to fancier ones if you want. We stayed at the Frangipanni resort and it was awesome in every way. There is a restaurant next door but we usually had breakfast and lunch in our room (which was steps from the beach) or at the amazing little french breakfast cafe up the road. Message me if you want more info.
The interior of Anguilla is kind of scruffy and brown but the beaches were totally our style…laid back, gorgeous, the most crystal blue aquamarine water we’ve ever seen and totally not crowded.
I would definitely, definitely look into the current status of the seaweed problem in the Carribean that was discussed on an earlier thread. It sounds like it could really ruin a trip.
What time of year ? Bermuda is lovely , but it isn’t as warm as Carribean islands.
We love Grand Cayman, on the “sleepier” East End. We did an all inclusive years ago in the Riviera Maya, but I’m not interested in going to Mexico these days. If you like hiking, St John is spectacular, and St Lucia is also lovely.
@oldfort I did two weeks in Dominican Republic last summer with D2, a small town between Puerta Plata and Caberete, called Sosua.
@carachel2 I will check into Anguilla
@nottelling I dont think the seaweed will be an issue, as I love to lounge on the beach, but rarely go in the water, unless I go snorkeling.
I plan to go in May for our anniversary.
Do a Google-image search for “seaweed problem in the Carribean” and you will see that if it is still active, it will be a problem. It is a big, stinking mess (apparently). Not sure if it is still going on.
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2015/10/caribbean-choked-by-biggest-seaweed-bloom-ever.html
Ugh…I’ve been on beaches with bad seaweed problems. Even when it is raked the stench remains. I’m thinking you won’t be laying on the beach if it is super heavy.
St. Maarten; half Dutch, half French. You can do a day trip to Anguilla or St. Barths from there. Agree that beaches in Anguilla lovely but the island itself has nothing else going for it - just my personal opinion.
@justforthis …I will give you that about Anguilla.a If you want tons of stuff to do on an island then it may not be for you. We literally took the ferry, go to our hotel/resort and didn’t leave except for when we were going to other beaches. If you want to shop and do other stuff then St. Maarten would definitely be a better bet. We thought we would miss a vibrant night life and an endless list of things to do but the beautiful beaches of Anguilla provided plenty for us to do.
If you are looking at Cabo and want a little more relaxed pace, Cabo San Jose is much less developed/touristy than Cabo San Lucas. The airport is halfway between the two.
Two of my Ds and their Hs recently went to Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay and had a wonderful time. And they are pretty picky. 
We love the Westin Playa Conchal in Costa Rica. It is on the Pacific side so you fly into Liberia instead of San Jose. It is an all inclusive. There is an on site golf course if you are so inclined - you do pay for your rounds. Consider upgrading to the Royal Beach Club if you don’t have kids under 18 with you! Private pool and breakfast pavilion - with no kids! It also includes upgraded liquor throughout the resort - you get a special color wrist band. You also get a personal concierge to make those necessary restaurant reservations.
This resort is on the beach, but you can arrange day trips to the canopy and Arenal volcano area.
We are going to Bucuti & Tara Beach resort in Aruba in a couple of weeks, it LOOKS divine (especially the no kids part)… I’ll let you know what we think!
Sarasota, Naples, Fort Lauderdale, Key West anyone will be warm and very easy to get to and from.
@zobroward thanks, I would like to get out of the states
you need visa but
Florianopolis brazil
If you do Jamaica , do know that it’s all about the beaches in Negril, full seven mile stretch of white sand beach where most of the AIs are located. There is also Ricks Cafe for people watching and locals diving with a good bar.
You also will be driving a distance after you fly into Mobay to get to Negril. About an hour and forty mins.
Alternatively, you can stay in Mobay and do a day trip to Negril. Many more things to do in and around Mobay than in Negril.
All inclusive hotel suggestions in Mobay Iberostars-Suites/Grand, Secrets Wild Orchid/St James and Hyatt Zilara/Ziva. I have stayed at the Iberostars and Hyatt. The later being a lot laid back.
Of course the cocktails- Bob Marley, Dirty Banana and Hummingbird !!!
@learninginprog thanks for the info! I am leaning towards Jamaica, Ive never been. I was also looking at resorts in Negril as Ive heard its the best of the three. Maybe I will do a few days in montego bay and a few in negril.