All inclusive family resort?

[hannahon]

We have been to Mexico twice, once to the Gran Bahia Principe near Tulum and once to the Gran Porto Real in Playa Del Carmen. Both were all inclusive which we loved!!!! The Bahia Principe is in a remote location, but a wonderful resort with a awesome beach,several pool, and like 14 restaurants. The Porto Real was a block away from the main shopping area which was fun, the beach wasn't as nice, but a short walk(2 minutes) north and there was a beautiful swimmable area of the ocean. Now that we have done an all inclusive we will never vacation any other way, it is wonderful!!!!

 

[PatriciaH]

The Iberostars, Rius and Melias are all great chains/resorts. I like the Mayan Riviera in Mexico better than Punta Cana (more to do closer) with kids. Cruising is alos a great idea. Cruises are cheap now-except Disney

 

[jagafen]

What Beaches did you look at? We're booked at Beaches Boscobel (Ocho Rios, Jamaica) for 10 nights for $5,000 (2 adults, 1 child). We're in a concierge suite, so that added on a bit to our tab. There were much cheaper room catagories available!! Airfare was another $1,000. Try other locations. Friends of ours went to the newer on on Turks and Caicos, and I know that was a bit more expensive.

 

[Desnik]

I am also currently researching All Inclusive resorts for our family. I keep going back to Beaches Turks & Caicos. It is beautiful, has gotten good reviews on tripadvisor and often has discounts. Also there is a direct flight from NY & with 2 kids that is very important to me! There are so many activities included and the beach looks like heaven!

http://www.beaches.com/main/tc/tc-home.cfm

 

[Colleen27]

I've tried looking on both sites and couldn't find if they included alcoholic?

Because of our laws & culture, you'll be very hard pressed to find a true all-inclusive that includes alcohol on American soil. It tends to attract a clientele that isn't compatible with family travel, and leaves the resort open to all sorts of liability issues should a guest overindulge and cause injury to himself or others.

For relatively inexpensive all-inclusives, Mexico is probably your best bet. The only one we've stayed at was the Occidental Xcaret that was mentioned earlier, and I would recommend it in a heartbeat. We had a great time there, and the adjacent park (http://www.xcaret.com/) made it really easy for me & the kids to be as active as we liked while DH spent more time lounging on the beach with a frozen drink. We're planning on going back in a few years when DD16mo is old enough to enjoy it, because it was perfect for our older kids (9 & 6 at the time) but not the kind of trip I want to take with a toddler!

 

[cntrygal]

I've tried looking on both sites and couldn't find if they included alcoholic?

no neither include alcoholic beverages

 

[4Seasons]

I am also currently researching All Inclusive resorts for our family. I keep going back to Beaches Turks & Caicos. It is beautiful, has gotten good reviews on tripadvisor and often has discounts. Also there is a direct flight from NY & with 2 kids that is very important to me! There are so many activities included and the beach looks like heaven!

http://www.beaches.com/main/tc/tc-home.cfm

Beaches Turks & Caicos is WONDERFUL!!!! Take a look at the photos in my signature line. I would recommend it in a heartbeat!

 

[Anne34]

This looks lovely - and I put in for a quote for 4 nights in April and the total was only $274 (room only, but still)! I'll have to research this further. Are you doing an all inclusive package because I did not see one available?

Thanks and sorry OP for hijacking your thread here.

To get prices including air fare go on website like Funjet or Apple vacations. They will give you a ballpark figure. Most of these resorts are also on Exedia, Orbitz and Travelocity.


We have been to many all-inclusives: Jamaica (2times) Cancun, Riviera Maya and Puerto Vallarta. We really love to have everything included with our family of 5. This is so nice when the kids are hungry or thirsty -- they just go get something and you don't have to worry about $$

 

[buzzgirls&dad]

Unfortunately, we just cancelled our 4th trip to Beaches Turks & Caicos. We had a great come back rate from last year however, airfare was just killing us. It was over half the price we were paying for the vacation. This is when our small midwest town does us in. We love Beaches T & C and hope to go again in 2011. Our DD10 just sobbed when we told her we wouldn't be going this year. As did I. We are still hoping that we might find something with a great rate for Mexico. If not it will be a long winter. To all those going to Beaches you will have a Great time. Say Hi to Donna at Kimonos.

 

[BeenHereB4]

To get prices including air fare go on website like Funjet or Apple vacations. They will give you a ballpark figure. Most of these resorts are also on Exedia, Orbitz and Travelocity.


We have been to many all-inclusives: Jamaica (2times) Cancun, Riviera Maya and Puerto Vallarta. We really love to have everything included with our family of 5. This is so nice when the kids are hungry or thirsty -- they just go get something and you don't have to worry about $$

Thank you! Never thought to check those sites.

 

[Robindianne]

OT: which adult AI did you go to? Did you like it?

When I was pricing out AIs for a trip last November, Breezes seemed to have good prices. We wound up at an adults-only AI, so I'm not sure if people like Breezes or not, but the prices looked good (I think it was around 1200-1500 for 2 adults for a week, not including air). Also, I know pricing varies GREATLY depending on which "season" you are in, so maybe check different chains as they may have different seasons (e.g. one resort may be in "peak" season while another is in a more mid-range season). Just an idea

A cruise is another semi-all-inclusive option (excludes drinks and some activites/excursions). There have been great prices on cruises lately, but it is a different experience than an AI.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

I have to agree with Beaches T &C. Yes, its pricey , but we have been twice and it is so worth the money. The kids love it.

 

[tammymacb]

Unfortunately, we just cancelled our 4th trip to Beaches Turks & Caicos. We had a great come back rate from last year however, airfare was just killing us. It was over half the price we were paying for the vacation. This is when our small midwest town does us in. We love Beaches T & C and hope to go again in 2011. Our DD10 just sobbed when we told her we wouldn't be going this year. As did I. We are still hoping that we might find something with a great rate for Mexico. If not it will be a long winter. To all those going to Beaches you will have a Great time. Say Hi to Donna at Kimonos.

Sorry you aren't going this year. Airfare can be killer.

Can you tell me about the "great come back rate"? DH and I are going to be at Sandals, St Lucia this year, and I'm wondering if I could get a "come back rate" to Turks and Caicos since they're owned by the same company?

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

Sorry you aren't going this year. Airfare can be killer.

Can you tell me about the "great come back rate"? DH and I are going to be at Sandals, St Lucia this year, and I'm wondering if I could get a "come back rate" to Turks and Caicos since they're owned by the same company?

Yea, you can. We did this when we were in St. Lucia last year. What Sandals are you staying at?

Just visit the Soon come Back desk. You are required a $200.00 per adult deposit. We got the lowest price on the Sandals/Beaches website at the time and $125.00 credit for the resort.

 

[tammymacb]

Yea, you can. We did this when we were in St. Lucia last year. What Sandals are you staying at?

Just visit the Soon come Back desk. You are required a $200.00 per adult deposit. We got the lowest price on the Sandals/Beaches website at the time and $125.00 credit for the resort.

Thanks, I chose Halcyon, because I wanted smaller, beachy and DH and I will be diving daily! Can't wait!

 

[HeatherC]

Just out of curiosity...what could I expect to pay for week for 5 people at an AI? When I've priced Beaches in the past, it has come to about 10k or more? Is that normal?

 

[hockeyprincess]

Beaches Turks & Caicos is WONDERFUL!!!! Take a look at the photos in my signature line. I would recommend it in a heartbeat!

I would love to visit a Beaches, but it's so overwhelming with room choices! I don't know where to start! And sometimes the prices, oh my.... I am checking into this though! It was one of the places I wanted to get married 6 years ago. It never happened that way though, long story, but I always felt cheated out of my dream. (It wasn't mine or my husband's doing, the reason we didn't go...)

Is there a better section, place, etc to stay? Naples, French Village, etc.... walkout, waters edge, oceanview?? Confusing for someone who has never been there.

 

[4Seasons]

Also don't forget about the Sandals Select repeat guest program.
I'd be happy to answer any questions about them, I'm a Certified Sandals Specialist and have been to many of the properties.

 

[Anne34]

Just out of curiosity...what could I expect to pay for week for 5 people at an AI? When I've priced Beaches in the past, it has come to about 10k or more? Is that normal?

Depends on where you are going -- Beaches is very expensive imho. We are going to Playa del Carmen over Spring Break (Easter week). I booked at the end of summer for a great rate -- we are paying just over $5500 for all of us with direct flights from Chicago for 7 nights-- now those rates are around $6800. (We have 2 rooms with our family of 5 -- some hotels had 1 suite, but we like the 2 tvs, 2 bathrooms, etc). Last year we went to Jamaica for around the same amount ($5500) but it was only 5 nights -- its more expensive there.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

I would love to visit a Beaches, but it's so overwhelming with room choices! I don't know where to start! And sometimes the prices, oh my.... I am checking into this though! It was one of the places I wanted to get married 6 years ago. It never happened that way though, long story, but I always felt cheated out of my dream. (It wasn't mine or my husband's doing, the reason we didn't go...)

Is there a better section, place, etc to stay? Naples, French Village, etc.... walkout, waters edge, oceanview?? Confusing for someone who has never been there.

Depends on what you want. The Italian Village is the newest section but also the MOST EXPENSIVE, by far! Way out of our price range.
The Carribean Village is the oldest sction but closest to the ocean. The French Village is at the back of the resort, but for some reason I like it there and thats where we have stayed our last 2 trips.

We usually book the cheapest and hope for an upgrade but again its all in what you want.