O/T Beach vacation

[Drivercan]

Thinking of having a different (no Disney) vacation this March break. Any suggestions of Carribbean islands?

I read that Negril,Jamaica had a water park called Kool Runnings. Anyone been?

 

[canadianjovigirl]

We are also doing the same for our next winter vacation and i have fallen in love and dream about Beaches Turks & Caicos.........if only i could save enough for all of us to go.............

If that one does not materialize it will be an all inclusive in Mexico for us next winter, but in the meantime can summer please hurry up and get here............

 

[rewok]

I love all inclusive vacations! For the last years, we have done AI in the winter/spring, and WDW in September. The feel is very different, much more relaxing, and so "pampering". We don't have kids, so we never looked much at activities, since we are content with the beach, pool, drinks! However, the hotels we went to all had "kids club", where all the kids can hang out together with some sort of supervision and entertainment.

My first choice is Cuba, because of prices, stunning beaches, and good service. I know some people fear the food, but I must say I always ate well. Not magnificently, but simple and well. Lots of fresh veggies, fish of the day is always great, chicken often nice as well. Just don't expect the big steak/potato dinner, and all is well. Go for food that is somewhat cooked like the locals do, it will be tastier than most Americanized (and Canadianised??) imitations. I know those are the most popular options, one time we got in at buffet opening, and there was already empty serving dish. After wondering what could be so good as to go that fast, we spotted one lone onion ring in there!! No need to say we quickly moved on to the untouched smoked salmon plate...

This year, we are going to Jamaica, which is way more than our usual budget, at Couples Swept Away, an adult and king bed double occupancy rooms only. Suppose to be very romantic... The big reason for the splurge is: (shut...) we are eloping and getting married on the beach. It's a secret, so please don't tell anyone should you know me!

Next year, it will be back to Cuba, because there is no way I can afford this type of AI (or Beaches, Sandals, Breezes, ...) every year, unless it's our only vacation.

 

[riu girl]

Last month we spent a couple weeks at the Riu Tequila in the Mayan Riviera. It is about a 45 minute drive south of the Cancun airport. It was very family friendly and offers a kids club (ages 4-12). After spending a lot of time at this resort, I can't find any complaints about it (customer service, cleanliness, food). We flew out of BUF (Funjet vacations) and the price was considerably lower then flying out of Toronto.

The kids had a great time. The kids parasailed, snorkelled in cenotes (underground rivers/caves), snorkelled with sting rays, saw numerous mayan ruins etc.

Another cool thing about the RIUs in this area is that you "stay at one, play at several". So we had the opportunity to try out (for the day) several different resorts.

All and all a great time and highly reccommend any RIU property in the Caribbean. If you are interested in Jamaica, they (RIUs) are also well located on that island, but much more expensive then the ones located in the Mayan Riviera.