Sandals resort or similar

[dr&momto2boys]

Updated question on page 2 post #20 about resorts in Riviera Maya



My husband and I are taking a 3 night get-away in January to celebrate my 40th birthday. I had booked 3 nights at WDW because I love it and it would be fun to have an experience there without the kids (actually ride rollercosters and eat in fancy restaurants!) But now that I found out that I'm pregnant again, WDW is not that appealing...no rollercoasters and too much walking for my fatigued self. So I'm thinking of some place like Sandals. Probably in the Bahamas since it is so close (we're in Chicago.) I'd consider another caribbean island but definately want a direct flight not over 4 hours.

Sandals looks nice, but since we won't drink alcohol, I feel it is more expensive than it needs to be. Is Sandals worth it even for non-drinkers? How do we get the best price if so? Is there somewhere else you would recommend? My main requirements would be that it is relaxing (a spa would be nice), warm climate preferably or at least really beautiful scenery. Good food and nice rooms too.

I appreciate any guidance! This will be only the second time we've traveled without the kids. The 1st time was 48 hours in NYC for DH's 40th birthday.

 

[erincon23]

I can't recommend any single resort there, but Bermuda is beautiful and not that far away.

 

[meggybear17]

The Riviera Maya region of Mexico is awesome. It's just south of the Cancun airport and there should be direct flights from Chicago. DH and I have been to the area many, many times and love the Secrets Capri and Secrets Maroma resort as well as the Exellence Playa Mujeres or Excellence Riviera Cancun. They are all adults only resorts and will pamper you beyond belief. They are all-inclusive but I think it is worth it even for non drinkers. I went to the Secrets Capri when I was pregnant and the employees were all so sweet and made sure I was well taken care of and made me lots of yummy frozen non alcoholic drinks.

 

[hops&dreams]

Scan deals on travelzoo. Sometimes there are really goof all inclusive deals. A girlfriend an I were going to go on a "girls weekend away." We found a spa on travel zoo for airfare, 2 nights and a day at the spa for $344/person. We ended up not following thru though (friends marriage issues). She's divorce now and we never took that vaca... I might have to start planning again with her!

Good luck. And congrats on your pregnancy!!!

 

[badblackpug]

The Riviera Maya region of Mexico is awesome. It's just south of the Cancun airport and there should be direct flights from Chicago. DH and I have been to the area many, many times and love the Secrets Capri and Secrets Maroma resort as well as the Exellence Playa Mujeres or Excellence Riviera Cancun. They are all adults only resorts and will pamper you beyond belief. They are all-inclusive but I think it is worth it even for non drinkers. I went to the Secrets Capri when I was pregnant and the employees were all so sweet and made sure I was well taken care of and made me lots of yummy frozen non alcoholic drinks.

We love Playa Del Carmen (in Rivera Maya) we have stayed at Riu Playacar, which is a very small, quiet resort with a lovely beach. This year we are staying at Iberostar Tucan

ETA: we got a GREAT price on www.cheapcaribbean.com

 

[TinkTock]

I've enjoyed the Palace Resorts in the Riviera Maya area. However, if I couldn't drink, I'd probably spend the money instead on a cruise. It's all-inclusive for food and entertainment, and you're not paying for all the alcohol you can't have.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Riviera Maya looks nice. I've spent most of my time looking at Secrets Maroma so far. Is there good snorkeling from the beach or nearby?

I'm considering the preferred club ocean view. Mostly because it looks like it has the best views. I really enjoy the view from the room and like to eat breakfast on the balcony in the morning.

I appreciate everyone's feedback. I really like hearing the names of resorts you've enjoyed so I can look into them. Looks like lots of good choices.

I would be too nervous to take a cruise. I would feel too disconnected from my kids in case an emergency arises.

 

[badblackpug]

It's. A short ferry ride to Cozumel. Cozumel has some of the best snorkeling.

 

[meggybear17]

Riviera Maya looks nice. I've spent most of my time looking at Secrets Maroma so far. Is there good snorkeling from the beach or nearby?

I'm considering the preferred club ocean view. Mostly because it looks like it has the best views. I really enjoy the view from the room and like to eat breakfast on the balcony in the morning.

I appreciate everyone's feedback. I really like hearing the names of resorts you've enjoyed so I can look into them. Looks like lots of good choices.

I would be too nervous to take a cruise. I would feel too disconnected from my kids in case an emergency arises.

You will get the best views there from the preferred club. When we stayed at Maroma we reserved a standard ocean view and you really couldn't see the ocean at all! We upgraded to preferred and it was much improved and the lounge and extra touches were really nice. If you can get a good price I say go for it! Oh and the beach there is supposed to be one of the nicest in the world

 

[meggybear17]

Oh and sitting on the balcony eating room service breakfast is one of my favorite parts of vacation!!

 

[dr&momto2boys]

You will get the best views there from the preferred club. When we stayed at Maroma we reserved a standard ocean view and you really couldn't see the ocean at all! We upgraded to preferred and it was much improved and the lounge and extra touches were really nice. If you can get a good price I say go for it! Oh and the beach there is supposed to be one of the nicest in the world

January is off season, right? Do you think it would be cheaper to upgrade when we get there? I realize there is no guarantee.

 

[meggybear17]

January is off season. Just one FYI while it is very warm down there in January, the pools are usually very cool. We have had good luck upgrading at arrival. At Secrets Capri we went from a standard room ocean view to Jr suite Ocean front for $400 for a week. Would have been thousands ahead of time. Once we were upgraded for free to preferred at a resort due to not liking the view we paid for. That was actually at Maroma where as I mentioned the "ocean view" we paid for was non existent and the room they assigned should never be given under that booking category. Book what you are comfortable staying in and hope for the best!

 

[dr&momto2boys]

There is quite a price difference between Capri and Maroma. We're willing to splurge for this once in a lifetime trip, but is there that big of a difference? Just wondering. Thanks for all the input!

 

[2boysnme]

We stayed at the Sandals in Antigua in March. I am don't drink either and I enjoyed the trip but am not sure I would spend that much again. I had always wanted to try a Sandals and we only went for 3 nights. The food was excellent, the resort beautiful and we loved every minute of it. That said next time I would probably pick one that is less expensive like the Riu's, but was glad to get to try a high end resort.

 

[cinmouse]

We stayed at the Marriott Frenchman's reef in St. Thomas in March
2011 & did the inclusive packaged...it was a great resort and.very relaxing even with our.kids 8 & 11 months @ the time.

 

[Tabetha]

I've been a day guest many, many times at the Hawksbill Bay resort in Antigua, and we love it there. It's got a sister resort on the island as well, and you are free to use the amenities at either one.

I would not hesitate to book a week there.

 

[meggybear17]

There is quite a price difference between Capri and Maroma. We're willing to splurge for this once in a lifetime trip, but is there that big of a difference? Just wondering. Thanks for all the input!

We have been to Capri 3 times and Maroma once. Maroma is a much newer resort, more modern with gorgeous rooms and the beautiful beach. Capri is an older, smaller resort and the rooms to be honest are a bit outdated. While the beach at Capri is still gorgeous, it's not as beautiful as Maroma. I preferred the food and service at Capri, but that may be because we were at Maroma very soon after their grand opening and they were still working out some of the "kinks" that come with a new property. Despite the older rooms I actually preferred the Capri. You really can't go wrong with either one though. Food selections will be similar, Maroma does have a few more restaurants than Capri but that shouldn't make much of a difference for a shorter trip. If you can get a good deal on an oceanfront room at Capri I would go for that over the preferred club at Maroma. You at literally ON the beach with that room category a Capri.

 

[Princess Tink]

Another Secrets Maroma fan here... Went last year for our anniversary and was blown away by the service! Their service is top notch, and they have the most beautiful beach I've ever seen. While we were there we met many couples on their 'baby-moons'. They all seemed to be enjoying themselves. It's a very relaxing resort. Good luck with your decision.

 

[An_Island_Girl]

If you're looking at Secrets Maroma, right up the beach is our favorite adults only, Iberostar Grand. I can not say enough wonderful things about this property and it's ability to bend over backwards for your every need. Truly a paradise!

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Okay, experts. This all-inclusive thing is all new to me. Please give me your advice!

I'm looking at:
Excellence Riviera Cancun-- Excellence Club ocean font Jr. Suite
vs.
Secrets Maroma--Preferred Club oceanview
vs.
Aventura Spa Palace--Concierge level ocean view ***By far the cheapest*** Why?
vs.
le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun-- ocean view

I figure I can't lose with any, but if you've been to more than one, will you please tell me the differences. Thanks!

(Iberostar Grand is sold out the days we are going. Like I needed one more choice! )