First anniversary vacation.

[dual45s]

Kim and I are looking into some sort of an anniversary vacation. I'd love to go back to a Sandals, but we're thinking of inviting my best man and her maid of honor, so it can't be that pricey. We're definitely looking for an all-inclusive resort type, but maybe along the lines of Florida as opposed to Jamaica. ANY suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[reefreak29]

Originally Posted by Dual45s
Kim and I are looking into some sort of an anniversary vacation. I'd love to go back to a Sandals, but we're thinking of inviting my best man and her maid of honor, so it can't be that pricey. We're definitely looking for an all-inclusive resort type, but maybe along the lines of Florida as opposed to Jamaica. ANY suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!
howabout marco island

 

[seasalt101]

i used to live on marco island beautiful place you could stay at the marriott or the

[hr]
there, and if you do go there over on bald eagle drive is a restaurant that has a dinner cruise on a paddlewheel boat that goes around the island, it's only about 2.5 miles around it the restaurant is called o-sheas now it's been since the 80's since i lived there so you might want to verify all this info since it has been so long since i've been there earlybird might know since he is still somewhat local there, and if you golf there is some excellant courses in the area, you could also tour the glades on an airboat,alot of fun...tobin

 

[cowfishrule]

the sun village resort in the dominican republic.
all inclusive.
and, a massive reef right off the beach.

 

[drew2005]

I just got back from Secrets Excellence in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and it was beautiful. Adults only, all inclusive i paid $2400 for 5 days. A bit pricey but it was the middle of April. For my 2nd anniversary we went to Riviera Maya, Mexico. We stayed at Iberostar Quetzal and we had a blast. The best vacation we went on hands down. All inclusive and we paid under $2000 for 6 days.

 

[dual45s]

Thanks a ton everyone. Ever since staying at Sandals for my honeymoon, I don't know if I can ever go back to anything other than all-inclusive. Something about drinking my weight in rum, and enjoying giant steaks while never having to get out of my trunks...awesome. I'll definitely check out the suggestions. Don't know if I can convince my buddy to blow 3 grand for my anniversary, but it never hurts to ask.

 

[drew2005]

Originally Posted by Dual45s
Thanks a ton everyone. Ever since staying at Sandals for my honeymoon, I don't know if I can ever go back to anything other than all-inclusive. Something about drinking my weight in rum, and enjoying giant steaks while never having to get out of my trunks...awesome. I'll definitely check out the suggestions. Don't know if I can convince my buddy to blow 3 grand for my anniversary, but it never hurts to ask.
Ill never go anywhere unless its all inclusive. I like to eat and drink. Im sure you can get better deals. I always get oceanview rooms and what not. Those things cost more. It definitely doesn't hurt to price it out. Heres where ive been since i got married...
Honeymoon - St. Lucia (Sandals) $7,800 8 days
1st Anniversary - Jamaica (Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort) Under $2000 6 Days
2nd Anniversary - Mexico (Iberostar Quetzal) Under $2000 6 days
3rd Anniversary - Dominican Republic (Secrets Excellence) $2400 5 days

 

[dual45s]

Thanks Drew, I've heard that Iberostar is awesome. Then again I wouldn't mind going back to Jamaica. I'd love to find a place that has good diving, I was really disappointed at Sandal's Montego Bay.

 

[drew2005]

Originally Posted by Dual45s
Thanks Drew, I've heard that Iberostar is awesome. Then again I wouldn't mind going back to Jamaica. I'd love to find a place that has good diving, I was really disappointed at Sandal's Montego Bay.
No problem.

If you want good diving go to Mexico. I hear Cozumel is really nice. I've never dived and i start my dive classes at the end of May. So my first real dive trip will be when i go to Hawaii this November. I tried to get Iberostar in the Dominican Republic but we couldn't get the days we wanted. But I definitely recommend the Iberostar.

 

[pete43]

Riu tropical in jamaica was only about $1250 for 8days,all inclusive in Negril,Jamaica.Really nice place,and they credited us $500 because there was no power for 2days due to a pole accident(not even their fault)
Go to talk of the town tours .com Solomon and his wife Sienna really take care of you,once you're there.

 

[dragonzim]

Originally Posted by drew2005
Ill never go anywhere unless its all inclusive. I like to eat and drink. Im sure you can get better deals. I always get oceanview rooms and what not. Those things cost more. It definitely doesn't hurt to price it out. Heres where ive been since i got married...
Honeymoon - St. Lucia (Sandals) $7,800 8 days
1st Anniversary - Jamaica (Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort) Under $2000 6 Days
2nd Anniversary - Mexico (Iberostar Quetzal) Under $2000 6 days
3rd Anniversary - Dominican Republic (Secrets Excellence) $2400 5 days
Hey Drew, which Sandals did you stay at on St Lucia? I just got back from my honeymoon there. We did 3 days at Ladera on the south shore of the island and then 4 days at the Sandals Grande. I think the whole trip cost about 7K for us as well once you add in all the tours and excursions that we did.

 

[earlybird]

Originally Posted by seasalt101
i used to live on marco island beautiful place you could stay at the marriott or the

[hr]
there, and if you do go there over on bald eagle drive is a restaurant that has a dinner cruise on a paddlewheel boat that goes around the island, it's only about 2.5 miles around it the restaurant is called o-sheas now it's been since the 80's since i lived there so you might want to verify all this info since it has been so long since i've been there earlybird might know since he is still somewhat local there, and if you golf there is some excellant courses in the area, you could also tour the glades on an airboat,alot of fun...tobin
Believe it or not I've never once been to Marco. I pass it all the time when I fish in the Keys or in the Everglades. I hear it's beautiful and I intend to go there sometime.
Not many people are into cruising but take a look at the prices. A lot more affordable that people think. My wife likes to cruise and we've been on several. They are all inclusive and fun. I recommend Royal Caribbean for all around but Carnival for partying. Look into 5-7 day cruises and if you decide on a cruise pay the extra for a balcony, it's worth it.

 

[adairable]

I just went to the Dominican Republic in April....
7days for like 1300.00 all inclusive with apple vacations at the Iberostar and it was gorgeous and the people that work there were amazing... alot of national geographic boobies on the beach tho

 

[earlybird]

Originally Posted by Adairable
alot of national geographic boobies on the beach tho

Funny funny funny thank you so much. :hilarious

 

[adairable]

it gave me nightmares of what i have to look forward to after kids and age.... :scared:

 

[dragonzim]

Originally Posted by Adairable
it gave me nightmares of what i have to look forward to after kids and age.... :scared:
LOL!!!

 

[dual45s]

Originally Posted by Adairable
and it was gorgeous and the people that work there were amazing... alot of national geographic boobies on the beach tho

Sounds exactly like my honeymoon, well outside the room *ahem*. Thankfully though, they weren't as "national geographic" as they could be and for the most part were covered up. Nothing tops the grandma from the Bronx (I'm guessing) coming up to me at the pool bar, "Oh honey, don't you handle the sun well?". I'm pretty pink at this point, and all I can think is, no, but I'm hoping that a bra can handle....those.

 

[drew2005]

Originally Posted by DragonZim
Hey Drew, which Sandals did you stay at on St Lucia? I just got back from my honeymoon there. We did 3 days at Ladera on the south shore of the island and then 4 days at the Sandals Grande. I think the whole trip cost about 7K for us as well once you add in all the tours and excursions that we did.
I stayed at the Sandals Regency Golf and Spa. We had one of those 1 bedroom honeymoon suites on top of the bluff. It was amazing. Nothing but water views all around. 24 hour butler service. Full mini bar. Not just beer, soda and water. We had bottles of rum, vodka, wine. It was great. Ladera looks amazing. I put that down on my list of potential vacation spots for the future.

 

[monalisa]

Iberostar Cozumel is awesome!! The only down side of this place is that it's the furthest resort away from San Miguel...$20-$30 taxi fare both ways :scared: We've been there twice, and would definitely go back again. It's a great resort with wonderful staff and always something really cool going on.
Lisa :happyfish

 

[dragonzim]

I went to the Allegro resort in Cozumel a few years ago too. That place was great! $1200 for a week included all food and drinks, plus all SCUBA diving was included too!