[rebekahb]

Originally Posted by Dino GT

Another place that we really liked was Bahia Principe Luxury Samana in Dominican Republica. I think it had around 140 rooms or so. We were there in 2019 and we are planning to go back someday.
Like you, we like is small resorts, adults only, with the option of going outside of the resorts to do some site seeing.
We don't go to resorts to party, those days are behind us. We're in our mid. to late 50's. We go is to relax. We've been to much more luxurious places, like in Aruba, Mexico, etc. but they are much bigger places and there's a lot of partying going on.

Getting back to Sunset at the Palms, the beach is across the street from the resort, they have security that walks you across the street to the beach. The beach Is maybe a minute walk from the resort. They also have a bar, food and a couple of shops on the beach.
These small resorts are all gated and 24/7 security.
Everytime we go outside of the resorts site seeing or shopping, we use the taxis that are assigned to the resorts, like that we know that we are save.

We're in our early 40's and like to be active. I don't mind turning it up one evening but don't a constant party. I feel like death and not relaxed going back to work.

Thank you for all the information!! We are going to book Sunset at the Palms in July for my birthday. I'm excited and looking forward to it. Thank you for all of the info you've shared!

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by rebekahb

Alfisti I was aggravated because I could have gotten a flight to Croatia for the same week for $426. I was just looking at the time and honestly should have booked. It more than doubled when I checked again.

Those who hesitate, masturbate.

Every time I put together a plan to do a caribbean week away or god forbid a US week away, the costs just blow out so badly I end up on a plane to europe for less or the at worst same price but get a real experience. Keep in mind I am australian so do not flinch at an 8 hour flight, I am just getting settled.

Once it warms a bit consider Malta, not the best beaches but small and easy to move around and soooooooooooo much history.

[unluky]

Aruba has always been my happy place. It just checks all my boxes. My GF turned 50 last year and I took her there for the first time. Now it is her happy place as well! She absolutely loved it. Spectacular water, great beaches, chill vibe, and not super packed like a lot of places like Mexico etc.

Lots and lots of great places out there but I love Aruba. Just my two cents though.

[dreamingat30fps]

Can’t comment much as back when I worked a regular job and got my couple weeks off we pretty much just did all inclusive. I personally loved it as it’s a short flight to Mexico or Dominican Republic and I’m good not doing absolutely anything for a week. We just hang out at the resort and between, eating, drinking, swimming, beach and resort activities we were set. I also think a week was the sweet spot. Enough time to get in a groove but by the time we got bored it was over.

That being said none all-inclusive I recall many many years ago going with the family to St Johns and St Thomas. At least back then half the island of St John is like a nature preserve. We ended up renting one of those tour pickup trucks with seats in the back because everything else was booked. We had a blast and they had some amazing snorkeling. It’s also just a short flight to the other islands and Puerto Rico depending on how much time you plan to stay you can go island hoping.

[rebekahb]

Originally Posted by unluky

Aruba has always been my happy place. It just checks all my boxes. My GF turned 50 last year and I took her there for the first time. Now it is her happy place as well! She absolutely loved it. Spectacular water, great beaches, chill vibe, and not super packed like a lot of places like Mexico etc.

Lots and lots of great places out there but I love Aruba. Just my two cents though.

It's definitely on my list based on all of the positive comments here. There didn't have a lot of room availability in the area we wanted to stay because we were booking late. I'm looking forward to taking a trip there.

[eliphil]

Florida Keys no hastle.....................

[aguywalksintoabar]

Enjoy Cancun rebekahb

[e90335e36m3]

I wouldn't go anywhere on the Pacific Coast. I've been to Puerta Vallarta twice, shame on me. It's beautiful, but for someone used to the warm ocean in the Caribbean, the Pacific Ocean is what I imagine the people on the Titanic felt like when they hit the water. No thanks I like lukewarm water. Cancun for me.

[UncleWede]

You know, there ARE places in Mexico that aren't a beach.

I leave next Wednesday for about a week in Mexico City and the surrounding areas. Granted, I have traveling party that are all fluent and originally from there. We will visit a couple a different pyramids, and random restaurants around the towns. We tend to get a chartered ride to each attraction for the day.

Sun/Moon palace tour was great last time we went. Going again. Climbing the Sun, I follow the wife up to the next level. She breathes while I go to the four corners, spread my arms so all my supplicants can observe me, then head back to motivate the wife up to the next level. Seriously, I could understand feeling that vibe as a priest for real, with throngs below looking up to the majesty that I bestow upon them.


The only thing I don't like about Mexico is that it seems to be a law or something that EVERY SINGLE FLASHING LIGHT possible on an official vehicle must be turned on at all times.

[rebekahb]

Originally Posted by eliphil

Florida Keys no hastle.....................

I'm not a fan of the keys. I've been a few times and it just doesn't do anything for me. I know a lot of people love it down there though. Thanks for taking a sec to add a suggestion!

Originally Posted by e90335e36m3

I wouldn't go anywhere on the Pacific Coast. I've been to Puerta Vallarta twice, shame on me. It's beautiful, but for someone used to the warm ocean in the Caribbean, the Pacific Ocean is what I imagine the people on the Titanic felt like when they hit the water. No thanks I like lukewarm water. Cancun for me.

That's what I was kind of thinking which swayed me away from that area. Appreciate the confirmation! I've been to Cabo before and while it's nice the water was so cold. We have easy access to the Caribbean and the water is so gorgeous.

UncleWede our last few vacations were more land based. We went on the Florida cost to Navarre this past weekend and I just need some sun and sand in my life! I definitely wouldn't be opposed to checking out Mexico that way. One day

[TX3M]

Originally Posted by WhiteF80M3CompCT

If you decide to go off list, I’d strongly suggest Grand Cayman. Yes, it’s a little pricier, but the perks are:

-Stretches of absolutely gorgeous, pristine beaches
-Best snorkeling I’ve ever experienced, including Maui
-Basically zero crime
-Amazing food
-Beautiful, clean, well kept resorts

I’ve stayed at a few places there, but this is one I’ve hit repeat on a few times. Have fun wherever you go

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotel...-spa/overview/

+1 for Grand Cayman!
The Westin is a very nice hotel (although crowded) and there are a few inexpensive places to eat right across the street.

I went to Negril 20 years ago and would never go back. I didn't feel safe outside the resort, maybe it's changed since then.

[MoeTE87]

Originally Posted by eliphil

Florida Keys no hastle.....................

Hey! The wife and I are looking at booking a place in the Keys. Do you have any recommendations on where to stay? Wife likes brand new and an awesome pool!


Thank you!

[PKL]

as others have said, planning a last minute trip, I hope you are prepared to PAY

[rebekahb]

Originally Posted by PKL

as others have said, planning a last minute trip, I hope you are prepared to PAY

Nope, flights were $169 RT non stop and our friend hooked us up with her discount at one of the resorts.

[essejM3]

We used to go to St. Maarten, but it can get sketchy at times (lots of robberies). I don't mind on adult trips, but not with the kids.

Friends recommended Anguilla to us, and that has become our go to now. Been there like 4 times, going again this year. We have always flown into St. Maarten, and got on a puddle jumper over to Anguilla (you can also take a ferry). Have heard that someone is starting to fly direct to Anguilla from Miami? Maybe American?

[e90335e36m3]

Originally Posted by rebekahb

I'm not a fan of the keys. I've been a few times and it just doesn't do anything for me. I know a lot of people love it down there though. Thanks for taking a sec to add a suggestion!



That's what I was kind of thinking which swayed me away from that area. Appreciate the confirmation! I've been to Cabo before and while it's nice the water was so cold. We have easy access to the Caribbean and the water is so gorgeous.

UncleWede our last few vacations were more land based. We went on the Florida cost to Navarre this past weekend and I just need some sun and sand in my life! I definitely wouldn't be opposed to checking out Mexico that way. One day

Absolutely, I've said in another thread, I've allotted one of my vacation weeks at work to staying at a beach. I've been to Cancun, same hotel for 16 of the last 22 years. Take a look at Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach. It has the most private beach of the strip hotels, phenomenal service, the spa was redone 8ish years ago, it's great. The caveats are, it feels like the rooms are a bit dated maybe compared to some of the newer offerings but to me it feels like home away from home (I don't notice as much). Also, in the last few years, it became an all-inclusive, which you know brings in the younger party/inconsiderate crowd. I haven't been since it became all inclusive, but it's still a very expensive hotel, so maybe a non-issue.

I'm definitely going there this summer.

[unluky]

Originally Posted by rebekahb

It's definitely on my list based on all of the positive comments here. There didn't have a lot of room availability in the area we wanted to stay because we were booking late. I'm looking forward to taking a trip there.

Remember - you can drive from one end of the island to the other in less than 30 minutes - so no where is a long way from anywhere.

Also - all beaches are public. Also - all the good snorkeling (if your into that) if right off the shore! If you hire boat to take you, they will drive down the beach a little and dump you right next to shore.

We bought our own gear and just rent a car (super cheap - USE LOCAL) and you are on your own schedule all day long.......as I prefer. Save the boat ride for a sunset cruise or something......... =)

Where ever you go - enjoy!

[M-technik-3]

My unit did some DEA missions into St Martinique, I like it there clean and the few days off we were there was fun. Stayed at a Marriott property.

[eliphil]

Originally Posted by MoeTE87

Hey! The wife and I are looking at booking a place in the Keys. Do you have any recommendations on where to stay? Wife likes brand new and an awesome pool!


Thank you!

I stayed w my 2 buddies who live there. The keys are kind of tricky, they really dont seem to be exotic destinations w fancy beaches but if you love to fish/snorkel/dive/party they are a great place right in the USA.

[eliphil]

i do love Grand Cayman- great diving, snorkeling, beaches and food- no night life

[Housekeeping]

Forget all the familiar, look the same places, go to Madeira, an amazing island off Morocco owned by Portugal. Cheap, incredible food, wine, people, mountains, et Al. Trust me…

[rebekahb]

Originally Posted by Sy1616

Forget all the familiar, look the same places, go to Madeira, an amazing island off Morocco owned by Portugal. Cheap, incredible food, wine, people, mountains, et Al. Trust me…

Will definitely check in to this. Sounds intriguing. Thanks!