Hi all,
We may have an opportunity to take a very well deserved and much much needed vacation this year, and would like some input on all inclusive spots for myself, husband and 4 year old son. Our only real requirements is that it is specifically family friendly (wouldn't want to annoy a bunch of kid free vacationers) has a nice clean usable beach, and is all inclusive. Mexico, Puerto Rico, etc. are what we are looking at now. This will most likely be in December, probably around Christmas. Any ideas? I am currently looking at www.wejustgotback.com but would love to get your input.
Cheers!
Thanks for all of the ideas, ladies. They are right on par with what I am reading so far on vacation sites. I know Mexico is a bit uneasy lately, but I guess since it's my family's motherland, I don't remember the news about it all of the time. I think we will find something that will be great for all us. I know my son would love some soft sand and calm water. If this doesn't work out it's back to stealing sand from the park and blowing up pools on our patio. HA!
Keep the ideas coming though. I feel like I am on vacation just reading them.
Don't be afraid of Mexico. If you stay at a Dreams resort, totally family friendly, you will not be disappointed. We have gone 3 yrs. in a row with small children and have loved every moment.
We have friends that just came back from Punta Cana with their almost 2 yr old. They stayed at a resort that had a babysitting service, so they got the best of both worlds!
We have been to the Dominican Republic twice. It was wonderful! Very family oriented. I would not go to Mexico. I'm not sure about Puerto Rico. I thought their beachs were rocky. There are so many places in the carribean to go to. Aruba, St. Maarten, Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Grand Caymen, Caymen Islands etc. All will have inclusive. Try travelosity. Have fun!!!
So many possibilities! We spent a week at the Gran Bahia Esmerelda in Punta Cana in March with our two four year old girls and it was lovely. It didn't have the typical kids club/Disney type activities, but there were plenty of families with kids to play with. Plus, there was a zero depth entry pool, the pool bar staff loved making non-alcoholic drinks for the kids, and people came around every day with parrots, iguanas, and monkeys for the kids to pet and get their picture taken with. And the rooms are big enough that you could even have your son sleep on the lounger/couch thingy - it was the size of a single bed and could be made up into one if you ask. The beach was OK - clean and usable, but not as big and broad as I would have liked. And yes, all inclusive with great food for both adults and kids.
Personally, I wouldn't do Mexico - just too much unrest there right now. No matter where you decide to go, check out tripadvisor.com. When I was planning our trip, I thought it had the best reviews.
I would do a Disney Cruise then to the Bahamas. They are all inclusive and obviously very family friendly. You'll get some much needed tropical sun time as well as awesome family activities for the whole family. That's my vote!
We go to Poipu in Kauai every year. We have a timeshare there, but the Hyatt is next to our timeshare and it's BEAUTIFUL! I believe they have all-inclusive packages, but honestly, why not just rent a condo? You'll save $50/person per day on breakfast alone! LOL
Anyhow, we have taken our kids to Kauai just about every year since they were babies. It's very family-friendly. Slow pace of life, plenty of outdoor activities (as well as some fantastic kid-friendly white sand beaches), no crazy nightlife, everyone is great to little kids there. Last year we had a honu (giant sea turtle) swim right near us when we were at Keiki Beach (baby beach)!! Of course, they are protected and you aren't supposed to touch them, but it swam RIGHT by us. Amazing. In December, you can see the whales, which migrate to that area to have their babies. Truly a sight to see. We never get tired of going there.
Wherever you end up going, enjoy your well-deserved vacation!!
Antigua. White beaches, not crowded, St. Johns and Montego Bay resorts have Kid's Club and Kid's Camp with programs specifically designed for kids, all inclusive, great great service and rooms and suites, huge lobster buffets, and a few celebrity sightings :)
I heard that the beaches in PR are not great. Punta Cana is really lower end. I have never been to Mexico but if you go, stay around the "Mayan Riviera". We are going back to the Atlantis next year. Although not an all-inclusive, kids do eat free. We are not doing the meal plan because we really don't eat that much and usually bring breakfast to the hotel and eat in our rooms. We were there as singles but the beach is private and gorgeous and lots to do for kids of all ages.
I went with a family to Jamaica (as their nanny) when the oldest was 4. It was GREAT - we went to a plantation, climbed up the waterfall and we were going to do a boat ride down a river thing but didn't get that in. I know they have all inclusives there, and the beaches were great. This was 20 yrs ago and I still remember it fondly!
I have heard glowing reports from several families about Beaches resort in Turks and Caicos. We plan to try it soon! It's the family version of a Sandals resort, and looks wonderful. Everyone I've talked to raved about the food, kids' camp, activities, beaches, cleanliness -all of it.
I've also had good reports from two people about Atlantis in the Bahamas. Funny -I've had a couple of negative reports from people without kids, but the two families I know who have gone have loved it! Their kids didn't want to leave the kid camp area at all!
