USVI-On-Line

A friend of mine is looking to book a trip at a couples-only AI and has asked me for advise. We've never stayed at one, and I told her I'd ask the travel experts at VIOL.

Right now, they are looking at Cancun and Jamaica, specifically Sandals. Any other suggestions would be very much appreciated.

We like the Almond Beach Club in Barbados.

Best bang for your buck is Aruba.

Mike, do you have a particular AI you like in Aruba?

Thanks, Dave. I've passed your info along.

We are Beaches fans and tried Sandals their Couples all inclusive in the Bahamas and Loved it! They have a private island, the food is really good for an all inclusive and they have great deals. My only complaint was that in March the temperatures were kind of cool. I would go April thru November to this location.

We stopped by the Sandals at Montego Bay (Jamaica) for a day (long story) but basically unless I was very young and had no travel experience, or unless it was VERY cheap, I would have been very disappointed with this resort.

It is very small and dated. A small beach and planes flying overhead. While we were there (for about three hours) they played the same song on the beach with the piped in music at least 5 times (and it was one of those "We are the World" type songs), I thought I was going to go bonkers.

We stayed at Swept Away, in Negril, Jamaica for a week in 99 and absolutely loved it!

It is now owned by Couples, so I'm sure that it's changed somewhat.

It was very laid back. You could do nothing, or stay very active, or anything in between.

It didn't have a very late/active party/nightlife scene, so if that's important to them there are probably better options.

We always said we'd go back, but we found some place that we like better!

I guess I should add that on our honeymoon we went to Sandals in Negril. We were very satisfied there and had a ball. It was (or at least seemed at the time) much larger than the Sandals Montego Bay.

I am hesitant to recommend it though because that was 15 years ago....

By brother does an AI in Turks and Cacois every year. Its not couples only however.

pjayer wrote:Mike, do you have a particular AI you like in Aruba?

Thanks, Dave. I've passed your info along.

We always stay at Manchebo Beach but we do not do the AI package. We like hitting the local spots on the island. Manchebo has the biggest beach on the island and the location is great for hitting downtown. The other beaches in the high rise area are shallow and get crowded very quickly. We always stay in room 18. It is very nice to walk out your room and directly onto the beach and belly up at the Pega Pega Bar. They do offer an all inclusive but we have never done it.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm going to pass along the info and let my friends take it from there. I do appreciate your help.