Warm Vacation

[dizzie]

Hey, Guys and Gals,

I need your informed opinion.

Thinking about doing something special for a 10th anniversary next spring. We've always wanted to go to a warm oceanside location that is kind of all-inclusive. We're not huge drinkers or binge eaters, but the idea of all payments being taken care of appeals to us somehow. I'd just love to not have to pull out the credit card and even have to consider cost when ordering, however foolish it may sound.

We've always looked at the pictures of white sands and blue waters and palm trees dreamily. Might want somewhere we can dress up for a nice dinner once during our stay of 3-5 days. Not really gamblers or xtreme sports people. We are music snobs so any bonafide jazz, classical, or island music is a plus. Would maybe go sigtseeing for part of a day, but maybe not. We're not club people, don't like smoke or large unmanageable crowds. Might be up for a couples massage or spa thing for her. Love a nice pool/ hot tub and walking in the warm ocean water. I guess just looking for a nice, relaxing, romantic time that is simple without a plethora of distractions and necessary choices. I also need to get her a nice, clean room after years of Fairfield Inns and the like. Doesn't necessarily have to be ocean front, but on the beach is much better than rows back from it.

I should mention that we are big on being somewhere that is safe for US travelers, security and health-wise. We prefer a family-fiendly atmosphere with no nudes on the beach, even though it will be just the two of us. Also, I'd love to keep this below $1,500 if at all possible.

I value your opinions - there are some stellar folks in this forum!!!

diz

[stiltman]

At $1,500 are you including airfare?

At $1,500 all-inclusive, you are most likely looking at Mexico. I would say Cancun, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta

If you want to spend more, I would look at Sandal's resorts http://www.sandals.com

[Baldrick]

Sweden. Lots of white sands....called SNOW....

[hudsonf]

Sweden. Lots of white sands....called SNOW....

That should limit the change of accidentally finding a nude beach.

[dizzie]

Sweden. Lots of white sands....called SNOW....

That should limit the change of accidentally finding a nude beach.

Lolololol!!

[dizzie]

At $1,500 are you including airfare?

At $1,500 all-inclusive, you are most likely looking at Mexico. I would say Cancun, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta

If you want to spend more, I would look at Sandal's resorts http://www.sandals.com

Thanks for the advice!!! Yeah, I was hoping to include airfare
From the Mid-Atlantic but I'm beginning to see that is a pipe dream. : )

[zzyzzx]

I should mention that we are big on being somewhere that is safe for US travelers, security and health-wise.

Rules out Mexico.

We prefer a family-fiendly atmosphere with no nudes on the beach, even though it will be just the two of us.

Rules out Key West Florida.

About when do you plan on making this trip? Clearly other parts of Florida aren't going to be warm enough for some months. How does Puerto Rico sound?

[dizzie]

About when do you plan on making this trip? Clearly other parts of Florida aren't going to be warm enough for some months. How does Puerto Rico sound?

Puerto Rico sounds very, very nice, thanks.

[lordsmurf]

Warm vacation?

I'd rather install a hot tub at my place.

[dizzie]

Warm vacation?

I'd rather install a hot tub at my place.

Hmmmmm......

[neomaine]

I'd recommend Aruba. Sure it's got its younger crowd but there's also a large laid back crowd, especially at the west end of the island. Went there last year, early September. By far the best vacation the wife and I have ever taken. Planning on going back for our 25th next year. US kids were in school by then and just a few young kids around from the South American countries.

White sands, 90-95F, constant breeze (ok, 20m/h wind) to keep you cool. It only rains a few inches A YEAR so chances of a full week of sunshine is very high. Wear plenty of sun block and simply stay out of sun from 11:30 - 1:30. You don't burn, you bake...literally. Saw a couple of people who didn't respect the sun. Not pretty...

Prices on the island for food and entertainment are extremely reasonable as well. We like to eat supper around 5 - 6pm and they have tons of happy hours with $20(ish)US meals which included main dish, glass of wine and desert. EVERYTHING was in walking distance but the public transportation is very very cheap. We did a run to the grocery store for breakfast items and alcohol for the day. The bus was like $1.20US round trip.

Long walks in the cool (relatively...) morning. Come back for a bagel or two, mix up a pitcher of some rum and fruit concoction of the day, lay out by the pool, hit the warm water and simply enjoy the day. Picked a couple of days to do a jeep tour (got to drive, what a blast that was...), a catamaran dinner cruise. They've got snorkeling, wind surfing and other usual island type things.

Yup, can't wait to go back. That one week seemed like it lasted two weeks.

[nickatclub]

Go for some Beach experiences..That will be something really fun.

[dizzie]

@neomaine I think I'm officially sold on Aruba...

[zzyzzx]

Or just go to Harrah's resort in Atlantic City and stay inside the place. It has a large indoor heated pool. Sunday - Thursday rates are cheap too. No airfaire needed from where you live either.

[dizzie]

Or just go to Harrah's resort in Atlantic City and stay inside the place. It has a large indoor heated pool. Sunday - Thursday rates are cheap too. No airfaire needed from where you live either.

Lolz. Who knows, I might end up having to go the cheap route. I'll take a bag of sand to put our feet in.

[zzyzzx]

Or just go to Harrah's resort in Atlantic City and stay inside the place. It has a large indoor heated pool. Sunday - Thursday rates are cheap too. No airfaire needed from where you live either.

Lolz. Who knows, I might end up having to go the cheap route. I'll take a bag of sand to put our feet in.

You can always take Harrah's shuttle to Caesars and get some sand at the beach there. I've never been to the Marina District in Atlantic City, but they advertise a warm and large pool, and people seem to like it. If you think the weather is going to suck and want a huge resort hotel to stay in the whole time then just goto the Tropicana, at least it's on the Boardwalk, but there is no huge indoor heated pool at the Trop.