Advice for all inclusive to Jamaica requested!

xyz123abc · January 2011

Hi girls,

I am looking at booking an all inclusive trip to Jamaica for the end of this month. I am looking at either a Bahia Prinicipe or a Beaches resort. My 2 year old DS and DH will be coming. Any advice, recommendations or experiences you can share?

TIA!

SparkFish · January 2011

Do you have your heart set on Jamaica? We went a couple of years ago and I really didn't like it. Our resort was beautiful, but it kind of felt like we were trapped there. The hotel staff told us not to leave the compound because the surrounding neighborhoods were "very poor" and "likely to be unsafe for American tourists." I'm sure it is true that the surrounding areas were poor by comparison, but the attitudes of the staff felt very racist to me. I don't know, other people love Jamaica, and maybe we just had a bad experience, but the combination of being trapped inside the resort (we are explore-on-our-own people) and the racist euphemisms thrown around by the hotel staff made not enjoy the trip.

I've never been to any other islands in the Caribbean, so I don't know what would be better in that same area. If you're open to other tropical destinations, I absolutely *loved* Kauai when we went there, and if you can handle the super long flight, Singapore was one of the most amazing places I've ever been to.

mayowife · January 2011

DH and I have been to Couples and Gran Bahia Prinicipe. The food was much better at Couples. The rooms had less of out open air feel and more of a hotel feel at Gran Bahia (which I preferred). Gran Bahia was much more affordable. Overall I would choose Couples if we traveled there again. Since we'll likely be traveling with Children for many years to come Couples will not be an option. I'd like to consider Beaches.

Gran Bahia was very clean and I would stay there again. I've never been to a Beaches resort, but I'm sure they offer far more entertainment for children.

ETA: DH and I absolutely love Jamaica. Jamaicans are friendly and fun to be around. We enjoy the resort and do not go on excursions. I think distance from the airport should be a factor in your decision, especially when traveling with a toddler.

saturdaynightdoubletree · January 2011

Sandals - Ocho Rios Grande!!! (if you want alone, quiet, adult time)

DH and I spent our honeymoon there, it was incredible. Staff was great. Rooms were amazing. Pools were amazing. So many activities offered, but you never had to leave the resort because there were so many restaurants, pools, and beaches. It was also nice because there was a shuttle to the other Sandals close by, free use of there restaurants, pools, etc. -- I forget the name of the second resort, but that would be a better choice if you're looking for more action and not being surrounded by couples. The spa was also amazing, and I highly recommend a couple's massage! Everything about it was top notch, only complaint... not as much authentic food because they are trying to appeal to Americans. Also, be prepared to spend more time on the shuttle to and from the airport because it is a separate company on "island time" -- if you know ahead of time, it's a very amazing scenic ride!

I kind of want to book a trip back just thinking about it. If you have any specific questions feel free to PM me. Definitely worth every penny!!! Enjoy your anniversary wherever you choose :-)

EDITED: OOPS! got too excited I missed the part about the kids. Heard Beaches is amazing... lots of fun things to do for the kids, and free babysitting!

cz0828 · January 2011

We went to Jamaica on our honeymoon. We did not stay at either one you stated but we stayed at Sunset Beach and Resort and it was all inclusive. This was at Montego Bay. It was a beautiful and there were plenty of LOs there and looked like they were having a great time. We were about 20 minutes from the airport.

Have fun!