Hi all,
Me and my boyfriend are planning a vacation in May (though April or June would really be fine as well) to the Caribbean. We stayed at the Iberostar Grand Rose Hall in Jamaica last year and fell in love with the all inclusive beach vacation. This year we'd like to try somewhere different but still kind of high end. My boyfriend also loves snorkeling so we'd like a resort with good snorkeling on the beach or close by at least. The problem is I'm having a hard time trying to narrow down our options. We're flying from Labrador City so we're probably going to spend a whole day each way travelling which has made me think eliminating the more southerly destinations would be a good idea to further eliminate overnights on our way.
I've been leaning towards the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso in Mexico and the Iberostar Grand Bavaro in the Domincan (though I hear this isn't a good snorkeling location at all... so probably not here), but I'm really just not sure. There's so much out there and I've had little experience with the subject area. (Our vacation last year was a destination wedding we attended so all the tough decisions were already made). We definitely want an adult-only resort. Any suggestions would be seriously appreciated as this whole search is making me more and more frustrated instead of more and more excited.
Getting frustrated with choosing a resort. Help seriously appreciated!
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Jooncat,
I really think you would get a lot of opinions by posting on either Tripadvisor forums or at Debbie's when it comes to the DR and Cuba http://www.debbiescaribbeanresortreviews.com/
I can tell you that the best place for snorkeling in the Mayan Riviera is in the Akumal area. No 4 or 5 star AI resorts right there though, but it isn't hard to reach by the collectivos (buses) if you are staying around Playa del Carmen area. Bonus, May through November is the time to see the turtles laying their eggs! And you can swim with the whale sharks during that time too.
My friend stays at the Omni Cancun and she swears by it. I do not like all-inclusives but that one looks great. She said the service, especially right on the beach, is impeccable and it is not loaded with kids or party animals like other resorts in Cancun. Check it out on tripadvisor ... great reviews. Note Cancun is further North from Playa del Carmen/Akumal area but you can probably do a day trip.
If you liked the Iberostar in Jamaica, then going with the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso would be a no brainer. Unfortunatley, snorkeling from most of the resort areas in Mexico is pretty meh, but going to the cenotes, Akumel, the Sian Ka'an Biopshere or Xel-Ha.
We love AI's resorts and have been to many. Mostley in Mexico. Also, look at the Royal Playa del Carmen. My absolute favorite AI resort due to location, location, location. Just a 5 minute walk to 5th Avenue. Aslo, Secrets Maroma and the ElDorado Maroma get great reviews. Maroma beach is the nicest in the area. Day trips for snorkeling excursions are easy.
Not a fan of the DR. Haven't been back in many, many moons. There are just more things to see and do in Mexico. (IMPO).
Barcelo Solymar Arenas Blancas Resort
the above for Cuba and for Dom Rep: Gran Bahia Punta Cana Ambar (Adults Only)