Fellow fodorites.. Hope all is wonderful and well!
Fiance and I (30 yrs old) are working on trying to put together a very last minute get away for a 4-5 night stay on a light budget from Nov 26 or 27 - Dec 1 or 2. From what I know and reading the forums over the years, Jamaica or MX are my best choices for this trip. Here's where my fellow travels come in: Please help with your two pennies btwn the the two destinations. Considerations are for Negril or Ochos Rios in Jamaica and PDC, Isla Mujers or Cozumel in MX.
Is 7mile beach in Negril private or public?
*Here is this vacay's wish list:
Small resort feel with a steps (not miles) to the resorts private beach and pools (small beach is ok)
What i mean by small resort is 75-150 rooms (give or take a few) - not really feeling the mega resort super dooper hotel zone like a cancun feel.
Dont need the luxurious Ritz but not subpar either- a place with up kept grounds and rooms (lest the mildew, grime, dirt and rundown look)
Swim-able beach
Adult, not kid friendly (doesnt have to be all mushy mushy couples only but you get the jest)
True ocean-view rooms
Dont want a resort that folds past 10 unless there is some bars/small clubs within close proximity
Extremely grateful of all help and opinions.
Cheers!
Very last minute booking between Jamaica or the Caribbean side of Mexico
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I don't think there are private beaches in either Jamaica or Mexico.
I'd look at Idle Awhile and Coco la Palm on Negril in Jamaica.
I really like Isla Mujeres, I'd look at Nautibeach condos.
Ok so there are no resort only type beaces in either of the towns??
Thx for the feedback.. Best last minute deals i found so far for Jamaica are, Sunset at the palms (which i dont think i will like because its across the street from thr beach, not on the beach), Hedonism II (meh), Legends (yuck).. Mostly everything else is super expensive because its so last minute!
I guess its time to rack my brain on MX! Lol
Ps- what is the difference between Ochos Rios and Negril?
I'm not sure I really understand your question about the beaches. If you're staying at an all inclusive resort on Negril, there will be people walking by, but, there won't be people who aren't staying there sitting in the loungers having drinks.
Are you looking to book airfare and hotel together? If not, there are literally dozens of small hotels on the beach in Negril that won't be listed on places like Expedia and such.
Also i found a deal on travelocity for Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort, Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa, sunset beach resort and spa, Grand Bahia Principe Jamaica.. Anyone been to any of these?
Im pretty sure i understand what you are saying about the beaches. My last few caribbean get-aways (non-jamica/mx) were situated as a beach wherr only hotel guest had access. Was just curious..
I am looking at packaged airfare/hotel deals only because its so late already and i dont have much time to coordinate the details for anything else. I am even thinking about an Al for this.
Thoughts...
Don't do AI if you go to Isla Mujeres (there are only 2 anyway) as there are so many great places to eat in all price ranges for such a small island. Maybe see if you can get a good deal on Privileges Alux, some report getting the AI plan as low as $20pp extra on Expedia, worth a few drinks and lunch, then eat dinner out.
Haven't been to Jamaica, not into drugs.
I'm not into drugs either, but, we enjoyed the week we spent in Negril. Lots of drugs available, but, no one hassling you to use them. Really, a non-issue.
I don't stay at all inclusive resorts, in fact, I rarely stay at resorts. Much prefer smaller properties, less than 20 or so rooms.
Sheez, you don't need to be "into drugs" to go to Jamaica!
That said, and following these posts, I think Playa del Carmen will give you the most options that are closest to what you are looking for. Because you can book an AI on the beach, but still have the nightlife in town to go out.
Playa Del Carmen is exactly where we were solicited aggressively for drugs, along the popular and touristy Calle 5.
I've also been to Playa several times, never been aggressively solicited for drugs, think it's really a nonissue.
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Oh no! I guess I'm too late to respond. Just in case you picked Mexico, here's a recommendation for Montego Bay, Jamaica. Because you and I both know you'll go there eventually! Strongly suggest Round Hill Resort. It's absolutely breathtaking and picturesque. It's about 30 minutes from the airport, and about 20 minutes to the closest city. However, the resort is perfect. The beach is private because it's in a cul de sac. You can borrow kayak and snorkeling gear for free and theres a spa on the property. It's not all inclusive but they provide a small refrigerator in each room. Spent five days there, had an awesome time. I'll let you look it up. Happy travels.