Michael Schaffer

Planning a trip in Mid-may with my wife. We are in our late 20's -- looking mainly to relax on the beach and maybe have a couple of spa treatments plus some snorkeling. We're not huge partiers, but do enjoy some drinks and socializing. Looking at the Grand Lido's but also considering Sandals and Couples. From what we've read we are thinking that Ocho Rios or Negril would better suit us than Montego Bay.<BR><BR>Any suggestions? If we go to Sandals, do you have to upgrade to the Concierge Suites to get decent service? Is it worth going to Jamaica at all in May or is it too rainy to enjoy? Do any of the AI's have a somewhat younger crowd than others? (but not Hedonism - I went on Spring Breaks in college and don't need to repeat that experience)<BR><BR>Thanks.

anon

We stayed at Sandals Mobay, reserved the middle class room and it was very nice. The people were great to us and we really enjoyed the AI experience. We were there for our 20th anniversary and felt just a tad out of place because I'd say 90% were honeymooners. Late 20's will fit in beautifully.<BR><BR>We went in May and the weather was great. We had a few afternoon showers that lasted maybe 5 minutes and then they were over. In fact, it rained from a clear blue sky!

Penney

We have been to many Sandals as well as Grand Lido Negril and all the resorts are very different. <BR><BR>You are right in that if you are looking to stay away from the party crowd and looking for something more relaxed, then rule out MoBay. It is a great resort but a more upbeat feel to it - alot more active.<BR><BR>We are going to Sandals Ocho in two weeks so can not commnet yet but from my understanding, it is one of the quieter Sandals - more laid back, relaxing, beautiful grounds, more personal service. I beleive it tends to cater to a slightly older crowd or more mature in personality!! Gardens are said to be gorgeous. <BR><BR>Sandals Negril is truely beautiful - very tropical, relaxed but still the activities if you choose. You could also look into Sandals Royal Caribbean.<BR><BR>Grand Lido Negril is more luxurious then the Sandals as it tends to cater to a more mature crowd - not older just more relaxed, conservative, not party like at all. Rather quiet at night but beautiful grounds and more upscale accomondations then Sandals offers.<BR><BR>At Sandals, the concierge service does offer nice perks but things that you can really do without. It gives you a bar in your room, robes, NY Times Fax, someone to make all your reservations for you and not much else. Unless you really want a more spacious room, save the money. You get great service no matter what level you are in. <BR><BR>Spa service at Sandals are nice!<BR><BR>Penney

Kim

Just returned from Sandals MB last month and loved it. We have been to quite a few Sandals and Negril has been our favorite, St.Lucia is a close second. The Royal Caribbean we hated, to stuffy and the crowed seemed to old and lifeless. I would consider Negril the beach is great and the staff is wonderful.

Mike P

You can get an deluxe ocean front room, all-inclusive (land only) for 2 at the Renaissance Grand in Ocho Rio for about 1/2 of what the Sandals packages cost. Through the end of May they also offer $100 off your total bill and a $200 coupon toward a future stay at any Marriott in the next 12 months.

Penney

I totally agree that you canget a far better deal to Ren. Grande in Ocho but would not recommend it at all for a couple looking or a relaxing beach, spa treatments, etc...<BR><BR>It is a terrific family resort, we felt, but stunk for couples or singles.

Katherine

We really enjoyed our stay at Grand Lido Sans Soucci. The staff were very accomodating. Some of the spa treatments are included in your stay and you can do them as a couple. The beach is very private. The white glove dining room was exceptional.The bars great. Yes it is not a party but it was very luxurious, I can hardly wait to return.

jill

My husband were married at the Superclubs Breezes resort on Cable Beach, Nassau, Bahamas in May of 1997 and returned in May 1998 for our 1st anniversary. We loved it!!!! We booked an ocean View room, but were upgraded to an Ocean Front room at no extra charge. Our wedding was wonderful, the weather was great, a few passing showers now and then but it can almost be a relief after lots of time in the sun. It is only a 400 room resort, so not too crowded. No kids, the crowd was a good mix of people. We met a couple from Wisconsin who were married a day before we were. The pool area is very big, the food was good, the service was great!! The beach was not crowded at all. Every evening we walked down the street to the casino at the Marriot and never felt threatened by anyone. Just typical guys selling cigars and typical tourist junk out of the back of their cars. The were never overly aggressive with us, I am aware that they are doing construction at the resort, so don't know how it is now. We returned in 1999 but couldn't stay at Breezes because we had our son then who had just turned 1.. We stayed at the Radisson, too big (900+ rooms) too crowded and the service wasn't anywhere near as good as Breezes. Wiould definately go to Breezes again if we have a chance to vacation w/out our son.

Nancy

Have been to Couples and Swept Away twice - prefer them to Sandals.<BR>Also, Grand Lido Braco in Runaway bay is also great - not as stuffy as Lido Negril.

april

hi. i would recommend Breezes Bahamas. since you're a young couple, i'm sure you'd enjoy it more than couples or sandals. breezes crowd was mostly 20-somethings. mostly young couple. it was very clean, and we were upgraded to an ocean front room with a great view. i've been to hawaii and jamaica and mexcio and the bahamas, and breezes, bahamas was the only place that i was seriously SAD to leave. it was great for relaxing some of the time and being active some of the time. we took a day trip to atlantis to see the aquarium. it costs $25.00/person. it was really cool. i wouldn't recommend the clubs that are away from the hotel. they were SCARY. breezes, bahamas was good, because the place is very alive. it has a really nice and beach too. one of my friends had a deep tissue massage there, and she loved it. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND MONTEGO BAY. IT'S SO COMMERCIALIZED. THERE'S A BIG HIGH SCHOOL CROWD. i went to the bahamas in august and the weather was gorgeous. good luck.

Sharon

Grand Lido Braco is a beautiful resort that is modeled after a jamaican village and has an extensive white sand beach. Braco is located at Runaway Bay about 40 mins. from Montego Bay Airport. We had a great time. <BR>Also, we have made several trips to Sandals Antigua which is fabulous with luxurious grounds, excellent dining and lots of watersports. Sunday is the do not miss day on the island at Shirley Hights atop a mountain to view the incredible setting of the sun over the ocean--its a tradition with local steelband musicians, etc.

Marlene

Hello Ochos rios is not very safe. Go for the other side near MB or Negril

Bud

If you enjoy snorkeling, one of the best in the Caribbean is the Westin Resort on Grand Cayman island. Spa is on-site. Better off-site things to see and do than in Jamiaca.

sherry

we're planning a trip for may of 2003. and we're looking for the exact same thing you are. we've decided on sandals negril. i've had 3 different travel agents rave about negril. they all had been there before.

Rich

Been to MoBay and Negril. Would never go back to MoBay- scary, crappy beach, poor. Would go back to Negril in a second- awesome beach, still poor (but you don't feel it), and overall a beautiful place. No thought required here.