TnTWalter

We're from Indy so because of time would need quick flying options [thinking Mexico, Bahamas, etc.]. Thinking Thursday-Sunday or some variation for my Sister in Law's 40th Birthday. I know I can't stay at the Ritz but would like something nice and Adult oriented [leaving kiddos at home with grandma & grandpa].

It's hurricane season so that could save us $$$ and be horrible weather! ;o)

I turn this to my Fodorite experts. Is there a VRBO place that anyone recommends or an auction website or aonther idea? Obviously we'd need trip insurance too.

I immediately looked into Secrets Capri [which DH & I loved]but I think it would be about $2700 per couple.

Trish

TnTWalter

Couldn't change title...doesn't have to be Mexico...
Thanks.
Trish

Nic3363

I'd think you could find something. We just got back from a trip to the Barcelo Colonial in the Riviera Maya and it was wonderful. We booked a great special they were having, but for a week, it cost us 1500/per couple. It was all inclusive and had a great beach and gorgeous pools. It isn't adults only, but there weren't many kids around. Also, you might try the dreams resorts. The same company owns them that owns Secrets, but they aren't adults only. I'd just check out apple vacations website and see what you can find.

Diana

I do this a lot.

Here are places you CAN do it for that.

Jamaica - Negril, Mo Bay
Bahamas - Grand Bahama, Nassau, Freeport
Dominican Republic - Punta Cana
Mexico - Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, Tulum, Cozumel

I use expedia.com, travelocity.com and tourscan.com.

Go as far from Labor Day week as possible. That's the apex of hurricane season.

TnTWalter

Thanks for the replies. I'll look into the suggestions. We're thinking a long weekend at end of October. And flight times are a consideration because of the short duration of our trip.

Trish

jacketwatch

You can also try Apple vacations. Look for their "sizzlin specials" You can get some great deals

TnTWalter

bump.

TnTWalter

La Tortuga Hotel??
Anyone been here?

Trish

caribtraveler

When you say TOTAL, are you including the flight to the hotel and food?

TnTWalter

Yep...not including tax & tips. But we're only going to go 4 days in Hurricane season...
Trish

caribtraveler

Ah. Well definitely not the Ritz. Cheapest flights are usually to Nassau, Grand Bahama Island, San Juan and Dominican Republic (I've found that flights to Santo Domingo are usually cheaper than to Punta Cana). Of those I've only been to Grand Bahama and San Juan.

Since it's a short trip, can I safely assume you just want a really nice beach to veg? If so, I'd recommend Grand Bahama over San Juan. We stayed at the Westin which we enjoyed very much. It is a family resort but don't forget that kids are in school in October so you won't get a lot of them, if any. We went the beginning of October (anniversary trip with no child) and there was barely anyone at the resort. Anyway, most kids tend to go to the Sheraton next door because their pool is more children-oriented.

You could bid for it on Priceline to get a really cheap rate. Even though Priceline is non-refundable, you can buy insurance through them (I think about $5/day) in case you have to cancel. Read what it covers of course. Even with no insurance, Priceline will fully refund you if your hotel is shut down due to hurricane damage (happened with us after Ivan devastated Grand Cayman).

If you think you might be interested and want more info, let me know and I'll provide.

Punta Cana is really the only other place I can think you'd get something in your price range, although I'm thinking it'd be a lower end all inclusive. Since I know you have Ritz taste , I'd think you'd be disappointed with what you'd find in a lower end all inclusive. Maybe someone with actual Punta Cana experience can let us know if I'm way off.

Good luck.

TnTWalter

Sigh...I'm grasping I know...

Remember we didn't pay for the Ritz [$900+ a night! Yikes!].
;o)

Let's see.

I did find RT tix to Cancun $200. So that's $400 ish. Then we have transfers ...no idea $100.

Then I found several nice hotels like this one below...$130 per night + discount over trip of 50-75 total...so there's 3 nights at about $150...$450-50...$400.

Plus meals, snorkel, tips, etc...
another $300-500? It's only 4 days/3nights...

So hey...that's $1400 ISH per couple!! It's do-able!

Here's the hotel we're considering...
http://www.playa-maya.com/
Trish

caribtraveler

That is a great price to Cancun! Is that non-stop or do you have a stop? Even though I've been to Mexico twice, I don't know that hotel. Looks nice though. Have a great time!

drfrn40

Have you thought about Cabo? We are planning a trip there because of hurricane season...don't want to take a chance on cancun, etc. If you look on vrbo there are lots of places to stay where you can split a villa or condo etc. We are staying close to the town of cabo so that we don't need to rent a car however it is reasonable to rent a small car there. Have fun!

Keith

Cozumel ran me $400 sir fare from an equivalent city. My lodging for 4 nights was about $300. And it wasn;t even huricane season.

If you don't have every meal at the most expensive restaurants on the island, you should stay well within your budget.

Keith