Help four picky people vacate
July 14, 2010 11:57 AM Subscribe
My friends and I want to go on vacation for a week at the end of December or in early January, but we need help picking the best spot. Difficulty: everyone has their own requirements, so there are a lot of constraints:
* All-inclusive
* On the beach
* Activities: eco-tours, nature, hiking for our friends; I'd like to play tennis or volleyball, but I'd need to find people there to play with.
* Budget is $4000 per couple including a round trip from Washington, DC.
* Not in the USA (been there, done that)
* Warm weather AND warm water (not California-like water temperatures!)
* No oil or tarballs in the water
* Minimal risk of rain or hurricanes
* Safe: no civil unrest/wars nearby (example: I hear Bangkok's safe now but why take chances on it not being so in six months?)
* Good food
Costa Rica was suggested as one possibility, but I'm having a hard time figuring out if any of them would meet the Activities requirement. I've been to resorts that claim to have tennis facilities but they're not maintained.
* All-inclusive
* On the beach
* Activities: eco-tours, nature, hiking for our friends; I'd like to play tennis or volleyball, but I'd need to find people there to play with.
* Budget is $4000 per couple including a round trip from Washington, DC.
* Not in the USA (been there, done that)
* Warm weather AND warm water (not California-like water temperatures!)
* No oil or tarballs in the water
* Minimal risk of rain or hurricanes
* Safe: no civil unrest/wars nearby (example: I hear Bangkok's safe now but why take chances on it not being so in six months?)
* Good food
Costa Rica was suggested as one possibility, but I'm having a hard time figuring out if any of them would meet the Activities requirement. I've been to resorts that claim to have tennis facilities but they're not maintained.
I recommend looking at the "ABC Islands" - aruba, bonaire, and curacao. Should have the climate you're looking for, and are out of the main hurricane zone in the Caribbean.
posted by melissasaurus at 12:14 PM on July 14, 2010
posted by melissasaurus at 12:14 PM on July 14, 2010
it's puerto rico, so it is the US, but vieques is my dream vacation spot at present. looks like hurricane season is generally done in november.
posted by nadawi at 12:26 PM on July 14, 2010
posted by nadawi at 12:26 PM on July 14, 2010
The Dominican Republic. Lots of all-inclusive resorts on a breath-taking beach, lots of mountains and jungles on the island with opportunities for tours, etc., and super nice people.
posted by tryniti at 12:52 PM on July 14, 2010
posted by tryniti at 12:52 PM on July 14, 2010
Jamaica - specifically Sandals White House all inclusive resort. Easy flight from DC area. Beautiful resort with pool and beach volleyball daily. Nice tennis courts. Many other activities daily including snorkeling and water sports. Fitness center. Very nice spa (extra cash).Beautiful beach and multiple pools. Great restaurants. Excellent service. Tons of friendly guests but plenty of private areas as well. There are daily excursions (extra cash) that may satisfy the hiking/eco tour part but we never did them. We have been 3 times, and I don't think I will ever get Mr. Max to go to any other place for a vacation!
posted by maxg94 at 7:09 PM on July 14, 2010
posted by maxg94 at 7:09 PM on July 14, 2010
Response by poster: Wet Spot: Were you there after the 2009 Hurricane destroyed it?
posted by jewzilla at 9:00 PM on July 14, 2010
posted by jewzilla at 9:00 PM on July 14, 2010
No, I was there before the hurricane. Looks like things are not the same.
Other resorts south of Cancun might be what you're looking for, though.
posted by Wet Spot at 12:36 PM on July 15, 2010
Other resorts south of Cancun might be what you're looking for, though.
posted by Wet Spot at 12:36 PM on July 15, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Falconetti at 12:13 PM on July 14, 2010