All inclusive Mexico/Domican Republic/Cuba/?

toffee'n'tom

Hi

I'd be really grateful for some advice. I'm looking to book an all inclusive holiday this summer (late July/early August - that's the only time i can go) to an 'affordable' caribbean destination). I know some may think it's the wrong time of year but with two children still in 6th form school I don't have much choice.

I really want to go to the caribbean. I've looked at Mexico, Dom Rep. Cuba at the moment as they seem to be more affordable but I'm going round and round in circles with travel sites, hotel sites and tripadvisor.

I'm a single mother travelling with two teenagers, 17 (boy) and 15 (girl). I'm not after culture (although a couple of fun trips would be good) just a relaxing two weeks in the sun without any cooking, cleaning or shopping.

A fantastic beach is really important as is watersports and activites for teenagers and really good pools. For me cleanliness is really important and good food (not michelin 5 star - just decent good food) I've never been all inclusive before but it sounds what I need this yearl

This may be the last holiday my 17 year old will want to come on (although if i'm paying!!!) so i've saved up and wanted to make it somewhere different. I have a budget of around £4000.

I'd be really grateful for suggestions of destinations and hotels.

thanks

DUKE

Try this - Just type your detail in as the link is coming up extra long & I can't do short links -
http://www.thomson.co.uk/destinations/caribbean/mexico/mexico-caribbean-coast/playacar/hotels/riu-lupita.html


We stayed at the Lupita in December, there's absolutely loads to do! Also you can use the other 3 Riu hotels which are the Playacar, Yucatan, or Tequilla. Those 3 are a bit more up market than the Lupita if you prefer them. There's loads of good reviews on tripadvisor.

toffee'n'tom

Thanks. I really appreciate the reply.

I've taken a look at that one. Looks good but not on the beach. I'd really like somewhere with a beach front location so my two teens can go off on their own without any hassle whilst I do my own thin

richardw

RIU Lupita isn't on the beach http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=riu+lupita+playacar&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=pqEWT-66OIHn-gbun-WkBA&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=3&ved=0CFsQ_AUoAg

and is in a bad location

3.5km from the beach via shuttle bus
2km from Playa del Carmen's centre with shops, bars and restaurants located on 5th Avenue

and gets a 'don't bother' from me.

richardw

Is there a particular reason for the Caribbean as the destination?

toffee'n'tom

Well

Never been. I've been on holiday to Spain, Greek Islands, Portugal (enjoyed them all) but just wanted somewhere with white sand beaches, turquoise blue warm sea. Although I'll make the most of anywhere i visit I'm really not keen on a cool sea and pebbly beach (we all personally prefer the beach to the pool).

I've been to Florida's west coast when visiting Orlando and the sea was amazing although I wouldn't want to spend two weeks there.

Any other suggestions would be welcome but I don't want my holiday to be hard work, I need it to be a total rest (My two teens also swim and I'm up before work at 4.45 four mornings a week taking them to the pool). They aren't into sightseeing and if they're happy - I'm happy.

richardw

My concern is the weather at that time of year will be very very hot and very very sticky http://www.cancuncare.com/Cancun_Weather/Cancun-Weather-July.html

toffee'n'tom

I know it will be hot. I holiday at that time every year and have to because of school and national swimming competitions and training etc. So if we don't go then we don't go at all.

Rather that than spend my only two weeks annual leave from work at the British seaside cold and wet. I have done that for a few years too - and in a tent.

miamoo

For what you are looking for I would highly recommend Mexico. We stayed at the Riu Tequila (which is the sister hotel of the lupita) and although not on the beach, is only a couple of mins walk, through gardens to the beach. You also get to use the other Riu hotels mentioned.
All of the caribbean will be hot and sticky at that time of year, and I personally wouldnt let that put you off. We spent 2 weeks in St Lucia in July and although it was hot and humid, I much prefered that, to the rain and cool evenings we got in Mexico when we went in December.

Cuba is cheap at the moment, I have been looking for myself, but no hotel gets great reviews for food, I think if you go expecting average food you wouldnt be dissapointed. The reviews for the hotels in the Holguin/Guardalavaca area have generally all fallen for some reason over the last 2-3years. The beaches in cuba are nicer than mexico (in my opinion as mexico the sea can be quite rough).

Dominican, I have never been, my boyfriend has and enjoyed it. Good food, nicer beaches in the south (calmer sea's)

Obviously you have a risk of hurricanes in summer, we caught the tail end of one in St lucia which resulted in one day of rain and high winds. Beautiful weather otherwise.
But as I said we also went to Mexico in December, and had terrible weather for a full week, so you can never be sure.

toffee'n'tom

Thanks. that's really helpful. i won't let the weather put me off and the rough see can be an advantage sometimes as it can be a lot more fun. I'll take a look at the hotel you suggest. My first task is to narrow down the best destination for us - mexico/cuba/dom rep!!

miamoo

I forgot to say, mexico the food is amazing. You would struggle to find a hotel there with bad food. If really good food is a priority then I would definately choose Mexico.