We are planning on taking a vacation for our three year wedding anniversary this summer, and have picked the Caribbean, since neither of us have been there, and it is pretty close proximity now that we live on the east coast. We are also looking for an experience that we've really never had before: an all inclusive resort.
In 2009 we stayed for two nights at an all inclusive in Puerto Vallarta, as part of a longer trip, but didn't really get to take advantage of a lot of the amenities since we were there for such a short time. My husband likes the fact that an all inclusive would mean we would mainly stay in one place and have lots of beach lounging time (since I tend to plan more elaborate trips with multiple hotel switches and non-stop activity), and I like the fact that a lot of activities are already built into the price, so I can satisfy my desire for snorkeling and adventures while he can just lie around all day.
I started my research with Fodor's 10 Best Caribbean All Inclusives for 2012. I went to all of the resort's websites (as well as all of the runner up resorts) and priced out at least a one week stay. Sadly, pretty much all of them were out of our ~$5,000 budget with air fare. All but one resort, the runner up for Best Beach, Palm Island.
And while we've decided that for this next trip, we want to go some place with a little more entertainment/nightlife options, this place is definitely getting filed away for a future trip! Doesn't a 135 acre all inclusive resort on a private island near Barbados sound divine for an ultimate "do nothing but relax on the beach" vacation?
Just look at these photos!
All photos from the Palm Island website
With 5 beaches around the island, a dreamy pool, hiking trails, tennis, snorkeling right off the beach, two restaurants, two bars, and only 43 rooms, this would definitely be a great place to spend the week soaking up some sun. And with airfare, it would be just a little over the budget we set for ourselves.
Unfortunately it's a bit of a trek to get there, since you have to first fly to Barbados, then take a tiny plane to Union Island, followed by a boat ride to Palm Island. And although it is all inclusive, I would want to take at least one trip off the island (gotta have at least a little adventure on our trips), which would be an added cost. And according to the reviews, while it is a gorgeous beach with great food, there isn't much to do once the sun goes down.
So while ultimately we've decided on another Caribbean destination for our anniversary trip this summer, Palm Island is definitely on my travel bucket list, since it sounds like such an amazing place. It's always been a dream of mine to go to a private island, and someday it is going to happen. Maybe once we are older and care less about nightlife!
Have you ever been to the Caribbean, or an all inclusive resort that you really enjoyed?
8 comments:
This place looks amazing! I have been to the Bahamas (Nassau) during Spring Break - talk about some serious nightlife. I would love to go back and have a more low-key trip, though I am like you and prefer to have tons of activities, hotel changes, etc. on my vacations.
I love the Caribbean. I've been to several islands, St. Maartin is a FUN island, lots of nightlife and two cultures (french and dutch) on the same island. Dominican Republic has TONS of All Inclusive resorts, my husband and I went to the Hard Rock last year. It had so much to do, but would have been more fun for us if we went with a group of friends. My family goes to Barbados every year, but it is on the pricier side of the Caribbean, so the all inclusive places might be lots of $$$. The people in Barbados are the nicest I've ever met, I think it's a better place for those that skip the all inclusive and want to get out an explore on their own.
Those pictures make me want to take a vacation right now! We've done one all-inclusive (for our honeymoon) and we loved it!! I would definitely plan another trip to an AI resort.
Holy heck that's gorgeous. We went to an all inclusive in Playa del Carmen for our honeymoon and we're hoping to hit another one for maybe our five year? It was just so luxurious! I've never been to the Caribbean but have always wanted to go; Let us know if you find one that's great!
Looks like paradise and a definite good addition to your travel bucket list! We went to St. Maarten a couple years ago and had a fun time, although the nightlife was lacking where we're staying. When we go to Hawaii this summer, we'll hopefully be staying in a more exciting locale.
oh this looks so beautiful and a perfect retreat. the budget is a good deal, too!
It
really is a beauty! I’m awed by the azure skies and clear waters! Nature is
really soo amazing. :) It is possibly one of the nicest places you can
celebrate your anniversary. It wouldn’t be hard to create romantic memories
there. It is in the air! I really hope this trip would take place no matter
what. Are you going to make your own review of it? -->Exie
It's fantastic that you've come across such an amazing-sounding place for your upcoming vacation! The Caribbean is indeed a beautiful destination, and an all-inclusive resort can be a great way to truly relax and enjoy your anniversary trip. Another beautiful destination that comes to mind is Kandy located in Sri Lanka. In Kandy, Hanthana luxury hotel Kandy offers a stunning hiking spot with breathtaking views. It comes highly recommended for anyone visiting Sri Lanka.
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