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Hi,I’m looking for an AI resort that is comparable to Moon Palace in Cancun.I’ve done some research and found these optionsBeaches Turks and CaicosBeaches NegrilRiu Paradise in BahamaI’ve looked into Anguilla, Aruba, and DR but the general impression I got from these islands are their AI resorts would feel run down and jaded. Even Beaches Negril and Riu Paradise got reviews in Tripadvisor describing their rooms as old in need of renovation.So, I guess our only option is Beaches Turks and Caicos. I would go ahead and book it but I just wanted to make sure if there are any other AI resorts that is comparable to Moon Palace.
Thank you.
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There are literally dozens of A.I. resorts comparable to Moon Palace. Do you have an island preference? or are you just ready to "wing it"? The Riu on Nassau is a dump. All of the Rius require getting up at 7AM & standing in line daily to try & get a restaurant reservation, not my idea of a vacation. Beaches in T&C is pretty much a big childrens resort. It is beautiful, but would only take children there. Other Sandals are good…why not look at Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios. Only 70 rooms, EXCELLENT food & service and very quiet. Now only a short 70 minute ride from MoBay. If you give me a more direct ides of your direction, I’ll give you my experience choices.
Rob
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almtyrobThank you so much for your reply!!!We would like any island that provides awesome beach, relaxing time, and great food.I know Moon Palace did not provide the best beach but the amenities were nice and we could have some relaxing times while enjoying some decent foods.Any island would be fine as long as they fulfill the above-mentioned requirements.Also, I thought Sandals are for couple’s only? I’m really getting confused at this adult’s only resorts. Would a family of three adults be allowed in the Sandals?I checked the Ocho Rios Royal Plantation, and unfortunately they are all booked for our date. Do you have any other AI that you could recommend?
Thank you!!! I sincerely appreciate your help!
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I agree with the previous poster – there are loads of resorts as good or better than Moon Palace – it all depends on your style, what you are looking for. Adult only? Huge, or small and more intimate/quiet? Active pool scene with organized activities, or quiet? Premium on excellent food? Or on a great beach? Or a jacuzzi in your room, as I believe Moon Palace has (for them, at the cost of a great beach and excellent food)? Do you like an active vacation or a couch-potato vacation? Cost – 4-star, 5-star? Etc.IMHO the top Iberostars and the Excellence resorts are generally much better than Moon Palace. Brisas or the new Dreams (previously the Gala resort) in Huatulco are as good or better. Ourselves, we like a fairly international atmosphere, mixed nationality clients and excellent food and activities – the top-level Club Meds are great for that. (That said, those in Mexico cater to families with kids. Maybe Martinique would fit your bill (strong French presence) or Columbus Ile in the Bahamas (probably cool temperatures from Dec. – February).) Club Meds tend to have less luxurious rooms, far better activities, a great social atmosphere, and outstanding food (often buffet style, but the food quality would blow away Moon Palace from all I’ve read on that place). And if you check them out several months in advance and don’t travel in the highest season, you can often find very good sales – otherwise they can be pretty expensive.Again – there are loads of choices out there, and you should more clearly state your own priorities if you want good advice from us. Tom |
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Tom1Thank you for your kind reply.As I mentioned earlier, the only criteria that we value are great beach, great food, relaxing atmosphere, and clean room.To tell you the truths, if those four criteria are fulfilled we will be satisfied. In terms of activities, we would rather just stay in our room or in the beach and just relax reading books and taking a nap. Let me ask you a question though. Do these Excellence, Grand Lido, Sandals only cater towards couples only? I’m getting a little confused when they say "adults" only because usually they don’t allow more than two people in a room.
Anyways, I’ll look into your club med suggestions and excellence, but after reading my requirements, could you give me more suggestions? Thank you.
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I’ll think about it…Don’t count out the top-level (5-star) Iberostars – they are good. Or excellent 4/4.5-stars – you could opt for a suite to have more room for an additional person. I don’t know if the excellence chain targets just couples; the Iberostar does not.
Club Med is a great option, but probably not for you. They always have loads of outstanding all-included activities run by an international activity staff, which costs money. And if you aren’t all that interested in activities, why pay alot for something you won’t use?
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