Working as hard as we do, we like to get away now and then. We especially enjoy All-Inclusive resorts in the Carribean. The great thing about all-inclusive, is that everything is located in one place. As much travel as we do to find great antiques, we do not want to navigate a foreign country while on vacation. So we almost always go the all-inclusive route. In Jamaica, we've been to Sandals in Negril and Ocho Rios and Couples in Ocho Rios. In the Dominican Republic -- our most recent trip to Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club Resort in Puerto Plata on Cofresi Beach -- we thoroughly enjoyed their ultra luxurious accomodations -- they are MUCH newer and more upscale than eiher Couples or Sandals! They were also less expensive. Yes, we paid LESS and the accomodations were so much nicer and newer!
When comparing food, I would say that Sandals, Couples and LHVC are all about the same. Lots of buffet choices, as well as individual restaurants on tthe premises that they call "Gourmet". I'd say "upscale" for all, but not the "U.S. Version" of Gourmet. Don't get me wrong.. the food is enjoyable at all with plenty of options, but I've never found food outside America to be anything too special.
Food aside, let's talk beaches! (My favorite part of any resort vacation). They all have lovely beaches. I found Sandals in Ocho Rios to be a VERY far walk to the beach. We got a special deal one time that included "Butler Service" (more about this later, it isn't really worth paying extra for, but sure does feel nice when its a freebie!). Anyway, with my bad back and leg, we could have NEVER navigated to the beach area at Sandals Ocho Rios unless we had the butler option, since they drove you around the resort as long as you pre-arranged via a cell phone they gave you on check-in. Sandals Negril was just footsteps from our room to the beach (literally), and Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club gives you a golf cart (based on availability with a villa rental) and they have shuttles running constantly to get you anywhere.
What I love about the beaches and pools at LHVC in the Dominican Republic is that they have BEDS on the beaches and at the pools. Lovely beds with white linens and pillows. Some are poster type beds that have white linen canopy. They have plenty of hammocks in the shade. And if you rent a private villa, you will have a HUGE backyard swimming pool and patio (unlike the tiny pools at Sandals, that cost a fortune but are only about 6' by 10' and often in the shade so even in the carribean heat they are very cold!). Next time we can afford a getaway, it will definitely be the private villa with the beautifully landscaped pool at Lifestyles. As modern and clean as our accomodations were, I coveted those villas! (The villas sleep from 6 to 12 people in combinations ranging from 3 bedroom/3 bath to 6 bedrooms and 6 baths). Another benefit to their villas is that you get domestic help who, in addition to housekeeping, actually come in and cook your breakfast for you each day!!! The villas I looked at on tour looked brand new and lavish. LHVC in Puerto Plata, DR is luxury all the way!
Every time I've looked on the internet for vacation options, I've wished I could find someone who did some sort of comparison between the resorts, so this is the start of my attempt at a review that compares several of the all-inclusive options. I'll post more in the future. If you have questions, you can email me or post a comment.
Oh, one last thing! If you decide on Lifestyles, be sure to rent through a V.I.P. member so you can have access to the VIP Beaches, Pools, Bars and Restaurants that really add to the experience. We got a great deal through http://dominicanluxuryresort.com/ I highly recommend them.
Another reason All-Inclusive Resorts in the carribean are so great, is that there is SO MUCH to do on property, and you can leave your wallet in the room, unless you want to indulge in excursions off property which cost extra. I never found the need to leave the paradise we had at any of the resorts. Tipping is never mandated, and at Couples resorts they really discourage it, but take a stack of $1 bills for tipping, and you'll be treated like royalty and make a difference to people trying to earn a nice living in a Third World Country. I'm sure the one dollar tips adding up over the course of a day, make a huge difference in the staff's lifestyle since their average monthly pay is so low you would cringe.
When comparing food, I would say that Sandals, Couples and LHVC are all about the same. Lots of buffet choices, as well as individual restaurants on tthe premises that they call "Gourmet". I'd say "upscale" for all, but not the "U.S. Version" of Gourmet. Don't get me wrong.. the food is enjoyable at all with plenty of options, but I've never found food outside America to be anything too special.
Food aside, let's talk beaches! (My favorite part of any resort vacation). They all have lovely beaches. I found Sandals in Ocho Rios to be a VERY far walk to the beach. We got a special deal one time that included "Butler Service" (more about this later, it isn't really worth paying extra for, but sure does feel nice when its a freebie!). Anyway, with my bad back and leg, we could have NEVER navigated to the beach area at Sandals Ocho Rios unless we had the butler option, since they drove you around the resort as long as you pre-arranged via a cell phone they gave you on check-in. Sandals Negril was just footsteps from our room to the beach (literally), and Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club gives you a golf cart (based on availability with a villa rental) and they have shuttles running constantly to get you anywhere.
What I love about the beaches and pools at LHVC in the Dominican Republic is that they have BEDS on the beaches and at the pools. Lovely beds with white linens and pillows. Some are poster type beds that have white linen canopy. They have plenty of hammocks in the shade. And if you rent a private villa, you will have a HUGE backyard swimming pool and patio (unlike the tiny pools at Sandals, that cost a fortune but are only about 6' by 10' and often in the shade so even in the carribean heat they are very cold!). Next time we can afford a getaway, it will definitely be the private villa with the beautifully landscaped pool at Lifestyles. As modern and clean as our accomodations were, I coveted those villas! (The villas sleep from 6 to 12 people in combinations ranging from 3 bedroom/3 bath to 6 bedrooms and 6 baths). Another benefit to their villas is that you get domestic help who, in addition to housekeeping, actually come in and cook your breakfast for you each day!!! The villas I looked at on tour looked brand new and lavish. LHVC in Puerto Plata, DR is luxury all the way!
Every time I've looked on the internet for vacation options, I've wished I could find someone who did some sort of comparison between the resorts, so this is the start of my attempt at a review that compares several of the all-inclusive options. I'll post more in the future. If you have questions, you can email me or post a comment.
Oh, one last thing! If you decide on Lifestyles, be sure to rent through a V.I.P. member so you can have access to the VIP Beaches, Pools, Bars and Restaurants that really add to the experience. We got a great deal through http://dominicanluxuryresort.com/ I highly recommend them.
Another reason All-Inclusive Resorts in the carribean are so great, is that there is SO MUCH to do on property, and you can leave your wallet in the room, unless you want to indulge in excursions off property which cost extra. I never found the need to leave the paradise we had at any of the resorts. Tipping is never mandated, and at Couples resorts they really discourage it, but take a stack of $1 bills for tipping, and you'll be treated like royalty and make a difference to people trying to earn a nice living in a Third World Country. I'm sure the one dollar tips adding up over the course of a day, make a huge difference in the staff's lifestyle since their average monthly pay is so low you would cringe.
No comments:
Post a Comment