AI resorts fees query? Resort suggestions needed.

[pcgirl54]

I have been thinking of a trip to the Carribean or a tropical island and am trying to research islands that have a low crime factor,where there is a lot to do that has aqua water and beautiful sandy beaches. I do not want to fly somewhere where it is dangerous to walk outside the resort.

We do not stay in AI resorts normally and are in our 50's. We have been to Atlantis and seen Nassau,Royal Mayan in Cancun, St Thomas ,Jamaica and 4 other islands on typical day visits on past cruises. A travel agent mentioned Barbados and St Lucia as options. Been to Barbados for a single day on a cruise and saw Harrison's Cave don't recall much else.

Been reading reviews on some of these places on the islands from rude staff to bugs everywhere in the room and rusty appliances. Not impressing me so far.

I have found that some of the TS resorts have AI fees of $140-$200 and up per person per day. This is about $2000-$3000 for two of us for a week besides the MF,exchanges fees etc.

Personally I find the AI fees pretty pricey. We are not drinkers so the drinks included does not matter to us.

Researched fees on Windjammer, DR resorts and Grand Velas because these are places that others have posted about as really nice resorts. Also have read about Residences at Crane and Bouganvilla in Barbados. Grand Velas in Nuevo Vallarta was over $3k for AI and I find that really pricey just to eat. We have never spent anything even close to that in all the time we have vacationed including Maui.

One of the reviews on Grand Velas mentioned that the waters were not like the Carribean blue one may expect.

St Lucia Windjammer what is the benefit of AI vs non AI? For non AI what are the options for meals or grocers? Does Windjammer live up to the hype?

Aruba(not AI)- I hear those that adore it and those that say there is nothing to do since the island is a desert outside of the hotel area.

Any suggestions and advice on resorts and info about AI resorts are welcomed.

DH would love a Tradewinds cruise but I would not. Being confined to a tiny cabin for 5 days would make me crazy.

 

[riverside]

We loved Windjammer Landing so much when we traded for there that we purchased a unit. Be aware that St. Lucia does not have the beautiful blue water that you are wanting. Their beaches are more volcanic so darker sand. If you go to Windjammer, I wouldn't purchase their all-inclusive fee. You can eat/drink for about the same or less unless you are a very big drinker.

 

[jojo777]

You would love Aruba. Beautiful beaches, good shopping. They have gambling should you desire. The best restraunts. The island is safe and the people are wonderful. It is very easy to get around if you wish to rent a car. Otherwise you can use taxis for groceries and venturing out for dinner. There are lots of timeshares to choose from there. I have been to the Dominican, Mexico (several times), St Thomas and St Maarten. We just keep returning to Aruba year after year for the very reason that we are comfortable there. We feel safe, relaxed and at home.

 

[Babs from UK]

AI at Windjammer

Hi, WJ is about 15 minutes drive from Rodney Bay where there are lots of restaurants. We own at WJ and always stock up on breakfast and drink supplies for our villa as we save a lot of money that way. We do eat at the resort at lunchtimes but often eat out in the evening. The resort has a lot of watersports facilities and good training for hobiecat sailing for example. I am not 50 yet, but getting there, and windsurf, sail and scubadive when I am at the resort.


Bear in mind that the snorkelling at that end of the island (the North) is rather disappointing and you would need to go south via boat or car to Anse Cochon or Anse Chastanet to get decent snorkelling.

Do feel free to send me a message if you have any questions re Windjammer and I will do my best to answer them!