Originally Posted by
EC Traveler
Hi Again
We are re-planning our 10 year anniversary trip. A few limiting factors:
- flying from BWI/DCA/IAD; hope to use AA or UA miles, or pay for nonstop
- have only 5 nights total - can leave *very* early Thursday but must also leave asap on Tuesday AM to return
- want to minimize travel time to/from hotel, so extra connections, taking boats to get to resort, etc. are big negative
- looking to spend $500/night on hotel - are nervous if we pay more, we will have false expectations vs the cost
- want a hotel with very good service, want one that is a bit unique (doesn't need to be expensive) - want to be able to be on a beach, have a nice pool, might snorkel, won't dive, won't be drinking wine or beer but do like good mixed drinks/liquor, we don't eat a lot but appreciate a good dinner
In the past, our level of "luxury" has been Canyon Suites at Phoenician, Ritz-Carlton Naples, Hotel Arts Barcelona - more of your 'chain' luxury properties.
We want to go somewhere that is Adults only, or would have very few children since we just want to get away, lay by the pool & read. Perhaps do some activities, but not interested in going "into town". We have never done all-inclusive - hard to know if it would be worth it for us - we have done club lounges many times, but never all you can eat, or drink.
We have found/been told a few suggestions. Here are some thoughts and can anyone help us further?
- Four Seasons, Costa Rica - looks perfect as its a bit farther and more unique, but the return flight gets us in quite late; might have kids there? This is my personal favorite that I want to make work, Mrs. EC T thinks its even on the high side of price & travel time.
- Hotel Excellence - suggested by a TA-friend; adults only looks great, price looks stellar (why is it so cheap for all-inclusive) - can't really find anything on this ... why would it only be $3000 for 5 nights, all inclusive, in one of their best rooms???
- Zoetry - recall reading about this in the past - pricing looks good, can't find much comment lately on it
...originally we were set on Grace Bay Club in Turks & Caicos; but spending $750/night not including food seemed to be a stretch, plus the flight connections are not great. This hotel looks great, but price and trip time is less enviable.
Have been at least considering Dominican Republic or Jamaica due to proximity. Original destination idea was Bermuda but in November weather not great enough.
We will be 38 when we travel this upcoming November - want to find a resort where we are surrounded by peers...people on honeymoons, anniversary trips, etc. I hope this sounds reasonable (what comes next) - the $500/night is not nearly as much b/c we can't afford to spend more on this trip ... we can ... but we feel like spending $4000+ on a hotel for 5 nights is hard to justify against even $2500.
Totally open to all suggestions. Any ideas/comments????
Thanks graciously, so much.
Very thoughtful post. FS Costa Rica will not fit your bill - because it really is more of a family oriented spot. Having said that, it is spectacular and much better than the FS properties I have been to in the Caribbean/Mexico in terms of service and overall feel. As an aside, though it irritates those hoping to avoid children at luxury resorts, I think FS correctly figured out that overall spend from luxury family travellers can exceed honeymooner/couple spend, particularly given that they essentially now have that niche to themselves.
If you want the "we're not middle aged quite yet" sort of deal, why not somewhere like Carlisle Bay in Antigua ? It does have a bit of a London vibe to it, though, which might turn some people off.