I have been tasked by my GF to find an all-inclusive resort somewhere in the Caribbean for the week of July 4th.

I have never looked for a vacation in this segment of the market, simply because I prefer to do things on my own without hand-holding, but since she's paying and wants to have cost certainty and a set level of comfort in what we get for the $, I'm going to try and find what she's looking for.

Basic requirements are very simple: all-inclusive, to keep costs limited, and on a beach, where she intends to spend 4-5 days doing nothing, after a grueling 12 months of school.

My first thought was the Dominican Republic, as I understand that these sorts of deals are popular there. But really, anywhere in the Caribe would be fine (or even Mexico?) so long as costs can be kept low.

So if any FTers have experience with these kinds of middle-of-the-road vacation packages, and have any suggestion, directions, pointers you can provide me with, I'd much appreciate it. :-: