Cancun.... would you go?

So... I'm looking for a place to go with the Mrs. for our 15th anniversary.

I've narrowed it down to two places.

Iberostar Grand Bavaro - Punta Cana
and
La Amada Hotel - Cancun

Based upon the Tripadvisor top 10 list.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoiceList-g147237-cRelaxation


Really, want to just go somewhere, just the two of us, for an extended weekend to decompress. Not looking to party too hard or anything, just relax and enjoy ourselves (and an extended weekend because if it went too long, we'd probably want something more to do)


I like the Grand Bavaro... it's in Punta Cana, and we'd have access to the other two Iberostar resorts on the property, so we'd have access to more clubs, restaurants, and stuff.

I like La Amada, because.. well... it's fucking NICE!
http://www.laamadahotel.com/en/playa-mujeres-cancun/

and it's like.. $1500 cheaper than Punta Cana.
BUT
It's in Cancun.

Everyone's telling me... Dude, you don't want to go to Mexico right now

Would YOU go?

You can negotiate cheaper rates than that. Plenty of empty rooms and corpses.

no

flickr

Take a look at Costa Rica. My wife and I went last year. I don't like to travel much, but I have to say I had a great time. Friendly people, top notch service, comfortable climate.

My wife still talks about it.

Originally posted by: Smiling Canadian
Take a look at Costa Rica. My wife and I went last year. I don't like to travel much, but I have to say I had a great time. Friendly people, top notch service, comfortable climate.

My wife still talks about it.

Where in Costa Rica? There's 806 hotels listed on Tripadvisor.

Which areas are convenient to an airport?

Originally posted by: Bibimbap

Originally posted by: Smiling Canadian
Take a look at Costa Rica. My wife and I went last year. I don't like to travel much, but I have to say I had a great time. Friendly people, top notch service, comfortable climate.

My wife still talks about it.

Where in Costa Rica? There's 806 hotels listed on Tripadvisor.

Which areas are convenient to an airport?

If you are serious, I do have a friend who owns nice condos on an island. If you want, I can contact him for you. It is not on the beach, but inland on a hill with beautiful veiws. I'll find the website from him if you are serious. I can't remember if its Costa Rica or Peurto Rico.

Originally posted by: Bibimbap

Originally posted by: Smiling Canadian
Take a look at Costa Rica. My wife and I went last year. I don't like to travel much, but I have to say I had a great time. Friendly people, top notch service, comfortable climate.

My wife still talks about it.

Where in Costa Rica? There's 806 hotels listed on Tripadvisor.

Which areas are convenient to an airport?

As soon as the woman returns from whatever mindless crap she does all day I'll post all the info.

Cat island in the bahamas, Fernandez bay has always been good to me

http://www.fernandezbayvillage.com/

Originally posted by: =>PX<=Major

Originally posted by: Bibimbap

Originally posted by: Smiling Canadian
Take a look at Costa Rica. My wife and I went last year. I don't like to travel much, but I have to say I had a great time. Friendly people, top notch service, comfortable climate.

My wife still talks about it.

Where in Costa Rica? There's 806 hotels listed on Tripadvisor.

Which areas are convenient to an airport?

If you are serious, I do have a friend who owns nice condos on an island. If you want, I can contact him for you. It is not on the beach, but inland on a hill with beautiful veiws. I'll find the website from him if you are serious. I can't remember if its Costa Rica or Peurto Rico.

I'm actually looking for an all-inclusive type resort vacation. Someplace we can veg-out and do nothing at, but if we wanted to, swim up to the pool bar socialize a little bit if we wanted to... Eat when we want to (without having to search for food)...

Grand Bavaro is a nice mix of all that. There's activities to do, 3 resorts on the property to utilize facilities at, all-inclusive.

I have looked into Costa Rica, but i don't know anything about the country... aside the fact that you can see EVERYTHING there. Volcanoes, rain forests, deserts, etc...
I did price out one resort there, Los Altos De Eros, but, if I was going to spend that much money, I'd take the kids on a cruise... not just go to one place for the two of us.

Originally posted by: Smiling Canadian

Originally posted by: Bibimbap

Originally posted by: Smiling Canadian
Take a look at Costa Rica. My wife and I went last year. I don't like to travel much, but I have to say I had a great time. Friendly people, top notch service, comfortable climate.

My wife still talks about it.

Where in Costa Rica? There's 806 hotels listed on Tripadvisor.

Which areas are convenient to an airport?

As soon as the woman returns from whatever mindless crap she does all day I'll post all the info.

kewl!

Be careful where you go and what package you buy. My parents went to the Bahamas right before xmas which happened to be the week they had record cold temperatures so almost no beach time was available but there was also no where to go and nothing to do. With the current economy issues all over some restaurants and stores are taking a big hit in a lot of places you don't expect.

Even last summer my trip to Kauai was a bit of a downer as some things weren't available. See if you can find some reviews on whats up any where your going before you decide as you probably dont want to spend that much money to spend the entire time in a hotel room on room service.


I have also discovered due to poor economy people who normally rent out there condos are coming down on prices and if you find one in a prime location close to a store you can get off cheaper by cooking your own lunch and breakfast there and going out to dinner.

I also don't suggest anything anywhere near Mexico personally due to recent issues there even if its a popular tourist area.





Few years back my work flew me and hubby to Puerto rico and we stayed in old san juan at a big name hotel with a tiny beach but was good enough for us. There was a huge fancy park with in walking area and the fort plus other things to go see. You can book to go out to the rain forest for a guided tour and there is caves or something to go see which we didnt do.

Just dont go to new san juan and dont go out afterdark but that goes for anywhere you vacation.

Back in the mid to late-90s, before we had kids, my wife and I had gone to Puerto Rico on a "spur of the moment" trip... Decided to fly down and booked a room at the El Dorado something, something, resort hotel... All I remember was that it was this really big, really nice hotel with a private island and it was near El Yunque rainforest.

We went in July.

It was friggin' HOT.

edit:
Oh yeah... there was some beauty contest going on the weekend we were there. All these young women walking around with sashes and gowns...
That was cool.
I didn't take any pictures... I didn't want to be so obvious.... looking back, I should've.


Post edited by Bibimbap at 1/14/2011 3:28:09 PM

ok thats where i want to go!

I went to Cancun as part of a student travel group right after I graduated from high school. I had a great time, but that mainly revolved around the fact that I was able to legally go bar hopping despite being only 18. Also, I've never seen so many chicks just looking for casual flings.

Cancun itself, though, was a shithole. Dirty, ugly, polluted, etc. And this was back in 2001 before, before you had drug cartel members firebombing bars in the area. For a wedding anniversary, I would say look elsewhere. Costa Rica seems like a good suggestion (I've never been but several friends have gone and all loved it).

Cancun is more of a spring break party spot than a place to celebrate an anniversary.

I refuse to go to any where that is not in the US with out weapons. Call me a pussy (sammy) but I don't trust anywhere else. Even Canada. You never know what those maple syrup drinking folk are thinking.

Went to Maui last year for 10 days, going back there for 2 weeks on the 27th. Cant go wrong taking a trip to one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

I wouldnt support a fucking thing towards Mexico right now. Fuck them.
Support your own country & visit some kick ass place here.

you just have to be careful of how much of the sewage is dropped into the ocean. My uncle used to live on one of the islands and they have times when you cant go in the water due to runoff? or overflow? not sure how it gets in the ocean I didnt want to know...

Originally posted by: Stones
I wouldnt support a fucking thing towards Mexico right now. Fuck them.
Support your own country & visit some kick ass place here.

agreed

Originally posted by: _Yossarian_
I went to Cancun as part of a student travel group right after I graduated from high school. I had a great time, but that mainly revolved around the fact that I was able to legally go bar hopping despite being only 18. Also, I've never seen so many chicks just looking for casual flings.

Cancun itself, though, was a shithole. Dirty, ugly, polluted, etc. And this was back in 2001 before, before you had drug cartel members firebombing bars in the area. For a wedding anniversary, I would say look elsewhere. Costa Rica seems like a good suggestion (I've never been but several friends have gone and all loved it).

Cancun is more of a spring break party spot than a place to celebrate an anniversary.

Did you look at the links for La Amada? it's about 25min north of "downtown" Cancun, away from the noise... but, yeah, it's still Cancun.

Originally posted by: 614Noobie
Even Canada. You never know what those maple syrup drinking folk are thinking.

Usually we're thinking about what part of the US we're going to buy next. And sex. We think about sex. A lot.

Originally posted by: Money..
Went to Maui last year for 10 days, going back there for 2 weeks on the 27th. Cant go wrong taking a trip to one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Went to Maui on our honeymoon in '96. Agreed, it's beautiful there. We did two weeks in Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, and The Big Island.

Too far for an extended weekend... from NY it's 18 hours or some shit, and beaucoup $$$ just to fly out there.

Originally posted by: Stones
Support your own country & visit some kick ass place here.

I have a beach house... so... I go to some other state's beach... you know what? It's just like being at my beach house! Maybe less guidos if I decide to hit the boardwalk.

We go to the beach house every weekend... we're even moving the boat to a closer marina this summer. This is for the wife and I to get away.

you dont want to go to mexico or puerto rico...

I guess the total consensus is NOT to go to Mexico... at all.


Which leaves Punta Cana... and/or someplace in Costa Rica but I don't know the first thing about the damned place... except the one hotel on the mountain that's $595/night a room but is supposed to be zomg!bestintheworld!

Can't you get a hotel for cheaper that's zomgonlytop100intheworld!!!!!?

Originally posted by: ~~Snake~~
I have forwarded videos of porn stars fucking horses.

Originally posted by: SammySoc
Can't you get a hotel for cheaper that's zomgonlytop100intheworld!!!!!?

Sure! But which region of Costa Rica?

http://www.losaltosdeeros.com/
is the whatever... #1 TripAdvisor whatchmacallit thingamajiggy.
It's up in a friggin' mountain... they hire slaves or some shit to carry you down to the beach on their backs.

That's all I know.

where the best "resort" area is in Costa Rica?
Beats me.

Hey Canadian!
You ever find out where in Costa Rica you went?

Originally posted by: Bibimbap
Hey Canadian!
You ever find out where in Costa Rica you went?

Had to go to the shop last night....wife has all the info...will post after I get home and catch 40 winks. I'm getting too old to pull all nighters...

edit: she emailed the info to me

This is where we stayed http://www.paradisus-playa-conchal.com/

We upgraded after we got there to the "Royal" service. When we were there, there was a group of families with some horrid children. With the Royal service you stay in a different part of the resort, have your own pool, hot tub, restaurant, lounge, and butler service. The suite with the Royal service was $6000 US for 6 days peak season...middle of February. I think we spent another $1500 - $2000 on sightseeing, car rental, and I went fishing for 1 afternoon. My wife still talks about the day spa they have. Apparently it's "THE" place to go at least once during your stay.

The staff were amazing. If you tip in US dollars, you are king. Internet service was kind sucky while we were there, but oddly enough my blackberry received emails etc. faster than in Canada. Cellular roaming rates were surprisingly low.

We were there for 6 days and never saw a cloud in the sky.
Post edited by Smiling Canadian at 1/15/2011 11:17:31 AM

Originally posted by: Bibimbap

Originally posted by: Money..
Went to Maui last year for 10 days, going back there for 2 weeks on the 27th. Cant go wrong taking a trip to one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Went to Maui on our honeymoon in '96. Agreed, it's beautiful there. We did two weeks in Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, and The Big Island.

Too far for an extended weekend... from NY it's 18 hours or some shit, and beaucoup $$$ just to fly out there.

Originally posted by: Stones
Support your own country & visit some kick ass place here.

I have a beach house... so... I go to some other state's beach... you know what? It's just like being at my beach house! Maybe less guidos if I decide to hit the boardwalk.

We go to the beach house every weekend... we're even moving the boat to a closer marina this summer. This is for the wife and I to get away.

So go rent a small island down in the Keys. I promise you it won't be like the same ole beach. & come on, are you referring to NJ beaches? really?
Fuck i'd go hit up a kickass spa hotel in colorado & ski & hang out in spas the whole time & get hammered.
I'd suggest this place. I use to work there as a Chef Tornad there. Kickass place. All 4 stars.
http://www.sonnenalp.com/
Post edited by Stones at 1/15/2011 2:42:35 PM

I have a friend who owns a specialty foods shop that lives in Vieques.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vieques,_Puerto_Rico

Originally posted by: Stones

So go rent a small island down in the Keys. I promise you it won't be like the same ole beach. & come on, are you referring to NJ beaches? really?
Fuck i'd go hit up a kickass spa hotel in colorado & ski & hang out in spas the whole time & get hammered.
I'd suggest this place. I use to work there as a Chef Tornad there. Kickass place. All 4 stars.
http://www.sonnenalp.com/

Anniversary is in October, but we're taking the kids on a cruise the first week of November, so we're planning to do it months earlier in August (when we can ditch the kids with grandma/grandpa and not have to worry about bus/school/sports schedules)

edit:
Holy SHIT!
http://www.sonnenalp.com/suites/pkg_romance.html

Rates & Dates
April 18 - June 9 $480.00
June 10 - September 18 $620.00
September 19 - November 23 $480.00

Post edited by Bibimbap at 1/15/2011 3:26:23 PM

Originally posted by: Bibimbap

Originally posted by: Stones

So go rent a small island down in the Keys. I promise you it won't be like the same ole beach. & come on, are you referring to NJ beaches? really?
Fuck i'd go hit up a kickass spa hotel in colorado & ski & hang out in spas the whole time & get hammered.
I'd suggest this place. I use to work there as a Chef Tornad there. Kickass place. All 4 stars.
http://www.sonnenalp.com/

Anniversary is in October, but we're taking the kids on a cruise the first week of November, so we're planning to do it months earlier in August (when we can ditch the kids with grandma/grandpa and not have to worry about bus/school/sports schedules)

edit:
Holy SHIT!
http://www.sonnenalp.com/suites/pkg_romance.html

Rates & Dates
April 18 - June 9 $480.00
June 10 - September 18 $620.00
September 19 - November 23 $480.00

It is the shit man! & it isn't easy to get rooms.

#69 in the world & as long as i've known it's always in the top 100 in the world.
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-best-hotels-2010/71

Look at the other awards.
http://www.sonnenalp.com/media/press.html

Originally posted by: Smiling Canadian

This is where we stayed http://www.paradisus-playa-conchal.com/

We upgraded after we got there to the "Royal" service.

You know? I actually looked at this resort yesterday because of the tripadvisor rating.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g309242-d293329-Reviews-Paradisus_Playa_Conchal-Playa_Conchal_Province_of_Guanacaste.html

Only problem is, either their online booking system is down, or they're fully booked up at the time I want to go... I'm guessing the online booking system is down, but I couldn't get a quote for reference.

Originally posted by: Stones

Originally posted by: Bibimbap

Holy SHIT!
http://www.sonnenalp.com/suites/pkg_romance.html

Rates & Dates
April 18 - June 9 $480.00
June 10 - September 18 $620.00
September 19 - November 23 $480.00

It is the shit man! & it isn't easy to get rooms.

You know... for half that price, I can go to the tropics, hit an all-inclusive and get all meals included, top shelf alcoholic beverages included (usually watered down), and a native to scrub my feet with honey and milk every evening.

edit:
AND have a topless beach to go sun on... can't beat topless beaches!
Post edited by Bibimbap at 1/15/2011 3:46:37 PM

yeah, mexico is nice

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2011/01/17/mexico-alleged-rape-assault.html

Originally posted by: Smiling Canadian
Take a look at Costa Rica. My wife and I went last year. I don't like to travel much, but I have to say I had a great time. Friendly people, top notch service, comfortable climate.

My wife still talks about it ROBERTO.

^fixededed for accuracy!
_____________________________

Originally posted by: questionmark
I didnt even bother reading the article

Originally posted by: questionmark
That's what I thought. You just like to read your own posts.

Originally posted by: (SF) DirtyRatFink
I already linked you sources, you m----. Learn to fuckin' read.

Originally posted by: questionmark
Fine, so they do have some regulatory functions. Ratfink is still a sh-th--d.

Originally posted by: Aria Giovanni.pZ

Originally posted by: Smiling Canadian
Take a look at Costa Rica. My wife and I went last year. I don't like to travel much, but I have to say I had a great time. Friendly people, top notch service, comfortable climate.

My wife still talks about it ROBERTO mucho GRANDE puto!.

^fixededed for accuracy!

^^^ amendeded 4 moar accuracies!
Post edited by Bibimbap at 1/18/2011 12:43:48 PM

So... I haven't booked my vacation in the Dominican Republic yet, but I've decided that I want to go to the Iberostar Grand Bavaro Hotel.

I'm sitting here in the pharmacy today, admiring the new 48" flatscreen TV that flashes advertisements and news thingys that I got for free from some approved vendor guy... and a news flash goes by.

http://www.kentucky.com/2011/01/27/1613822/cholera-blamed-on-lobster-at-dominican.html

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Health officials say contaminated lobster has given cholera to dozens of guests who attended a lavish wedding in the Dominican Republic.

Most of the nearly 500 guests flew in from Venezuela, and that country's health minister says Thursday that 37 of them have tested positive for cholera.

Eugenia Sader says four guests from Madrid, Mexico and Boston also have the disease.

Denge fever, sure...
Malaria... okay... I can deal...

but CHOLERA TOO?!?!?!

C'mon! There's no place to go!

Originally posted by: Bibimbap
C'mon! There's no place to go!

Try Flint, Michigan. I hear it's lovely this time of year.

I went to cancun a few years ago, my favorite vacation. Just stay at the resort and you shall be fine.