5 Fall Values At Fabulous Resorts
Take advantage of the lowest prices of the year
at these tropical retreats
By Emily Coleman
Sandals Resorts
Book an all-inclusive resort package and you'll stretch your dollar even more. In one rate paid up front, these resorts cover your room, meals, snacks, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, many beach activities and some entertainment.
We consulted Vacations To Go and found five great rates at all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. The prices below are for seven nights in mid-October for two people sharing a room. Airfare is additional. For more information, visit Vacations To Go or call (800) 998-6925.
Grand Pineapple Beach Negril
Negril, Jamaica
Negril's Seven Mile Beach is famous for its expanse of sugar-white sand and breathtaking aquamarine waters. Amid this coastal glory lies Grand Pineapple Beach Negril. North of downtown, this resort is paradise for any beach-lover. Its 60 rooms are housed in buildings sporting gingerbread trim and the cheery colors of the tropics -- yellow, green, coral, lavender and turquoise. Many have patios that overlook the ocean, and all are steps away from the sand.
Negril's beaches provide the perfect backdrop for aquatic adventures. Swimming in the ocean soothes the soul, while diving and snorkeling give guests a closer look at life beneath the water's surface. Sailing is another popular endeavor, particularly at sunset. Fragrant foliage and the dazzling colors of exotic flowers fill the garden side of the resort. Here, guests can use the freshwater pool or meet for a match on the tennis court.
Caribbean fare is served buffet-style for breakfast, lunch and dinner at Orchid Terrace, where the meals come with ocean views. The Beach Grill serves burgers, fries and snacks to guests not ready to leave the sand, while mixologists at the Sunset Beach Bar concoct an array of fruit-infused beverages.
Rates: From $1,092 for two people ($546 per person) for seven nights in mid-October.
Iberostar Cozumel
Cozumel, Mexico
The 300-room Iberostar Cozumel sits on its namesake island, which lies 15 miles off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It is surrounded by extraordinary dive sites, including those along Palancar Reef. The sparkling water and abundant marine life create an alluring underwater seascape for diving and snorkeling.
Cozy, rustic bungalows painted in lively hues give the resort a villagelike atmosphere. The thatch-roofed buildings are connected by paved paths where peacocks may join you on the walk to dinner, and hammocks are tucked into private patios. And while the exteriors are quaint, the accommodations offer a spread of modern conveniences, including air conditioning, satellite television and minibars.
When it's time to dine, guests choose from three options. The casual El Cozumel features a buffet of international dishes. Reservations are required at two a la carte restaurants: El Cedral, the steakhouse, and El Sarape, which serves Mexican specialties.
Kids enjoy their own space at Lucy's Club, and adults can relax at one of three bars or indulge in a massage at the spa. The beach provides such diversions as windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, swimming and snorkeling, and there's an on-site dive center that offers excursions to more than 20 spots along Cozumel's reefs, for an extra fee.
Rates: From $854 for two people ($427 per person) for seven nights in mid-October.
ClubHotel Riu Merengue
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Get three resorts for the price of one when you book a stay at ClubHotel Riu Merengue on the Dominican Republic's north shore. Guests have access to the activities, amenities, bars and restaurants of this resort as well as two neighboring ClubHotel properties: Riu Bachata and Riu Mambo.
Verdant hills against light blond beaches create a striking setting, and guests can take in the views and catch evening breezes from their private balcony or terrace. The 544 rooms feature Internet access, minibars and liquor dispensers.
Kayaks, bodyboards, windsurfing and snorkeling gear and a volleyball court are available at the beach. Three tennis courts and a gym round out the recreational offerings, and novices can learn how to scuba dive in the large pool. Families can take advantage of daily programs designed to entertain children ages 4 to 12.
The main buffet-style restaurant has make-to-order stations at breakfast, lunch and dinner, or you can try the Italian and steakhouse specialties at two reservations-required spots. Guests are free to sample the fare at the two sister resorts as well.
Rates: From $658 for two people ($329 per person) for seven nights in mid-October.
Barcelo Dominican Beach
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Guests of this resort can bask in the Caribbean sun on beautiful Bavaro Beach, a palm-studded swath of sand just north of Punta Cana. If you overindulge, don't worry -- the on-site spa at Barcelo Dominican Beach offers soothing "SOS" after-sun treatments. Tall, slender palm trees also surround the 740 rooms, which are outfitted with cable television, stocked minifridges and coffeemakers.
Guests will find an abundance of choices at this resort, which is decked out with three swimming pools, two snack bars, seven cocktail bars and nine restaurants (six are a la carte, three are buffets). Featured cuisines include Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Brazilian. You'll never go hungry -- or thirsty -- because meals, drinks and snacks are available 24 hours a day.
Kids' club activities keep the 4-to-12 crowd entertained during the day, and adults can participate in dance lessons, archery, kayaking and basketball. An adjoining golf course is being redesigned, and nine of the 18 holes currently are closed; it's scheduled to fully reopen in December. At night, guests can enjoy the spectacle of stage shows, hit the casino or dance for hours at the disco.
Rates: From $738 for two people ($369 per person) for seven nights in mid-October.
Breezes Bahamas by SuperClubs
Nassau, Bahamas
Breezes Bahamas is part of the popular SuperClubs family, which has resorts throughout the Caribbean. It's minutes from the nightlife and casinos of Nassau and only five miles from the airport. The 400 rooms and suites are situated on a quiet stretch of famous Cable Beach.
A host of activities at Breezes Bahamas will keep even the most energetic guests busy. Kayaking, water skiing, cycling, rock climbing and tennis are among available adventures. The truly daring can try out the resort's circus school, which offers lessons on the flying trapeze. Those who prefer calm water to ocean waves can soak in one of three pools.
The main dining area, Jimmy's Buffet, is open for casual dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pastafari, a pasta bar, and the romantic Garden of Eden are more upscale evening options that require reservations. Snacks are available throughout the day, and drinks include top-shelf liquors.
Guests must be age 14 or older to stay at Breezes Bahamas. During March and April, they must be 18 or older.
Rates: From $1,354 for two people ($677 per person) for seven nights in mid-October.
The information in this story was accurate at the time it was published in September/October 2009.
Please visit Vacations To Go or call (800) 998-6925 for current rates and details.
