I am trying to pick an all inclusive resort for a vacation in December. It is to celebrate our 50th anniversary. We want to go where it will be warm of course. Has anyone been to Playa del Carmen? The Royal Hideaway looks very nice.We don't care about the nightlife.We do want good food and a nice room and warm water for swimming.We got married over Christmas vacation when we were in college.It always makes finding a place to celebrate kind of difficult.Does anyone have a suggestion?We want all inclusive for sure.

Bette,

Parts of Playa del Carmen may have been hit hards with last year's hurricanes, so you might want to check it out before you book. It's next to Cozumel/Cancun.

Bette; Tom and I just returned from Royal Hideaway in early May. If you would like to email me I will be happy to send you pics and give you more information on the resort.

It sounds like what you are looking for as we are not nightlife folks either. The suites are very beautiful, nice large pool as well as other smaller more quiet pools, the water was a bit rough when we were there, but the ocean floor was pure sand. Their food was very good to excellent.

As far as hurricane damage everything was rebuilt and replaced - foliage is a bit sparse, but will grow back quickly.

Haven't been, but on the top of my list is the Royal Plantation in Jamaica. Supposed to be elegant, quiet and with wonderful food included. You also might want to look at the Ritz Carlton Montego Bay. They also have an all inclusive package. We were there a few years ago and loved it.

While very lovely one thing that comes to mind about the Royal Plantation is to reach the beach you have to go down many sort of steep stairs, unless your room is on the end of the resort that has the elevator (at times when we've been there the elevator was out of order). I have a problem with weakness in my legs and it was very difficult for me to navigate the steps at times. Should you need to use the bathroom you would have to take the elevator back to your suite or walk up the steps as there is no bathroom on the beach level. Also, to reach one of the restaurants you have to walk up stairs.

Hi Sue,
Marty also has mobility problems. I wish that we didn't have to go in December.Not only are places crowded and expensive but it is also cooler. I crave warm water and warm weather since I live in San Francisco.I think that we will probably spend a week at Royal Hideaway and 5 days at Secrets.
We have never been to Costa Rica. Maybe I should try that. Has anyone been there in December?

Bette
Look at the Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios. It's next to the Royal Hideway & very nice. No steps down to beach - just ask for room on 1st floor. West Wing verandahs are directly on the water. Beach Wing verandahs are directly on the beach. We prefer the West Wing - terrace is over the water & the fish know when you are eating breakfast, but there would be about 10 steps to climb to get to the dining area. Lunch can be served on the beach. You might remember that my husband hates to travel - but he will go here. We love it. Owners are very nice & much of the staff has been with them for years. It is expensive around the holidays but the prices usually don't go up until Dec 15th. Their policy used to be - Xmas & New Years, must book for 10 days. Don't know if it is still that way. Have also stayed at the Royal Hideaway several times, back when it was the Plantation Inn. And those steps to the beach would be difficult with a mobility problem. To me, one of the attractions of the Jamaica Inn is that it is not a chain. Owned by same family for years. The sons of the orginal owner now run it - Eric and Peter Morrow.
http://www.jamaicainn.com/

Betty; you are mixing up Royal Hideaway in Mexico with Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. ;)

Your wrote:"Bette
Look at the Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios. It's next to the Royal Hideway & very nice."

Royal Plantation is right across from Jamaica Inn and Royal Plantation has many steps to get to the beach.

Tom and I just spent a week at Jamaica Inn over Memorial Week and we loved it! With a first floor room that is beach level you would have the steps to climb to get up to the dining/terrace area and if your room was on the level with the dining/terrace area then you'd walk the steps down to the beach level. I didn't count them, but I'd say there are maybe 10 to 15 steps give or take a few.

This fall they are planning on totally remodeling the bathrooms in the suites that are beachfront - they will be lovely when they are finished in November. The owners are very gracious and so friendly. I was sick during our trip and one day one of the owners showed up at our verandah to make sure I was ok and to please let them know if there was anything they could do for me. Personal service, to me, means so much! :cool:

Thanks Sue. You are so right. I did mix it all up. I just love the Jamaica Inn so much, I got overly excited & started typing.
Sorry Bette. I shouldn't post the day before I am trying to leave town. Off to cool Colorado to escape this heat. Too much on my mind. Hope you & Marty find that perfect spot for your trip.

It happens to all of us Betty, those TA's, thank God are on their toes - have a great time in CO - I envy you - we have 95 temps for next week ...call me if you are lonely...