10 resorts where you can really stretch your vacation dollar. -3- to 4.5-star properties in the Caribbean and Mexico that are known for offering great value. Nine welcome guests of all ages, and one offers a kids-free ambiance, as indicated below.
Each of these resorts includes all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and many sports and activities in one price that you pay upfront.
Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort Montego Bay, a 3-star resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica — This property is about seven miles from Sangster International Airport and was renovated this year. It’s a family-friendly option, with the KidSpree activity center for ages 6 months to 12 years and the Teen Scene video gaming room. Dining options range from barefoot beachside meals to a reservations-required Italian restaurant. There is a buffet-style restaurant with pizza bar as well. A fitness facility, spa, miniature golf and a kids-free pool (in addition to the main pool) round out the perks here.
Barcelo Punta Cana, a 3.5-star resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic — White-washed buildings capped by red-tile roofs give this resort a Mediterranean feel. Play on one of the three tennis courts, try out the climbing wall or go kayaking or windsurfing. A recently added second pool has doubled the resort’s pool capacity and deck area. On-site restaurants specialize in French, Italian, Japanese, Tex-Mex and Dominican cuisine. For young guests, there’s an activities club for ages 4 to 12 and a teen disco.
Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort & Spa, a 4-star resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic — This is a kids-free retreat, where guests are pampered with all-suite accommodations and butler service on the beach. Other attractions include a freshwater pool (one of four pools on-site), evening shows, five restaurants, three bars and a “mini spa” at the beach with Jacuzzi and sauna. In addition to on-site amenities, guests have full access to two nearby sister properties.
IBEROSTAR Costa Dorada, a 4-star resort in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic — Vacationers can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing in crystal-clear waters in front of this resort. Other diversions like tennis, yoga and archery also are available. Children ages 4 to 12 can participate in activities at their own “mini club.”
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort & Spa, a 3.5-star resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico — This resort edges a natural area of jungles, lagoons and deep, freshwater sinkholes called cenotes; guests receive a complimentary snorkeling tour in the largest cenote. There are Italian- and Mexican-themed dinner buffets, as well as Asian, Mediterranean and Brazilian a la carte restaurants. The kid’s club is divided into three tiers — ages 2 to 3, 4 to 7 and 8 to 12 — and the entertainment staff organizes games and activities for teens. Younger children who are enrolled in the youth program enjoy a daily trip to the resort’s water park. A kids-free section of accommodations is scheduled to open in late December.
Occidental Grand Xcaret, a 4.5-star resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico — This retreat is next door to Xcaret, an eco-archaeological preserve. Guests receive discounted passes to the park, where they can snorkel through caves, explore Mayan ruins or see jaguars, tropical birds and butterflies. Back at the resort, 11 restaurants, five pools, 10 whirlpools and a private beach hugging a tranquil cove await.
Flamingo Cancun Resort, a 3-star property in Cancun, Mexico — This resort is in the middle of Cancun’s hotel zone, putting guests within walking distance of shops, restaurants and clubs. Amenities include complimentary Internet, room service, a fitness center and a beachfront restaurant and bar.
Hotel Riu Vallarta, a 4.5-star hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — This resort is housed in a palatial structure on Bandera Bay, with the Sierra Madre range in the distance. Diversions for guests include two beachfront swimming pools, kayaking and catamaran rides, a day-to-night entertainment program and the Pacha nightclub. Introductory scuba lessons are offered in one of the pools. A main restaurant with buffets and cooking stations is supplemented by three specialty restaurants.
Marival Resort & Suites, a 3.5-star resort in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — The accommodations here include two- and three-bedroom suites, making this a good choice for family vacations. A club for children ages 4 to 12 offers miniature golf, movies and camping nights, while older kids 13 to 17 are entertained with archery, soccer, pool and Xbox video games. Dinnertime brings a range of choices at six restaurants, including themed buffet nights at Casabella, brick-oven pizzas at Piazzetta dei Forni and Mediterranean dishes by candlelight at La Pergola.
Royal Solaris Los Cabos, a 4-star resort in Los Cabos, Mexico — This resort provides several pools, including a large main pool with swim-up bar and shallow area for tykes, a relaxation pool with adjoining hot tub overlooking the Sea of Cortes, and an animal-themed water park with slides and fountains. Arts and crafts and story time sessions are organized for little ones, and teens have their own space, with arcade games and pool tables, that’s open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Parents, meanwhile, can indulge in a spa treatment, hit the gym or unwind at the sports bar or under a beachfront palapa.
For more information or to make a reservation at any of the resorts listed above, Feel free to contact us at solsticetravel@yahoo.com.
Solstice Travel Vacations 