Tell me the best 'All-Inclusive' holiday you've been on

Tell me the best 'All-Inclusive' holiday you've been on

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Discussion

Tonberry

2,078 posts

191 months

Tuesday 8th September 2015
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Welshbeef said:
Sadly dates are rigid - school and work timescale mean the only slots in the year are utter peak season and nothing I can do about it (I refuse to take out of school not due to the fine but as I don't want them to miss out on education).

Going out of peak season during school term in June is a lot cheaper yes but irrelevant to any parent.


I used Sky scanner & listed BA as my first choice (we always fly with them and usually given you book far enough in advance they are as cheap or cheaper than the budget airlines as we have found time and time again).

If you can find a great deal for those dates I listed I'd be mighty thankful
I understand entirely regarding term dates.

I've done a bit of playing around with the info you've given based on 2 adults and your children being 10 and 5 years old.

£1370 return departing 07/08/16 for 2 weeks - Standsted -> Haraklion flying with Thomson Airways.

- I've noticed that the fact you're departing on a Sunday is influencing the choice of Airline. Try Friday, Saturday or even Monday.

- Sunday also means we've lost Chania Airport which can be cheaper depending on where you're staying on the island and your transfer arrangements

- I've also noticed that the budget Airlines don't appear to be taking bookings that far in advance so we've lost the big players there.

With that in mind I'm confident we could get all four of you there for sub £1000 with a little flexibility.

I haven't allocated any luggage either but taking that into consideration you will still comfortably beat BA prices.



Edited by Tonberry on Tuesday 8th September 18:00

5potTurbo

12,482 posts

167 months

Monday 14th September 2015
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Just returned from our 2nd ever A.I holiday in Crete, and we stayed at the Royal Belvedere near Hersonissos.

We had a great time. Hotel was good, food was OK - lots of choice, which perhaps impacted the quality - bars good, the pools are very good - all salt water, including their 50m x 25m pool, and they've a good team of "animators" who work very hard on daytime activities for children and adults alike, and evening entertainment.

Welshbeef

49,633 posts

197 months

Monday 14th September 2015
quotequote all
5potTurbo said:
Just returned from our 2nd ever A.I holiday in Crete, and we stayed at the Royal Belvedere near Hersonissos.

We had a great time. Hotel was good, food was OK - lots of choice, which perhaps impacted the quality - bars good, the pools are very good - all salt water, including their 50m x 25m pool, and they've a good team of "animators" who work very hard on daytime activities for children and adults alike, and evening entertainment.
Car to share ball park price room quality and beach quality.

Dr Slotter

408 posts

145 months

Monday 14th September 2015
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BrabusMog said:
I presume you mean the Village and not the Spa for Almond Beach if it's with kids? The water sports were good there when I went, as was the food but the staff and general standard of the place fell well below par in my opinion. Saying that, it was a few years ago so I'd imagine it's had a refurb (or hope it has) by now.
There's been some changes with what were the three Almond resorts:

Almond Village (the one north of Holetown) - now called Almond Beach Resort but only the southern half (i.e. not the rooms the other side of what was the adults pool with the bar) of it is open, albeit apparently refurbed. Run by the same people as Sugar Cane and Savannah Beach. Allegedly going to be developed into something else (perhaps another Sandals?) in a year or so.

Almond Beach Club & Spa (the one near Sandy Lane) - now called 'The Club, Barbados Resort and Spa' and run by the same people as St. James Club in Antigua/St Lucia, Galley Bay in Antigua etc. Not sure about level of recent refurb.

Almond Casurina (the one at the end of The Gap) - now is a Sandals and was a massive building site back in January when I was on the island.

Dr Slotter

408 posts

145 months

Monday 14th September 2015
quotequote all
And in answer to the OP, Palm Island in the Grenadines is pretty phenomenal, if a bit pricey, but wouldn't be an option if you have kids with you or dislike the idea of a 12 seater plane and a speedboat ride to get to reception.

BrabusMog

20,083 posts

185 months

Monday 14th September 2015
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Dr Slotter said:
BrabusMog said:
I presume you mean the Village and not the Spa for Almond Beach if it's with kids? The water sports were good there when I went, as was the food but the staff and general standard of the place fell well below par in my opinion. Saying that, it was a few years ago so I'd imagine it's had a refurb (or hope it has) by now.
There's been some changes with what were the three Almond resorts:

Almond Village (the one north of Holetown) - now called Almond Beach Resort but only the southern half (i.e. not the rooms the other side of what was the adults pool with the bar) of it is open, albeit apparently refurbed. Run by the same people as Sugar Cane and Savannah Beach. Allegedly going to be developed into something else (perhaps another Sandals?) in a year or so.

Almond Beach Club & Spa (the one near Sandy Lane) - now called 'The Club, Barbados Resort and Spa' and run by the same people as St. James Club in Antigua/St Lucia, Galley Bay in Antigua etc. Not sure about level of recent refurb.

Almond Casurina (the one at the end of The Gap) - now is a Sandals and was a massive building site back in January when I was on the Island.
I thought there were only 2 but it was about 10 years ago when I went. We stayed at the Spa resort near Sandy Lane but moved to the Village after 1 day as a) the spa wasn't yet completed and the hotel was a building site and b) it seemed shabby.

In contrast, we really enjoyed the Village and just stuck to the adult areas. And the holiday Company (Think it was Thomas Cook Signature) agreed with us on the Spa as we ended up with a refund of nearly 3/4 of the total holiday cost! It is important to complain to the rep on site if there is one hehe

Phooey

Original Poster:

12,574 posts

168 months

Monday 14th September 2015
quotequote all
Dr Slotter said:
BrabusMog said:
I presume you mean the Village and not the Spa for Almond Beach if it's with kids? The water sports were good there when I went, as was the food but the staff and general standard of the place fell well below par in my opinion. Saying that, it was a few years ago so I'd imagine it's had a refurb (or hope it has) by now.
There's been some changes with what were the three Almond resorts:

Almond Village (the one north of Holetown) - now called Almond Beach Resort but only the southern half (i.e. not the rooms the other side of what was the adults pool with the bar) of it is open, albeit apparently refurbed. Run by the same people as Sugar Cane and Savannah Beach. Allegedly going to be developed into something else (perhaps another Sandals?) in a year or so.

Almond Beach Club & Spa (the one near Sandy Lane) - now called 'The Club, Barbados Resort and Spa' and run by the same people as St. James Club in Antigua/St Lucia, Galley Bay in Antigua etc. Not sure about level of recent refurb.

Almond Casurina (the one at the end of The Gap) - now is a Sandals and was a massive building site back in January when I was on the island.
Almond Beach Resort. Always pops up for reasonable money. 3.5 star but gets ok reviews. A quick Google says it has in fact been sold to Sandals - well done Dr Slotter thumbup


We had a great holiday at Turtle Beach approx 7or8 yrs ago. We were lucky to get free child places at the time - bit more expensive today!

GT03ROB

13,208 posts

220 months

Wednesday 16th September 2015
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GT03ROB said:
arun1uk said:
But.....really? The drinks, ok, they're reasonable but I would hardly say it was amazing.
You had to pay a tray change for delivery of food to your room, plus the food in all restaurants was poor.

We went to the Grande St Lucian and for a resort on a tropical island, most of their food was cooked from FROZEN, even fish! Dreadful, you could easily taste it was frozen and nasty for what you're paying for. After the 1st week, we'd had enough and went out for dinner every night.

Constant up-selling everywhere, trying to get you to buy stuff. Want the nice photo we've just taken of you? Sure, that'll be $15. Want wifi? Sure, that'll be $10 per day. Want to eat in our nice restaurant that serves decent food? Sure, that'll be $100pp. Want to eat our normal crap food, but on the beach with a million other people? Sure, that'll be $50pp. Want a massage? Sure, you can pay for the massage, oh and dont forget the 12.5% service charge on top!

Rant over.

Best all inclusive, the Maritim in Mauritius - simply stunning. Everything included, no hidden fees, made to feel special and not just "another customer"

We will never, ever, go to another Sandals again.
I'll write a report when I get back!! smile
So I'm back from 10 days at Sandals La Source in Grenada.

1st question would we go back? Unreserved yes.

99% was included. All restaurants included; Meal in your room? Included from any restaurant; Lunch on the beach? Included from any restaurant; Wifi? Included.

Despite it being a large resort, 250 rooms, running around 70% occupancy it did not feel impersonal at all. The service everywhere was excellent probably the most consistent good standard I've seen anywhere. Food quality, for the most part, excellent. All fresh. Fantastic steaks & seafood available. Drinks in the room constantly replenished. Non-stop stream of service on the beach, coolers provided and filled with what you wanted if you didn't want the cocktails. High quality finishes throughout the resort. Mobile phone provided for own private service. Excellent attention to detail..eg.. come in from the beach & bath is already run with bath salts in & champagne on ice. Yes you were made to feel special.

Any niggles? Yes, SCUBA diving is fully included with all the gear as much as you want but they then charge $10 if you want a shortie. So minor I don't know why they bother. Aspects of the entertainment they put on is a bit tacky & focused on US customers. Easily avoidable so no big deal.

Was it good value, well we all have our own idea of value. We flew out BA 1st, back in Club, had one of the better rooms & it was still cheaper than Florida last year for the same duration when we flew Club & Premium Economy.

It was totally stress free, totally relaxing. A definite thumbs up for this resort.

Joscott

20 posts

103 months

Wednesday 16th September 2015
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BrabusMog said:
joshcowin said:
My Parents have just returned from here - Grand Bahia Principe Tulum in Mexico.

They have travelled a lot, and regular AI, they say this is superior to most including sandals!

They couldn't believe how good it was for the price, they say the food is the highlight!
Funnily enough, my folks went there this year and also raved about it - and they are 4/5 times a year AI travellers.
Been 3 times already and am going back next November (Thailand in January first). Best AI ever, the place is absolutely massive.

Welshbeef

49,633 posts

197 months

Wednesday 16th September 2015
quotequote all
GT03ROB said:
So I'm back from 10 days at Sandals La Source in Grenada.

1st question would we go back? Unreserved yes.

99% was included. All restaurants included; Meal in your room? Included from any restaurant; Lunch on the beach? Included from any restaurant; Wifi? Included.

Despite it being a large resort, 250 rooms, running around 70% occupancy it did not feel impersonal at all. The service everywhere was excellent probably the most consistent good standard I've seen anywhere. Food quality, for the most part, excellent. All fresh. Fantastic steaks & seafood available. Drinks in the room constantly replenished. Non-stop stream of service on the beach, coolers provided and filled with what you wanted if you didn't want the cocktails. High quality finishes throughout the resort. Mobile phone provided for own private service. Excellent attention to detail..eg.. come in from the beach & bath is already run with bath salts in & champagne on ice. Yes you were made to feel special.

Any niggles? Yes, SCUBA diving is fully included with all the gear as much as you want but they then charge $10 if you want a shortie. So minor I don't know why they bother. Aspects of the entertainment they put on is a bit tacky & focused on US customers. Easily avoidable so no big deal.

Was it good value, well we all have our own idea of value. We flew out BA 1st, back in Club, had one of the better rooms & it was still cheaper than Florida last year for the same duration when we flew Club & Premium Economy.

It was totally stress free, totally relaxing. A definite thumbs up for this resort.
Could you confirm number of adults and kids in your group and ball park holiday cost.

e635815

379 posts

187 months

Wednesday 16th September 2015
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sc0tt said:
I'm off to the Dominican republic in 2 weeks staying here. Looks decent but I am easily pleased. This however was damn sight more than I usually pay for AI so I am expecting good things.

http://www.dreamsresorts.com/la-romana
Just returned from this hotel and it is not what we expected.
Out of the 6 or 7 restaurants, only two are worth mentioning: the Dominican on the beach and the Italian.
All others serve crap food in a nice package.

The worst bit is lunch time. Only burgers and pizza.

Make sure you go for the lobster night (45$ each) and eat as much as you can !!!!

But if you are after fresh fruits and fruit juices for breakfast, you'll love this resort.

Despite my comments, we had a wonderful time and didn't starve...
Philippe

alias2002

31 posts

108 months

Thursday 17th September 2015
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Last week we made a tour on Cox's Bazar (Sea Beach) with all of my office stuffs. Enjoy a lot there. Amazing experience in life.

5potTurbo

12,482 posts

167 months

Thursday 17th September 2015
quotequote all
Welshbeef said:
5potTurbo said:
Just returned from our 2nd ever A.I holiday in Crete, and we stayed at the Royal Belvedere near Hersonissos.

We had a great time. Hotel was good, food was OK - lots of choice, which perhaps impacted the quality - bars good, the pools are very good - all salt water, including their 50m x 25m pool, and they've a good team of "animators" who work very hard on daytime activities for children and adults alike, and evening entertainment.
Car to share ball park price room quality and beach quality.
Bear in mind we didn't fly from the UK, but Luxembourg, and Luxair certainly isn't known for its low prices (!), but the A.I package was just under €5k for a family of 4, 2 weeks.

Transfer from Heraklion is short as Hersonissos is only about 30km from the airport.

We had a large family room, 2 single beds separated from a double room via a wall, bottom half stud wall, top half a translucent screen. We also had a patio/terrace where we could dry towels, swimming kit and lilos. The mattresses were rather on the firm side. (You can rent pool towels from reception for €1/day per towel if you need to.

The nearest beach is Star Beach, which is small and sort of sandy. BUT, the Star Beach hotel has a massive waterpark there so there's techno music blaring from midday .... there are other much nicer, beaches a few km down the road. (Taxi to town is €7)

(Have a look at the hotel on google maps, satellite images, and you'll see the number of levels it has, built on a hillside. From our room to the main reception level was probably 10 floors equivalent.)

ETA: picture so you can see the levels -




Edited by 5potTurbo on Monday 28th September 15:56

Phooey

Original Poster:

12,574 posts

168 months

Thursday 17th September 2015
quotequote all
GT03ROB said:
So I'm back from 10 days at Sandals La Source in Grenada.

1st question would we go back? Unreserved yes.

99% was included. All restaurants included; Meal in your room? Included from any restaurant; Lunch on the beach? Included from any restaurant; Wifi? Included.

Despite it being a large resort, 250 rooms, running around 70% occupancy it did not feel impersonal at all. The service everywhere was excellent probably the most consistent good standard I've seen anywhere. Food quality, for the most part, excellent. All fresh. Fantastic steaks & seafood available. Drinks in the room constantly replenished. Non-stop stream of service on the beach, coolers provided and filled with what you wanted if you didn't want the cocktails. High quality finishes throughout the resort. Mobile phone provided for own private service. Excellent attention to detail..eg.. come in from the beach & bath is already run with bath salts in & champagne on ice. Yes you were made to feel special.

Any niggles? Yes, SCUBA diving is fully included with all the gear as much as you want but they then charge $10 if you want a shortie. So minor I don't know why they bother. Aspects of the entertainment they put on is a bit tacky & focused on US customers. Easily avoidable so no big deal.

Was it good value, well we all have our own idea of value. We flew out BA 1st, back in Club, had one of the better rooms & it was still cheaper than Florida last year for the same duration when we flew Club & Premium Economy.

It was totally stress free, totally relaxing. A definite thumbs up for this resort.
Sounds like a great place that's worth considering!

GT03ROB

13,208 posts

220 months

Thursday 17th September 2015
quotequote all
Welshbeef said:
Could you confirm number of adults and kids in your group and ball park holiday cost.
Kids are not allowed, which depending on your point of view is a plus or a minus! Sandals is adults only; their other brand Beaches is for families.

Ball park cost …. around £8k for 2, though bear in mind with economy flights & lower room, the cost would be substantially lower, though still getting the same basic all inclusive package. The BA flights alone are a substantial proportion of that.

fizz47

2,663 posts

209 months

Thursday 17th September 2015
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hotchy said:
Looking at the prices to me it makes nearly no sense to go to europe if you want a good all inclusive. For the same price sometimes cheaper you can go mexico. There is not many better all inclusives out there than in mexico.

Some of these european ones make me choke at the price when iv just booked to thailand, 2 people 5 star, complete luxury, 5 star trip advisor etc for about £1200 each inclusing flights, transfers etc. Plus with my dads price update of "Dinner costs me £4! Yet we went into a fancy steak house and was ripped off! They charged us £20. " i thought id give it a go.


p.s. i cant remember the name but i went to a place in majorca that was quality. £450 each (sure its now double) Steaks all you can eat every night cooked on a bbq any way you'd like. My heart did not thank me for that week.
Which AI did you book in thainland - Im going over in november and wondering where to go

Adenauer

18,564 posts

235 months

Monday 28th September 2015
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Well, having said 'never again' earlier in the thread, as the days wore on I weakened and really fancied a week away in the sun with the missus. This would be the first time we were able to go away without kids for the last twenty years!!!

I bit the bullet and booked a week AI in Kos, as I could not believe how cheap it is when you don't have to go during the school holidays!

We've just got back, the food in the Hotel was lousy, to compensate for that we drank our own body weight in booze every day, but everything else was fantastic, absolutely fantastic. Hiring a Mario Kart for the week may have helped. thumbup





Edited by Adenauer on Monday 28th September 14:56

anonymous-user

53 months

Monday 28th September 2015
quotequote all
Weather looks st and the sea looks dirty. Not sure why you bothered wink

Adenauer

18,564 posts

235 months

Monday 28th September 2015
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Yeah, it was utter cack.

Hence I'm about to book another one for next spring, Crete this time. It's just so bloody cheap, €1500 for a week AI for the two of us in this dump by the beach. thumbup



anonymous-user

53 months

Monday 28th September 2015
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That's a great price!!! I may have to have a look into this scratchchin