We are in the process of planning a vacation for at least 20 people next January. It is Future Mrs. Whiner's extended family (and siginificant others). About 15 of the people going will be bewteen the ages of 19 and 33, while 6-8 of the people going will be 50+ The only parameters are these: it needs to be warm enough to go swimming in the ocean in January, it needs to have food included in the room price, there needs to be activities/people for 1 or 2 singles (who are about 20) to do, and the price per room (2 people per room with food included) needs to be less than $500/night.

Any thoughts?

a

We made one foray into all-inclusive and will never do it again. The drinks are severely watered down or people would be barfing in the pool. The food is plentiful bu unremarkable at best. We stayed at Sandal St. Lucia and the room and service were fine.The best thing I ate there was the hamburger at the grill. One great thing was that since drinks are included, there was no corkage fee. We brought our wine with us. If you do that, bring stemware.

A few months ago, we went to theDreams Resort in Puerto Vallarta. It was an all inclusive hotel. The cost was less than $200/night for two adults and two children. This is not a luxury resort, but the rooms are large and every room overlooks the ocean. The staff was extremely accommodating - I can't think of anyone who said "sorry, but no" to us during the entire trip. It is all you can eat and drink, all day and night, with five restaurants (or you can have them deliver to you on the beach or in your room). The food was pretty good (but I have somewhat low standards). I think wine might even have been included, but I stuck to Corona. The beach is extremely clean and fairly secluded, so no one bothered us and I felt completely safe leaving my stuff on the beach all day.

The problem when we went was that the entire facility was under major reconstruction. If you are interested in this place, call and check to see if the construction is finished (definitely skip this place if the construction is still ongoing). Although the construction put a damper on our trip, we like it enough that it's a place I'd probably revisit. We met a number of people who were repeat customers, and they all loved the place.

I'd check out Phuket and see if you can get a great deal. January in Phuket is a perfect time. We were there a couple of years ago in January and you can't beat that beach vacation. We stayed at the Amanpuri which is more than what you want to spend but after the Tsunami who knows (they also have entire homes you can rent which given how many people you have might make things doable).

Try Riviera Maya - Paradisus Hotel. We just came back from there. I am not a fan of all-inclusive places. This was a good one.

What about Club Med? They have several villages that are geared towards families,and not just singles.

The family branch of Sandals is called Beaches. Sandals is for couples.

Just read an article in Parents magazine about family vacations. Two all-inclusive ones they recommend - Beachs Negril in Jamaica and the Copacabana Beach Resort on the Mayan Riviera in Mexico (www.hotelcopacabana.com)
Don't have any personal experience at either.
I do know someone who went to the Club Med on the Turks and Caicos and loved it.

Cabo San Lucas
Palau
Australia

I can also highly recommend St Lucia. We stayed at what is now St James Morgan Bay and it's not the gaudy colour that Sandals is There is also a Sports one which looked pretty classy. The island is beautiful and the people are amazingly friendly, confident and good-looking.

How about a cruise?

I like the Long Bay Beach Resort & Villas on Tortola in the BVI. AWESOME place RIGHT on a spectacular streach of sand staring at the Sir Francis Drake Channel.

My wife has always wanted to to to Curacao. I know that Breezes has an all inclusive there. That would seem to fit your needs. Personally, I am not the all inclusive kind of person, love seeking out places to eat, things to do etc. However, just because you are at an all inclusive, there is not reason you couldn't occasionally sneak out for a good meal somewhere away from the resort.

My sister, who is very familiar with the islands recommends vacationing on the French side of St. Martin.

I prefer the Dutch side, except for lunch in Marigot or a trip to Le Santal, which is just on the border. Other than that, the best restaurants are in Philipsburg and environs, and the Dutch use deodorant.

Which side has the topless women on the beach?

Topless you can find all over. Bottomless on the French side.

Viva La France

Phuket had the most beautiful beachs I've ever been on. There are a couple of places on the leeward (east) side of the island that would meet your needs.

I'd check out Cabo San Lucas or Puerto Vallerto. You can get two Haciendas next door to each other. Each one should easily sleep 10 people. They come with a maid, a houseboy and a cook. You can tell the cook what you want to eat the next day and he/she goes to the market the next morning; some of my most memorable meals ever. And there are lots of different things for all ages to do.

Whiner:

Did you try Apple Vacations or Vacation Express like we discussed??

If you want me to look into Long Bay Beach Resort on Tortola, per Fred's suggestion, I represent them and can possibly do something regarding the rate. They also have an all-inclusive option. Just drop me a PM if you're interested.

T-rep