are you sure you want all inclusive?? if you're an islander virgin, don't you want to explore and see all kinds of things??

i've done both, and if you're not sticking around the resort the WHOLE time it's not really worth it to me. i would rather get a decent hotel w/a small kitchen (many include breakfast) on the beach, rent a car (or you can taxi ~ it's nice to find an independent guy that will take you all over the place and will be on call your entire visit) and see the whole island.

drinks are really the best benefit of all inclusive, but i'm kinda picky so i went to the liquor store and bought my choice of drinks that the hotel bar didn't offer.

have fun!! i'm itching for a trip to the islands myself. once i lose 20 lbs, it's on my schedule!

Sandals st Lucia is by far my favorite. Ochoa rios Jamaica is also very nice. If you consider Mexico, moon palace all inclusive resorts are also fantastic and age fourteen up. I'll never do another vacation that isn't all inclusive, whether it's just us or the whole family. As much as you think you might cook in a kitchenette, you'll find yourself wishing you could just go to the restaurant.

Couples Resort in Negril, Jamaica is pretty awesome too - it's all inclusive, beautiful beach, super friendly locals, great in-town shopping & excellent food. We've been there twice and loved it.

As for Mexico, if you go to Cancun, be sure to stay closer to town than out in the boonies at some of the newer resorts unless you like spending all your time riding in a cab. We stayed at Secrets Maroma Beach last year, it was only about a year old. The beach was okay, but too rough of waves to enjoy just floating around in the ocean, also no water activities (snorkeling, scuba, etc). The suite was really nice, we had a swim out suite with a semi private pool. Food totally sucked!

All inclusive is great, in Jamaica EVERYTHING is included, not so much in Mexico, just the basics. The booze in Jamaica is top shelf, anything you want, as much as you want and they certainly didn't skimp on the liquor when making them. And the best thing? ADULTS only! No kids pissing in the pool or spa, no screaming kids at dinner or kicking sand all over you on the beach!

I am a travel agent... and $2,000.00 for the Caribbean is a tight budget... or a rip off for 4 or 5 days.. It's cheaper to do 7---if you can. When do you want to go? Where are flying out of? I am checking out a re-branded property in Jamaica in three weeks.. It is a Super Club property.. think: Breezes, Hedonism II Hedo III... Hedo III is in Runaway Bay (Between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios) adults only, all-inclusive,...and "wallet conscious". The new name is Super Fun and is no longer nude friendly. I can let you know if it's worth the low price of $999.00 per person for 7 nights-- An unheard of price for a four star in Jamaica. We'll see... I hope it's good; we will be able to sell a lot of it at that price...

I agree with the OP that suggested Couples Negril, it's probably their best property. Tower Island Ocho Rios is a dump.. just returned from there 4 months ago. Cancun, meh... think Chicago on a hot smoggy day... with a bunch a fraternity brothers.. The Palace Resorts are nice.. they are expensive.

My other destination choice, for your price range, would be Puerto Vallarta ... the Golden Crown Paradise is a fantastic Deal... superb customer Service.. even if the property is not as opulent as the others.. Centrally located to the Downtown Nightlife and Daytime shopping... It's adult only and ala cart dining--meaning no buffets!! 24 hour AI room service.. Nice place. You also would have total guest privileges at their sister property. (Because the sister property is family oriented.. they can not exchange at the adults only property-- a good thing!!) If you can afford to spend a few bucks.. Dreams is a nice Resort, although not adults only.