Help with big group

Family is talking about a get together and are considering Negril. All total about 20 of us ranging in age from 9-70. My preference is a place on the main beach. It would seem taking a group of that size to many restaurants on the beach would be difficult as many don't even seat 20 and some of the group have diet issues. Getting to/from restaurants would also be a hassle unless we could just walk.

Because of all that we are considering one of the bigger AIs. The Riu Negril is in the price range with Tropical Bay being a stretch. Does Tropical Bay have any more inclusions than the other like snorkeling, scuba. Do they both have sailing, SUPs and things?

Since it will be hard to get that big of a group down the the main beach we will be mostly stuck on the resort or at least on Bloody Bay. Is there another area of Jamaica worth looking at for something better or cheaper than the Riu's in Negril? Any other thoughts of places like DR, or Mexico, or ???.

Not looking to do this until 2024 so mainly looking for ideas and gather some budget data. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

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Originally Posted by BeachTramp

Family is talking about a get together and are considering Negril. All total about 20 of us ranging in age from 9-70. My preference is a place on the main beach. It would seem taking a group of that size to many restaurants on the beach would be difficult as many don't even seat 20 and some of the group have diet issues. Getting to/from restaurants would also be a hassle unless we could just walk.

Because of all that we are considering one of the bigger AIs. The Riu Negril is in the price range with Tropical Bay being a stretch. Does Tropical Bay have any more inclusions than the other like snorkeling, scuba. Do they both have sailing, SUPs and things?

Since it will be hard to get that big of a group down the the main beach we will be mostly stuck on the resort or at least on Bloody Bay. Is there another area of Jamaica worth looking at for something better or cheaper than the Riu's in Negril? Any other thoughts of places like DR, or Mexico, or ???.

Not looking to do this until 2024 so mainly looking for ideas and gather some budget data. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

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Not sure what is the name of the place but it is right next to White Sands 10 rooms it comes with a chef nice beach & your own pool it is new

There's Aqua beach Villa with multiple rooms, in house staff, bar, pool on 7 mile beach.

Idle Awhile Villas, full staff, private pools, water sports, they can arrange drivers.

The new place by White Sands is called Yrie Beach Villa. I had seen that when last on the rock. Punched in the numbers and it was way more expensive and that was without food and booze. Ditto for Idle Awhile. It did seem like the perfect solution though.

Beaches is an AI on the main beach. They often have specials throughout the year as do the other AIs.

Since your trip is over a year away, rather than booking now, during the busiest time of the year, you may want wait until after March to get the best deals.

Beaches would be nice Rob, but a 50% off sale would still make it twice the price of the Riu Negril. Not planning to book yet but exploring ideas and costs. Once we decide what to do I'll monitor prices and book when closer or there is a price drop.

If I can remember correctly Aqua Beach Villa's only have 4 rooms but that would be kinda cool, having the whole place to yourself with a private bar and restaruant . White Sands might be a option. You can have several rooms across the road and then get the big suite on beach side as a HQ. There is actually so many and right in the heart of the beach so finding a restaurant shouldn't be hard. CoCo La Palm, Rayon, Crystal Waters (each family can have there own cottage), just to many to mention. The AI idea sounds good but it might wear a little thin after 2 or 3 days.

It's too bad Grand Pineapple closed. We went twice with big groups and it was an economical AI in a good stretch of beach. Sorry, that's not help but it got me reminiscing.

I miss the Pineapple. Stayed there a couple times and loved it!

The beach at the Rui Tropical is worth the additional cost, although it's not on the main beach.

Aqua Beach Villa wouldn't work for your group -- they only have 6 bedrooms with occupancy of 12. I have travelled with large groups as recent as this past August (25) and August 2021 (35). We did group meals at some restaurants that we pre-arranged. You can arrange a fixed price menu. In 2021, we did non AI for a week and ended the trip with 4 night at Riu Reggae. While we all loved Riu Reggae, just about everybody said next time skip the AI.

Treehouse is a great spot and breakfast is delicious and included. Sounds like a great trip to plan! Have fun!

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Originally Posted by Rumlover

Idle Awhile Villas, full staff, private pools, water sports, they can arrange drivers.

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Good suggestion !