Sandals is a testament to that very fact..Originally Posted by Muck
What I don't like though is when they discourage people from leaving the compound. I also don't like being told I can't have guests, whether farrin or local.. but your right - to each their own..
OK - I had said this before and was doubted, so Thank you Jasperpso for that confirmation. Lest anyone label me as a hater, I really am not. Sometimes the AI deal with airfare is a really good one and I cannot fault anyone for not passing up a good deal. The AI experience is not really for me, however for some folks it is how they prefer to roll. That having been said, I will clarify what I don't like:
1) When a AI property perpetuates a negative attitude towards the host country so as to discourage their guests from venturing out on their own. (i.e. keep them from spending their money elsewhere) I definitely read a negative connotation into comments that are made to tourists telling them not to leave the property unless they arrange a tour through the resort or use one of their people or their drivers. Making folks worry more than necessary about their safety does not give a nice impression and plays on their fears as well as sterotypes. One must use common sense when travelling. Wearing excessive jewelry or behaving without caution will get you mugged anywhere - not just in Jamaica.
This practice does take place and while some may view it as the resort shooting themselves in the foot, fact is people do have such a good time at the AI that they do return year after year and just become accustomed to staying on the property most of the time.
2) When someone who is a registered guest wants to invite a local for dinner or a drink (to be PAID for of course) and the property tells the local that they are not welcome and must leave. This outrages me.
3) When a guest coming to the resort views the local employees as only fit to be subservient and does not really see them as equal people. US and THEM mentality. It was having met some people who fit this description that turned me off from ever trying the AI experience in Jamaica. Perhaps I am being closed minded but the encounters left a bad taste and it was more than once.
4) When folks brag about having such intimate knowledge of a country and all they have ever done year after year is stay on an AI property without venturing forth at all - this is something I find mildy irritating and almost barely deserving of making this list, but I include it anyway.
I am NOT saying that every person who goes to an AI is some sort of bigoted Jackhole. My problem is really more with the attitudes perpetuated by some AI properties. And I am not going to say that going to an AI is wrong. All I can say is that it is not for me. Personally I do think it is a shame to go all the way to another country without taking a little time to learn about the people, the culture and to experience being in a different kind of place. [Florida, California & much of the southern eastern seacoast have some very nice beaches and resorts.] But if this is what some people choose to do, so be it. Let Them Enjoy! Maybe someday they will venture forth and see a little of what they may have been missing. In the meantime, I accept that we all have the right to visit and love Jamaica in our own individual ways.
PEACE!
^^^^
All good points....but one other thing to consider:
Some people who stay at AIs have ALREADY done the "exploring-the-Island-and-meeting-the-people-thing" and would prefer to just chill out at a single spot and just enjoy the company of their spouse/significant other.
Case in point, I would consider myself to be a very seasoned traveler. I enjoy visiting new countries and meeting newpeople. But there are some times where I just prefer a little solitude with my wife. We happen to enjoy Couples Swept Away because of the beach, the waters of Negril, the beautiful property......and best of all........NO KIDS ALLOWED!!!!!!!! I don't know of a beach resort in Florida that compares. We generally try to get off the resort for an evening dinner on the cliffs and will occasionally walk the beach (we love Tony's Hut). But 99% of the time, our butts are planted on a lounger in the sand out in front of the resort enjoying ourselves.
Good point! I feel the same way about kids on vacation and I don't have any.
Live,Stay true to yourself, and Never Compromise for anything
Can anyone provide a list non-AI hotels in Negril that are adult-only?
I'll start with Catcha Falling Star. I believe it's actually 16 and over, however I have yet to see a kid there.
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