Oh lord, where is this one going. Way too much assuming going on based off little comments here and there. Can't we all just get along all the while posting our perceptions, like dislikes, what have you?
With that said I do look forward to checking out The Caves one day. While I prefer non A/I, I do like the set up of The Caves.
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:Originally Posted by jasperpso
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.
AI can be done right if in a small setting. The Caves is a good example, no buffets, lines for food, need to make reservations. They will make anything you want for breakfast. The bar is left open when the staff leave. It's more like staying at some rich person's estate with their staff at your beck and call.
The AI option at Moondance Villas is another example. Eat what you want, when you want.
Of course both of those places are silly expensive.
Personally, I like a mix of having someone to cook homemade meals in my villa, making some things myself and going out to eat.
What kills me are the cookie cutter AIs where you have to get up at the crack of dawn to reserve a chair, you eat bland non-local food and they discourage you from exploring. That may be a fun trip for some, but that's not what Negril is all about, at least to me.
I agree with those that say it's an individual choice and there is no right or wrong.
I've stayed both A/I and Non A/I many times in Negril and enjoy both! My favorite way to spend a week there though is to split the trip between the two. Normal places I do this is between Hedo and CCLP! I love both places for different reasons. Even when I've stayed the whole week at Hedo, I still get off property many times to attend the boardie webcasts, etc., hence, the best of two worlds!
Depending on the type of room you get, where you stay, etc. the price difference is not always all that great, especially when you drink a lot like I do while on vacation!
The last cruise I went on was my first "clothing optional" cruise for 7 nights and it felt confining to me and I agree I wasn't into checking out the "tourist" trap places with hundreds of other people at the ports we stopped at. Further, thank goodness we were able to sneak booze onto the cruise, or I would have gone broke!!!! Talk about $$$$!!!
I know too many people who have stopped on a cruise in Jamaica, only to come back and state they would NEVER go back there again for the above stated reason.
Hedonism July 2-9, 2011
Next Reach Unknown?
Hi everyone,
Last year was our 1st trip to Negril, we stayed at Catcha (we did a week the year before at Sandals Ocho Rios) and while I LOVE NEGRIL and like to mix it up and try new things and not be stuck staying in one place for the whole week I do love the idea of an AI. Now I don't want to spend Sandals money and don't wantto stay at Bloody Bay, we were thinking this year to stay at Charela Inn & taking the AI option so we don't always have to worry about paying for our next meal / drinks (which we plan on having alot of. In my perfect world I would love a nicer AI, low cost & the location and extra money to go out & explore, eat out & drink and having the safety net of not having to always pull out my wallet. So after all that...can any one recomend another AI on the beach or cliffs (we were also thinking about Sea Star, although I don't know if they have any dining options available). Thanks!
Fun Holiday is a lower cost AI. I plan on staying there in December with my kids, which I'd forgotten until just now.
Legends is just "ok" as far as AI if you ask me, but for $54 a day, you can drink free from 10-10. LOL
My best advice is to be careful as they are a few swoondoggles out there...touting AI...but after arrival they are actually more like "meal plans"...
Seastar did have an AI option at one time, with a certain minimum stay attached. Not sure if that still exists.
(: Have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SweetSue and Muck ~ I agree completely. I have never stayed at or if they did, didn't pay attention to it, a place that likes to restrict you. Happy travels to all ~ wherever you decide to stay.
Hey, I'm back picking through the can of worms!
And in all of that we are only talking about MY opinion, not anyone elses. Now if we're going to discuss the value and merit of various opinions...
What's so funny 'bout Peace, Love and Understanding?
My wife and I just returned from Rooms At The Beach and we were at Sunset At The Palms in November. Not an apples to apples comparison I know however; we thoroughly enjoyed both vacations. Cost wise it was not a large difference due to the great deal we had in November.
This is what we are trying to figure out. At Rooms we had to go out for food for lunch and dinner, make sure you had enough money, visit the ATM ..... At SATP it is right there for you. We actually had a more relaxing holiday at Rooms. We think it was because at an A/I you feel compelleded to eat and drink during set hours, even if they are extended hours. If we were hungry at 11.00 AM we grabbed some fruit from a vendor and then lunch was at 3.00.
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