Carribean Pool Bar Golf Trail
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Occidental Grand Aruba pool bar
The Carribean Islands: Home Of The All-Inclusive Swim-Up Bar
Compiled by Fat Guy
As I've always said, "There's Travel, and then there's Vacation."
Travel entails new experiences; places, people, sights, sounds, smells, foods, history, art, music, architecture. In other words: Running, from place to place, from attraction to musuem, to see all you can see. You arrive home with pictures you can't wait to post on Facebook and interesting new stories to tell at parties. And you also usually arrive back at work on a Monday morning, exhausted. Not-so-jokingly saying, "I need a vacation to recover from my vacation."
Then there's Vacation; it entails... not much. Relaxing. Getting away from the To Do lists at home, getting out of town to someplace tranquil. Someplace like the Carribean. Taking your watch off and leaving it in your suitcase for a week, because you long to live a life where you don't care what time it is. Have a few drinks. Hopefully on an underwater bar stool. Some nice meals. A good book. Some quality time on a poolside chase lounge, a beach chair, or a hammock. Maybe a round of golf or two. Your loftiest ambition for the day becomes... having no ambitions for the day. No schedule. No appointments. You arrive back at work on a Monday morning, refreshed, color on your cheeks, wearing an unusually jaunty grin, and smelling vaguely of coconut. If you're lucky, that relaxed feeling might even last into Wednesday. (Though Lord knows that Vacation with kids can sometimes feel alot like Travel.)
Since the 1980's, packaging the paradise of the Carribean has become big business. Chances are good that any Carribean trip you book will start with thoughts of a tropical getaway (whether romantic, or a parental respite the kids can enjoy too). Chances are good that your research will start on a vacation package website like www.applevacations.com or www.cheapcarribean.com. The net result of which will inevitably be a couple's or family trip, staying at one of the cushy all-inclusive resorts. There's no shame in following the herd occasionally, especially when the Carribean shepherds have relaxation down to such a perfect formula. The all-inclusive model works because it's so damn easy, carefree, and fun, and the concept easily scales up from good-value midscale to high-end properties.
As for Carribean golf, keep in mind that island real estate ain't cheap, especially if you want waterfront holes. Expect to pay greens fees often well over the $100 mark, or maybe scale back your expectations to a resorty 9-holer.
Fat Guy Tip: While most all-inclusives discourage tipping, a well-placed $20 tip for the swim-up bartender at the beginning of the trip or day will bring you noticeably better service, attitude, and drinks.
Fat Guy Tip: If you're looking for value at one of the midscale all-inclusives, I've found it helpful to consciously temper my expectations about the food before I arrive by remembering how happy I was with the overall value when I booked the trip. You'll likely end up having a couple really good meals for dinner over a week or a long weekend, but overall the majority of the food will probably be mediocre. Carribean tastes and cooking techniques tend to be less dynamic than we're used to in the States, and the resorts don't make enough margin to feed a cast of hundreds gourmet food every meal, especially for the price you paid. I usually end up describing all-inclusive food with some variation of the comment, "It was mostly OK, I just wasn't running back for seconds."
Fat Guy Tip: Some all-inclusive resorts pour surprisingly strong drinks, while others try to monitor booze consumption with electronic pour monitors and transactional systems tied to your room. While drinks are still included in your package at these places, the transactions slow down the process of easily procuring another Mai Tai, sometimes to the point of frustration if there's only one bartender on duty. I think the intent falls somewhere between corporate not trusting the help, and intentionally slowing down guest consumption. So ask about any drink transactions before you book the resort. If you get stuck at one of these spots, I suggest asking for minimal ice on mixed drinks, and ordering as many as you can carry each trip to the bar. You can always go back for a quicker trip just to ask for more ice.
The Sandals Resorts
I hate to sound like I'm dropping into a Sandals commercial (I've never actually stayed at one), but they pioneered the all-inclusive resort swim-up bar concept, catering to the couples crowd. All of their Carribean properties have swim-up bars, which range from better-than-anything-in-the-States to truly unique. If the formula ain't broke, then join 'em.
Golfers will love the pool bar at Sandals Emerald Bay in the Bahamas.
This cool swim-up pool bar is housed in a two-story Carribeanstyle pool house, while the resort features Greg Norman's Emerald Reef Golf Club, ranked one of the best in the Carribean by T&L Golf. Telegraph Travel says, “Built along a headland on the eastern shores of Great Exuma, the Emerald Reef course is the Caribbean's answer to Pebble Beach in California. In fact – and whisper it quietly – with six signature holes that hug the ocean, for sheer aesthetic appeal, this Bahamian course might even surpass it."
Sandals Grand Riviera in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Sandals G&CC.
Sandals has 3 resorts on St. Lucia, which all share access to Sandals La Toc's lush, hilly 9 holer.
Sandals Dunn's River
About.com digs the pool bar at Sandals Whitehouse in Jamaica.
Sandals Royal Bahamian also has a colorful swim-up bar.
Half Moon Bay, Rose Hall, Jamaica
Hit their scenic Robert Trent Jones Sr. course on Montego Bay, which was renovated by Roger Rulewich in 2005, then their Hibiscus pool and swim-up bar for libations. Tip: Book the two of you an hour at the resort's Dolpin Lagoon to build up plenty of points to slip out for a round or two. Half Moon Bay is also a good spot for families; send your 'tweens and teens to the Hype Zone, and the little ones to Camp Half Moon.
Occidental Grand Aruba
Barcelo Punta Cana
Hard Rock Punta Cana
Point Grace Turks & Caicos
Providenciales. Some polls call the 12-mile beach of Grace Bay the best beach in the world. It’s at your doorstep at Point Grace, some of whose apartment-sized accommodations offer sweeping views of the Caribbean and beaches with sand the texture of sugar. And, sure, you can get a massage in a treatment room with wide-open doors and windows that allow the breeze in. Don’t worry -- the average low temperatures range between 73 and 80 all year. [TravelChannel.com]
Excellence Resorts
Iberostar Resortswww.iberostar.com
Family Travel Network named Iberostar Costa Dorada, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic as their #14 Best Carribean Resort for Families. "The all-inclusive Iberostar Costa Dorada wonTripAdvisor.com's Travelers' Choice Award in the "Best Bargain - Caribbean" category in previous years. This property, as well as its many Iberostar sister properties throughout the Dominican Republic and the Riviera Maya area of Mexico, are consistent favorites with vacationing families. What's Special: Families rave about this resort's large pool, lovely grounds and attentive Star Friends staff. Lucy's Club entertains children ages 4-12 and an extensive variety of tours are offered. Spa treatments are excellent and extremely reasonably priced. Rooms in blocks 1,2,5,6 and 7 are further away from the disco and tend to be quieter."
Iberostar's resorts in Punta Cana, the Iberostar Bavaro and the Iberostar Dominicana, were named byTripAdvisor.com and Budget Travel magazine as best value Caribbean resorts.
Breezes Resorts (www.breezes.com)
The Breezes chain is owned by the same folks who own Sandals, but geared more towards families. Essentially it's the same formula as their couples resorts, but with a healthy dose of Disney-esque kiddie entertainment thrown in.
Golfers will dig Breezes Runaway Bay, Jamaica. Tee it up at their Golf Club at Runaway Bay. Greens fees are included, but you'll pay for a cart, rental clubs, and a mandatory caddie, which will total roughly the price of a round. Then cool down at their infinity-edge pool with swim-up bar.
Breezes Punta Cana
Travel & Leisure Family named Breezes Turks & Caicos as their #2 Best Carribean Resort for Families, with six pools, the requisite beachfront swim-up bar, and a free kids club.
"This all-inclusive on beach-blessed Providenciales (the most populated of the 40 Turks and Caicos islands, located just a 100-minute flight from Miami) is full of gleeful parents who can’t quite believe that they’re on vacation with their kids and things are going well. Four distinctive themed enclaves (including the new all-suite "Italian" village) share a 12-mile beach, a 45,000-square-foot Pirate Island water park, an X-box Game Garage, and a 21-and-under nightclub. Daily rates from $410 per adult, children 2-16 $95, all-inclusive." Sneak away for an early morning round at Provo G&CC (www.provogolfclub.com), a Top 10 Carribean course designed by Karl Litten that recently received a $1.5 milllion makeover. The course features variable trade winds, rugged limestone outcroppings, lush indigenous vegitation including over 900 palms and legions of local flowers, and 12 artfully designed lakes.
Family Travel Network named Breezes Curacao Resort Spa & Casino, Curacao as their #4 Carribean Resort for Families. "Breezes Curacao offers families the value and ease of an all-inclusive vacation with Dutch island flair. What's Special: Families will enjoy the watersports and the 1500-foot white sand beach. The resort has constructed a breakwater right offshore, creating a large protected area where children can easily swim amidst tropical fish. The resort is also adjacent to the lovely Undersea National Park as well as the Sea Aquarium. Fully-staffed kids programs at Camp Breezes are included and are available for babies, school-age children and teens. SuperNannies and babysitters are available for an additional charge. If you go, make reservations for dinner at Pastafari and Munasan, the resort's Japanese tapanyaki restaurant, and try out the trapeze and trampoline clinics. Golf Magazine's Travelin' Joe says, "Play the Pete Dye-designed Old Quarry ($125-$150; 011-599-9-840-5550, www.santabarbaraplantation.com). Less penal than most Dye offerings (steady winds take their toll, however), the 6,920-yard layout serves up spectacular views at many turns, which help distract you from the long drives between some holes."
10. Grand Pineapple Beach Negril, Jamaica: The laid-back all-inclusive Grand Pineapple Beach Negril is now owned by Sandals/Beaches Resorts, a favorite with family travelers. Beaches operates another value-oriented family oriented all-inclusive nearby, Beaches Sandy Bay, which is also a good (but more expensive) choice for budget oriented families. What's Special: This small resort is located on one of the widest sections of spectacular Negril Beach, providing 7-miles of white sand bliss for beach lovers. Beach side rooms are located right on Negril Beach, while less expensive garden side rooms are located across the boulevard. Watersports here are excellent and most public areas of the hotel (as well as some of the rooms) have Wi-Fi coverage. Great deals are often offered on the resort's website, so make sure to check there before booking. www.GrandPineapple.com
Advice for families booking a Carribean family getaway: Family Travel Network says, "."Families can get the best deals and rates during the off-season months (generally from late April or early May through mid-December), but some resorts also offer family-oriented specials at other times. During the summer months, "kids stay and eat free" deals are quite common at resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico. In addition, some vacation package marketers such asBookIt.com (www.bookit.com), CheapCaribbean.com (www.cheapcaribbean.com), Funjet (www.funjet.com), Fare Deals (www.faredeals.com), USA3000 Vacations (www.usa3000.com) and others offer deals and specials during the fall and in prime winter months. When bargain shopping, always make sure to compare these deals with those that you can obtain on your own to make sure you're getting the best deal. Websites such as TravelZoo (www.travelzoo.com) and the Hot Deals area of the Family Travel Network can also be good sources for Caribbean vacation bargains."
Atlantis
I saved the best for last. While there are dozens if not hundreds of pool bars in the Carribean that would put any of us tightly-wound Americans into a state of relaxation bliss, the Mac Daddy of all Carribean pool bars can be found at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas.
I happend to pick up my friends Jeff and Brenda at the airport after return flight from a stay at Atlantis. They immediately launched into an excited description of Atlantis' varied pool areas, and didn't stop talking for a half an hour... the great pools, the attentive drink service, the topless hotties at the adult pools, the waterslides, the attractive waitstaff, the great kiddie areas, the aquarium, the topless hotties at the adult pools... they couldn't get enough pool time while they were here.
Picking a pool to spend the day here is like ordering off a menu, with 12 themed pools from which to choose. Just you and the wife and you want something quiet and romantic without the shrieking joy of kids? Stay at Atlantis' The Cove, which is adults-only, and hang at Cain at The Cove, an ultra-pool and beach club. Four multi-level poos, stylish daybeds, live DJ's and outdoor gaming. Or head for the Grotto pool, a gradual edge pool with waterfalls. Or the Baths, a massive 2.5 acre free-form pool with columns, hieroglyphs, and rock work. How about the Mayan Temple pool, the Temple (which houses a waterslide) looms large near this zero-entry spot. The Royal Baths is serenity and romance with soothing music surrounded by palms. The Blu pool is Atlantis' version of Vegas' Rehab at the Hard Rock, the hipster spot for cocktails and party tunes. The River pool connects to the lazy river. The Cascades is dotted with palm-tree islands with oceanside views, exclusive to guests of The Cove and The Reef sections. Get a workout in the Lap pool. There's also three kids pools: the Poseidon for the little tikes, the Ripples has mini water slides and flowing fountains, but they'll probably gravitate towards the highly-stimulating Splashers with slides, water cannons, cargo nets, rope bridges, and water wheels.
You don't need a barstool to enjoy a libation here, as the attentive waitstaff will keep your glass full all day. Pool bar lovers will gravitate towards the round Lagoon bar, while hipsters will dig Cain's bar.
I did a walk-through of Atlantis a few years back while staying at another resort, and came away with the impression that Atlantis is pretty much Vegas plopped down on a beach, with a Disney water park outside. There's a casino, a high-end shopping promenade, a massive lobby polished to a high sheen, and a restaurant with a massive window wall that looks into the massive aquarium. Kubla Khan would have been jealous of this joint. A glance at the restaurant menus confirmed the word of mouth I'd heard: Atlantis isn't all-inclusive, and they get you on the food. So make sure you include a healthy food and drink stipend in your budget before you book here. Jeff and Brenda's verdict: It's pricey, but it's worth it (granted, they don't have any kids). If you're on the fence about whether or not Atlantis and Paradise Island are worth it, rent Into The Blue starring a bikini-clad Jessica Alba (you'll thank me), and then decide.
For a better value way to enjoy all of Atlantis' water areas, Family Travel Network says, "Families (or couples) staying at Comfort Suites Paradise Island located across from Atlantis can enjoy the full use of the Atlantis facilities, including the pools, water slides, Lazy River ride, private beach, spa and Kids Camp, at a small fraction of the Atlantis price. Guests at Comfort Suites Paradise Island also have full signing privileges at Atlantis Paradise Island restaurants and lounges. In addition, guests also receive a free deluxe continental breakfast and refrigerators are available in the hotel's rooms. Deluxe rooms can accommodate larger families with two double beds and a living room area complete with a double sofa bed. www.ComfortSuites.ChoiceHotels.com.
If you can afford a week or a long weekend at Altantis, then you can afford the greens fees at The One & Only Ocean Club's Ocean Course. This is where Daniel Craig's Bond stayed for his island swing in Casino Royale. The Tom Weiskopf layout is a perennial Top 5 in the Carribean, with water views from nearly every hole.
Remember Bond taking a spin around this entrance drive in the Aston Martin he just won in a Texas Hold 'Em game in Casino Royale?
For something slighly more affordable with more local flavor, tee it up at Blue Shark Golf Club. The fifteenth and seventeenth holes are the highlights of this complete redesign by Greg Norman of what used to be the South Ocean Club course on nearby New Providence Island. Known as the "blue holes," they straddle giant lagoon sinkholes connected to the ocean by subterranean channels. The rest of the layout, part of which overlooks the Atlantic, features Norman's familiar white sand bunkers and crushed-coquina waste areas. Architect: Greg Norman. Yardage: 7,100. Par: 72. Tee Times: www.bluesharkgolf.com.