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Re: Possible Recommendations
[Re: SPF29inSXM]
#226807
05/20/2020 09:42 AM
05/20/2020 09:42 AM
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Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 658 Maine
SXMbeacher
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 658
Maine
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MCO, Orlando Fla. is an easy fly, and although i have never stayed there, Cypress Cove Resort gets high marks and mostly fits your bill. There is a small beach, but is on a lake. You still may make Aug. but who knows at this point?
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Re: Possible Recommendations
[Re: SPF29inSXM]
#226879
05/21/2020 06:57 AM
05/21/2020 06:57 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 601 PA
ChuckG
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 601
PA
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Here's another plug for Cypress Cove which is in the process of slowly reopening. They seem to be taking great precautions for Covid. We stay there all winter and love it. Feel free to PM me with any questions
Chuck and Joni
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Re: Possible Recommendations
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#226956
05/22/2020 12:38 PM
05/22/2020 12:38 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 601 PA
ChuckG
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 601
PA
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Carol- We were there for the winter, left early though (3/24). I should add that am not sure if the hotel is open yet or not. They only reopened for full member day visitors or camping a week or so ago. Here is the latest status ( Update/) : Q: Are you open to everyone wishing to visit Cypress Cove? A: Currently, we are only open to members of Cypress Cove for day visits and camping. This includes established but also NEW members. For more information about membership please visit here. Q: Are you accepting new reservations for the Villas? A: Only existing villa reservations, made prior to the pandemic, will be honored provided the guest has not traveled internationally or traveled from a location identified as a hotspot. Watch this page for more information on villa re-openings and availability. Q: Can I make a reservation for a few months from now? A: Currently, we cannot make new reservations due to the unknown timeframe of the phased reopening of the state of Florida. Please check back here for up to date information. We will also share information on our social media channels. Q: Are the amenities open? A: The majority of our resort-style amenities are open. Our pools are open in addition to our hot tubs. Cheeks Bar & Grill is open for patio dining and to-go orders. If you are a resident or are camping at Cypress Cove delivery is also an option. All of our sports courts are open and lake activities are available. We have paddleboards, paddleboats, canoes & kayaks. Lakeside Restaurant & Body Works Gym is still closed. C
Last edited by ChuckG; 05/22/2020 12:44 PM.
Chuck and Joni
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Re: Possible Recommendations
[Re: TravelHat]
#229086
07/01/2020 10:41 AM
07/01/2020 10:41 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,673 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,673
Central Florida!
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Having visited Couples Tower Isle for the day, I would agree with your assessment, TravelHat. I personally would not book a vacation there, if I was looking for an a/n experience. The island is small, no beach, very limited food options, and issues with getting the boat back and forth. We have never been to Couples San Souci, in good part because I have bad knees and could not deal with all the stairs there.
Wishing for things that don't exist any more, Grand Lido Braco was the BEST!!
Carol Hill
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Re: Possible Recommendations
[Re: SPF29inSXM]
#229189
07/02/2020 10:53 AM
07/02/2020 10:53 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,116 missouri
Cathyg
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,116
missouri
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We have been to Club Orient 15 times....and to Jamaica 24 times...and to Mexico 4 times. If you are looking for a St. Martin replacement...I can tell you very honestly...there is not one.
An all inclusive resort has a completely different feel from a place like SXM. I would ask what is your top priority? What are you looking for?
Couples resorts are a good brand. We have stayed at CTI, CSS and we have toured Couples Negril. Each one is similar yet different. Each offers different amenities.
We went to Grand Lido Braco for 11 years...we loved the place and unfortunately it closed and has reopened as a family resort. CSS is the most similar to Braco...yet it is different.
We always book building A or B. They are the closest to Sunset Beach which has a nude beach, pool, hot tub, bar and grill. It is a short walk ..maybe a block from A and B to SSB. You must be clothed to go from the building to SSB and once you arrive SSB you must remove all clothing. You must also be a couple. The beach is not the best...but it is also not the worst. The white river runs into the Caribbean sea right in front of SSB so beach fluctuates. There are plenty of chairs and palapas.
The pool is very nice and there are plenty of chairs and umbrellas around the pool. A buffet lunch is served at the pool grill everyday.
Buildings A and B have been newly renovated and are beautiful. They are spacious, with a king bed, sofa, huge walk in shower bar, small frig and nice balcony. The views are beautiful. The main pool, main beach, and Caribbean sea are right behind the balconies. Nearby is the main bar and two restaurants.
We have found in 24 trips to Jamaica...that all inclusive food is food. There is not a lot of difference in one resort to another. It cannot compare to food in Grand Case...but it is decent food and we always gain weight.
We have always had good service no matter where we have stayed.
I will be happy to answer specific questions.
Jamaica opened back up for tourism July 1. They do require a covid 19 test within 72 hours of arriving...or they will test you when you arrive. The rules change everyday so I would check out the Jamaica sight before making a decision to travel.
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Re: Possible Recommendations
[Re: SPF29inSXM]
#229194
07/02/2020 11:25 AM
07/02/2020 11:25 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,116 missouri
Cathyg
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,116
missouri
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It is about a 90 minute ride from the airport to the resort. Usually ...halfway the bus does stop. You can stay at the pool or beach all night if you want to...but the pool bar at SSB closes at 5. SSB opens to ALL GUESTS at 5 because it has the best sunset views. You can remain nude...but others will be allowed to come and might be dressed. It is not an issue for me...but I want you to be aware of it. The main pool swim up bar also closes at 5. Water sports are located at the main beach. I am not sure of everything they offer but none will be nude. There is a private company that does a very nice raft ride down the white river with a wonderful lunch. There is a fee. Restaurants are open until 9:30. Room service is open until 10:30 and is included. https://couples.com/resorts/sans-souci this web sight will be very helpful for you and david@allthewaytravel.com is my travel agent for Jamaica. There are 4 swimming pools on the property, 3 beaches, 4 restaurants and 6 bars. The restaurants are PALAZZINA which is open for breakfast lunch and dinner but requires reservations for dinner. BEACH GRILL& BELLA VISTA open for lunch and dinner. CASANOVA for dinner reservations required. SUNSET BEACH GRILL lunch only at SSB. The 6 bars are 2 pool bars Beach bar on the main beach Palazzina bar Balloon piano bar Martini bar We have a vacation webpage https://www.sandcvacations.com/Go to the visiting the world Gallery and you will see several Galleries from CSS
Last edited by Cathyg; 07/02/2020 02:59 PM.
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Re: Possible Recommendations
[Re: Cathyg]
#229226
07/02/2020 06:28 PM
07/02/2020 06:28 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 251 Toronto, Ontario
Kevin_B
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 251
Toronto, Ontario
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You really nailed it, Cathy. Your description of both CSS ans SSB was spot on. It was your guidance to us a few years ago that convinced us to go to CSS. Hope the OP takes your comments to heart and enjoys the resort like we did. Cheers
Kevin
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Re: Possible Recommendations
[Re: SPF29inSXM]
#229240
07/03/2020 08:54 AM
07/03/2020 08:54 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,673 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,673
Central Florida!
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At this point, I have to assume that you have ruled out Florida. NOT a good time to come here and possibly you would have to quarantine for 14 days upon return. Not sure which states that applies to. With regard to an all inclusive vacation in general, they are much different than a trip to SXM. We actually haven't done an a/I for quite a while. There definitely is a place for them though. Other than stuff like massages, pictures, that kind of stuff, you shouldn't need to pay for anything once you arrive and that is very nice. It's also nice to be able to drink whatever you want and stumble back 'home', or try a drink that you have never tried before, confident that you didn't spend $10 on a drink that you end up hating! The food is NOT going to be as good as in SXM and you will probably have to settle for buffet for at least one meal per day. A/I's have been some of the most relaxing vacations we've ever had and most of the time when we went to Jamaica, we never left the resort. There are a couple of a/i's in Mexico that have nude beaches, but I personally am not familiar with them at all. As of now, I THINK that the Mexico resorts are not open because of Corona, but I have not been following it. If you are focusing on Jamaica, I would do some serious research on what's happening there in terms of troubles after the country has opened to Americans. And with the continuing surge in the US, it is possible that some islands will close back down to accepting Americans. And, most of all, best wishes on your anniversary! I hope you are able to go somewhere GREAT and enjoy it. We celebrated our 40th anniversary at a villa in SXM last June. This June, our anniversary trip to SXM was cancelled due to Corona. While I HATE that this year's trip was cancelled, I am grateful that we were able to celebrate the big one last year in SXM.
Carol Hill
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Re: Possible Recommendations
[Re: SPF29inSXM]
#229246
07/03/2020 10:07 AM
07/03/2020 10:07 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,116 missouri
Cathyg
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,116
missouri
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I belong to a few Couples groups on face book and presently at CSS there are 22 visitors. They opened July 1. I would indeed recommend looking at the Jamaican web sight for up to date travel information as it seems to change daily. As of this morning....travelers who have had the covid test 72 hours before arriving in Jamaica are not being tested at the airport...however...folks arriving from hot spot states are being tested. It sounds confusing to me. Those who test positive will be sent to a Government quarantine at the expense of the positive person. That sounds scary. https://www.visitjamaica.com/?fbclid=IwAR3wLyWLc3wJ5Sxan0XKq60xo-py4m5594t-XTRuPUdWwCBk06Wmqinf7BASteve and I have been to almost every resort in Mexico and Jamaica that offers c/o or nude beach facilities. Of all of them....couples San Souci is our favorite. It is not...nor will it ever be...St. Martin....But if St. Martin is not an option...it is a very nice option. It will not be a perfect fit for everyone. It is not a perfect fit for me...but it is very nice. I am booked for a road trip to New England in September. I will not go if I am required to quarantine and right now...things are not looking good for me. I can cancel up to 2 weeks before the trip and get all of my deposits back for the Bed and Breakfasts we have booked. I am also booked on a Tauck Antarctica expedition in December. Again...things are not looking good for me. I will not cancel...I will wait for Tauck to pull the plug because I don't want to lose my money. But I can wait....I am not in a rush to cancel. I was on a regent cruise in February and March. One of our ports closed because of covid 19. The entire time we were sailing...we kept praying we could get back home. It is very possible that you could be detained at your expense in a foreign country if flights are cancelled. You have to ask yourself...is the trip worth this possibility and can I afford it. Things are so uncertain regarding travel right now. I don't think at this particular time...I would take the risk. I hope things improve for the USA...but I have doubts that it will happen.
Last edited by Cathyg; 07/03/2020 10:16 AM.
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