Daily Herald story re Aruba

and an editorial

It's interesting that the DH thinks that a/i is increasing in SXM. Have there been any new a/i's opening in SXM?

LIST

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Is this list current and accurate? What happened to Le Flamboyant and Mercure? They offered AI in the past, do they still offer it? Optional or mandatory?
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Is it bad or good? I think it serves a purpose.

I detect something else possibly amiss in the list. Azure Hotel is an a/i @ $78/night?

To each their own. I did an AI, in Jamacia, a dozen years ago and would never do it again. It's the same as a cruise, I have never done one and never will.

As far as whether or not it is good for the countries where it is in place, just look where it can be found and look at the surrounding communities and the host country.

AI is meant to mostly benefit the property owner. It allows the property owner to capture the majority of money that is spent per guest. Fewer and fewer dollars filter into the local economy.

Azure doesn't have a restaurant, as far as I know, and neither does Princess Heights. And no way it is a/i for $121 a night at Princess Heights. I don't think either one of them offer a/i. Divi does offer a/i, but their price is wrong also, I think.

Yes, Azure does have an allure at that rate but it's no doubt not an AI.

If you're going to do an all-inclusive, why pick St Martin? If you are going to wall yourself in, you could be anywhere with sun and a beach and not know the difference. May as well find a place with cheaper airfare and no passport issues.

I certainly agree that a/i in SXM is a waste, but I am still kind of curious as to why some officials think it is bad in general for the country.

Air Transat offers breakfast only,on those two resorts must have changed used to be A/I......kate
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/canada.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Kate

[quote]bdeeley said:
To each their own. I did an AI, in Jamacia, a dozen years ago and would never do it again. It's the same as a cruise, I have never done one and never will.

You have got to be kidding. Obviously you have never been to Sandals. There is no comparison to a cruise, other than the food is free. No crowds, no kids, 6 restaurants, free flowing top shelf liquors, hundreds of people not thousands

I've read that 80% of the money brought in ends up leaving the host country back to the resort's home country. Some countries lend themselves to A1 due to safety etc, while others are best enjoyed immersed in the culture.

Bobcat....some afternoon reading....go to Air Canada Vacations.....then "Deals"......have a look at some of the prices Canadians have to go A/I.....to some of the Caribbean....kate <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/canada.gif" alt="" />

Actually, I guess that makes sense, if the person stays only at the resort, they pay for everything up front, and the parent company gets all the money.

Take a look at Cancun.

I was there in 1989 when development had just started. There were a few hotels and restaurant on the sandbar, but also a vibrant downtown a short taxi ride away. When I was there again in 2009, the sandbag was loaded with American big box sprall and chain restaurants. Downtown was dead.

Not an A/I, but the same model.

Most of us have had an opportunity to express our opinions about all inclusive for SXM.
I know some friends that have enjoyed AI in Dominican Republic and Jamaican resorts. Their primary concerns were security and safety.
I still think that SXM is different and the variety of restaurant and beach choices as well as available security for those that take precautions allows a better option.

I agree SXM is different. We know people from west Virginia who have been everywhere & they said St martin is the only place they come back to.

A/I is just bad overall - mediocre food and weak drinks. And this was a very upscale A/I not in SXM

I think it really depends on where you are travelling to. I would never do an AI in SXM and can't even think about recommending anyone to do so. In SXM it is easy and safe to get around, there are great beaches, and way to many delicious restaurants to try. In Mexico however, I love doing an AI. It's nice once and awhile to be pampered that way but I wouldn't enjoy it every trip. You really do need to go to a high end AI however to get the really great food, service, drinks etc.....

As I said earlier, I guess you have not been to Sandals or Couples. The food and service is amazing. I think your statement is a a bad generalization.

I'm inclined to agree with you though I'm thinking the negative responses are perhaps generalizations and the negative tones are directed more to AI on St. Martin rather than AIs in general, and particularly not aimed at Couples and Sandals resorts.

We've done AI on a few first visits to destinations, and often the prices have been very hard to pass on. Because you've booked AI it doesn't mean you're wedded to a specific restaurant and have to take every meal there. We've often used the feature for breakfasts and occasional drinks and depending on the island, we have generally gone off the grid and enjoyed dinners where and when the spirit moved us. But it's still reassuring to know in a new place where your meals are coming from until you get a feel for the lay of the land.

A few years back we were going to Hawaii and our TA suggested we should consider an AI option for one of the hotels we were staying in. We were so glad we took her advice and did because the ala carte prices for breakfast were off the wall crazy. We even did a partial dinner option - I think it was four dinners at our home resort - so while not a true AI, it was basically the same thing. We've also done AI in Mexico, St. Kitts, the Bahamas and in Grenada - all with no regrets.

That said, and knowing it's not the norm here in the States to get the same pricing, some of the great deals our Canadian friends get on AI on SXM are incredible and I wouldn't hesitate to book it if only for the drinks, lunches and breakfasts, which alone would cost more than the airfare we've paid so eating dinner out becomes almost a non-issue.

But what I wouldn't do is book AI on SXM and consider myself locked in to only eating there. Too many great places to experience.......<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

I completely agree Pat. I would never do an AI in SXM, too many great restaurants. We have done some mediocre AI, like RUI in Dominican Republic. It was very nice but the the food was a good, but not great. We are going on an AI in October in Playa Del Carmen, where the resorts are very spread out and going out requires a cab. We also do not eat all our meals at the resort. We like trying different places.

I have been to Sandals once and was not impressed at all. My statement is an opinion based upon my experiences and my desires. We have differing opinions, get over it.