Help decide next destination
Showered the spreadsheet nonstop but can’t narrow down a destination or resort.
9/5/2026-9/12/2026
Mid 20s Couple
Open to either family or adults only
$4000-$4500, flights included (flying out of CVG)
Hi all!
My significant other and I are looking for resort recommendations for our next all inclusive trip in early September. Below are resorts we’ve been to and what we loved and didn’t love about them to give you a better idea of what we’re looking for or what would be a good fit for us.
AI resorts we’ve been to:
Iberostar Rose Hall Beach - Jamaica:
What we loved - hospitality/service/entertainment, music
What we didn’t love - beach (rocky, small beach, not many beach chairs/room to layout, persistent locals trying to sell), rooms were fine but slightly outdated
Hotel Riu Republica - Punta Cana:
What we loved - beach (huge wide open beach plenty of seating)
What we didn’t love - awful food, big party scene/spring break vibes, service/hospitality very lacking
Barcelo Maya Beach:
What we loved - huge pools, good but not great hospitality/service, huge resort plenty to do (casino/mall/visiting other resorts), jacuzzi tub on balcony, rooms were solid
What we didn’t love - not much we didn’t enjoy, if nitpicking something would say not any music near pool/beach
What we are looking for in our next trip…
Big/cool/unique pools
Relaxing/laidback getaway but with the opportunity to party if in the spontaneous mood (we enjoy music and having fun but not really into nightlife/clubs/partying like crazy). We enjoy having some refreshing drinks in beautiful weather at the beach or the pool with some nice music
One of us is a picky eater while the other loves all types of cuisine. So looking for resorts that have really good buffet restaurants with options for picky eaters but still above average food for the other. Hard for us to go to à la carte/speciality restaurants with picky eater and we don’t want to split up and eat separate.
Nice modern clean rooms
Beach, buffet, casino (not required but fun addition), room service (not required but fun addition), swim up bar
We know this is very broad so feel free to reach out with any questions to help us narrow down. And please feel free to let us know your favorites.