Resort For Her... Diving For Me!

[Mark Duddridge]

Hey everybody!

My non-diving wife and I have worked out a vacation compromise to satisfy both of our loves... she wants sun, a beautiful beach, and an all-inclusive resort. I want lots of good quality tropical diving.

So... I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations on where the best regions are that (a) have a lot of all-inclusive resorts and (b) great diving. I'm thinking of Cozumel, but I figured I should inquire about any other options before getting set on it.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Mark

 

[MattJ]

Playa del Carmen is nice; drift diving like Coz, but I thought there was a more interesting mix of shops.

 

[redacted]

It is pretty hard to beat the value you get in Cozumel. Take a look at the Occidental Grand. It is a bit more expensive than most but well worth it. Room, food, grounds, beach and service are all great. It is quite a ways from town, which is a good or bad thing depending on what you want.

 

[Rhone Man]

Cayman Islands have some beautiful resorts with "dive lodges" attached to them where you can go diving all day every day.

 

[livewire]

I'm a big Cozumel fan for the value and I think it works really well. Sandals Bahamas also fits the bill, Hawaii has plenty of options, and Grand Cayman is also great.

If you want to a world class private resort and you have the money to do it, the very exclusive Peter Island Resort (BVI) is outstanding. My wife and I went there for an anniversary trip and the dive shop was great and my wife said that the spa was fantastic. Food was great, too, and the service was outstanding.

 

[diverdwn71]

Atlantis in Nassau, she can stay and play while the shuttle takes you to Stuart Coves and you can play.

 

[wrinkldogs]

I am a non-diving wife. Last fall we went to Cayman Brac. It was the best for both of us. Small resort, 40 rooms, spa and gourmet food. Husband did 3 dives/day and I could go along and snorkel or just chill for $20. There is really not much to do on the island, it is small. If she is looking for shopping then it's not for her. But if it's for relaxation and quiet, it is the best. We are trying to plan another vaca in July and I just keep leaning to going back to Cayman Brac even though we should experience someplace else. I have tried diving b4 and am now considering it again because of our experience at this resort.

 

[liuk3]

My wife and I did just exactly that in Cozumel this past Christmas thru New Year's. We stayed at the Cozumel Palace which is a great all-inclusive resort in Cozumel. I dove 3-4 times a day, and she relaxed, swam, napped and snorkeled during the day while I was diving. Then, we would meet up in the afternoon/evening and spend the rest of our dinner and evening together. She had a wonderful time and so did I.

 

[mikerault]

I suggest the Marriot in Curacao, meets all of your requirements. With a rental car you can do many shore dives up to and including the Superior Producer wreck at 110 feet! The Marriott has five restuarants, a great pool, a casino. In town there are museums, nature hikes, and an aquarium. Of course you will have to keep her away from the diamond and jewel merchants...

If you want a more guided experience contact the Dive Bus, they are great folks.

Here is my trip report:

http://www.scubamage.com/files/Diving_Curacao.pdf

Mike

 

[Doc]

My non-diving wife and I have worked out a vacation compromise to satisfy both of our loves... she wants sun, a beautiful beach, and an all-inclusive resort. I want lots of good quality tropical diving.

Send her to Grand Cayman. Then you can go anywhere for 'good diving', even Cozumel if you like.