Many people feel a vacation without sun, sand and sea is no vacation at all. Yet a beach holiday could be the worst of all choices for solos. Imagine yourself watching couples and families cavorting in the surf. You swim alone. Tan alone. Dine alone. Sit by the pool alone. Evenings, you either retire to your room with a book or warm a barstool while happy couples dance up a storm.
To voluntarily brave such a scenario you have to be in the mood for solitary reflection. Or, you need absolute confidence in your ability to attract friends among the crowd. Or, you can sign up at an action-packed, all-inclusive resort where organized activities fill your days and nights. And friends, hopefully, are ready-made.
Much has changed since the 1950's when Club Med pioneered the "all-inclusive" holiday concept. The first "village" was a collection of army surplus tents on the Spanish island of Majorca. What started in a tent now flourishes in accommodations ranging from budget to deluxe. Moreover, these days Club Med has plenty of competition on the playing field. Other major resort chains operating in the Caribbean and Mexico include SuperClubs, Sandals and Jack Tar Villages, along with many more small chains and individual properties.
An increase in resorts does not necessarily make the choosing easier, especially if you go alone. Cost and ambiance are significant considerations. Some resorts cater to adults only and some to families. Where one resort boasts cool sophistication another claims non-stop merriment. And even at "adult only" resorts, you have no guarantee you won't be the only solo in a group of couples. So you really have to do some homework to find the single-friendliest combination of atmosphere and affordability.
Normally, single supplements apply during high season. So, if cost is a primary consideration, you either have to find a roommate yourself, or choose a resort that will find a roommate for you. "Normal" in the travel industry, however, is elusive and highly sales driven. When sales drop because of economic declines, over capacity, or when mother nature delivers a spell of bad weather, "normal" becomes a much more pliable concept. And that is when savvy singles who watch market trends can get the most vacation for the least dollars.
The downside of bargain prices is that you may also find fewer people at the resort. So you have to balance maximizing cost savings with your expectations for maximum enjoyment.
Check it out before you pay out.
Club Med charges an annual membership fee of $50 per adult and $25 per child under 12. With a few exceptions, accommodations and atmosphere are casual. Room sharing is standard policy for singles. For those who don't care to share, single supplements range from 20% to 100% depending on resort and season.
Responding to increasing competition, Club Med introduced several standard pricing plans appealing to singles of all ages.
Contact: Tel. 1-800-CLUB-MED (US); 1-800-465-6633 (Canada).
Beginning in Jamaica with Hedonism II during the 70s, the SuperClubs chain now numbers eight resorts (in 1996), with three more in the works. Each property is geared to a different clientele.
SuperClubs introduced the "super-inclusive" concept, which means you can expect air-conditioned rooms equipped with TV and hair-dryer (except for Hedonism II). All of the standard, all-inclusive features are included: meals, snacks, entertainment, use of all sports equipment, hotel taxes, airport transfers, and no tipping allowed. Additionally, super-inclusive features include unlimited cocktails as well as wine with meals, plus one or more amusements that normally carry a charge, possibly, scuba diving, golf green fees, or arts and crafts training.
Contact: Tel. 1-800-859-SUPER
The following all-inclusive's sometimes relax or waive single-supplement charges during off-season, April through mid-December, or whenever bookings slacken. The first three weeks in January frequently sell slow - a good time to check for sell-off prices. Ask your travel agent to check with tour wholesalers, or call direct if necessary.
Many, many resorts offer special "kids free" packages these days. The catch is in the fine print, which usually states that the deal applies only if the children occupy a room with two adults. So, who is on side for one-parent families?
Family Escape. You pick the week, Club Med picks the place one week prior to departure. It could be at any "family" village in the Bahamas, Caribbean or Mexico. Packaged weekly rates include airfare and offer significant savings over standard daily rates as quoted below.
Single Parenthood. Club Med calls all single moms, pops and their children to Eleuthera (Bahamas), Ixtapa or Huatulco, Mexico. Young children have a marvellous time at the Baby, Petit, Mini, or Kids Clubs. Even hard-to-please teens should enjoy meeting other teens at the Teen Club in Huatulco. Meanwhile, you'll meet other adults at parent get-togethers and special events.
Maeva Resorts operates four family-oriented, all-inclusive properties in Mexico. Included features: three meals daily, snacks, unlimited wine, beer, and cocktails during bar hours, water sports (including scuba lessons and sailing), tennis, daily activities, evening entertainment, supervised children's activities, all hotel taxes, service charges and gratuities.
These resorts are specially appealing for one-parent families because the single supplement is waived when sharing a room with up to three children. And guarantee share rates are available for solos willing to share.