What other AIs? Also, we got 4 nights for 1600 which is over 55% less than their regular rates.

Not even sure what that would cover... in case you cancel or something?

Pretty much if anything happened that would kill the trip unexpectedly. Say I break my leg a week before the trip or something.

All inclusive. They've been having that "55% sale" for over 7 years now (maybe longer), that's just their price. For Jamaica, the Couples brand is comparible (I believe they were owned by Sandals at one point). It has a more tropical, Jamaica feel than the "higher end" finish feel of a Sandals, which is a matter of personal preference. The Excellence brand is also comparible, they have 2 resorts in Montego Bay, Secrets (uber ghey name) St. James and the Orchid. I haven't stayed at either of those resorts, but I have stayed at Excellence's throughout Mexico (Mexico always providing more bang for your buck flying out of the Midwest).

There certainly isn't anything wrong with Sandals, I prefer them actually, but have found there are similar options at lower price points and threw it out as an FYI.

I've done a little searching but so far I haven't seen anything that makes me regret my purchase. The ones that beat the price just don't look as good as the Sandals resort we chose. Doesn't matter, we have been wanting to do something like this for a looooong time. We are really looking forward to it.

Yeah, you certainly won't regret it. I've met people and staff at Sandals that I'm friends with to this day, so I have a huge soft spot for them. You'll have a great time.

we always do, not so much for the trip cancellation part, but for the medical coverage.

For example, if you have a major illness or injury in Mexico and need to be medevaced to the US, thats 70 to 80k. Paid upfront. Trip insurance with medical covers that. We used MH Ross this last time, IIRC the premium for coverage on a 3k trip including a rider for electronics loss of damage (DSLR camera) was about $130.

Incidentally, my wife did need medical attention while at the resort, and the doctor came to our room at 4:00am, examined, gave her a shot, and 2 scripts and it cost me $220 US cash. Trip insurance will reimburse once our medical insurance denies the claim.

For trips that I have invested a lot of money in, yes. But you can get it cheaper than that. I think Travel Guard is the one we've used. I think it was around $125 for both of us total and covered pretty much anything that could happen. Lost luggage, delayed flights, and cancellations for any reason.

Doh, yeah. Completely forgot about the medical coverage. It's a worthwhile investment, IMO.

I'll have to look into both of those and compare them to what Sandals offers.

Found a really good policy through insuremytrip.com for $136.

Oh, and both passports are on their way.

I know, you guys don't give a damn about that. But I do!!!! :)

Stayed at St. James/Orchid (two resorts in one). It was my favorite place when comparing all secret resorts I have stayed at in Punta Cana, Riviera Maya and Jamaica. Excellence in Riviera Maya is a close second.
We are doing the Siver Sands this year in Riviera Maya...have you been to that one?

I have stayed at Silversands and really enjoyed it. Really good value. Pools > Beach at Silversands, so consider that when booking. Rooms are all the same so an upgrade will only get you a better view. Silversands has some of the best bars at any of the all inclusives that I've stayed at.

EDIT: Let me know if you want/need concierge contact info for the resort.

We booked in Novemeber and will be there the first week of March.
I have read that the beach is not the best. Meroma (sp) was the best when it came to the beach and the pool set up was pretty awesome and Excellence beach was great as well.

Thanks for the offer on the concierge contact. I usually hook up with one when we get to the resort, tip him $20 and we usually don't have any issues getting what we can get through concierge services. But, if you have one you want to recommend, that is great.

Honestly, the beach isn't as bad as some people review, but it's certainly nowhere near Maroma or Xpuha that are in area.