derektrotting

Looking for a different kind of experience for my 10th wedding anniversary. Something really special in the Caribbean during May. Small, boutique, personalised. Don't want the rush of tourists, don't want the all-inclusive. Private, exclusive.... Any recommendations for a hotel would be much appreciated !! Thought of Dominica as an option because I hear it is off the beaten track but do not know much about it.

Callaloo

What is your budget? What kind of physical environment do you want (beaches, mountains, etc.)? Where are you traveling from and does travel time/difficulty matter much? Do you wish for high-end luxury a la Four Seasons? How important is fine dining?

There are many properties in the islands that meet the wishes you noted above, but it would help to know more about what you are looking for to enable us to make more targeted suggestions.

My favorite "special" occasion destinations have been the Horned Dorset Primavera in Rincon, Puerto Rico (marked our 20th anniversary there) and Nisbet Plantation on Nevis (have been there many times, but will mark our 25th there next year). They are both "exclusive" -- largely due to them being small and off-the-beaten tourist path. Trip reports here: http://islandtime.homestead.com/MainPage1.html. But without knowing what you specifically seek in your trip, I can't say whether either would be right for you.

blamona

Cap jaluca in Anguilla

Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos

Little Dix Bay Virgin Gorda

Pink Sands Resort Harbour Island Bahamas

Palm Island St. Vincent & Grenadines (okay AI, but not what you think)

Amanyara Turks and Caicos

Peter Island Resort Virgin Islands

Any in St. Barts

Jumby Bay Antigua

Any in Barbuda

SAnParis2

Moonhole in Bequia - there is a report on here re: our trip last Summer - this is where we stayed - http://www.moonhole.com/ & some other info - http://moonholecompany.com/

derektrotting

Thanks everyone, this is great. Doing lots of research... Came across Secret Bay in Dominica..... http://www.secretbay.dm and it is the place I like the most but no availability on dates, so deciding if to move date or change location ??? Has anyone heard of it? TripAdvisor ranked it #1 small hotel in Caribbean.... from the list above also liked Amanyara.... but not a fan of T&C.....

RoamsAround

Derek - you are sending mixed signals - Secret Bay on Dominica is a $300+/night property while Amanyara in the T&C is a $900+/night property - very big difference!!!

Does your accommodation budget allow for such a wide range of properties?

If you have an upper end budget you might also want to check out Sandy Lane on Barbados or Petit St. Vincent in the Grendaines.

derektrotting

RoamsAround, budget is wide open... Secret Bay has rooms from 360 to over 1,000, so it seems to have the range... we want something very special... and time is running out. Don't want Barbados, but like the idea of Petit St. Vincent..... will do some research.... Secret Bay thus far has captured our hearts, and Dominica seems really special.....

DAVENPORT1

Derek:

Something special would be Jumby Bay Antigua. Although this is an all inclusive resort it does not have the standard, buffet only option. This resort is private and exclusive and on a private island off the coast of Antigua.