Hubby and I want to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversay in the Caribbean Islands. Since this is our first trip to the Islands, we really are relying upon your recommendations. We'd like oceanfront condo, in a less crowded area, an island with some historical sites to explore and reasonably priced restaurants. We are beyond the party stage of life but still like to shop, hike, and would like some water excursions. As a point of reference, we vacationed in Kauai a couple of years ago and LOVED it. Something similar would be perfect!! Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
40th Wedding Anniversary - November - Aruba, St. John's, Grand Cayman??
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What's your budget?
Besides budget, what time of year? It really makes a difference.
IMO,probably St. John---2/3 National Park so hilly & picturesque with lots of beaches etc. to explore by jeep.
Aruba, Gr. Cayman, St. Martin---all very busy, lots of fun but nothing like Kauai at all.
If it's in the budget, Caneel Bay Resort is fantastic.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g147413-d147592-Reviews-Caneel_Bay_A_Rosewood_Resort-Caneel_Bay_St_John_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html
Here's a good source of info
http://www.stjohnusvi.com/stjohn.html
We love renting a villa with a pool---so many villas & condos to choose from but I suggest staying on the Cruz Bay side of the island as the Coral Bay side is a bit remote for going out for dinner.
Another helpful site. Scroll way to the bottom for reviews & photos.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g147410-c3-Cruz_Bay_St_John_U_S_Virgin_Islands-Hotels.html
Happy 40th!
Thanks TPAYT for the suggestions.
FYI our flights will be using frequent flyer miles so no budgetary issues there. Would like to stay for approx $800/week in early-mid November 2012.
but could go up to 1200/week if needed
Check out vrbo for condo options on st. John. Unfortunately, 1200 may be a little tight. It's an expensive island but beautiful.
Jimmie is right about www.VRBO.com
We have rented through them in many places in the world. They are all individually owned so each experience can be different, but we've had great success renting through both of these sites.
Also www.homeaway.com
Plenty of oceanfront condos available on Grand Cayman. The north part of Seven Mile Beach is very uncrowded especially in the off season. Water excursions is what Grand Cayman is known for. I am sure you could rent a condo for week at 1 bedroom rate of around $1500 without tax, and you may get to $1200 id you are willing to comromise. Many reasonably priced restaurants if you look for them. Most people don't and then complain about the cost of dining. Agree with above, check VRBO, Homeaway and Flipkey.
If that includes food (and maybe even if it doesn't) that budget is probably way too low for St. John. The restaurants while casual and wonderfully delicious, are generally expensive. Accommodations that are waterfront are very, very scarce. On top of all that you will probably need to rent a jeep and that can run $600-$800 a week.
How about St. Thomas? It is lush, $$$ eating but you might like it due to the terrain. I have been to Kauai and it was gorgeous I visited all the islands and I believe that was my favorite. Since I have been to kauai and I liked it you would probably like St. Thomas and you can easily go to st. Johns for the day on the ferry for excursions and great snorkeling if you snorkel at all. You would need to rent a car. Not sure of places to recommend to stay, but I always liked Frenchmans Reef and there are lovely little houses on the this beach. I went swimming there but not sure of prices in November. I truly love Aruba but it is a dry cactus island and certainly not pretty in terms of terrain but the friendlyness of the peoole, the safety, restaurants, etc. cannot be beat. More ideas for you to think about---