kozmo62

Looking for very recent trip reports on 7-mile beach. There has been talk of a restoration program for the southern end, but not sure if it has started. We are considering Plantana and Treasure Island condos. I've heard both are nice, but I can get more bang for buck at Treasure Island. I know the TI hotel part is in receivership, but I heard this isn't affecting the condos. Taking 4 kids ages 9 - 14 who like snorkeling. Any recommendations?

islandguy50

I would definitely take Plantana over TI. Plantana has a great beach and Cemetary Reef is just a little bit north for snorkeling. Haven't stayed at Plantana, but have seen it and it looks very nice--plus I've never seen a bad report about it.

kozmo62

Thanks islandguy50. Do you know how close Plantana is to restaurants and places where we could rent water toys (wave runners, kayaks, sail boats, etc.)? The kids will want to be close to activity, not on an isolated stretch of beach.

Kristen1206

The Westin is just a short walk down the beach from Plantana and you can rent all those things there.

I also recommend Plantana over TI. But I would also suggest you look into Villas of the Galeeon. It is right next door to the Westin and you can walk to more things (restaurants, shopping etc). They also have a cool tree swing that your kids would probably enjoy...

Have fun!

kozmo62

Thanks for the info Kristen. How for is it to walk to restaurants from Plantana? Have you seen the beach by TI in the past few weeks?

Kristen1206

Plantana is probably a 10 minute walk from Villas of the Galleon. There are a couple restaurants across from VOG and then the rest anywhere from 10 minutes or longer. But the is a food store close to Plantana.

I haven't seen the TI beach recently but I know Plantana's is great. TI's beach is man-made and I know it is rockier than Plantana.

dnl2

Eats is across from the Westin - about a 5-10 minute walk from Plantana. Another 10-15 minute walk past
Easts is the grocery and some other restaurants. Walking time depends on the type walker you are - it can be done in less time----or longer.

islandguy50

kozmo62,
You got a lot of great replies--hope they helped! Are you planning on renting a car? If you do(and they are relatively inexpensive--we're paying $204/week for an intermediate from Dollar), there are several restaurants within driving distance that are very close by. I stayed at the Hyatt last year and could walk to many restaurants, but don't know how many are near Plantana. Also, try Eats. It is a great inexpensive restaurant!

suzilush

I stayed at T.I. a week and a half ago. My first time there. I was not disappointed. The snorkeling is awsome (also my first time). It's a little rocky getting in the water, but bring aqua socks and you'll be fine. Best bang for your buck.........T.I. is it! I plan on going back SOON. Another MUST is Cemetary Reef....just a couple miles up the beach. Also, the food at T.I. is great! You must try the Sushi!

stratt10

I agree with Kristen...........you should check out the Villas of The Galleon. The beach there is one of the best! I saw people from the Westin and from up by Plantana coming down and using the VOG beach while we were there. Check out my trip report website ......it's posted in the left pane on this page. It has pictures and links to answer your questions.

stratt10

If you don't see the link to the left, here is the url:

http://stevesplace.50megs.com/GCMV.htm

pnestor

7-mile beach is definetly more eroded then it was on my first visit in 1997. But it is not as bad as I thought it was going to be before returning this June. Also if you want a 'better'beach it is a short walk past the Hyatt beach section (keep going passed here, they they pack them as tight as sardines, don't know why those people stay ed there!?!), where the beach widens out and is beautiful. I stayed at the Marriott and didn't find it bad at all. I would suggest walking north along the beach to Cemetry beach, where it is fantastic.

Here is a great web link to a web cam that is pointed south towards George town, just about 100 yards up from the Marriott (the section of beach you are asking about).

http://www.reefgrill.com/netcam2/index.html

As you can see from it, the beach looks pretty damn great!! Thinking about being there now!!!!!!!!!

Hope you have a great time (we did), for the best (easy snorkeling), Eden rock is very, very good. The east end of the island is the best there is, but the sea tends to be rougher and a little more challenging to snorkel in.

Enjoy, enjoy!!