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My daughter is graduating from college next Spring and her father and I would like to take her on a trip. We will be going in June, 2010 and it will be the three of us and a friend for her. There are so many choices! So far Anguilla (CuisinArt), Turks/Caicos (Somerset) or Grenadines (Palm Island Resort) look the most interesting. We are looking for white sugary sand, crystal blue water, ocean front, laid back but nice atmosphere, good food, snorkeling, good pools, that kind of thing. Shopping and a wild nightlife are not important. Mostly it has been a stressful last couple of years and we are looking for a lovely place to relax and unwind. We are open to ALL suggestions and other islands/hotels too. Thank you for your help!
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Anquilla, Turks/Caicos, Grenadines
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Both Palm Island and CuisinArt in Anguilla will meet your needs. Remember that with Palm Island, the island is the resort, ie, you cannot decide to go to another restaurant or anything like that. However, trips to neighbouring islands are a great way to spend some down time and the snorkeling is excellent. With Anguilla, you would be able to explore all of the island's fabulous beaches, the excellent snorkeling and sample many of the excellent restaurants the island has to offer. So, PI and CA would be similar but also quite different. Both fabulous destinations.
Sorry, cannot help with TCI.
For what you're looking for, I highly recommend T&C. I've been to all 3 of your choices, all 3 are lovely, but I pick T&C for because:
1. snorkeling is the best at T&C. Anguilla is just okay (with 7 different trips) and Palm Island you have to go to Tobago Cays by boat for best snorkeling.
2. Palm has gorgeous scenery, but water is a notch prettier in Anguilla and T&C. Palm Island is on a tiny island, and it's the only thing on the island, so while you may just want to relax, the girls may need a little more. Palm is all-inclusive, and you can take boat trips out to surrounding islands, but is more off the beaten path for a first time.
3. Anguilla has the best restaurants, but T&C is a close second. Cap Jaluca is fairly romantic (it's gorgeous), but Somerset is gorgeous and will have other college kids to meet and mingle.
4. Somerset still has boat trips to other cays and beaches, great snorkeling, nice restaurants, and is walking distance to some small shopping strips and other restaurants. Additionally, Somerset has cool stuff going on, Tuesday night clam bakes on the beach at sunset (lobster when in season) Wed night outdoor movies outside on the lawn, and Fri night live singers Daniel and Nadine, which are excellent for all ages. Yet T&C is still a quiet relaxing island. Somerset is next door to Palms, so the girls can meet more friends and still a relaxing beach. Gorgeous pool with lunch bar, and service on the beach make you really relax!
The pools at Palm Island and Cap Jaluca are after thoughts. Of course, when the water is a giant swimming pool, you don't spend much time in it.
T&C is easy to get to: nice big airplanes and resort only 15 minutes from airport. Anguilla has puddle jumpers from San Juan, or fly into St. Martin, then go to ferry dock (cab ride) and then ferry over. Palm Island you fly into tiny Union Island on a tiny plane, from either Barbados or Grenada or St. Vincent, then you have to boat over to Palm Island.
T&C has plenty of deserted beaches to explore and the most beautiful turquoise water you'll find anywhere. (okay, Anguilla has it too)
I think T&C, especially the Somerset, would fit your criteria nicely.
i agree that palm is gorgeous and special but probably not a good choice for the girls. i almost consider it more a honeymoon kind of place. you should go with dh after your daughter is in clg.
somerset meets your requirements and is very well reviewed - i have not stayed there. the island is quiet, has the most gorgeous tourquoise water. good snorkel opportunities and excellent restaurants.
Ive been to both anguilla and T&C and I agree with blamona that T&C would be a great fit for what you want. I really consider anguilla a romantic island- a place for couples- not very developed. amazing restaurants yes, most definitely , but we had fabulous meals in T&C too (a close second). I found T&C more developed than Anguilla, but not in a bad way. It's definitely somewhere i think you'd have a great time with your daughter.
Another vote for Turks & Caicos and Somerset--we have been to all 3 resorts and Somerset is our favorite-twice this year! We loved the other 2 vacations and will return to Anguilla someday but, for your needs, Somerset is best. Great location to walk to other resorts for dining ( and long walks on the sugar white sand--hours in each direction) . Somerset staff is fantastic and beautiful condos.