Aruba, Barbados, Grand Cayman, or Curacao?
Jul 18th, 2011, 08:30 PM
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Aruba, Barbados, Grand Cayman, or Curacao?
Hi
I was trying to decide where to go for our family vacation. We're looking for great beaches, but also other stuff to do like snorkeling and other water sports. We are interested in All Inclusives or main American hotel chains. American hotel chains under $250/night and AI under $450/night.
Thanks
David
I was trying to decide where to go for our family vacation. We're looking for great beaches, but also other stuff to do like snorkeling and other water sports. We are interested in All Inclusives or main American hotel chains. American hotel chains under $250/night and AI under $450/night.
Thanks
David
Jul 19th, 2011, 04:32 AM
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Try Accra Beach hotel in barbados - decent diving in barbados - some shipwrecks - better on the west coast vs. the south for diving - west coast very expensive - south coast much more reasonable and lots to do - east coast too rough
Lot of hotels around St Lawrence Gap area of south coast - busy night life - lot of restaurants
Lot of hotels around St Lawrence Gap area of south coast - busy night life - lot of restaurants
Jul 19th, 2011, 07:14 AM
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Your not going to find a good choice of AI's in any of the Islands that you tagged.
There is a Marriott in Aruba, Curacao and Grand Cayman. They all offer AI plans.
We've been to all except Barbados. It's on our list though. You'll find snorkeling and water sports in all three. We did a dive at the Sea Aquarium in Curacao that was awesome. No scuba certification required. Tons of fish and we got to feed the sharks.
There is a Marriott in Aruba, Curacao and Grand Cayman. They all offer AI plans.
We've been to all except Barbados. It's on our list though. You'll find snorkeling and water sports in all three. We did a dive at the Sea Aquarium in Curacao that was awesome. No scuba certification required. Tons of fish and we got to feed the sharks.
Jul 19th, 2011, 01:12 PM
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Curacao's beaches are more like isolated coves along the coastline however the quality of the sand is not akin to what you would find in Grand Cayman, Barbados or Aruba. Unless it is a resort with a man made beach and imported sand, the sand is a coarse coral mixture which can be tough on the feet. The snorkeling and diving on the other hand are terrific!
Jul 20th, 2011, 06:39 AM
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You won't find many American chains in Barbados - Hilton and Marriott only.
Most hotels are locally owned and are excellent quality. Accra Beach Hotel was mentioned by 'sunsandbeach' and that is a great hotel right on the beach with lots of facilities. Also recommend Almond Resorts for All inclusive.
http://barbados.org/stay is a good place to find a Barbados hotel. Book direct for best rates.
Barbados has tons of activities - submarine rides, island safaris, cave tours, golf, diving, kitesurfing, nightlife, pirate ship and much more.
Most hotels are locally owned and are excellent quality. Accra Beach Hotel was mentioned by 'sunsandbeach' and that is a great hotel right on the beach with lots of facilities. Also recommend Almond Resorts for All inclusive.
http://barbados.org/stay is a good place to find a Barbados hotel. Book direct for best rates.
Barbados has tons of activities - submarine rides, island safaris, cave tours, golf, diving, kitesurfing, nightlife, pirate ship and much more.
Jul 20th, 2011, 10:22 AM
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Ive been to all four of your choices...the one I've been to more than once is Barbados. The beaches along the south coast are my favorite because of the great waves.
Not many US hotel chains, but as BarbadosTravel mentioned, wonderful hotels all the same. One I can recommend is Southern Palms. Economical, on a fantastic beach, and within walking distance to a myriad of restaurants in the Gap area. If you book using the "best of barbados" program, you can usually get free breakfast included.
Peace, Greenie
Not many US hotel chains, but as BarbadosTravel mentioned, wonderful hotels all the same. One I can recommend is Southern Palms. Economical, on a fantastic beach, and within walking distance to a myriad of restaurants in the Gap area. If you book using the "best of barbados" program, you can usually get free breakfast included.
Peace, Greenie
Jul 22nd, 2011, 07:53 PM
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Also, Barbados has decent snorkeling.There are day sail/snorkels that cost $100/person that go out from 9-3 that can bre most enjoyable. I recently went with one Calabaza (spelling?) sail. The owner serves a great lunch along with soft drinks and beer. She is that popular that you have to make reservations 2-3 weeks in advance in high season by internet.She has a new 42 ft.sailboat that takes 12 guests and that was my only complaint because with 12 it was a little tight but fun.
