pegpaz

Hi,

We were originally thinking of taking my mother in law to Hawaii for her 80th birthday in Jan. 2012. It will be a long flight for her though, being we live in NJ.
I am trying to think of someplace closer that will be warm in Jan., and was wondering about Atlantis. We have never been there. Any thoughts on if it would be a good choice for an 80 yr. old? She is slow moving but can walk ok.

Any input would be appreciated. Or if someone has another suggestion, feel free to mention it.
Thanks!

schmerl

First of all....it will NOT be warm there in January. Second of all...it is a HUGE property and may be difficult for her to get around.
You need to go further south if you want warm weather and warm water in January. Look into St. Thomas, Barbados, St. John, etc.

qwovadis

weather2travel.com Bahamas climate guide Jan ok for me

unless you get a cold front weather will be similar to Miami

pretty warm nice atlantic waters tend to be a bit cooler

than carib waters most people do fine with it.

atlantis.com is a nice big property would be fine from EWR

to Nassau... my personal fav there the one and only Ocean

Club prettier though more expensive might have a look at that.

St Thomas Frenchman's Reef Marriott or Ritz Carlton

or St John caneelbay.com nice also if budget is good.

aa.com spirit.com cheap flights down first class for coach

price on Spirit for me.

Happy Travels

ishkribbl

I agree with Schmerl that January would not be my choice of a month to visit the Bahamas and I love some of the Bahamas (although not Nassau or Paradise Island). I think her suggestion of St Thomas is a good one and you should be able to find good flights. I was there a couple of weeks ago and Frenchman's Reef is undergoing extensive renovations and parts are closed now- the construction will continue for quite a while so I would not choose that. The Ritz Carlton is pretty removed- do you plan on staying just at a resort or are you going to rent a car and explore the island some or eat out at other restaurants? You did not mention a budget either. If you plan to rent a car then I would look at Secret Harbour Resort or Sapphire Beach Resort (more moderately priced places). Both have nice flat beaches with easy sandy access and calm, reef-protected waters and the resorts themselves do not have all the hills and stairs that some do. There are quite a few restaurants in Red Hook which would be close to either place. Caneel Bay would be wonderful if the extra traveling on the ferry over to St. John would not be a problem and your budget allows. If the extra ferries are not a problem then you might even look at Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda. My parents are that same age so I am picturing places where I think they could get around. I hope you find a great place and that she has a wonderful birthday.

pegpaz

Thanks so much for the replies. I guess I will look at places farther south. My husband and I did Caneel Bay last Nov., and I loved the place, but not the hundred's of ITCHY bug bites I got while there.

jecrow

Oh no, I would NOT recommend Caneel Bay for an 80-year-old. She would find the long walks difficult around the property. Atlantis is downright accessible compared to Caneel Bay