Calling Beach and Island Lovers .. Need your Advice!!..
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Calling Beach and Island Lovers .. Need your Advice!!..
Hey everyone!!
My girlfriend and I are going on a romantic trip. We need it ! We are both on a SLIGHT budget. She will be coming in from Brazil and I will be flying from Los Angeles. We only get to see each other once a year and I want this to be the best time of our lives!!
We want to go to a place with some value and one of the most beautiful beaches with crystal clear water we have ever seen. We have a week to see each other before she goes back home. I want to make the most of your time.
We are open to resorts, but could be just as happy with a hotel or airbnb apartment.
We'd like a little bit of things to do, maybe a boat tour, some good restaurants, a bar, something epic. I can enjoy an unbelievable beach, but also appreciate some island adventure as well !!! We could also be up for some island hopping perhaps !
I made a list of different places. For you island and beach experts, Would love to hear your opinion !! Looking to go at the end of November until the first week of December.
puerto rico
honduras ROATAN ISLAND
st. john
punta cana, dominican republic
belize
aruba
bermuda
jamaica
grand cayman islands
turks and caicos
st. maarten
barbados
thailand
bahamas
curacao
st. lucia
greece
My girlfriend and I are going on a romantic trip. We need it ! We are both on a SLIGHT budget. She will be coming in from Brazil and I will be flying from Los Angeles. We only get to see each other once a year and I want this to be the best time of our lives!!
We want to go to a place with some value and one of the most beautiful beaches with crystal clear water we have ever seen. We have a week to see each other before she goes back home. I want to make the most of your time.
We are open to resorts, but could be just as happy with a hotel or airbnb apartment.
We'd like a little bit of things to do, maybe a boat tour, some good restaurants, a bar, something epic. I can enjoy an unbelievable beach, but also appreciate some island adventure as well !!! We could also be up for some island hopping perhaps !
I made a list of different places. For you island and beach experts, Would love to hear your opinion !! Looking to go at the end of November until the first week of December.
puerto rico
honduras ROATAN ISLAND
st. john
punta cana, dominican republic
belize
aruba
bermuda
jamaica
grand cayman islands
turks and caicos
st. maarten
barbados
thailand
bahamas
curacao
st. lucia
greece
#2
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Your question is way too general.
First, you have to define in dollars what a "SLIGHT Budget" is as that term can mean different things to different people. "SLIGHT" might mean you only want to spend $900/night rather than $1,000/night (i.e. only a slight variation in price) or it might mean you only have $100/night to spend. You have to tell us what it means in terms of actual dollars.
On the chance that you mean you want to stay on the low end of the spending spectrum you probably want to eliminate Thailand and Greece as you could spend almost as much getting there as you will "being there".
Several other of your destinations like St. John, Turks & Caicos, Grand Cayman and Barbados (to an extent) are among the most expensive in the Caribbean. Bermuda is very far north and could be cool in November or December. The Bahamas has over 800 islands and cays many are difficult to reach so we need to know which islands in the chain you are considering.
Of the destinations you mentioned the ones that will give you the most bang for your buck are: Roatan, Jamaica, Belize and the Dominican Republic so you might want to concentrate your search on those islands.
Good luck.
First, you have to define in dollars what a "SLIGHT Budget" is as that term can mean different things to different people. "SLIGHT" might mean you only want to spend $900/night rather than $1,000/night (i.e. only a slight variation in price) or it might mean you only have $100/night to spend. You have to tell us what it means in terms of actual dollars.
On the chance that you mean you want to stay on the low end of the spending spectrum you probably want to eliminate Thailand and Greece as you could spend almost as much getting there as you will "being there".
Several other of your destinations like St. John, Turks & Caicos, Grand Cayman and Barbados (to an extent) are among the most expensive in the Caribbean. Bermuda is very far north and could be cool in November or December. The Bahamas has over 800 islands and cays many are difficult to reach so we need to know which islands in the chain you are considering.
Of the destinations you mentioned the ones that will give you the most bang for your buck are: Roatan, Jamaica, Belize and the Dominican Republic so you might want to concentrate your search on those islands.
Good luck.
#3
Wouldn't places like Greece and Thailand burn up too much $$$ and time just getting there?
I don't think Punta Cana has the wow factor you seek.
For Jamaica, I like Negril very much and it offers all you request.
Wouldn't Roatan or Belize make more sense geographically since they are somewhat in between your two locations (LA and Brazil)?
I don't think Punta Cana has the wow factor you seek.
For Jamaica, I like Negril very much and it offers all you request.
Wouldn't Roatan or Belize make more sense geographically since they are somewhat in between your two locations (LA and Brazil)?
#4
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I made this list of flight prices for the time period. First column is flight from los angeles and the second is from Brazil (for her).
When I say budget, I mean we don't want to spend more than $250 per night for the accomodations and get a nice place right on the beach. Can you recommend some places in the bahamas? What about belize or cuba?
Blue Beach (La Chiva) Puerto Rico $311 round trip $684 round trip
Honduras Islands $413 round trip $828 round trip
Saint Thomas (Maho Bay, St. John) $442 round trip $824 round trip
Punta Cana (sanctuary Cana) $449 round trip $750 Round trip
Belize $473 round trip $730 round trip
Aruba (eagle beach) $485 round trip $700 round trip
Bermuda $519 round trip $777 round trip
Jamaica (ocho rios) $533 round trip $800 round trip
Grand Cayman $567 round trip $775 round trip
Turks and Caicos $577 round trip $771 round trip
St. Maarten (st. barts too) $593 round trip $904 round trip
Barbados $600 round trip $789 round trip
Ko Tao (to bangkok) $623 round trip $736 round trip plus price to island
Exumas, Bahamas $631 round trip $879 round trip
Curacao $650 round trip $700 round trip
St. lucia(sugar beach) $678 round trip $734 round trip
When I say budget, I mean we don't want to spend more than $250 per night for the accomodations and get a nice place right on the beach. Can you recommend some places in the bahamas? What about belize or cuba?
Blue Beach (La Chiva) Puerto Rico $311 round trip $684 round trip
Honduras Islands $413 round trip $828 round trip
Saint Thomas (Maho Bay, St. John) $442 round trip $824 round trip
Punta Cana (sanctuary Cana) $449 round trip $750 Round trip
Belize $473 round trip $730 round trip
Aruba (eagle beach) $485 round trip $700 round trip
Bermuda $519 round trip $777 round trip
Jamaica (ocho rios) $533 round trip $800 round trip
Grand Cayman $567 round trip $775 round trip
Turks and Caicos $577 round trip $771 round trip
St. Maarten (st. barts too) $593 round trip $904 round trip
Barbados $600 round trip $789 round trip
Ko Tao (to bangkok) $623 round trip $736 round trip plus price to island
Exumas, Bahamas $631 round trip $879 round trip
Curacao $650 round trip $700 round trip
St. lucia(sugar beach) $678 round trip $734 round trip
#6
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You'll find over 750 reviews for Eagle Beach Resort on the Aruba Forum at TripAdvisor.
You can research weather for Aruba (or any other island) at the following websites:
For general statistics: www.weatherbase.com (Click you way through to "Caribbean" then "Aruba".
For more detailed data: www.wunderground.com (Enter Airport code for Aruba (AUA) in the search box, scroll down to "History & Almanac" section, enter your planned dates of trade. You'll find lots of info including records of actual weather conditions during that period for everyday during the past 10 years. Study the data and you'll know more about the weather than most locals.l
You can research weather for Aruba (or any other island) at the following websites:
For general statistics: www.weatherbase.com (Click you way through to "Caribbean" then "Aruba".
For more detailed data: www.wunderground.com (Enter Airport code for Aruba (AUA) in the search box, scroll down to "History & Almanac" section, enter your planned dates of trade. You'll find lots of info including records of actual weather conditions during that period for everyday during the past 10 years. Study the data and you'll know more about the weather than most locals.l
#7
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Cuba? Depends on your passport?
My son and his wife took their honeymoon to a great resort in the Riviera Maya called excellence. They raved about the resort itself and that it had a long beautiful beach to walk on. You can also go to Mayan ruins and there is one nearby in Tulum or you can take a day trip to Chitzen Itza. The place has about nine restaurants to choose from and it's an all inclusive . It should be fairly easy to get to from your respective Home airports.
You can also go into the city of Cancun for nightlife if you wish
My son and his wife took their honeymoon to a great resort in the Riviera Maya called excellence. They raved about the resort itself and that it had a long beautiful beach to walk on. You can also go to Mayan ruins and there is one nearby in Tulum or you can take a day trip to Chitzen Itza. The place has about nine restaurants to choose from and it's an all inclusive . It should be fairly easy to get to from your respective Home airports.
You can also go into the city of Cancun for nightlife if you wish
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A bit of a tough situation. In my mind the most spectacular beach destination that is also cheap and not commercial are the bahama out islands. So your pick of Exuma may be spot on. But if you are going in early Dec I would be slightly concerned that the water temps may be on the cooler side. I think Turks which is an expensive destination is also in the N. Caribbean. Bermuda out of qns for that time of the year. The others on your list are either expensive destinations for example Grand Cayman and St John or simply don't have the wow factor for me in terms of beaches.
I would recommend you look at Secrets Maroma. Its about 5 minutes outside Cancun and sits on a beautiful stretch of beach. An adults only All inclusive. I typically do not recommend all inclusives but this one is an exception. The food and service were excellent. Easy to get to and not terribly expensive. Top it off with an excellent beach and it may meet all of your criteria. Also you can take a quick cab ride to Playa del Carmen to see the town/shop etc. We did a day trip to Tulum which we really enjoyed. Hope this helps and I hope you have a wonderful time with your girlfriend wherever you decide to go.
I would recommend you look at Secrets Maroma. Its about 5 minutes outside Cancun and sits on a beautiful stretch of beach. An adults only All inclusive. I typically do not recommend all inclusives but this one is an exception. The food and service were excellent. Easy to get to and not terribly expensive. Top it off with an excellent beach and it may meet all of your criteria. Also you can take a quick cab ride to Playa del Carmen to see the town/shop etc. We did a day trip to Tulum which we really enjoyed. Hope this helps and I hope you have a wonderful time with your girlfriend wherever you decide to go.
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#10
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Hey CHapaloo!
I know Barbados very well! I lived there a couple years! And it has the greatest beaches!!!!
Also, if you plan on going to the Caribbean, Martinique could be a great island to visit. It is up north st lucia!
Perfect island for a romantic trip!
I know Barbados very well! I lived there a couple years! And it has the greatest beaches!!!!
Also, if you plan on going to the Caribbean, Martinique could be a great island to visit. It is up north st lucia!
Perfect island for a romantic trip!
#11
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Hey guys !
I have narrowed it down significantly and coming to my end in my search, but still need some advice
Highly considering Negril at this point. My girlfriend and I want to go away to an amazing beach with beautiful turquoise waters where we can do some water sports, experience a bit of the culture, get some massages, and have a super romantic trip at the same time.
I am still comparing Negril with
Turks and Caicos (if I get an airbnb there because it's super expensive),
Tulum/ Cozumel, Mexico
Dominican Republic
Cuba (Varadero )
Does anyone have experience with going to these other places?
I love the Jamaica option because we can get some of the true Jamaican culture mixed in with the amazing beach, massage options, great food, and some water sports.
Some basic questions ---
Do you think we should spend a few days in Negril and check out Ocho Rios as well?
Comparing options to see what would make the most sense in terms of hotel options. Should we stay at a basic hotel near or on the beach or go the all inclusive route? Which one do you think would be the most cost effective? do some all inclusive places include massage? If not, how much do they usually cost ?
I guess it's hard to judge, but based on my research I came up with the following numbers for expenses. These would be per person.
FOOD: $50 per day
Massage : $60 for an hour
Activities : $25-50 per day stuff to do:
Thanks and looking forward to hearing back !
Yeah mon !
I have narrowed it down significantly and coming to my end in my search, but still need some advice
Highly considering Negril at this point. My girlfriend and I want to go away to an amazing beach with beautiful turquoise waters where we can do some water sports, experience a bit of the culture, get some massages, and have a super romantic trip at the same time.
I am still comparing Negril with
Turks and Caicos (if I get an airbnb there because it's super expensive),
Tulum/ Cozumel, Mexico
Dominican Republic
Cuba (Varadero )
Does anyone have experience with going to these other places?
I love the Jamaica option because we can get some of the true Jamaican culture mixed in with the amazing beach, massage options, great food, and some water sports.
Some basic questions ---
Do you think we should spend a few days in Negril and check out Ocho Rios as well?
Comparing options to see what would make the most sense in terms of hotel options. Should we stay at a basic hotel near or on the beach or go the all inclusive route? Which one do you think would be the most cost effective? do some all inclusive places include massage? If not, how much do they usually cost ?
I guess it's hard to judge, but based on my research I came up with the following numbers for expenses. These would be per person.
FOOD: $50 per day
Massage : $60 for an hour
Activities : $25-50 per day stuff to do:
Thanks and looking forward to hearing back !
Yeah mon !
#12
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If go AI then no concern for food and especially drinks. U can get a massage outside the property for way less than your budget in Mexico or JA. Not sure about cheap hotels near or on the beach but be sure it has AC. I would stick to Negril only.
#13
I have been to Negril 3x and Dominican Republic 2x (Sosua and Puerta Plata). I very very strongly preferred Negril. It has everything on your wish list. I don't know anything about Ocho Rios but if I were vacationing in Negril already, no way would I want to leave just to check out another town.
I have never stayed at an all-inclusive but food can be VERY cheap in Negril is you eat local style.
I have never had a massage there to say about that but that sounds like a resort price. I'm sure you can get it cheaper going local.
I'm not sure what "activities" you are talking about. Again, I've never spent money on stuff like that. I just go exploring, check out the Cliffs, go to the beach, and so forth.
I have never stayed at an all-inclusive but food can be VERY cheap in Negril is you eat local style.
I have never had a massage there to say about that but that sounds like a resort price. I'm sure you can get it cheaper going local.
I'm not sure what "activities" you are talking about. Again, I've never spent money on stuff like that. I just go exploring, check out the Cliffs, go to the beach, and so forth.
#14
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Another vote for Negril. But if you're serious about that time period, I'd get on it soon. Negril has become increasingly popular, and many dates might be already sold out. Look at Negrilonestop.com for choices both on beach and the cliffs.
My choices for the beach would be: COCO LA PALM, IDLE AWHILE, CHARELA INN, RONDEL VILLAGE.
In thirty plus trips to Negril, we've never stayed on the cliffs, but I have friends who rave about TENSING PEN.
Negril is one of my favorite places on earth. It has everything on your wish list. No need to go all inclusive because most of the restaurants are very reasonable and it's a great way to meet people!
Good luck!
My choices for the beach would be: COCO LA PALM, IDLE AWHILE, CHARELA INN, RONDEL VILLAGE.
In thirty plus trips to Negril, we've never stayed on the cliffs, but I have friends who rave about TENSING PEN.
Negril is one of my favorite places on earth. It has everything on your wish list. No need to go all inclusive because most of the restaurants are very reasonable and it's a great way to meet people!
Good luck!
#16
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Sorry to bud in here but Roamsaround , I'd love to hear your thoughts on my question (which I didn't get any replies to yet!) as you sound very experienced on all Caribbean islands:
http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...n-from-sfo.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...n-from-sfo.cfm
#17
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Hi Chapaloo, I recommend Cuba. Varadero Beach is an excellent option, or any other beach they have there. You could see several options there, but I recomment you to visit this page: http://nosotroscubaneamos.com they can help you to organize your trip. Their site allows to make reservations http://nosotroscubaneamos.com/reservacion/ so is a relief
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