dosu

Need a bit of help putting together a 5-6 night trip in January for my husband and I. Trying to keep the cost low, but would like a smaller, upscale, "beachfront bungalow type" resort(unless there's a deal at a Westin/Ritz type) Would like access to a spa, nice uncrowded beach, good for snorkeling. I've been looking at places where the airfare is lower. St Thomas, Puerto Rico, Caymans, maybe jamaica, Provo. We'd like to do a day sailing trip, Virgin Is would be good. I've ruled out Puerto Rico.. can't seem to find type of place i want, that isn't too expensive or in a high rise.
Caymans, we've been twice.
Looked at Galley Bay Antigua. Airfare is high, but there is a "half off" deal, but not sure if it's a good deal or not(6nts $3400 AI Premium BF Suite)
Secret Harbour in St T doesnt look as nice, and is about 2500 without food.
Half Moon in Jamaica looked good and friends got a deal awhile back, but now it's pricey-$680 a day AI,without taxes.
We've been to Caneel Bay..a long time ago. I know others like it, but i found it wasn't maintained that well. Maybe it's better now?
I liked Little Dix, but might be a bit too pricey for this trip.
So, sorry for the long post...I've looked at so many, i'm getting bleary eyed!
At this point, Galley Bay seems the best choice. Any other suggestions??
TIA,
dee

ScottB

Have you looked at Nail Bay Resort on Virgin Gorda? They have a variety of rooms or villas...some right on the beach...and prices are really reasonable. Might work for what you've described minus the spa.

dosu

Thanks, Scott. Nail Bay looks very nice. It has the feel we were going for, just think we might need more amenities, seems more like a villa rental, and we really don't need a full bedroom and kitchen.
Any other suggestion appreciated.. I think I'm leaning toward the Virgin Islands...I'll keep on searching!
Thanks,
dee

ejcrowe

What is your per night budget for accommodation, not including food, activities, etc?

dosu

Ej, thanks for your post...I'm thinking about $300-350 per night?? Trying to keep it low, but of course anything that appeals to me is well over that in high season.

eileen

I highly recommend Galley Bay for a couples getaway (we were there for the first time in March, returning again in April, first time we have ever repeated a resort). At 50% off in high season (a sale I have never seen previously) it is an incredible deal. Don't know where you are travelling from, but there's a great direct flight from Newark that gets you there in four hours. GB includes absolutely everything (inc. tax and service charges) except spa and excursions, the meals/drinks alone are probably worth at least $300 a day. However, I think the sale had to be booked by yesterday. Book by calling the 800 number rather than online, they have more flexibility and deposit requirements are less. I have the direct phone number to a agent at Elite Island Resorts I always use (I think they work out of their homes) so if you need it, email me directly and I will send it. P.S. Go for the premium beachfront, they are absolutely worth it and since there are many more rooms in this category, more deals can sometimes be had on these rooms.

ejcrowe

Of the places you've mentioned, Galley Bay is definitely the nicest, especially if you can swing it. I'm amazed that they're running those kinds of rates for January traavel!

Katie_H

I deleted a post by cdw by accident while removing a spam post.

cdw wrote:

I keep posting this same answer and for a short relaxing vacation, I think the Rock House in Negril is hard to beat. You might also check out the Marriot on St. Kitts or the Marriot on Curacao. Both are nice resorts in beautiful settings. My family and I really liked both of these islands. They are totally different from each other but also are a lot of fun to explore. Both islands had wonderful food.

Knowing

There are so many islands in the Caribbean that are made for those lazy self-indulgent days, and it's difficult to choose isn't it?
You could take the ferry from STT to St. John, get your mandatory time in Trunk Bay, and then head north to Francis Bay, where you're more likely to not have to share the beach with others.
Antigua does have a beach for every day in the year...reason enough to head there, as well.
Either one would be a good choice.