indiasnow

Hello, I am just about to book a holiday for me and my mum in December. I've never visited the Caribbean before but we'd like to go somewhere hot over the Christmas period and not do much - my mum runs a business so is extremely busy most the time so we'd like to go somewhere calm and peaceful with beautiful beaches and scenery. We are used to travelling to India for business trips, which is a hot developing country so there must be some similarities. I'd like some advise:

Which would be the best island in the Caribbean for sunbathing in December - we were thinking Barbados or perhaps the BVI?

Where would be a good place to stay? we aren't into holiday resorts or all inclusive deals - we would like to be somewhere near to the beach in a private villa or somewhere quiet. We aren't into water-sports either.

We're from Devon in the UK - so we want to go somewhere the coastline is completely different. Here it is beautiful, but very rugged with lots of vegetation. We are looking for the idillic white sand beaches with calm clear seas.

Thank you so much!

eastenderusvi

Idyllic white sand beaches and calm waters...Anegada in the BVI or Barbuda...;-)

WWK

Other than warm temps, the Caribbean is NOTHING like India!!

You've chosen one of the most expensive times of the year for your trip, and you may find limited options at this point, since many families/repeat visitors book up to a year ahead for the holiday period.

We really love Provo in Turks and Caicos. We've been going consistently end of December/early January for several years, and had absolutely gorgeous weather.

Of course some posters will say T&C is too far North, and that it may be too cold at that time of year, but that has not been our experience.

Grace Bay is miles and miles of powdery white sand, with lots of villas/resorts to choose from. However, it can be pricey, and you need to get on it ASAP if you are interested.

Other destinations further south with reliable weather include: Aruba, Bonaire, Curacaco, and Barbados, though you will find Aruba quite commercial.

mnag

Agree, the Caribbean is nothing like India. If you are looking for quiet/peace the BVI sound ideal, particularly Virgin Gorda. Look at Mahoe Bay Villas right on mahoe bay. Several other beaches nearby to explore in addition to the beautiful Baths. In addition I would recommend Anguilla if its in your budget (can get very expensive especially during the holidays). Alterntively St John in the US Virgin islands but beaches will not be in walking distance.

indiasnow

Thank you so much. I will look into all the places you have mentioned. Is Barbados very commercial? Where would be the best place to be located in Barbados if we wanted a chilled area with nice beaches and good restaurants?

Thanks again!

diann24

http://www.bougainvillearesort.com/

My husband and I stayed here in Barbados last winter. It is a lovely resort. Staff is friendly helpful etc. The pictures do reflect the resort 100%. If you do not rent a car you would have to take a taxi there is not much within walking distance. Barbados is a pretty island and there are many tours you can take to explore the island. You can also look up reviews on tripadvisor and see what recent reviews there may be. You said you were not interested in a huge resort type place. This is smaller, not so big. You seem set on Barbados. It is near St. Lawrence Gap, and you can take day trips to Bridgetown during the day for a small fee.