redwolf

We just recently married and we are first going to take our honeymoon sometime in July or early August. I've been researching the Caribbean (haven't been there in many years) and it seems that my tastes run to the high end as in Peter Island, Little Dix Bay, Jumby Bay, Four Seasons Nevis and the Anguilla trio of Cap Juluca, Cuisinart and Malliouhana. Even in the summer, these resorts are getting a lot of money. We are just starting to get back on our feet after surviving this very bad recession and although we can again pay those prices for a vacation, I am not so sure we should.

So my question is whether any of you can suggest resorts that come close to these that I've named in terms of style, but might be a tad more affordable in summer.

I should mention that all 3 properties I've mentioned in Anguilla might fit within our budget since they are running pretty decent specials. However, I don't know if that island is really for us. My husband and I both prefer lush tropics and that is a very arid scrubby island with few trees. I have read so many of you gushing over the beaches and I'm sure they are beautiful, but all I think when I look at them is that I am going to fry! I am fair skinned and I want to lie under palm trees or beach huts, not single umbrellas!

Beyond that, we want a resort that has some activities so that we don't get bored. If it's large enough, we would probably be content to stay there and not venture out much. We don't need to be trying new restaurants and we would prefer to keep sightseeing to a minimum. We also don't need active nightlife. We would both like some watersports, kayaking or sailing would be nice. We love to snorkel and my husband dives, but diving is not a priority for him and he would most likely go only for one half day.

By the way, I've been reading these posts on this site for a few weeks now and I must say that many of you have really educated me. It has been very enlightening. So I really want to thank all of you in advance for any input you can provide here.

jfahey

Consider chartering a crewed sail boat - all things you mention = plus theBEST snorkeling/diving. You get great service and excellent food. We stayed in resorts for years but once we chartered we've always chartered.
Have fun.

travleis

This is the Caribbean board, true.
But if you want lush 'scapes, activities, decent beaches, very nice resorts and a decent rate, don't forget to check Hawaii. Since there is more resort competition, prices don't reach the same levels you find in the Caribe, and food is cheaper.
But if you live east, the flight over can be a limiting factor.

redwolf

Thanks for the suggestions. As to chartering a sailboat, not for me. I like being on land and I love sand too much. Being at sea most of the day is not my thing.

As for Hawaii, we would love to go there. But we are east coast, southeast actually, in south Florida, so the Caribbean is probably the best for us. I am also tempted to just give up my resistance to Anguilla (and lack of lushness) and just try Cap Juluca which gets such raves on this sight. I've also checked out Malliouhana and it seems to have more "resort" feel with a sprawling property and a spa and more open air buildings. Maybe I can take refuge indoors and away from the sun part of the day there -- what do you think? And are lower room categories at either resort ok?

penny

Cap Julucas lower end rooms are wonderful, you would think they made a mistake! All rooms are beachfront, lots of shelter, over the patio or terrace, lots of umbrellas! Each sitting area will have 2 lounge chairs, a tabble and chairs, all the same no matter what price room! Have stayed at Malliouhana, have not seen the inexpensive rooms, but I am sure
they are lovely. I believe they are in
the main building. You also might want to check out Rosewood as they are offering a nice summer rate for Jumby Bay! You will not have a problem getting out of the sun, at any of these resorts.

KimM

Since you mentioned Four Seasons Nevis, I figured I would mention that I am booked at the Four Seasons Nevis at the end of June for my first visit, and there are some great deals out there. Visit FS website and look into the "Discover Nevis Summer Promotion" They will credit you $600 for airfare if you stay 5 nights or longer, and throw in a massage, etc. This package makes it very affordable to visit this property. I am also combining my visit with a few night stay at the new Marriott in St. Kitts, which I am paying $95 night for Mtn. View + breakfast. This promotion from Marriott is called Visa summer escapes (code V12 - link from Marriott home page right side).

Just some food for thought. Congrats on your wedding!

Dreamer2

Another poster recommended luxurylink.com to another inquiry, and I skipped over there to check it out. There were some very interesting deals! I'd love to hear from someone who has actually used the thing, however, before trying it. I noticed, too, that the TNT Vacations website had some pretty good packages at higher end resorts than I usually see in their brochures.
I'd also like to ask others how they feel the second tier of resorts compare to the top-of-the-line.
For example, In Nevis, how about Nisbet Plantation instead of the 4S? In Aguilla, can the Frangipani compare to Cap? What about the Blue Waters instead of Jumby on Antigua?
Redwolf brings up a a good point that has been on my mind recently too: "Even if we can pay these prices, I'm not so sure we should." Everything just seems so inflated lately. I'm not sure if that's true, or if it's just my perspective changing.

redwolf

Penny, thanks so much for your insights. You are actually one of the people whose posts I have been reading for the past few weeks! I consider you the official Caribbean officando!

I lived in Manhattan for many years, tired of it, moved to south Florida and never think about traveling to the Caribeean because I feel like I already live in paradise! But now we need some serious pampering. We were hit bad by this recession and by 9-11. My tastes have always run to a Jumby Bay like place, but I am conflicted about spending the money just as we have begun to recoup.

I would love to go to Jumby Bay and I find it appealing that everything is there and included and we don't have to leave the resort. Have you ever seen the interiors of the Pond Bay rooms upstairs or the rondavals in the other area? Are they comparable inside? What are their patios like? At Jumby Bay, do they offer some nice half-day or sunset cruises other than the launch to Antigua? If we went to Jumby, I don't think I would be inclined to leave the property -- it looks so restful.

As for Cap Juluca, are you saying that even at the Luxury room rate, we will be happy in the room? Everyone seems to be posting about the junior suites and up. Never hear much about the luxury rooms. In terms of shade, are there places to be outside at Cap Juluca or Malliouhana during the day so that I don't feel like I would be frying while I sit outside say to read a book? Are there any trees to lie under? I am wondering whether Malliouhana's more western exposure might work more in my favor, maybe not, for when I am on the beach - ?

Malliouhana is offering a great package that include all dinners each night in their large beachfront double room (huge covered patio). This package includes a daytime cruise and a sunset cruise. If we go with that, we end up eating there every night and treating it in effect like an AI like Jumby Bay. Of course, there's still lunch, drinks and other extras. I also find Malliouhana's spa facilities to be very appealing. Like most others, however, I too would love to step out my door and be on the beach!!

Cap Juluca's package runs higher and includes 4 dinners; however we could do an all meal plan there and come out very nicely on the rate. But from everyone who has posted on this site, I am getting the distinct impression that people should venture out. Lastly, I checked out Cuisinart and I found it to be very beautiful but very austere from all of the photos -- almost too manicured. Are my impressions correct?

I know I've given you a mouthful, so thanks in advance for all of your insights as you tackle my questions. BTW, I know you haven't been to Peter Island, but that would have been right up our alley in terms of features at the resort. However, even in the summer, their rate for the beachfront room is too high for us and I won't go with the oceanview room, not our style. I had considered Little Dix Bay, but their lowest price packages for the lower room categories are sold out in July, could possibly do early August. Those islands do appeal to me.

redwolf

I am so glad that my question is generating these responses. Kim: Thanks for your good suggestions about Four Seasons Nevis and the Marriott on St, Kitts. I am going to check that out. And Dreamer, you have raised the very questions I am wondering. And tit for tat, those are the hotels in the next category of resorts I have looked at: Nisbet, Blue Waters, et al. If anyone can offer some insights into those resorts, I would be most appreciative.

I am genuinely concerned about spending so much money and wondering after a week whether it will really have been worth it. I took a bicycle trip in France 2 summers ago and everyone just oohs and ahhs when they hear that. But my husband (boyfriend at the time) could not go and I was on a group trip with all couples and I was always the odd man (woman) out! I did not have the best time despite the most incredible scenery through the Loire Valley which is where all the fantastic castles are in France. The summer before, I spent a fraction of the money and went to a Club Med in Cancun and had a truly wonderful trip, met great people, came home feeling truly rested and really happy and content. Go figure!

sarajkl

I have the solution for you! I just recently got back from my honeymoon- which was amazing - at Young Island resort in St. Vincent. I too could have paid $800 per night plus tax and gratuity at a place like Jumby Bay- but thought that I would regret it later. We had a top-notch honeymoon without breaking the bank. Young Island is a lush tropical private island resort right off of St. Vincent. It has beautiful gardens and a gorgeous beach, which is never crowded. (It is not a huge beach - but with the lack of people -it is plenty of space). The food, people and service were amazing and the prices were great. In April - we paid $2940 total for airport transfers, 9 days and eight nights- all meals included and tax and gratuity included. To find out more- run search on this site- I did a pretty thorough review. St. Vincent is not at all developed and it is a very safe island so there are no worries about crime, etc... I was thrilled at my choice of destinations and was glad that we spent our money wisely so that we can take more vacations!! Diving and snorkeling is also great there.

KimM

Redwolf, forgot to mention that I went to Cap Juluca last year. I booked a superior room through a virtuoso travel agent and was upgraded to a luxury room. The luxury room was perfect. I could open the doors in the morning and look out at the ocean from my bed. I looked at a junior suite, and although it was nice, I did not feel the extra $ would be worth it. You mention that you get the impression that people venture out in Anguilla....that was correct for me and hubby. I must admit that although my favorite restaurant was Pimms (at Cap) we did look forward to getting out a bit and trying some of the great restaurants Anguilla has to offer. I think I would have been a little stir crazy had I never left CJ. Most of the shade at Cap will be under your beach umbrella. They do have some lovely grounds, but most landscaping is on the non-water view side of the property. The one thing I will mention is that my patio was covered and a perfect spot to stretch out with a book and listen to the waves crash in. Also, there is no exciting snorkeling off the beach at Cap.

In my opinion, Anguilla's biggest draws are its beaches and good restaurants and friendly people. If you are looking for a bit more of natural beauty, you may be better off going the Nevis route. As I said in my previous post, it will be my first trip next month, but my research leads me to believe that St. Kitts and Nevis are much more lush, mountainous, etc.

Good luck with your decision.

sarajkl

Oops- forgot to mention that you can check it out at www.youngisland.com and they also have specials on www.luxurylink.com. We were also looking at all of the resorts you had mentioned- and chose Young Island.

redwolf

Kim: Thanks so much for your additional insights into Cap Juluca. Laying out on the shaded patio wouldn't be such a bad thing I suppose! In the luxury room category, which floor and location do you suggest? And as for Nevis, I am definitely still considering Four Seasons and also Nisbet Plantation. The island looks so appealing and lovely. I also checked out St. Kitts Marriott but I think I would prefer to stay in one place for a week.

Sara, thanks so much for the Young Island website link. It looks absolutely gorgeous! Unfortunately, we would be flying out of Ft. Lauderdale and for the most part it takes 4 flights to get there! Out of the question. There is one flight a day that is direct from Miami to Barbados (and then just one more to Young Island) -- however, these flights are running against us time-wise. You would get in really late in the evening on your day of arrival, and you have to leave at 6 AM on your day of departure! No thanks!!! In fact, this is why we are not considering Barbados either. A shame really, because there are some good specials that way. And we don't even live anywhere near Miami -- it takes us about an hour to get to that airport. We are much further north in Palm Beach County.

tracy1329

How come nobody's mentioned the Jalousie Hilton in St. Lucia. We are on our way June 28th and this is our second visit. It is the perfect local for honeymooners. Individual villas on the side of a mountain. The resort sits in between two mountains (Pitons) - with lush tropical rainforest all around you. You will think you are in the South Pacific. I would never stay on the Northern end of the island - looks like any other island - but the south - where the hilton is located is the most picturesque place I have ever stayed. Expedia is offering the rooms for $132/night (they get near $800/night in the high season) We booked air and hotel together for $1100/person. Rooms have private plunge pools and resort has only 65 villas - spread over 325 acres so even when hotel is full - very peaceful. There are a few activities at night - Bang (a restaurant on the edge of the property) has a fantastic night show on Wednesday. Dinner at Ladera (up in the mountains) can't be missed on Monday night (Manager's cocktail party). You can definitely find things to do if you want. Good luck - but I think this is definitely one to check out!!!

tracy1329

I forgot to mention - great snorkeling a short boatride away - Anse Chastent (just around the mountain) has a protected area for snorkeling and diving. The Jalousie has an area right at the base of the mountain - but I didn't really see much. Anse Chastenet has a black sand beach as well. The island has volcanic sand - but the Hilton imported white sand for their beach which is really quite nice!!!

Lee12

Not to throw you in a different direction, but I will... We have been to Parrot Cay, Caneel Bay, visited Little Dix, and are going to Cap Juluca next week for our wedding/honeymoon. But last December, we ventured to the 'Mexican Riviera' and to the resort Maroma. We loved it. It was very luxurious, but not stiffly so. It's quite lush and tropical, you can take a trip to nearby Mayan ruins, snorkle the reefs or the river, or just lay on the beautiful beach. While it was somewhat pricey for Mexico, it was less expensive than a Caribbean vacation and very easy and affordable to get to (direct to Cancun). There are also numerous other high-end resorts that have opened along the Yucatan Penninsula, both large and small. We're splurging on Cap Juluca because it's our wedding, but I would not hesitate at all to go back to that area of Mexico and stay at Maroma again if I wanted to keep a little $$ in the old bank account...

redwolf

Tracy -- I looked at some photos of some of the properties on St. Lucia and was very impressed with the Jalousie Hilton as well as a few others. The rates sound great. Since you've already been there, what room category do you suggest that has a private plunge pool? Can we eat all our meals there at the resort? And lastly, what is the story with getting to the resort itself? If memory serves me correct, I remember reading something about it being a horrendous unpleasant and long drive from the airport to these resorts. Please fill me in. Thanks so much.

redwolf

Has anyone who has posted here ever been to the Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico? We started going as a family when I was a kid and it is heaven on earth. At the time the Dorado and its sister property, the Cerromar Beach, were Rockresorts just like Caneel Bay and Little Dix Bay. Hyatt took over and put the river pool in at the Cerromar. I was last at the Dorado in 1991 and my then boyfriend and I stayed at an upper beachfront king and it was absolute paradise. I am afraid that if I return now I will be disappointed, that maybe the property has gone down. Hyatt is closing the Cerromar on July 15th which is also cocerning me since the Dorado might get their overflow which could mean families with kids. What appeals to me about the Dorado is that it is a full service resort very spread out but very very low key with only 1 and 2-story buildings forming a crescent around the beach surrended by lush foliage and green lawn and swaying palm trees, hammocks and just a few steps to the beach. Has anyone been there that can offer some info or suggestions as to comparable places at that same price point (as opposed to Caneel Bay or Little Dix Bay)?

Lee: Maroma looks great, but it will be very very steamy in July or August. I was in Cancun first week of June a few years ago and I couldn't believe how much more hot and humid it was then south Florida! I am already used to that kind of weather to begin with but I think that part of Mexico is better at other times of the year. We are considering it however since the rates are very good.

jkurtiak

I had posted but for some reason my post dissappeared where I suggested St. Lucia to you as well. I am looking to do Cannel/Little Dix/Peter Island 2 week combo by the way.On another side note be aware that July-Nov is hurricane season in the Caribbean so make sure you have insurance. Its also REALLY HOT. I went to Cayman in Aug and it was 130 degrees with the humidity!Anyway
I am also planning a honeymoon with a travel agent friend and here is what he has told me about some places that have been mentioned. He is very well traveled and manages 2 stores.

He suggested Maroma in mexico to a friend of mine. and Las Ventanas on the west coast of Mexico, its another Rosewood Resort right now its our #3 choice. He considers it one of the best in North America

St. Lucia he did recommend the Jalousie but from what I know about St. lucia and what he confirmed it is A VERY poor island. It may not matter to you but his phrase was "the people where so poor it made him uncomfortable". Just something to consider. It does seem to fit your requirements though. I just didnt want someplace where we could'nt freely leave the resort

Right now I am leaning towards Hawaii because of the weather. The threat of a hurricane is just something I dont want to deal with. 1st on our wedding day and then on our 2 week vacation. Surprisingly enough Hawaii can be Much cheaper at many luxury resorts and I have found a few islands that are NOT touristy.

The places that have been mentioned are ALL pretty great. I dont think you will be dissappointed in whichever you choose
Good Luck
JK

tracy1329

Red-

They have three room types - Sugar Mill which are not private villas - Mountainview Villa and Ocean View Villa. I stayed in 602 last time I belive which was a mountainview villa - about half way up (rooms start in the 100's at the base of the mountain and go up from there - the 900's being the best). We actually had a small view of the ocean from in between our bushes. You can't go wrong with the mountainview and request a higher numbered room.

As far as meals - my first recommendation is taking a water taxi to Soufiere on your first official day at the resort (or if you are getting to the resort by car - ask the driver to stop at a grocery on the way) to stock your fridge w/Piton beer (its very good) and snacks and maybe some fruit or breakfast items. Meals are on the pricey side at the resort but if you are savvy - you can do alright. Dinner at Ladera at least one night is a must (Monday) but it will cost around $120. I didn't really enjoy the dinner at the Plantation restaurant in the Hilton and it was really pricey. Their Pier restaurant was good and I enjoyed the Bayside Pool restaurant. The Bang food was more my pace - just good food not too dressed up. I am from Chicago and I do enjoy my share of fine dining. But if the quality of the food is good - it doesn't need alot to make it taste good. If I want grilled fish - I don't want a heavy sauce on it... Anyhow - the food at the Bang is more basic than the Hilton and I enjoy things like that. There are a couple places that we didn't try last time we were there that I am looking forward to. Also - if you want to venture out by taxi to anyplace - it is better to arrange your own taxi rather than having the hotel - you will negotiate a much better deal.

Re: transport - we did take the helicopter transport last time because I much prefered the 7 minutes in a helicopter over the 1+ hours . Now it also really depends which airport you will be flying into - American Airlines flys into the North airport which is really far from the Hilton. Air Jamaica flys into the southern airport which probably really isn't too bad of a drive. We flew into the south and still opted for the helicopter - which was one of my husband's favorite part of the trip. The helicopter pad is on the water and it is really cool flying around the mountain and landing practically in the water. They also rush you through customs and take you out to the copter - like a rock star - it was however $300/RT for both of us - where are taxi would probably be $100/RT?

Good luck and I know you can't go wrong with the Hilton. I showed my pictures to my neighbor after our first trip and they went three months later - loved every minute of it and said they would follow us anywhere!