atravelynn

About 8 days in April 2006

Land Budget no more than $400/day for husband and wife together

Open to any Caribbean island or combination of 2

How hard is it to go from one island to the next?

-Want beach access with sandy beach on at least one island

-Don't need fancy or luxurious, prefer private, secluded rather than big hotel

-Like good snorkeling on at least one island

-Enjoy nature, hiking, jungle atmosphere on at least one island

-no shopping

-no need for fancy restaurants

-enjoy experiencing the culture of island

Thanks for any help you can provide!

wtggirl

Air Jamaica offers multi-island trips. If Jamaica is one island on your itinerary it is very easy because that is their hub in which nonstop flights from there go to the other islands. I would recommend St. Lucia and Jamaica. Both offer great small places to stay. In Jamaica I recommend Negril. There are several small resorts. Some on 7 mile beach and some on the cliffs. Some are all inclusive, some not. A place called Country, country is a boutique style and true jamaican style on the beach. But, for your budget you may even try to get a place at Couples Swept Away. All inclusive should start at about 400.00 a day and includes everything. In St. Lucia there are many choices also. Not as many small places like Negril, but still intimate resorts. I would recommend Ladera resort for secluded here, but it is a bit pricey. You could also check Anse Chastanet. An idea would be save money on Jamaica and spend more on St. Lucia. St. Lucia is beautiful, lush and a true tropical paradise. It is what most imagine when they think caribbean. There is good snorkeling there, but the beaches are better in Negril. Go to air jamaica's website for a look. If you need additional info on specific hotels post here! Hope my recommendation helps!

wtggirl

If you want to consider doing one island you are also describing St. John in your qualifications. Not as much culture here as St. Lucia and Jamaica. But, beautiful and perfect for hiking and snorkeling.

brenandg

wtggirl
I totally agree with you. We have been to both St Lucia and Jamacia. I don't know what it is about St Lucia, but we love that island. It is however not known for great beaches. As to answer the original post, STL is definitely a jungle. There is plenty to see and do there, hiking, ATV's, jeep safaris and much more. We did a Grenadines day trip for our beautiful beach fix and it was well worth it. Agree also with St John although I have not been yet, it is my next vacation. You can easily go by water to the BVI'S. I can hardly wait to check out Jost Van Dyke. Foxy's, Soggy Dollar, Bubbly Pool... I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas.

Tuxedocat

St. John U.S.V.I. Dozens of free gorgeous beaches, great snorkeling, quiet breath-taking beauty, fun bars at night. One of the safest places in the Caribbean. Check the web-sites and rent a villa or condo only $800-$2,000 per week for 2 and all are pretty decent to extraordinary. On $400 per day, rent a jeep and have fun. Make as many meals in your own villa/condo as you can to save a lot of money. Full day boat trips to 2 to 3 other gorgeous islands in one day will run you about $75-100 per person and usually take care of all drinks incl. alcohol, snacks and sometimes lunch,too. Been there 8-9 times and still no end in sight of new and fun things to do.

atravelynn

I've saved the responses. Thank you for your assistance!

Weadles

When in April? After April 15th or so, most resort prices go down considerably. With 8 days, I'd stick to one island. Otherwise, you'll spend at least one vacation day traveling to and from the airport.

We just got back from Negril last night ( have been going there for many years) and I'd recommend it highly. We usually stay at COCO LA PALM, a low-rise (about 40 rooms, I think) on the best part of the beach. You could also check CHARELA INN, which is two doors down from COCO.

There is excellent snorkelling out on the reef, as well as fishing,either deep sea or on the river. If you decide to go, and would like the name of the guy we've been going to the reef with for 25 years, just post again.

Day trips to other parts of the island can be arranged easily through your hotel, or other tour guides on the island.

Good luck!