bm

We are trying to decide between eloping at the Sandals resort on New Providence Island vs. Sandals Montego Bay in early December.
A friend told us that the Bahamas may be "cold" that time of year, but looking at weather.com it states that the average high is in the mid to upper 70s (which I think is perfect).
Any words of wisdom from experienced travellers to the Caribbean?
Thanks!

doug_stallings

Daytime temperatures can still be very pleasant in the Bahamas during early December, but by then the water is starting to be a bit too cold for my tastes.

The Bahamas can have bouts of fairly chilly weather in the winter (in the 60s during the day at times), but these are fairly unpredictable.

For reliably warm weather you really need to go into the Caribbean, not the southern Atlantic. But you have several options if you want to go to a Sandals resort, including the one in MoBay. If it were me, I'd choose Sandals Negril.

KVR

I agree that Nassau would be too cold for me in December. We've stayed at the Sandals Royal Bahamian in Sept. 2003, amd enjoyed it. The weather was great though we barely missed Hurricane Fabian. Though I think the Sandals' product is overpriced, if I chose another Sandals resort, I would pick Sandals Dunns River in Ocho Rios, Jamaica or Sandals in Antigua.

For Negril, Jamaica, my pick would be Couples Negril or Sunset at the Palms. We went to Negril the last week of Nov./first week of Dec. 2006 and the weather/water temps were great.

ewesthoff

Jamaica, if water temp is a concern. I was in Bahamas later in Dec a few years ago, and the air was great, upper 70's to low 80's, but the water was only 70 degrees and was cold. I was the only one in the water out of hundreds of people. Also, Sandals in Nassua is starting to age.

Reisender

I would suggest Sandals Dunn's River in Jamaica nead Ocho Rios. Beats Montego Bay hands down. The best Sandals we have ever visited.

kfusto

For me, the water in the Bahamas is too cold for swimming in December.

I would not personally choose Sandals MoBay but, if you are set on Sandals, consider SDR or Whitehouse.

My personal preference is Couples Swept Away or Couples Negril. IME, they are better quality overall than the current Sandals product.

doug_stallings

I know that several people have recommended Sandals Dunn's River in Ocho Rios. I was just there a few months ago, and I'd have to agree that this resort, while not huge, is really nice and has a lovely beachfront.

bm

Thanks everyone. We're leaning toward the Bahamas as there are much more convenient flight times than Jamaica (we fly from a small airport). I'm not too concerned about water temp (i'm a pool person), but just the air temp.
Sometimes I hate making decisions lol!