coleellee

Hi, I am new to this wonderful site and am anxious to receive your opinions from "protravelers". On that note, I need some suggestions on the Caribbean Islands. I am looking at going with my husband and 2 children, ages 6 and 11 and need to know what would be the best island for beaches(prefer not public), local flair, nonamericanized but safe,fun,and adventuresome. We like to snorkel, shop and see the island and experience what and where the 'locals' are. Please send me your suggestions of where to stay, eat, shop,snorkel,etc...We like staying at the Mariott properties so any suggestion in this area is wonderful.

thanks! coleelle

Laby

You indicate that you want to "experience what and where the 'locals' are" and prefer "local flair," yet want a non-public beach. I'm not sure how you plan to have these local experiences if you shut yourself off from the island's residents on a non-public beach. My advice is to forget about the private beach and take full advantage of the public beaches where you can better experience the island and its people. Most Caribbean islands only have public beaches so it's really not worth limiting yourself to just private beaches.

iw

We have enjoyed the Marriott properties in Aruba and St. Kitts. There were lots of children at each location. There is a lot to do on each island. In St. Kitts, there is a rainforest to explore, however Aruba is very flat and dry. Aruba is very americanized, IMHO. Snorkeling on either island is so-so. We love St. Kitts and Nevis. It's pretty cool to take a ferry from one island to another for a few dollars. If you want more info., MIM04, sunnyboy and liz periera (sp?) are the experts on St. Kitts/Nevis.

CaribbeanSoul

Depending on your budget, Anguilla or Turks & Caicos sound like a good fit. If the Mariott is a must, I believe Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort would be a good choice for you.

myislands

I would have to suggest St. Kitts! There are many beautiful, quiet beaches to stroll along! You can feel totally safe in exploring to your hearts content!

There are is a brand new Marriott there:
Marriott - http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/SKBRB


On St. Kitts there are many great things to do:
•Catamaran Trips to Nevis - http://www.bluewatersafaris.com/

•Island Tours, which can take you to many locations, here are sites for a few of them, also on this tour you can discover the southeast penninsula, undiscovered beaches where you can have the whole beach to yourself, and visit Turtle Beach where you can see lots of green vervet monkeys:
•http://www.caribellebatikstkitts.com/
•http://www.brimstonehillfortress.org/
•http://turtlebeach1.com/

•St. Kitts Secnic Railway - http://www.stkittsscenicrailway.com/

•There is also a lot of great hikes, like volcano tours, rainforest tours - http://gregsafaris.com/

There are many great places to eat on the island, and if you go all-inclusive there are many fun beach bars to head off to in the evening like the Shiggity Shack. http://www.mrxshiggidyshack.com/

I hope this information is helpful in allowing you to discover a wealth of information about St. Kitts. It is an island that most people have never heard of, and it is a well kept secret. I've been traveling there for 14 years. I got engaged and married there and my hubby and I travel back every year to celebrate our anniversary.

The people of St. Kitts are second to none, proud of their heritage, and culture. This island is captivating because it is not overly commercialized like many other Caribbean islands. It still has the raw beauty that it had years and years ago.

I will also provide you with links to photos to my recent trip to St. Kitts:
myislands.myeyez.net/photo-album
This is another link to some amazing photos taken by a traveler to St. Kitts - I wish I had his photographic skills!!!
http://www.pbase.com/anubis_photo/image/24642638

Additionally - don't just take my word for how wonderful it is..... please stop by my St. Kitts travel forum, where there are over 250 members who have reviewed hotels, restaurants and excursions while on island and many of whom are repeat visitors to the island as well! There are also many couples currently planning their honeymoons on St. Kitts so you will find very relevant info for your planning.

The site for the forum is: myislands.myeyez.net

Lastly, please feel free to contact me with any questions regaring St. Kitts directly ([email protected])

Krista

vinceygirl

Windjammer Cruise offering junior jammer program. Have to question your preference for non public beach. How do you expect to meet and learn about the culture if you won't visit a public beach? If you really want to experience local flavor and culture try visiting a small inn or non chain accommodations.