Hi I have done so much reading about all of the islands and read so many good and bad reviews that I'm lost on what to do now. I'd really like your recommendations on what island, hotel or resort we should choose.
Budget: <$5,000
1.) We're not interested in a "night life", shopping or gambling.
2.) We're really looking for a relaxing vacation. We have no problem hanging on a beach all day.
3.) Snorkeling is important, preferably right off the beach but walking distance is good.
4.) We really enjoy going to different restraints. This is not huge but nice.
5.) We'd like to do a little exploring. We need to feel comfortable wondering around the area we're staying.
6.) We'd like to our place to be on the beach. And hearing the ocean in our room would be awesome.
I was in Jamaica around 17 years ago. Stayed at a Sandals, don't remember which one. It was nice, but I was a lot younger so my expectations were not as high and I think the food not great.
I also was on a cruse that stopped in bermuda for a couple if days around 22 years ago. Bermuda was awesome but I'd like to go someplace warmer since this trip will probably be in March.
Thank you for your recommendations and thoughts!
Recommendations island, hotel...
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Turks and Caicos would be my 1st choice based on what you said.....check out posts on that destination. There are several experts that could guide you perfectly....
I agree. My first thought was Turks & Caicos based on your criteria. My 2nd choice would be Grand Cayman.
My first choice was going to be Turks and Caicos! Check out West Bay Club, lots of luxury for the money, gorgeous rooms, long stretch of gorgeous beach yet a block over to off the beach snorkel.
It fis ALL. Of your criteria
Wow I never even looked at Turks and Caicos! Thanks, I'll check into it!
Not sure how warm the water will be in March in T&C. I'd say Grand Cayman seems to fit all of your criteria, and the water temps in March should be fine, where as it might be chilly in T&C.
You will find great walk-in snorkeling on St. John plus there are a good variety of restaurants and 2/3's of the island is a National Park so there is plenty of places for hiking and exploring. Water will be nice and warm in March. It meets all your criteria.
We've been to Grace Bay, TCI 4 years in March and only 1 of those the sea was rough and somewhat chilly. The other 3 times it was perfect. The snorkeling is so-so though. The best is at Coral Gardens but it's crowded most of the time. Still our favorite after 20+ islands. Most of the avid TCI goers like the higher end resorts but we love Ocean Club West and will go there again this year. Yes, it is older and some units are in need of updating but the physical layout of the buildings, pool, restaurant and beach area is perfect for us. Look through vrbo.com for some of the private owner units that are decorated better. There is also the original Ocean Club but the West is in a better location. Here's some reviews and lots of photos:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g147399-d150362-Reviews-Ocean_Club_Resort-Providenciales_Turks_and_Caicos.html
Grand Cayman is good and has better snorkeling just watch where you stay on 7 Mile Beach (close to the city the beach is too rocky.)
Barbados would be a good choice on the West Coast.
Also Anguilla. Harder to get to, but has it all. Most resorts are very expensive but we liked Shoal Bay Villas. Older, but our balcony was right on the beach (the closest we've ever been.) And yes, you can hear the ocean from the beachfront units.
http://sbvillas.ai/
St. John has fantastic walk-in snorkeling. Caneel Bay has rooms right on a walk-in snorkeling beach but you will pay a big price for them. There are many beautiful villas for rent and then you need a jeep to drive to the good snorkeling spots as St. John is 3/4 National Park.
I have to agree with Turks & Caicos. We were there last year in February, and it was absolutely perfect, and really does fit your criteria. We stayed at West Bay Club, which is on a fabulous stretch of beach, and has very nice, spacious suites for a very reasonable rate. Coral Gardens is right down the beach for snorkeling. Great restaurants in Providenciales, too, though I would recommend renting a car so you can easily get around to try different places.
We are trying to plan something for this February, and I am trying to look at other options, but nothing else sounds as appealing to me as TCI, so I suspect we'll be back!