B_and_B

We especially enjoyed our previous Caribbean winter vacations at adult only all-inclusive resorts such as La Source, Grenada and two Elite Island Resorts: Galley Bay, Antigua and Palm Island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. We have also been to other all-inclusives: Grand Lido, Negril, Jamaica, and Sandals, St. Lucia; as well as non-all-inclusives hotels in Aruba and Grand Cayman. We are in our late 50's and enjoy relaxing on great beaches, snorkeling, day trips, and enjoying good food/drink, and prefer adults only resorts or at least some place not overrun by children. If anyone has another Elite Island Resort to suggest, we'd like to hear about it. Other than Elite Island Resorts, we'd appreciate hearing your recommendations for other island resorts for our next vacation. We are open to non-all inclusive, as well. Thanks!

RoamsAround

In the BVI's check out Peter Island Resort (a private island resort) or Little Dix Bay and Biras Creek both on Virgin Gorda. In the Bahamas look at Cape Santa Maria Resort on Long Island. In the Turks & Caicos check out Parrot Cay Resort or Amanyara Resort. Sorry, can't help you with resorts in either Trinade or Tobago.

virginia

bahamas one & only palmilla?
bvi's http://www.guana.com/ <<not been but other fodorites have and were very happy
in belize http://www.aprivateisland.com/

eileen

Hi, Galley Bay is our all-time favorite resort, Palm Island is on our wish list (husband is a golfer so the lack of a golf course has been keeping us away). GB just fits the bill for us, especially the adults-only requirement, the lack of crowds and the gorgeous setting. Every time I research a new resort I think, "But I am just not going to like it as much as Galley Bay." The adults-only/few children factor has been particularly challenging to locate. Peter Island and Little Dix Bay have both been on our wish list (except for the lack of access to golf) but recent reports of LDB being overrun with children and PI being overrun with boaters really discouraged us. Here's a few you might take a look at (sorry they really don't meet your island requirements -- I haven't really found anything on T & T that would be the same caliber and the flight schedule is always awful from the US, been to T & C -- stayed at Point Grace -- beach was incredible but not really a Galley Bay or Palm Island type of atmosphere, although previous suggestions of Amanyara or Parrot Cay might be good as all the other resorts are on one long strip of beach so you don't get that "away from it all" feel of GB or PI). Take a look at Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios (adults only), Nisbet Plantation Beach Club on Nevis -- our 2nd favorite, Anse Chastanet in St. Lucia, Tortuga Bay in the Dominican Republic. I don't think the other Elite Island Resorts can in anyway compare to GB and PI although Long Bay Beach Resort on Tortola looks interesting. GB and PI were built/designed by the same owner which is why they seem similar in design and feel.

doug_stallings

There's Petit St. Vincent, which is a stone's throw from Palm Island (you can actually see it). There's Jumby Bay in Antigua. I think you may find a larger family quotient at Little Dix Bay, but it's a lovely place. As is Caneel Bay on St. John.

I don't think you'd enjoy the DR, unless you spring for a more expensive suite at Puntacana Resort (that would be Tortuga Bay Hotel, as eileen recommends).

PandyB

Have you looked at Curtain Bluff http://www.curtainbluff.com on Antigua. All-inclusive luxury resort.

B_and_B

To those of you who have responded to my posting, thanks for all the great ideas.

We are not limited to the islands I tagged for the posting. Please keep your ideas coming!

While we'd love top of the line luxury, our budget tops out in the $1,000+ per night for an all-inclusive, so some of the recommendations, while spectacular, may not be affordable for us right now.

Eileen, I agree that the other Elite Island Resorts might not measure up to Galley Bay and Palm Island, and I'd hate to be disappointed. I was sorry to hear that GB had expanded, so even though we have longed to go back, we probably won't now. We were intrigued by Long Bay Beach Resort because of the Elite Island repeaters discount and the fact that we haven't been to BVI yet, but the resort got some very bad reviews on Trip Advisor and Where to Stay, isn't all inclusive or adults only.

Would appreciate if anyone who has been to Long Bay Beach Resort lately could comment on it.

doug_stallings

You don't say when you plan to travel, but many rates that top $1,000 per night in the high season go down significantly in the off-season. If you are traveling soon, there are some very good deals between Thanksgiving and Christmas; if you are traveling next year, then you'll find significant savings after Easter, and May and June are typically great months in the Caribbean.

B_and_B

We live in New England, and like to get away from the cold weather in the winter, so that means we are paying premium rates, unfortunately.

blamona

I've been to the above islands except for St. Lucia. (I don't stay at AIs, so can't comment about that, but I've been through those properties and beaches.)

Meridian Club, in Turks and Caicos is similar to Palm Island--the resort is the only thing on the island, and it has the most incredible beach you'll ever see. It's not a complete all-inclusive, it does include meals and boat transfers, doesn't include drinks and excursions. Keep in mind, the resort doesn't have A/C nor TVs or phones. (A/C not needed in winter) There is a TV room, and an internet room though. The beach there would blow you away! Water like none of the places you've been too. Excellent snorkeling too.

Parrot Cay is, again, on it's own island. Gorgeous 5 star resort, really with prices to match. You can get meal plans which save you money, you have to eat there anyway! To get it closer to your budget, sign up to receive emails about specials, lately they've been offering pay so many nights get nights free-that would bring the cost down.

I would suggest Club Med in San Salvador Bahamas, trully all inclusive (including snorkel boat trips and skiing!) gorgeous colorful property, they only thing on the entire island, on the most gorgeous beach you'll ever lay eyes on, BUT it may be chilly there in winter months.

eileen

B & B, Don't let the expansion keep you from going back to Galley Bay -- we have been twice since the new premium suites opened (and a new restaurant as well) and the resort didn't feel crowded at all (especially last April because it was only 1/3 full!) The upside to the expansion and the economy is they have been having great sales -- we went in March 2008 at about 30% off and April 2009 at 50% off, only way we could afford GB because the rack rates are high. And the premium rooms are gorgeous and huge. The best rum punch ever!

Knowing

Love Palm Island and wish I did know somewhere that was similiar. The French Polynesia is the closest that I have been able to come. If you find a place that you love as much, PLEASE let us know.

B_and_B

Eileen, thanks for the additional feedback on Galley Bay.

Blamona, thanks for the suggestion for Turks and Caicos, which is an island on our short list.

Knowing, where in French Polynesia do you recommend?