Have decided to take a last minute trip next month. I have located three pkgs in our price range: Long Bay Resort, Tortola, St Kitts Marriott, Antigua Veranda (all are about $2,000 for 6 nites out of KC) Or there is good airfare alone to Grand Bahama. We love snorkeling from the beach our top priority, exploring and nice but not fancy accomodations. It is important to us to feel safe and not be over ran with poverty or beach vendors etc. Loved Grand Cayman, St John and Vieques (except disappointed in Vieques snorkeling). Would any of the above be a good fit for us or suggestions?
THANKS!!!!!!!
Tortola, St Kitts, Antiqua
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Have not been to Tortola, but have stayed at both the St. Kitts Marriott and the Verandah Resort in Antigua. Neither are what I would call great beach destinations -- on an island of wonderful beaches, Verandah's are actually manmade, although it was a pretty good all around resort for the money (good value and food was decent, rooms nice, especially the waterfront ones). You should be aware that it is very far away from everything so unless you are renting a car (we did), you will be fairly resort-bound and taxis are pricey. You can walk to the natural Devil's Bridge from Verandah, and I also think you can get to Long Bay beach nearby, which may have a beach bar or two. But nothing else. We found the snorkeling in Antigua just okay. The beach at St. Kitts Marriott is better -- wider and you can walk along it for 30 - 45 minutes. It's also pretty near beach bars and other restaurants. The resort was not high on our list as it is a mega-resort with little charm (we stayed on points) But we enjoyed St. Kitts and a day trip to Nevis is fun. Also not great snorkeling. I think Long Bay Resort may be your best bet, hopefully someone who has stayed there can comment. Happy answer further ?'s about Verandah or Marriott.
I'm a fan of Tortola because of great accessability to other islands. Think of Totola as a hub in the center of a wagon wheel and the other islands of as the wheel at the end of spokes.
Fabulous and inexpensive ferry service to some of the best beaches in the world.
For your particular wants, Tortola fits your needs best of the packages you're considering. That island has better beach snorkeling than the others you've listed, although there's no snorkeling to speak of immediately in front of Long Bay. It's a gorgeous beach, though, and you're within walking distance of at least three other restaurants, including the Sugar Mill, which is one of the best on the island. You can also walk to Smuggler's Cove from Long Bay, which does have pretty good snorkeling for the island. It's a small, lovely beach that can get crowded by midday, so go early for the best time.