Wanted, an interesting island to visit.
Jul 12th, 2003, 02:50 PM
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Wanted, an interesting island to visit.
Saw e-mail here that Caymans are souless, whitewashed, overpriced and crowded. Have canceled. Am looking for 10 days in a place that has a soul, some character, fairly priced for what it offers, interesting grub, some good swimming and scuba, interesting locals. Just turned 60 but can still boogie.
Jul 12th, 2003, 07:43 PM
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visit www.isla-mujeres.net
Jul 13th, 2003, 06:51 AM
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It would seem that Tiverton forgot to specify Jamaica in the above post. 
As with any region that depends largely on tourism for income, there are parts of just about any island that could be classified as "souless, whitewashed, overpriced..." The trick is to avoid these areas if you're after some true island culture. In the Caymans, for instance, you could no doubt find what you're after on Little Cayman or Brac. In Jamaica, as Tiverton points out, it's on the south coast.
There are some islands that lack a tourist infrastructure. Among them are Dominica, Statia, and Saba. They're fairly pricey to reach, but offer a real value once you're there.
Others, such as Grenada, have maintained much of their natural beauty and have limited tourist development, so the end result is a handful of high-end resorts but mostly small hotels and inns that offer value and a sense of escape.
As with any region that depends largely on tourism for income, there are parts of just about any island that could be classified as "souless, whitewashed, overpriced..." The trick is to avoid these areas if you're after some true island culture. In the Caymans, for instance, you could no doubt find what you're after on Little Cayman or Brac. In Jamaica, as Tiverton points out, it's on the south coast.
There are some islands that lack a tourist infrastructure. Among them are Dominica, Statia, and Saba. They're fairly pricey to reach, but offer a real value once you're there.
Others, such as Grenada, have maintained much of their natural beauty and have limited tourist development, so the end result is a handful of high-end resorts but mostly small hotels and inns that offer value and a sense of escape.
Jul 13th, 2003, 11:20 AM
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Go to www.scubamom.com/caribbean/ and look through the reviews. St. Vincent and the Grenadines are still the "old island" experience with places to stay from beach huts to 4 star resorts, depending on your budget.
The BVI is also a good place to go - more well known than Grenadines, but still has gorgeous beaches and lots of places to stay for every budget.
The BVI is also a good place to go - more well known than Grenadines, but still has gorgeous beaches and lots of places to stay for every budget.
Jul 13th, 2003, 01:00 PM
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If you an island that hasn't yet been overdeveloped, try Tobago. It can be difficult to get to, and it's a quiet island. So if you are looking for a place to "boogie," it might not be what you want. However, if you want relaxation, beautiful scenery, friendly people, and fairly reasonable prices, Tobago may be the place.
You didn't mention when you're going -- fall is a rainier season than at other times.
You didn't mention when you're going -- fall is a rainier season than at other times.
Jul 14th, 2003, 05:19 AM
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CaribCouple, who told you that Jimmy Buffett wrote Cheeseburger in Paradise there? Just wondering because I know alot of places have claimed this. One very likely place is the island of Cabbage Key off of the gulf coast of Florida. It's been there a long time and sailors would stop in for burgers and brews, then sign their name to some bills to leave on the wall there for when they come back and possibly don't have enough money. Its a tradition that goes on today. My dollar is there and so is Jimmy Buffett's. Sorry, bblavelle to hijack your post - I was just curious...
Jul 14th, 2003, 07:43 AM
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I think the BVI's would be a great combination of all you are looking for.
There are several fun, funky beach bars, the people are very friendly and love to talk about their island home, and there is good diving and snorkeling - especially the wreck of the Rhone.
I'd recommend basing yourself on Tortola, and taking day trips to explore some of the other nearby islands like Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. (You'll love Foxy's on JVD and Bomba's on Tortola.)
It sounds like you enjoy the same things we do on vacation, so you may also want to look into:
Grenada, St. Lucia, Tobago, Nevis and Anguilla. (But these don't all have everything you are looking for.)
Another poster mentioned Isla Mujeres, and I think you'd like that too.
Very laid back, welcoming, easy to get to from the East coast and just lovely. (Ten days there might be a bit too much though, so you could spend 5 nights in Playa del Carmen or Cozumel and 5 nights on Isla.)
There are several fun, funky beach bars, the people are very friendly and love to talk about their island home, and there is good diving and snorkeling - especially the wreck of the Rhone.
I'd recommend basing yourself on Tortola, and taking day trips to explore some of the other nearby islands like Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke. (You'll love Foxy's on JVD and Bomba's on Tortola.)
It sounds like you enjoy the same things we do on vacation, so you may also want to look into:
Grenada, St. Lucia, Tobago, Nevis and Anguilla. (But these don't all have everything you are looking for.)
Another poster mentioned Isla Mujeres, and I think you'd like that too.
Very laid back, welcoming, easy to get to from the East coast and just lovely. (Ten days there might be a bit too much though, so you could spend 5 nights in Playa del Carmen or Cozumel and 5 nights on Isla.)
Jul 14th, 2003, 04:21 PM
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AHA! I love this website. I've been stuck here in Iowa 1 1/2yrs because of hubby's job with Deere. This is the first conversation I had since moving here! Anyhow, we are going SOMEWHERE on July 25. I am loking into all of your recommendations, really! Thanks for your trouble...wish I could buy you a beer! Regards, Barbara L.
Jul 15th, 2003, 04:09 AM
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I have to recommend St Martin (the French side). I think you'll be able to find reasonable accomodations, the food is excellent, and you can definitely find some night life (French or Dutch side). I'm not sure about scuba, since I don't dive, but you can definitely snorkel, parasail, jet ski, etc.
