CMurphy88

Hi all! My family and I just returned from our cruise on Celebrity Reflection. We just can't get enough of the Caribbean water and the warmth of the sun. We are already looking into our next vacation. We are thinking possibly after Christmas staying for New Years. The group would include myself and my husband who will be 31 & 32, my brother and his wife who will be 29 & 31, and my parents who are in their 60's, but are very active.

Our family vacations twice a year were always to the Atlantis in the Bahamas. When the Cove opened, that is where we stayed. We did love the big resort feel and how there was always something to do. We loved having the cabanas by the pool with easy access to the beach for snorkeling. We enjoy spending our days by the pool swimming, in the ocean snorkeling, relaxing in the sun, but also having an area of shade to take a break from the sun. We all visit the gym and spa so we would love a very nice facility for some pampering.

Our evenings are usually spent at a nice dinner along with drinks. We would love a resort or at least an area where there is fine dining, as well as some nightlife such as casinos, bars, dancing, live music, etc. Anything along those lines. We would prefer to not have to go to bed after dinner because the resort or island is very quiet with not much to do.

Our budget is pretty open to most possibilites. And I know the Atlantis is pretty much the only resort of its kind, but i am hoping you all can suggest some new resorts for us to try. Thanks so much!!!

RoamsAround

One caveat - some resorts (especially high end ones like you describe) have minimum stay requirements over the Christmas/New Year's Holiday - since the 2013/14 holidays are on Wednesdays you may find that you may have to book your accommodations from 12/21 or 12/22 through 1/4 or 1/5. I'm not saying that's the case for every resort but going "after Christmas and staying only till New Year's" may be a bit of a challenge. it could limit your choices. Regardless, wherever you go you'll encounter the highest room rates of the year and almost every resort will be at full capacity so don't wait too long

I wouldn't go to the Bahamas that time of year as it could be on the cool side.

There's only one casino in the T&C's. It's on Providenciales - where 95% of the resorts in that island chain are located. The islands are fairly far north so you could encounter cool weather. Look at Parrot Cay, Amanyara or Gansevoort.

On Antigua look at Curtain Bluff, Carlisle Bay or Jumby Bay.

On Barbados, if you really want upscale check out Sandy Lane.

On Grand Cayman check out the Ritz Carlton.

DAVENPORT1

The Mariott in St. Kitts may be right up your alley. The beach is on the Atlantic side of the island but is quite nice. I found the food to be quite good and we opted for the meal plan add on which included breakfast, lunch and dinner. The property is a large scale property with an on site casino. Several fun beach bars are within walking distance of the resort.

You can also take a catamaran to Nevis and have a few Killer Bees and a sumptuos lobster roll whilst listening to raggae at Sunshines Beach Bar. Good times, good times.

Delishbajansauce

On Barbados you can also research Coral Reef hotel and or Colony Club hotel on the West Coast and Hilton Hotel on the south coast.

sharona

I see you've received excellent advice. I'll add my voice to checking out the Ritz on Grand Cayman. It's a large resort with lots of activities. I don't believe there are any casinos in the Caymans, however.

Aruba may also offer what you're looking for. There are casinos, tons of restaurants and dance clubs. It's also far enough south that it's a fairly safe bet you'll have some warm/hot weather at that time of the year. Take a look at the Hyatt and the Radisson. The Marriott may also be a fit for you but as it also includes a time share resort there will be lots of kids if that matters to you.

Barbados is another island that you should consider. Definitely look at Sandy Lane and the Coral Reef Club (although the beach there is small it's a well run, lovely resort).

Bassguy66

Aruba seems to fit what you are looking for having the nice resorts, and all the fine dining, nightlife & activities you are seeking.

OceanBreeze1

Aruba! Marriott Hotel on Palm Beach, Aruba. Or, check timeshare rental ads for Marriott Ocean Club and Marriott Surf Club, both timeshare properties. The Radisson in Aruba is also nice, located just south of The Marriott properties.
Lots of great restaurants in Aruba! Beautiful beach with western exposure so you get spectacular sunsets on Palm Beach.

OB1

CMurphy88

Thank you all for your suggestions! I think we may look into Aruba, Grand Cayman, and as a quieter destination...Turks & Caicos. It sounds like many of you really enjoyed Aruba! Can't wait to do more research! I love planning vacations!!

OceanBreeze1

Only thing I wld be concerned about w/ T & C is that it may not be wram enough Christmas/New Years. Aruba is so much farther south, very cloe to the equator. Which causes me to think of Curacao which is just a short hop from Aruba. I have not been to Curacao but friends have & they love it so maybe you want to add Curacao to the mix but it may be too quiet for you....anybody here know more about Curacao?

OB1

OceanBreeze1

warm