Which island?

Old Apr 10th, 2014, 04:13 PM
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Which island?

Hello! I'm in a family of three with the ages 49, 53, and 14. We are looking to visit the Caribbean, but we have no idea where to go! We would love a mixture of relaxing at a not-so-crowded beach, opportunity to have fun at some time rather than relax, and an island with reasonable prices (not over-the-edge in the luxury department). St. Maarten and Antigua look good. Which one would you visit? Why? Also, are there any other islands you prefer? Which ones? Why? I appreciate ANY info at all. Thanks so much!
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Old Apr 11th, 2014, 09:16 AM
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It can be overwhelming trying to choose an island and I am sure you have done some preliminary reading on the descriptions of various islands. Anyway, I am not a Caribbean expert as I have only been to a few places but I can share my experience. Keep in mind, I prefer islands that are not quiet (it's all relative as it is the Caribbean after all) as I get bored staring at water and sand after a while. So, I choose islands with good restaurants, nightlife (when traveling without the kids this is more of a priority and we like casinos) and the island must be a place we feel comfortable traveling around on our own. Also, I only go to places I can fly non-stop from NYC. I know this limits me but for what I am seeking out of a Caribbean vacation, there are plenty of choices. Now I am sure there are plenty of places that fit this criteria but here is where I have been and would recommend for a vacation.

1) St. Martin- has nice beaches, great restaurants and a hilly topography that I like. There are big and small hotels and a good range for various budgets. A car rental allows you to get the most out of the island. The big choice here is Dutch side vs French Side. I prefer the French side because of the European feel and the restaurants are great. The Dutch side is more built up with casinos and lots of American chains. Don't expect a pristine island. A nice thing about St. Martin is you can easily take day trips to St. Barth's and Anguilla. They are both nice destinations as well but St. Barth's is extremely expensive and Anguilla is too quiet for me, however, both are great day trips.

2) Aruba- a bit too Americanized (American chains and lots of American tourists), however, beautiful beaches and some interesting places to check out around the island (e.g Oranjestad, various animal farms, a big National Park, scuba trips etc). Keep in mind Aruba is flat and arid...think cactus not jungle. The area around the hotels are well landscaped.

3) Puerto Rico- probably my favorite as it has a great mix of culture, beach, food, diversity and some history. There are some amazing restaurants in Puerto Rico both high end and local places. Old San Juan is a wonderful place to explore- it feels like a small European village. The beaches are ok in the San Juan area but you can travel around the island to different locations, including the offshore islands of Culebra and Vieques. There is a rain forest as well that is about and hour from San Juan. I find it interesting that despite the fact that this actually is a U.S. territory and you do not need a passport it feels more foreign than either Aruba or St. Maarten (Dutch side).

Anyway, that's my two cents for what it's worth.
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Old Apr 11th, 2014, 10:56 AM
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It's always wise for those who are "first time" or relatively "new" travelers to the Caribbean to do some basic research into what the different islands have to offer. The reason is simple- while you can relax on a quite beach on just about every island you'll find no two islands are alike - everyone is different. Start by using the "Destinations" link at the top left of this page. Click your way to the Caribbean then read the general summaries of the different island and choose a few that appeal to you.

Unless you are a real sophisticated traveler you are probably better off sticking to one of the better known larger islands for your first few trips - they are often easier to reach at what most people refer to as "affordable airfares", they offer a wide variety of accommodations (full service resorts, smaller boutique hotels, "condo resorts", Rental villas, etc. that come in all budget ranges, they'll have lots of different dining options (again in all price ranges) and you'll have access to plenty of activities for those times you want to do more than sit on a beach and relax. Save the smaller, harder to get to islands for later trips.

Now, when asking for advice on this or other forums you normally won't get much info by asking what "WE LIKE AND WHY" rather you'll get more useful information if you let us know WHAT YOU LIKE. After all YOU are the one making the trip. For example, I've visited over 25 different islands - some may be perfect for you but not necessarily among my favorites. I've been to St. Martin (liked it) and Antigua (just so-so in my book). Others on this forum think just the opposite. So help us steer you in the right direction you by telling us:
1) When you'll be traveling?
2) How long a trip you are planning?
3) Where you are traveling from?
4) Your tolerance level for travel - i.e how much time are you willing to spend getting to/from your intended destination, are you willing to take one of more connecting flights and/or a ferry ride or two to reach your destination?
5) What's your actual budget for accommodations & food - sorry but terms like "not over the edge in luxury" are meaningless without a dollar point of reference. What's "not over the edge" for you may be a mere pittance for some and totally extravagant for others. We need to what YOU can afford.
6) Tell us what type of activities you consider "fun" - some people like skydiving, others like fishing and still others love shopping. What do YOU like?


Make a list of 6 to 10 "things" you'd like in a Caribbean vacation. List them in your order of preference and the regulars contributors on this forum will help find the island(s) that best match your desires. Keep in mind that every island is different and no one island "has it all" so you'll probably have to make a couple of concessions BUT you should be able to find a destination that ticks off most of the items on your wish list.
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Old Apr 11th, 2014, 02:02 PM
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I agree with RoamsAround. There are several "starter" islands, and St Martin/Maarten is a great one. The infrastructure allows you to see what the possibilities are. Plus, you get some French (especially the food) and some Dutch ambiance. It is easy to get to, the language is no problem, lots of hotel choices. Once you see what is there, your family can narrow their search for the next adventure!
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Old Apr 11th, 2014, 02:20 PM
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Wow, I definitely wasn't expecting so many responses in so little time! I appreciate all of them. It seems like St. Maarten is the best choice, but I will answer the questions asked to me by RoamsAround.
1. We will be travelling in July.
2. We will probably stay 4 nights and a bit of the fifth day.
3. We will be departing from Logan Airport, Boston.
4. I don't mind a layover in flight- it just shouldn't be over an hour and a half.
5. Meals (for three people) should not cost over a total of 80 dollars.
6. We would like the opportunity to boat, but also to relax on a beautiful beach.

Now the list of things I want in the vacation:
1. A REALLY NICE BEACH!!! (not too crowded, turquoise)
2. An exotic feel (not very American)
3. Not too hard to get to (not too long layovers)
4. Friendly staff in the hotel, and friendly islanders
5. Opportunity to go on day trips
6. Not fully flat terrain (hills)
7. Caribbean-like nature (palm trees, bright-ish flowers, you know what I mean)

By the way, thank you for all your generous advice everyone, as you can see, I am quite new to this website.

Oh, and to the people who asked, yes, I have done and continue to do my daily dose of research.
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Old Apr 11th, 2014, 06:22 PM
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OK, St. Martin ticks all 7 items on your wish list.

Traveling in July is a plus - it's off-season so you find some of the lowest room rates of the year.

Not sure if you can reach SXM from Logan non-stop but you should be able to get there in one connecting flight. Check American, Jet Blue or Delta to see who has the best schedule.

4 nights is short but better than not going. You are going to spend the better part of day 1 getting there and day 5 getting home.

Your meal budget (I'm assuming you mean $80US for 3 people per meal not $80 per day) is a little low for the Caribbean - that's only about $26 per person per meal - for that you'll get a burger or salad and a drink - anything else is going to cost you at least 50% more and the pricier restaurants will run you a minimum of $75 to $100 per person not including drinks. You could definitely spend less than that for breakfast but will be stretching it a bit for lunch and doable for dinner only if you have very, very simple meals. Now, St. Martin does have plenty of roadside stands (called LoLo's) where you can get a reasonably priced meal and there numerous "beach bars" which are moderately priced but $80 for 3 people is low - remember there's tax and service charges which will be added to the bill. If you can, up you budget for meals or resign yourself that you'll be missing out on some of the better restaurants on the island.

There are numerous daysail operators on the island so you can do all the boating you desire. Also, it's easy (30 minute ferry ride) to take a day trip to Anguilla - worth doing if you have the time.

St. Martin has plenty of nice beaches that you can enjoy.

Good luck planning your trip.
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Old Apr 12th, 2014, 04:41 AM
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St. Martin (French side) is a good choice, although I am not sure I would describe it as exotic but it is tropical and has a European flavor. When I think of exotic I think of places like Southeast Asia, not the Caribbean. As the others mentioned the food budget might be a challenge. Staying in Orient Beach or Grand Case might be a good option for you.

I think you should also take a look at Puerto Rico. While you can't see a lot in 4 days and the beaches in St. Martin are more "turquoise" you could stay in a resort in Isla Verde which will allow you to easily visit Old San Juan (great architecture, cool forts and a great ambiance). You could also rent a car and visit the rain forest, Guavate (for traditional lechon-pig roast), Luquillo and even take a catamaran sail from Fajardo- they will arrange pick up from your hotel. Even though PR is a U.S. territory, it has a very different feel, especially outside of the San Juan metro area.

If your vacation is more about the beach, then St. Martin is a better choice but if you want a little more sightseeing/adventure I think PR is a good place for you.
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Old Apr 12th, 2014, 05:24 AM
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Thank you, once again, for the wonderful advice.
To me, it seems like St. Martin/St. Maarten is a perfect choice (considering this is our first Caribbean trip EVER). Oh, by the way, I only said $80 per meal because I couldn't come up with anything. I could stretch that, easily, for all the good food I've heard is offered there.
Now, a tough question. Should I stay on the French side or the Dutch side? My conundrum is as follows: We would like to have a casino available (note the word "like"), but I think it would be nice to be able to take a day trip to Anguilla (or St. Barth's, I guess). Do I have to give one of these up? I've heard that some people drive to Marigot from Philipsburg and take a ferry from there to Anguilla. Is that manageable?
Thanks again for all the advice!
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Old Apr 12th, 2014, 08:08 AM
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You are OVER-THINKING about what side to stay on the island. Choose whatever side pleases you - there's no "border control" so it's easy to drive from one side to the other - the only way you'll know when you cross the border is by a small sign on the side of the road. One side is not better than the other- they are just different sides - one has a French flare, the other Dutch.

Yes, the ferry to Anguilla leaves from Marigot so no matter where you stay on the island you'll have to make your way to the ferry dock if you want to take a day trip to Anguilla. Same with going to St. Bart's - you get their either by one of several ferries (that leave SXM from different places) or by flying - your choice.

Likewise, there's nothing to stop you from going to the casino no matter what side you are staying on - you only need transportation from where you are staying to the casino itself.
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Old Apr 12th, 2014, 08:54 AM
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Sounds good! Thanks so much. I think I will be staying at the Sonesta Great Bay Resort and Casino. I have heard that Great Bay is one of the best beaches in Sint Maarten and the hotel is also pretty close to bustling Philipsburg. I may take a day trip to the French side once and another day I will maybe go to Anguilla. I don't want to get too bored looking at Great Bay for four days straight.
Thank you, everyone, sincerely, for all the helpful comments. I would like to personally thank RoamsAround for sealing the deal with St. Maarten, and also, teaching me how to write a comment in Fodor's that people can easily answer.
All in all, St. Maarten it is!
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Old Apr 13th, 2014, 04:07 AM
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We were in St. Martin last July and it was our first time there. We stayed at Divi Bay resort. As I recall it was right up the road from Sonesta. It is located on Great Bay. Phillipsburg is great to walk around and there is lovely boardwalk with many shops and Eateries. In July however, in the p.m. it will be totally desolated as it is off season. There is a restaurant not to far away, called Chesterfield. It sits on the water and we went there twice. There is also a place called Marks, we went there for Ribs our first night. If you like ribs I highly suggest.

We also went to Marigot where you would catch the ferry. if you are only there for 4 days I personally would see no need to try and cram that into your stay but that is up to you. Enjoy and let us know how your stay went.
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Old Apr 13th, 2014, 04:37 AM
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Thank you very much for your restaurant recommendations! I've been wondering about if there were any good places close by.
Now, we are exploring the possibility of staying in The Villas On Great Bay. It seems to be affordable, and you have a two-story villa to yourself! Sounds good to me.
Yeah, going to Anguilla may be a bit of a cram. I was just making sure it was an opportunity, in case we get bored.
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Old Apr 13th, 2014, 08:57 AM
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Definitely stay on the French side (St. Martin). Great beaches, great food.
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Old Apr 13th, 2014, 11:07 AM
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If you want to know anymore info and inputs please try this site:

www.traveltalkonline.com There are people there who actually live on the island, they are retired and the are also full of a wealth of info. They are people who got there every year faithfully.
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Old Apr 13th, 2014, 12:44 PM
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Thank you for the recommendations! I will check that website. Also, yes, I will consider staying on the French side, though we are also considering the Dutch side because of its casinos and nightlife. If we stay in St. Maarten, we try our best to visit St. Martin.
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Old Apr 27th, 2014, 04:10 PM
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Everybody, thank you so much for all your wonderful advice. I really appreciate it. I hope to visit St. Maarten in the next few years.
Unfortunately, this year just wouldn't work out for it. The people I am vacationing with outnumbered me in the idea for a Boston-Bermuda week cruise. I will board the Norwegian Dawn this June for the cruise.
I think it is safe to expect a cruise review of the Norwegian Dawn week-long cruise. This review will PROBABLY come out in July. I will try to get it in as soon as possible.
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Old Apr 28th, 2014, 03:49 AM
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Deat, thanks for reporting back to us. I am sure you will enjoy yourself. Have a great cruise.
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Old May 4th, 2014, 04:42 PM
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Not a problem, Diann, and thank you for the good wishes.
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Old Jul 4th, 2014, 08:33 AM
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Alright, everyone! I'm back from the Norwegian Dawn Boston to Bermuda cruise. I got back home just about two hours ago. Although I enjoy being home again, I really enjoyed my first cruise and am eager to write out the review. I will post the review on Fodor's and, possibly, Tripadvisor. If any of you have any questions about this specific cruise, please feel free to contact me because I have a fresh memory of it all.
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Old Jul 27th, 2014, 05:10 PM
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Sorry for the delay, everyone, but I finally finished my review. If you want to check it out, I will link the page in this message. Hopefully I help some people. If any of you have questions about the cruise, please ask me.
Anyway, here's the link:http://www.fodors.com/community/crui...-27-july-4.cfm

Enjoy,
Dcat
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