planomom

Hi - Looking for summer 2016 Beach Resort vaca - high end but not necessarily Ritz-eque. Want full service resort ON BEACH with great pools - yes, plural and dining on site. Need lovely shopping area nearby.

Other than that, touristy spots not required. Have done Hawaii, Destin/Seaside, etc. Do not want Texas beaches.

Considering Hilton Head or Nantucket on mainland and Puerto Rico or St Thomas, St John and St Croix in USVI. Needs to have warm beautiful water to swim in with not too scary waves/current/undertoe. Not looking to surf, but rather relax in calm ocean waters. I just want it to be lovely and cater to our every need - beachside service, umbrellas & loungers on beach, room service, not too big (Grand Wailea was too huge).

Would love to consider California destinations if they are ON THE BEACH, not across the street AND if the water is warm.

I do not want to drive to the beach. Onsite is requirement #1. Also, do not want to rent a cottage, house, condo, etc.

What else? Appreciate your help and comments. Hope i have painted a pic of what we are looking for but if you need more detail, please LMK. Thanks again!!!

janisj

>>Would love to consider California destinations if they are ON THE BEACH, not across the street AND if the water is warm.

MmePerdu

The ocean along the CA coast is cold and big. Think surfing in wet suits. Better to cross it off your list. Progress, one less to consider.

Dukey1

Janis has obviously not been in the water at every beach in California.

Nantucket...could be some chilly waters for you there, at least in my experience.

janisj

>>Janis has obviously not been in the water at every beach in California.have been in the water in every coastal county in CA. None of the Pacific beaches would meet the OP's needs.

schmerl

Check out the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa.

jamie99

Very few hotels right ON the beach at least in Southern California. Beach House in Hermosa Beach is one of the few I can think of off the top of my head but sure not full service and you would need an upper floor since there are people passing the ground floor rooms along the Strand via foot, bike, skateboard, etc.
Most of the nice hotels like Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, Inn at Pelican Hill, Terranea, etc. are on a bluff above the water.
Plus having lived (and surfed when younger) in California all my life, janisj is right on about the water. Maybe by Labor Day weekend the beaches in San Diego might hit 70F

emalloy

On the beach in Pueto Rico are the Wyndham Rio Mar and el Conquistador. I don't know if they are fancy enough for you, but have warm water too. I'm sure there are plenty of others too.

The Ocean House Hotel in Watch Hill, RI is very nice and also is water front. The water is warmish in the summer, for a New England area.

nytraveler

New England waters tend to start getting warmer in August and Sept - but earlier in the season are (IMHO) wonderfully cool. (I hate water in FL - feel like a lobster being boiled.)

You might be happiest of FL if you want to be sure of warm water.

sf7307

You are willing to consider Florida and the Caribbean during hurricane season?

(P.S. I have to agree that you cross California off your list).

J62

How about Guam? Both Hilton and Weston have beach front resorts.

travelerfromtx

The Buccaneer on St. Croix is a nice property.

http://www.thebuccaneer.com/

Fra_Diavolo

Caneel Bay on St. John has most of what you're after.

http://www.caneelbay.com/resort-overview.html

Ocean House in Watch Hill, mentioned above, is very nice, but the seas can be rough in Rhode Island.

travelgourmet

Nantucket

The water can be quite cold and I don't believe there are really any resorts that meet your criteria in terms of beach service and multiple pools.

Caneel Bay on St. John has most of what you're after.

I honeymooned at Caneel Bay and loved it, but beach service was a bit lacking and the pools are not great. The emphasis is on the beaches there, and they are phenomenal (some of the "lacking" service is more about not interfering in your privacy on one of the 7 beaches). Food was quite good too. Definitely something to consider if you are willing to "rough it" a bit (no tvs or phones in rooms, I think they now have wifi in the rooms, though).

As to other options... You might check out the St Regis in PR or the Ritz Dorado Beach. They would fit your bill, though they would be approaching the ultra-luxury category. The W on Vieques might be another option.

There are a ton of options in Florida, though some of the resort areas are pretty dense.

DebitNM

The Westin in St John.

http://www.westinresortstjohn.com/

Tabernash2

Agree with travelfromtx. The Buccaneer on St Croix is wonderful. It has three beaches, one fairly ordinary pool, three places to eat, and a variety of lodging choices.

The service there is great. The full breakfast buffet is included, and is served in a beautiful setting overlooking the property and the beaches.

It is not glitzy. St Croix is not glitzy. There is no high-end shopping.

Here is my thread:
http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...n-st-croix.cfm

bankbabe

I am not sure what your budget is, but have you considered the following:

One and Only Beach Club - Nassau, Bahamas - (I know it's not US territory, but it is simply wonderful, beachfront, and not a long plane ride).

The Breakers - Palm Beach, FL
The Sanctuary - Kiawah Island, SC

When you say "multiple pools", it puts things more into a family category and IMO not as restful and relaxing, catering to your needs, etc...

jayne1973

Regarding Westin St. John-- we stayed there in September, and it is beautiful. But you will miss out on the best beaches if you just stay on the property the whole time. You would need to take a taxi into town for real shopping. They are plentiful and cheap.

BigRuss

Funny, I think Cali beaches have warm water. But I grew up in NYC.

To the OP: go to the Caribbean. There are more than enough places with the waters and servants you require.