neglex

We would like to take a vacation in the Caribbean with our two daughters ages 18 and 20 around Christmas time for 5-7 nights. So far, we are looking at Little Dix Bay and the Ritz in Grand Cayman and St Thomas. I think that Little Dix Bay would be perfect although expensive. We want a really nice hotel and beach. How commercialized are the two Ritz properties? Any other suggestions? We are coming from Boston.
Thanks!!

eastenderusvi

I don't know how you want to spend your time...There is probably more to do on St Thomas than Virgin Gorda, more bars and restaurants, etc. In the same category, but with nicer beaches...have you looked at Caneel Bay?

neglex

I have been to Caneel Bay with my husband but they have a 10 day minimum over Christmas. What is the Ritz like on Grand Cayman? Which is nicer Grand Cayman or St Thomas?

KVR

"Which is nicer Grand Cayman or St Thomas?"

Grand Cayman hands down. Nicer Island, better beaches and better snorkeling. GC is is more expensive than St. Thomas, but it's worth it.

Don't know anything about the Ritz, but 7 Mile beach is awesome and the the snorkeling is fantastic. I did not care for St. Thomas and would probaly not return. There just are better destinatons in the Caribbean and GC is one of them.

neglex

Thanks, that's what I thought. Actually, Little Dix isn't much more than the Ritz over Christmas.

eastenderusvi

Hmm...Little Dix doesn't have the same restrictions as Caneel? That is interesting, since they are both Rosewood properties..

KVR: I am sorry you didn't care for St Thomas. There are lots of great beaches, bars, restaurants and places to stay...You must have caught it on a bad day. ;-)

Andrew304

Ritz at Grand Cayman is a big property and most of the rooms are actually across the street from the beach - accessable via an indoor bridge. Ritz GC packs its beach chairs into a very small space on 7 mile beach - very crowded and there will be tons of kids at Christmas. Otherwise, it is a nice property.

Little Dix is beautiful and will allow ample space between lounge chairs. There will be kids, but not on top of you.

Ritz St Thomas is the stuffiest of the three, but lovely and in a good location on STT.

VG is the quietest of the bunch and although there are a few places to eat off campus, you will spend most of your time at the resort - which is not a bad thing. They do have launches to take you to different beaches and you can take a picnic lunch, so that is nice.

Ritz STT is near many nice restaurants at Red Hook and the rest of the island is easy to get to. It is also an easy ride to the ferry to St John - which is a must do.

Ritz Grand Cayman is walking distance to several good restaurants and some shops, supermarkets, liquor stores, etc.

They are all great resorts. If you are truly a tranquil beach family, Ritz GC may be too crowded for you. If you are very very social, you might love it.

Weadles

Any interest in Turks and Caicos? You could rent an apartment right on the beach. There is a non stop on Jetblue once or twice a week from Boston. We loved our accommodations at West Bay Club, but you would need a car. There are also plenty of very upscale complexes closer to restaurants, grocery store.

About Grand Cayman: If you're interested, check out The Avalon apartments, midway on the beach, pretty luxurious, and you won't have to cross the street to get to your beach chair!

OceanBreeze1

Hi, Weadles,
Do you think T & C wld be warm enough @ Christmas time. Or, wld you recommend going farther south to get "guaranteed warm" ... keeping in mind, that nothing is really "guaranteed"

OB1

OceanBreeze1

Oh! And I wonder if you cld please refer us to some of the "very upscale complexes closer to restaurants, grocery stores" on T & C? we would like to be able to walk to restuarnts & not have to rely on taxis or renting a car.
Thanks.

OB1

OceanBreeze1

restaurants