nrwayne

Here are the details of what we're looking for. We would greatly appreciate suggestions.

1. Somewhere in the Caribbean within 4 hrs. nonstop flight from New York.
2. Within a 30 minute drive from the airport.
3. No more than 100 rooms, preferably with individual cottages available.
4. A decent beach with shaded areas (trees) nearby.
5. A pool (not saltwater)
6. Need not be fancy, but must be clean and well appointed
7. Budget: up to $500-600/night
8. For five nights in late January
9. For couples, not families
10. Reasonably good food on the premises or within a 10-15 minute drive.
11. ESSENTIAL: WiFi

Odin

Is the weather important to you? Do you want to be able to swim in the sea?

blamona

turks and Caicos (and yes it's warm enough in January!) No trees on the beach but plenty of umbrellas--ticks all your boxes

nrwayne

Yes, the weather is important. 80s would be about right both for air and water temperature.

nrwayne

I looked at a number of places on Turks and Caicos, but was unable to find one that worked for us. Most were too big with no option for our own cottage. We'll just have to keep looking.

eastenderusvi

I think American non-stop from JFK to St Thomas is 4 hours. You can get most of your wishes except there are no adult-only accommodations.

WWK

ROCKHOUSE in Jamaica fits most of what you're looking for, but it's over an hour from the airport in Montego Bay. It has individual cottages scattered on a cliff overlooking the ocean and an excellent hotel/swimming pool/restaurant on site. The beach- Negril's famous Seven Mile Beach- is about a 30 minute walk or a 10 minute cab ride. The flight from JFK takes about 3.5 hours nonstop.

WWK

Just wanted to add that if you're willing to go to Negril, you can also look at TENSING PEN and THE CAVES, although THE CAVES is probably way out of your budget in February.

Odin

When we went to Negril it was in March and we could have done with it being a few degrees warmer. The sea was chilly but beautiful. So I cannot imagine January being warm enough. I think the OP will need to travel further south to experience warmer weather, for instance, Barbados, somewhere like Cobblers Cove.

WWK

We used to go to Jamaica (Negril) all the time in March and had no problems with water temps. And lately we've been going to T&C in January and the weather/water's been perfect every time.

nrwayne

The Caves looked interesting until I noticed that there is no beach and the pool is salt water. The rates are no problem, but the two issues mentioned are.

blamona

Salt water pools have come a long way! If they didn't tell you you wouldn't know, minus the chlorine!

WWK

The Caves is on The West End (cliffs) of Negril. It's a short cab ride to Seven Mile Beach, one of the longest in the Caribbean. Or, you could walk it if you want to get some exercise, though it might be too hot.

And just so you know, the cottages at Rockhouse all have ladders going down to a cove in the sea, so you don't give up swimming if you stay there. Rockhouse is closer to the beach than The Caves, but you'd still have a longish walk or cab ride.

Lastly, check out MOON DANCE VILLAS, both on the beach and on the cliffs. Not separate cottages, but might almost fit what you're looking for.