1st Caribbean vacation--overwhelmed with which island(s) to choose!
Feb 13th, 2006, 12:22 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1st Caribbean vacation--overwhelmed with which island(s) to choose!
Hi everyone. After days of reading posts on the Caribbean board and pouring over travel books from the library, I can see why many are overwhelmed with the decision of "which island"? My head is spinning. We're trying to plan a 7-8 day trip to Caribbean this November or December.
A little background on us:
I'm 40; husband is 55yo. I've been to St. Thomas only as a cruise stop many years ago, and my husband and I have been to the Bahamas twice (Nassau-Breezes AI and Freeport only.)Our travels over the last number of years have mainly been to Europe (England, France, Italy). We love Europe and I'm sure we'll go back maybe next year, but we want something different for a change where we can relax more and not have to sightsee so much and drive around for hours each day. We originally were going to go to Ireland this fall, but my husband honestly wants a break from driving around Europe's countryside, looking at villages and hilltowns. We've been talking about doing an island vacation for some time.
We made a list of the things we'd like on this vacation:
Nice, white sandy beach with clear water and palm trees. Would like some surf-not dead smooth 100% of the time.
Would like a little bit of lush greenery as well.
We tend to shy away from typical "hotel rooms"-we like unique accommodations, like a hut or cottage on or near the beach or up on a cliff. Do not have to be luxury-just romantic, cozy and relaxing, with attractive surroundings (we like some that we've seen pictures of with outdoor showers and flowers everywhere!)
Do not need extremely vibrant nightlife, but would like some local music and a bar to have a drink.
Want something that doesn't require taking 10 planes or ferries to get to. Don't mind flying somewhere and taking perhaps 1 boat or driving a little distance to the destination.
We are not divers or "extreme adventure" people. We have never even snorkeled, but would love to try it.
Our budget (including airfare from Ohio-which seems expensive) would be around $4,000.
After looking over books, DVDs, and of course, the Fodor's board, this is list of possibilities we've come up with:
Anguilla
St. Bart's
St Martin (a combination of 2 of these?)
St. John, with daytrip to BVI
St. Lucia (stay at TiKaye or Stonefield for a week?)
Barbados
Jamaica-Negril?? (somehow, Jamaica doesn't seem our style, but love the accommodations like Rockhouse and the Caves!)
Although they look nice as well, I didn't think St. Kitt's/Nevis, Grenada or Dominica were what we were looking for this time around, but I could be wrong.
How do I narrow this list down further and come closer to making a decision?
Many thanks...
A little background on us:
I'm 40; husband is 55yo. I've been to St. Thomas only as a cruise stop many years ago, and my husband and I have been to the Bahamas twice (Nassau-Breezes AI and Freeport only.)Our travels over the last number of years have mainly been to Europe (England, France, Italy). We love Europe and I'm sure we'll go back maybe next year, but we want something different for a change where we can relax more and not have to sightsee so much and drive around for hours each day. We originally were going to go to Ireland this fall, but my husband honestly wants a break from driving around Europe's countryside, looking at villages and hilltowns. We've been talking about doing an island vacation for some time.
We made a list of the things we'd like on this vacation:
Nice, white sandy beach with clear water and palm trees. Would like some surf-not dead smooth 100% of the time.
Would like a little bit of lush greenery as well.
We tend to shy away from typical "hotel rooms"-we like unique accommodations, like a hut or cottage on or near the beach or up on a cliff. Do not have to be luxury-just romantic, cozy and relaxing, with attractive surroundings (we like some that we've seen pictures of with outdoor showers and flowers everywhere!)
Do not need extremely vibrant nightlife, but would like some local music and a bar to have a drink.
Want something that doesn't require taking 10 planes or ferries to get to. Don't mind flying somewhere and taking perhaps 1 boat or driving a little distance to the destination.
We are not divers or "extreme adventure" people. We have never even snorkeled, but would love to try it.
Our budget (including airfare from Ohio-which seems expensive) would be around $4,000.
After looking over books, DVDs, and of course, the Fodor's board, this is list of possibilities we've come up with:
Anguilla
St. Bart's
St Martin (a combination of 2 of these?)
St. John, with daytrip to BVI
St. Lucia (stay at TiKaye or Stonefield for a week?)
Barbados
Jamaica-Negril?? (somehow, Jamaica doesn't seem our style, but love the accommodations like Rockhouse and the Caves!)
Although they look nice as well, I didn't think St. Kitt's/Nevis, Grenada or Dominica were what we were looking for this time around, but I could be wrong.
How do I narrow this list down further and come closer to making a decision?
Many thanks...
Feb 13th, 2006, 12:50 PM
#2
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 338
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That's a tough one because I'm not sure there is an island that has all that you're looking for. And the few that arguably do, such as Negril, Nevis and Grenada have been excluded from your list. In reading your list, however, I think that you may want to focus on Tortola, Negril or St. John. All of these places have white sandy beaches, snorkeling, island lushness, nightlife and can be reached with relative ease (no more than two planes and, in St. John's case, a ferry). They don't have the surf you also want but, in the case of surf and snorkeling, you may have to make a choice between one or the other.
Feb 13th, 2006, 01:01 PM
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Laby-thanks for the quick reply. I know, it's probably impossible to find all of that in one place. We figure we'll just have see which island has the most of what we're looking for.
For my husband, I think the beach is the most important. For me, I tend to pick places based on the accommodation rather than what's actually in that place--probably not the best way to go about it, but atmosphere is very important to me.
I'll keep reading and researching...!
For my husband, I think the beach is the most important. For me, I tend to pick places based on the accommodation rather than what's actually in that place--probably not the best way to go about it, but atmosphere is very important to me.
I'll keep reading and researching...!
Feb 13th, 2006, 01:14 PM
#4
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, there's no need to be confused. You've been doing your homework and already have narrowed down your choices to a managable level. Perhaps this will help you further.
You mentioned a desire for white sand beaches, palm trees, some surf and a bit of lush greenery. With those requirements you can probably delete Anguilla from your list. Of your choices that island has the best white sand beaches but it is very arid and lacks the lushness you are seeking. Also the waters surrounding the island are often very calm so you may not get the surf action you are seeking.
St. Lucia, while very lush, lacks the white sand beaches you desire. FYI - except for one man-made white sand beach you'll find the others to be darker sand. You are probably correct in your assumptions about Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis so save them for later trips.
St. Barth's have the white sand beaches you crave along with some that will have the surf action you desire. Yu'll find palm trees but the interior of the island is not very lush. This is an upscale island, with chic nightlife, lots of boutique hotels and plenty of upscale French restaurants. It is a little difficult to get to as you first have to fly into St. Martin than take a ferry or small island hopper plane.
This leaves you with St. John and Barbados. Of these St. John offers the better opportunities for snorkeling and you can easily visit one or more of the neighboring islands. There's plenty of palm tree lined beaches with very light golden sand beaches (almost white but no quite). Some of the beaches on the Atlantic side of the island will have the wave action you are seeking. 2/3's of the island is a National Park so you'll find the lush greenery you desire. There's some quite nightlife and you can probably find a rental villa that suits your needs to a "tee"
Hope this helps.
You mentioned a desire for white sand beaches, palm trees, some surf and a bit of lush greenery. With those requirements you can probably delete Anguilla from your list. Of your choices that island has the best white sand beaches but it is very arid and lacks the lushness you are seeking. Also the waters surrounding the island are often very calm so you may not get the surf action you are seeking.
St. Lucia, while very lush, lacks the white sand beaches you desire. FYI - except for one man-made white sand beach you'll find the others to be darker sand. You are probably correct in your assumptions about Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis so save them for later trips.
St. Barth's have the white sand beaches you crave along with some that will have the surf action you desire. Yu'll find palm trees but the interior of the island is not very lush. This is an upscale island, with chic nightlife, lots of boutique hotels and plenty of upscale French restaurants. It is a little difficult to get to as you first have to fly into St. Martin than take a ferry or small island hopper plane.
This leaves you with St. John and Barbados. Of these St. John offers the better opportunities for snorkeling and you can easily visit one or more of the neighboring islands. There's plenty of palm tree lined beaches with very light golden sand beaches (almost white but no quite). Some of the beaches on the Atlantic side of the island will have the wave action you are seeking. 2/3's of the island is a National Park so you'll find the lush greenery you desire. There's some quite nightlife and you can probably find a rental villa that suits your needs to a "tee"
Hope this helps.
Feb 13th, 2006, 01:42 PM
#5
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For a wonderful introduction to the Caribbean, I'd suggest going to Barbados. It has some of everything any island can offer except for gambling and a volcano. Lovely people, lush green tropical setting, clean air, pure water, wide range of hotels, beaches, water sports, sightseeing such as caves, tropical gardens, animal preserves, plantation houses, submarine ride. Outstanding restaurants, both in hotels and independent. All revolves around a British/Caribbean culture so you don't feel like you're just in tropical America. Barbados is a really special place with a strong economy, not dependent only on tourism, so a visitor experiences a sense of a place which is beyond just a resort on a beach. Generally avoid August-October (hurricane season). Otherwise weather is great all year-perpetual summer with water temps over 80 deg. even in winter. Lowest hotel rates are mid-April to mid-December, with a big jump in high season. Calmest water for swimming/snorkeling is on the calm
west coast north of Bridgetown. Barbados is a really special place.
See www.barbados.org
west coast north of Bridgetown. Barbados is a really special place.
See www.barbados.org
Feb 13th, 2006, 02:16 PM
#6
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,765
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
hi lhopp, my first thought reading your post was of rock house jamaica.
A Traveller has summerized the islands you listed very,very well.
imho either jamaica or barbados would fit your criteria best. jamaica is huge & rock house remote so dh would end driving alot anyway.
which leaves you with barbados. atlantic coast has big surf to watch and west coast calm water and snorleking. expedia says this is doable in your price range from cleveland (i used it as a test price city)non-stop. i have friends who have been returning to bougainvillea beach resort for several years and they enjoy it alot. this island is only 21x14 miles, so getting around will never take very long. and driving around in the carib is as slow as every thing else with lots of pulling over to admire the view. look at www.barbados.org
re: st. john. excellent snorkeling. very beautiful, laid back island. accomodations are mostly in villas which means grocery shopping and cooking. i personally prefer that style vaca, but it sounds like that is not what you are seeking this time. caneel bay is a wonderful resort with great beaches, a bit pricey but with 1200 for air you could still come close to budget if 4000 is for air/resort only. happy planning
A Traveller has summerized the islands you listed very,very well.
imho either jamaica or barbados would fit your criteria best. jamaica is huge & rock house remote so dh would end driving alot anyway.
which leaves you with barbados. atlantic coast has big surf to watch and west coast calm water and snorleking. expedia says this is doable in your price range from cleveland (i used it as a test price city)non-stop. i have friends who have been returning to bougainvillea beach resort for several years and they enjoy it alot. this island is only 21x14 miles, so getting around will never take very long. and driving around in the carib is as slow as every thing else with lots of pulling over to admire the view. look at www.barbados.org
re: st. john. excellent snorkeling. very beautiful, laid back island. accomodations are mostly in villas which means grocery shopping and cooking. i personally prefer that style vaca, but it sounds like that is not what you are seeking this time. caneel bay is a wonderful resort with great beaches, a bit pricey but with 1200 for air you could still come close to budget if 4000 is for air/resort only. happy planning
Feb 13th, 2006, 02:21 PM
#7
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband and I had an amazing time here on Turks & Caicos, and it seems to fit every one of your requirements. AND we researched A LOT! I snorkeled (2nd time) with a turtle for half an hour!
http://www.royalwestindies.com/
http://www.royalwestindies.com/
Feb 15th, 2006, 02:44 PM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks everyone for your advice.
After some add'l research, I'm going to focus on either Anguilla/St. Bart's combo; St. John (villa) or Barbados.
Although my husband is, I'm not that interested in St. Martin-it doesn't seem to be a place that is often suggested (although we would fly there and either ferry to fly to Anguilla/St. Barts). If we decide on this, we could always ferry over for a day to see if we like it.
I found some places to stay in St. Bart that we like, but my question is, everything I read says the food is so expensive! Is it possible to have a light, reasonably priced meal for lunch or dinner without spending over $100 dollars per meal?
St. John is also in the running, but my husband wants to be on or very near to the beach, at least for part of the time.
Will keep reading and narrowing down...
Thanks!
After some add'l research, I'm going to focus on either Anguilla/St. Bart's combo; St. John (villa) or Barbados.
Although my husband is, I'm not that interested in St. Martin-it doesn't seem to be a place that is often suggested (although we would fly there and either ferry to fly to Anguilla/St. Barts). If we decide on this, we could always ferry over for a day to see if we like it.
I found some places to stay in St. Bart that we like, but my question is, everything I read says the food is so expensive! Is it possible to have a light, reasonably priced meal for lunch or dinner without spending over $100 dollars per meal?
St. John is also in the running, but my husband wants to be on or very near to the beach, at least for part of the time.
Will keep reading and narrowing down...
Thanks!
Feb 16th, 2006, 09:45 AM
#9
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re Barbados, the beaches in the south have the white sand you want and some wave action (great boogie boarding). We stayed at Bouganvillia and were very happy with the choice. I don't know if it meets your lodging criteria but, I think the beach and the Island certainly do.
Feb 17th, 2006, 02:35 PM
#10
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am planning my first trip to the Virgin Islands this April. I think what you have described can be found on the island of St. John. There is a great travel web site called VINOW.com with a message board that has plenty of trip reviews and reviews for villas. The one thing all trip reviews for St. John have in common is that everyone wants to come back.
Feb 17th, 2006, 03:11 PM
#11
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,648
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
lhopp,
You've done a lot of research and have had very good advice from the previous posters.
Maybe a factor to help you narrow your choices is what kind of island you're looking for.
Besides the obvious variations in landscape, e.g. forest, volcano, white long sandy beaches, the islands each have distinctive cultural backgrounds. French, English, Spanish (though those may not be on your list), and then the USVI, once Danish but now American.
It does make a difference in the all-over atmosphere. So you might think about the European countries you most enjoy, and look at the islands from that point of view.
This is especially important if you plan on being out and about. If you are looking for a quiet stay in one hotel/resort, it's less important.
Just a thought, hope it helps.
cw
You've done a lot of research and have had very good advice from the previous posters.
Maybe a factor to help you narrow your choices is what kind of island you're looking for.
Besides the obvious variations in landscape, e.g. forest, volcano, white long sandy beaches, the islands each have distinctive cultural backgrounds. French, English, Spanish (though those may not be on your list), and then the USVI, once Danish but now American.
It does make a difference in the all-over atmosphere. So you might think about the European countries you most enjoy, and look at the islands from that point of view.
This is especially important if you plan on being out and about. If you are looking for a quiet stay in one hotel/resort, it's less important.
Just a thought, hope it helps.
cw
Feb 18th, 2006, 06:12 AM
#12
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,121
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ihopp,
Since your husband wants to be on the beach part of the time..look into Caneel Bay Resort on St John.It's a nice resort that has 7 beaches on site.IMO some of St John's nicest beaches are in Caneel bay.
Christie
Since your husband wants to be on the beach part of the time..look into Caneel Bay Resort on St John.It's a nice resort that has 7 beaches on site.IMO some of St John's nicest beaches are in Caneel bay.
Christie
Feb 18th, 2006, 11:56 AM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks everyone for your thoughtful replies. cw-good suggestion; I think that's why I'm drawn to St. Barts, because it reminds me of France. Considering St. Barts/Anguilla combo, but not sure if the flat, arid landscape of Anguilla would be something we'd like. Going back in forth with only 7 or 8 days seems like a lot of hassle as well.
Through process of narrowing down, I think I've eliminated St. Lucia (even though TiKaye resort looks amazing) because it doesn't sound like the beaches are what we're looking for.
While St. John has a lot of the qualites we're looking for, I'm not sure if I want to rent a villa, and Caneel Bay is too $$$ for us. But we haven't ruled out if we can find a villa we like.
Negril-love the accommodations on the cliffs, but would want to combine with the beach.
Barbados seems closest to what we're looking for, so that is definitely tops on the list so far.
Also took a look at Grenada and BVI, and I like the looks of those places as well. Grenada would take a little longer to get to, but it sounds incredible. I like Sandcastle on Jost Van Dyke, but it might be too laid back for my husband for an entire week.
Will keep reading Fodors hopefully working toward a decision...
Many thanks!
Through process of narrowing down, I think I've eliminated St. Lucia (even though TiKaye resort looks amazing) because it doesn't sound like the beaches are what we're looking for.
While St. John has a lot of the qualites we're looking for, I'm not sure if I want to rent a villa, and Caneel Bay is too $$$ for us. But we haven't ruled out if we can find a villa we like.
Negril-love the accommodations on the cliffs, but would want to combine with the beach.
Barbados seems closest to what we're looking for, so that is definitely tops on the list so far.
Also took a look at Grenada and BVI, and I like the looks of those places as well. Grenada would take a little longer to get to, but it sounds incredible. I like Sandcastle on Jost Van Dyke, but it might be too laid back for my husband for an entire week.
Will keep reading Fodors hopefully working toward a decision...
Many thanks!
Feb 18th, 2006, 12:58 PM
#14
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,224
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Negril is incredible and while there's no sandy beach at the cliffs (where Rockhouse is), lying on your lounge chairs amongst the cliffs and using the steps that are cut into the cliffs to get into your ocean "pool" is an incredible experience. If you want to lie on a beach a couple hours a day, there is a 7 mile stretch of beach that is a good walk (or $5 cab ride) down the road.
You don't drive to Negril yourself -- we stayed at Catch a Falling Star and they arranged for a driver to pick us up at the airport in Montego Bay and we stopped for lunch on the drive out to Negril. Same thing 6 days later to get back to the airport -- your husband wouldn't need to drive anywhere. For sight-seeing you can also hire a driver all day to take you around for a very reasonable price. The little cabs going up and down the main road in Negril are an adventure in themselves and we used these a couple times a day. This 1 bd cottage is only 70/night -- http://www.catchajamaica.com/thepisces.htm . We stayed in the Moon cabana with another couple and we loved it, the staff even bring a pretty good hot breakfast and some great coffee to your veranda in the morning where you have your prviate view of the Caribbean -- we saw dolphins jumping early one monrning.
We liked the restaurant at Rockhouse --nice place for drinks in the evening lounge too. Xtabi was the best place to snorkel that we found in Negril -- great reefs, tons of fish, a very calm and protected little bay even when water elsewhere was rough. You just go down to the bar on the water and get a drink and make your way out to the water to snorkel. Xtabi is a short walk down the road from Rockhouse or CFS.
The music in nearby cliff-side bars was great, the food everywhere was wonderful and the vacation was so inexpensive -- the most relaxing and mellow vacation I've ever had. I would NEVER stay on the beach side of Negril -- it's all about the great vibe on the cliffs and the incredibly unique accomodations that you can find there. Don't get hung up on the absence of a "beach" at the cliffs -- you still get to lay around and sun and swim in incredible surroundings, and like I said if you have sandy beach withdrawals, just go down the road to the wide beaches. We only did this once during the week we were there -- fun but not nearly as dramatic as the cliffs.
You don't drive to Negril yourself -- we stayed at Catch a Falling Star and they arranged for a driver to pick us up at the airport in Montego Bay and we stopped for lunch on the drive out to Negril. Same thing 6 days later to get back to the airport -- your husband wouldn't need to drive anywhere. For sight-seeing you can also hire a driver all day to take you around for a very reasonable price. The little cabs going up and down the main road in Negril are an adventure in themselves and we used these a couple times a day. This 1 bd cottage is only 70/night -- http://www.catchajamaica.com/thepisces.htm . We stayed in the Moon cabana with another couple and we loved it, the staff even bring a pretty good hot breakfast and some great coffee to your veranda in the morning where you have your prviate view of the Caribbean -- we saw dolphins jumping early one monrning.
We liked the restaurant at Rockhouse --nice place for drinks in the evening lounge too. Xtabi was the best place to snorkel that we found in Negril -- great reefs, tons of fish, a very calm and protected little bay even when water elsewhere was rough. You just go down to the bar on the water and get a drink and make your way out to the water to snorkel. Xtabi is a short walk down the road from Rockhouse or CFS.
The music in nearby cliff-side bars was great, the food everywhere was wonderful and the vacation was so inexpensive -- the most relaxing and mellow vacation I've ever had. I would NEVER stay on the beach side of Negril -- it's all about the great vibe on the cliffs and the incredibly unique accomodations that you can find there. Don't get hung up on the absence of a "beach" at the cliffs -- you still get to lay around and sun and swim in incredible surroundings, and like I said if you have sandy beach withdrawals, just go down the road to the wide beaches. We only did this once during the week we were there -- fun but not nearly as dramatic as the cliffs.
Feb 18th, 2006, 02:09 PM
#15
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 436
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As previuosly stated, A_Traveler covered everything.
St.John as the most beautiful beaches, most with lush mountain backdrops.
We always love choosing a villa in the hills overlooking Coral Bay. From sunrise in the morning, to watching the lights in the sailboats come on in the evening, it is always the most relaxing view.
St.John does not have many villas on the beach, but they are never very far away! The snorkeling is right off the beach and wonderful.
Low key nightlife, no casinos or fast food places.
You can take a daytrip to JVD. I have to say White Bay is my favorite spot on earth! We go for the day and I never want to leave! Though for a week, you would want lots of books!
Enjoy your planning!
St.John as the most beautiful beaches, most with lush mountain backdrops.
We always love choosing a villa in the hills overlooking Coral Bay. From sunrise in the morning, to watching the lights in the sailboats come on in the evening, it is always the most relaxing view.
St.John does not have many villas on the beach, but they are never very far away! The snorkeling is right off the beach and wonderful.
Low key nightlife, no casinos or fast food places.
You can take a daytrip to JVD. I have to say White Bay is my favorite spot on earth! We go for the day and I never want to leave! Though for a week, you would want lots of books!
Enjoy your planning!
Feb 18th, 2006, 02:15 PM
#16
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,416
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ihopp: What a well-researched and clear post! In response to "like a hut or cottage on or near the beach or up on a cliff"...please check out www.mayho.org. I was in St. Thomas last week and we went to St. John's twice and Mayho Beach twice. The second time someone in our party (who had not been there the first time) questioned the "shacks" on the cliff...we tried to find them but couldn't. A fluke...I found the site when I got back. It is a spectacular spot. You would need a car..IMHO. I would love to stay there and I am NOT a "camper"...perhaps someone who has been there can chime in.
Feb 19th, 2006, 06:12 AM
#17
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hope you haven't locked in yet. I just returned from St. Marteen 2 weeks ago. I believe that this in combo with a day trip to St. Barths would make a wonderful trip. Stayed at the Esmerelda on the French side. It was wonderful - 18 villas with a total of 65 rooms. each villa has a small pool. Very private. Like staying in a beach home - large room with kitchenette.
The resteraunts on the french side were incredible although expect mod. expensive ($50/pp with a bottle of wine) and the cab ride each night was between 25-30 Amer. $.
Easy ferry trip to St. Barths.
The beach was beautiful, lots of acitivity if you are interested or very quiet.
The locals are so lovely and accomodating.
We never even went to Dutch side -
The resteraunts on the french side were incredible although expect mod. expensive ($50/pp with a bottle of wine) and the cab ride each night was between 25-30 Amer. $.
Easy ferry trip to St. Barths.
The beach was beautiful, lots of acitivity if you are interested or very quiet.
The locals are so lovely and accomodating.
We never even went to Dutch side -
Feb 19th, 2006, 06:51 AM
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks everyone. rcw818-you renewed my interest in St. Martin, and I like the fact that we can daytrip to other islands.
mahobaygirl-I really think we'd like St. John-seems very relaxed with nice beaches in reach. I did find a few villas that I like, so that is a possibility. Take a lot of books! That was my fear with JVD or Tortola--may be a little too remote for us for the 1st Caribbean trip.
Fishee-I think you may have started a war with my husband and I! (Smile) I showed him some websites of the cliff properties in Negril (The Caves, Rockhouse, Tensing Pen) and he is in love! Now, all of a sudden, being on the beach is the least priority, because he loves these places, whereas I'm leaning toward something that seems more "island like" to me, like Barbados, Grenada, or St. Barts.
rcw18-no, we definitely haven't anything locked in yet. It will probably take us a couple of months to finalize the rate we're going!
For Nov or Dec, should we be booking now, or do we have some time?
mahobaygirl-I really think we'd like St. John-seems very relaxed with nice beaches in reach. I did find a few villas that I like, so that is a possibility. Take a lot of books! That was my fear with JVD or Tortola--may be a little too remote for us for the 1st Caribbean trip.
Fishee-I think you may have started a war with my husband and I! (Smile) I showed him some websites of the cliff properties in Negril (The Caves, Rockhouse, Tensing Pen) and he is in love! Now, all of a sudden, being on the beach is the least priority, because he loves these places, whereas I'm leaning toward something that seems more "island like" to me, like Barbados, Grenada, or St. Barts.
rcw18-no, we definitely haven't anything locked in yet. It will probably take us a couple of months to finalize the rate we're going!
For Nov or Dec, should we be booking now, or do we have some time?
Feb 20th, 2006, 04:33 AM
#19
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 735
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
rcw818...Glad to hear that you liked Esmeralda. We are staying there in Late June for a few days. I was nervous about that pick.
lhopp... You are getting some great advice from some experienced people. I don't have anything to add. Personally, I love St. Kitts and Nevis and we are returning for a second time this summer. Good luck!
lhopp... You are getting some great advice from some experienced people. I don't have anything to add. Personally, I love St. Kitts and Nevis and we are returning for a second time this summer. Good luck!
Feb 20th, 2006, 03:11 PM
#20
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,224
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
lhopp,
One thing with Jamaica (don't know if this is similar with the other islands) is that it's not an all-around posh social landscape and there are local people who set up in front of their small homes to sell food, crafts, etc. For me this was a plus since I loved eating at road-side jerk stands and local restaurants that were a bit run down but very vibrant in every other sense. If one don't value some aspect of being amongst everyday Jamaicans then this might be a minus for some people. Rockhouse was the most formal restaurant setting we found and most local places (like well known 3 Dives or Sips and Bites) are just benches and wood tables with 15 large lobsters on the grill. I grew to love this informality but if you're looking for a setting that consistently looks more out of a brochure, maybe the Virgin Islands would be a better fit. I haven't visited these yet but from my sister's description of her honeymoon, Virgin Islands sound quit a bit more upscale than Jamaica. But it was her honeymoon so they may have had a more isolated trip than usual.
One thing with Jamaica (don't know if this is similar with the other islands) is that it's not an all-around posh social landscape and there are local people who set up in front of their small homes to sell food, crafts, etc. For me this was a plus since I loved eating at road-side jerk stands and local restaurants that were a bit run down but very vibrant in every other sense. If one don't value some aspect of being amongst everyday Jamaicans then this might be a minus for some people. Rockhouse was the most formal restaurant setting we found and most local places (like well known 3 Dives or Sips and Bites) are just benches and wood tables with 15 large lobsters on the grill. I grew to love this informality but if you're looking for a setting that consistently looks more out of a brochure, maybe the Virgin Islands would be a better fit. I haven't visited these yet but from my sister's description of her honeymoon, Virgin Islands sound quit a bit more upscale than Jamaica. But it was her honeymoon so they may have had a more isolated trip than usual.
