We just returned from 3 weeks on Grand Cayman and would like to begin planning next year's vacation! The things we are looking for: 1-bedroom, CLEAN condo-type set up (kitchen, etc.), ON a swimming-friendly/non-touristy beach, luxury is not important, but would like a balcony with great view -- all of this at a reasonable price ($200 - $250/night)! Would prefer not to rent a car but realize in most places we will have to.

Have read nice things about Anguilla, St. Bart's, Turks & C, etc. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Please tell us how Grand Cayman is. Which resort did you stay in? Are the restaurants all open? Any information will be appreciated.

Hi,

Grand Cayman was hit very hard by Ivan, and that is evident throughout the island. Many of the hotels/condos/restaurants are not open. I think mid-March is a target for a lot of them. That is the bad news; the good news is this means restaurants that are open, beaches, etc., are not crowded. The 7-mile beach itself looks great to me, although I had never been to GC before, and we didn't stay in that area. We didn't stay in a resort but rather a small inn in Bodden Town, which was hit particularly hard. (Our inn, Turtle Nest, was up and running and in GREAT shape.)

Below is a link to a site that lists many restaurants and indicates if they are open.

Hope this helps.

http://www.caymanrestaurants.com/

Anyone out there with a good experience at a smallish condo on any of the Caribbean islands?

Thanks!

No comment... I'm not allowed to

Celianne, I drive past TNI every day, and I thank you for supporting Grand Cayman by staying there at this time, TNI is in good shape, they have done a great job there, but BT high street looks like Chechnya after the bombing.... it is truly shattering to see... but on the positive the view across Pease Bay from where The Edge restaurant used to stand is one of the most beautiful there is

Tom,

We really enjoyed our stay. Since we had never been to GC before, we probably just didn't realize what we were missing !

We didn't miss the crowds, though -- Rum Point was great for us -- only about 20 people on the beach but not so good for the employees, etc.

They have done an AMAZING job with the TNI.

We have rented condos on a number of islands--
Grand Cayman - Plantana - reasonable, nice units, good location
Turks & Caicos - Ocean Club - moderately priced, great stretch of beach, good location and nice units
Antigua - Antigua Village - So So units, good price
St. Maratin - Grand Case Beach Club - good location, nice units, decent price

Thanks, Dinga.

I'll check then out.