40th birthday trip
 

Helping a friend plan a surprise trip for his wife. Thinking a Caribbean island or maybe Bermuda. There are 5 couples and a few kids 7 yrs and under. Don't want crazy plane rides because of the kids. 2 of the couples (myself) will not be bringing kids. She doesn't know we will be there. We love great spas, water sports, tennis, great food, etc. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. We're thinking of travelling the last weekend in July for 3-4 nights

Where are you coning from. That will help determine if you are able to get a non-stop flight, etc.

We are all from New York. Close to or in NYC

I would recommend Bermuda. With a large group like that, and some children, I would think your best bet would be the Fairmont Southampton. There is a fabulous spa there, tennis courts by the beach, and a great kids club that has no added fees.

What about Aruba? We've flown direct twice from JFK. Not sure about the spa selection but I believe the Marriott & Hyatt have ones. We also enjoyed the food choices in Aruba as well. And it would be less $$ than Bermuda if cost is an issue

You also might want to consider a Beaches resort in Jamaica - you could get a nonstop flight into Montego Bay from the NYC area. The resort includes everything & some of them have great spas (which are at an additional cost). Nice activities for the kids - and nice areas for the adults to get away & relax. For a group it is nice for everything to be included so you can just relax & not worry about anything!

I would choose a destination that is not too long of a plane ride, especially since you're going for 3-4 nights. Bermuda, I feel, would be a great choice.

It looks like we.re going to Fairmont Southhampton for 4 nites end of July beginning of August. Anything we should know before we go and any recommendations as to what not to miss or plan ahead for? Thanks for everyones input.

Check out the Bermuda Shorts forum at bermudashorts.bm. This is a great site that offers lots of ideas of things to do, places to go and things to see. Your kids will enjoy the Bermuda Aquarium, the Underwater Exploration Institute, the Southampton Lighthouse and the town of St. George (as well as as the Dolphin Encouter at the Fairmont). For the adults, don't miss Hamilton, the Dockyard, the botanical gardens, the Bermuda Perfumery, a sunset sail with Fantasea and a sunrise horseback riding excursion at Spicelands. Have fun!!!

I would recommend that you ask for a "harbor view" room vs. an "ocean view" room. The ocean view rooms are right in the front of the hotel, and can be a little noisier with the cars and taxis coming up to the entrance of the hotel. The view of the harbor is beautiful and is true Bermuda.