"Americanized" Caribbean Destination
Jan 6th, 2005, 12:21 PM
#61
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Thank you, Joan and Enya. I'm thankful to read of lovely villas that won't break the bank. If I were planning a long vacation, say 2 weeks or longer, I would definitely be interested in the budget accommodations. But for such a short trip I'd like a few more luxuries. I've not yet done a villa vacation, but my last trip (to Nevis) was good preparation for it--it's a logical next step for us.
Jan 6th, 2005, 01:21 PM
#62
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Now ej, I must warn you that I believe the owners live in their villa in the summer months...I'm hopeful your dates will work, and also that they'll prorate the rental, since I think most villas are weeklong minimums. And now that Enya mentions it, LOL, the hill to the beach was short and brutal! We only walked twice, after that it was jeep to the bottom! By the way, there was another very similar villa across Brewer's, a 3 BR version of the Fritton's. Fritton told me he designed the awesome layout and the neighbor copied it! That one also advertises in the same magazine.
Enya, I so hope Mrs. Scatliffe is still cooking! But my goodness, she seemed ancient at the time, and this was a few years ago. Let us know. My daughters still fondly remember that night.
Enya, I so hope Mrs. Scatliffe is still cooking! But my goodness, she seemed ancient at the time, and this was a few years ago. Let us know. My daughters still fondly remember that night.
Jan 7th, 2005, 10:34 AM
#63
As a reasonably seasoned Mexico traveler, I can't believe the fuss about drinking water. You simply drink bottled water, everyone does, even the Mexican locals. In restaurants and hotels ice is delivered by the purified water companies, you can tell the ice cubes by their shape. I have never heard of anyone getting sick from drinking coffee.
Jan 8th, 2005, 04:36 AM
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Sorry, guys, I have been busy trying to get ready for our trip next week!
Brendang, there are several places downtown on St John where we ate that are more local food – Uncle Joes was very good. There is a place I can’t remember the name of now that is one block off of the main Cruz Bay street that runs along the water – it’s a man’s name – Henry’s or something like that? There’s also a place on the corner of that same street that has picnic tables out front – can’t miss it. It is on the corner of that street that goes straight up the hill to a little shopping center. For other parts of the island, there’s Miss Lucy’s. I think Uncle Joe’s is about the only place you might be able to get jerk. It’s not as common there as some other islands.
We basically went off the beaten path) while walking since we only had a car for a few days) and ate anywhere there were mostly locals. For drinks, we went to Cap’s and also J’s as all of the other places were blaring loud rock music and crawling with equally-loud young American folks.
Faithie, I thought Tobago was very scenic and lovely. I think Tortola, St Lucia, Nevis were all prettier, but Tobago has a certain charm all its own that I really enjoyed. We walked to the grocery and out for lunch one day, and it was about 2 miles each way. We talked to the animals – I do a mean sheep imitation – and enjoyed the cool greenery. We got back carrying two six packs of Carib only to meet up with the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago coming out of our hotel. (He had lunch there.) I think you would enjoy the island and the people. Sounds like marigold has some great advice for you!
Xkenx, Thanks for the Barbados advice. We are going to have my 73 year old mil and 70 year old aunt along, so I guess they might be wanting a more touristy experience since they have never been to the Caribbean. I was told the Crane is just a not-miss breaktaking location, and we have been on distillery tours before, so maybe we will skip those in order to go to the Crane. Is it worth the effort? If not, being able to snorkel sounds good (if it’s REALLY good snorkeling – I am spoiled!).
My husband LOVES the sugar plantations – he was fascinated with them on Antigua – so that is an option also. I know the Boathouse is very touristy. The ladies love to people-watch, and I think it is close to the pier where the ship will be, so that is why I chose it. If there is a better beach bar relatively close to the boats, I would love to hear about it!
twins, I guess when you have traveled a lot in a region, you seem to become very adept at recognizing someone trying to just be friendly and hospitable and someone wanting tips or free drinks (or having bad intentions). We don’t go in a vehicle with someone we don’t know, and we don’t go into any remote areas if we don’t both feel very comfortable with the situation. We are a bit “older,” – 40 and 50 – so we ARE cautious about not getting ourselves in over our heads.
Ejcrowe, if you’ve never done the villa route, it can be SO relaxing and enjoyable. I would do that all of the time, but my DH likes to have access to a bar where he can hang out and catch up on the local news and meet new people. Most of the villas are away from town. We have stayed at Long Bay, and it was very nice, but not a very authentic experience. Service can be very uneven there. We had dinner at Sugar Mill in 2003, and it was SUPER. The hotel looked very nice. This last trip, we stayed at Lighthouse Villas. Very reasonable, spotlessly clean, nice owner and close to everything but quiet. We had the penthouse and the view over Cane Garden Bay was stunning. It’s right across the street from the best beach on Tortola and a good compromise for what you are looking for. You will like Tortola.
Joan, that is a cute story! I can just see that happening. I did not know Mrs Scatliffe was his mom. I think she still may be cooking. It was off-season that we were there in 2003, so she was not cooking on a regular basis. We did not get to go and I really wish now that we had made arrangements to. Seems like those places are becoming rarer and rarer these days as we lose these great ladies. Miss June’s on Nevis is an experience not to be missed!
Suze, I agree with you totally about Mexico. We go every year for at least two weeks, and the water has never made me ill. (I think the Margaritas must have something to do with it.) I do drink bottled water and stick with those little round purified ice cubes too, but we go to some very off the beaten places as well. I think my system has become accustomed to the bacterias.
Happy travels everyone - whereever you may choose to go!
Brendang, there are several places downtown on St John where we ate that are more local food – Uncle Joes was very good. There is a place I can’t remember the name of now that is one block off of the main Cruz Bay street that runs along the water – it’s a man’s name – Henry’s or something like that? There’s also a place on the corner of that same street that has picnic tables out front – can’t miss it. It is on the corner of that street that goes straight up the hill to a little shopping center. For other parts of the island, there’s Miss Lucy’s. I think Uncle Joe’s is about the only place you might be able to get jerk. It’s not as common there as some other islands.
We basically went off the beaten path) while walking since we only had a car for a few days) and ate anywhere there were mostly locals. For drinks, we went to Cap’s and also J’s as all of the other places were blaring loud rock music and crawling with equally-loud young American folks.
Faithie, I thought Tobago was very scenic and lovely. I think Tortola, St Lucia, Nevis were all prettier, but Tobago has a certain charm all its own that I really enjoyed. We walked to the grocery and out for lunch one day, and it was about 2 miles each way. We talked to the animals – I do a mean sheep imitation – and enjoyed the cool greenery. We got back carrying two six packs of Carib only to meet up with the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago coming out of our hotel. (He had lunch there.) I think you would enjoy the island and the people. Sounds like marigold has some great advice for you!
Xkenx, Thanks for the Barbados advice. We are going to have my 73 year old mil and 70 year old aunt along, so I guess they might be wanting a more touristy experience since they have never been to the Caribbean. I was told the Crane is just a not-miss breaktaking location, and we have been on distillery tours before, so maybe we will skip those in order to go to the Crane. Is it worth the effort? If not, being able to snorkel sounds good (if it’s REALLY good snorkeling – I am spoiled!).
My husband LOVES the sugar plantations – he was fascinated with them on Antigua – so that is an option also. I know the Boathouse is very touristy. The ladies love to people-watch, and I think it is close to the pier where the ship will be, so that is why I chose it. If there is a better beach bar relatively close to the boats, I would love to hear about it!
twins, I guess when you have traveled a lot in a region, you seem to become very adept at recognizing someone trying to just be friendly and hospitable and someone wanting tips or free drinks (or having bad intentions). We don’t go in a vehicle with someone we don’t know, and we don’t go into any remote areas if we don’t both feel very comfortable with the situation. We are a bit “older,” – 40 and 50 – so we ARE cautious about not getting ourselves in over our heads.
Ejcrowe, if you’ve never done the villa route, it can be SO relaxing and enjoyable. I would do that all of the time, but my DH likes to have access to a bar where he can hang out and catch up on the local news and meet new people. Most of the villas are away from town. We have stayed at Long Bay, and it was very nice, but not a very authentic experience. Service can be very uneven there. We had dinner at Sugar Mill in 2003, and it was SUPER. The hotel looked very nice. This last trip, we stayed at Lighthouse Villas. Very reasonable, spotlessly clean, nice owner and close to everything but quiet. We had the penthouse and the view over Cane Garden Bay was stunning. It’s right across the street from the best beach on Tortola and a good compromise for what you are looking for. You will like Tortola.
Joan, that is a cute story! I can just see that happening. I did not know Mrs Scatliffe was his mom. I think she still may be cooking. It was off-season that we were there in 2003, so she was not cooking on a regular basis. We did not get to go and I really wish now that we had made arrangements to. Seems like those places are becoming rarer and rarer these days as we lose these great ladies. Miss June’s on Nevis is an experience not to be missed!
Suze, I agree with you totally about Mexico. We go every year for at least two weeks, and the water has never made me ill. (I think the Margaritas must have something to do with it.) I do drink bottled water and stick with those little round purified ice cubes too, but we go to some very off the beaten places as well. I think my system has become accustomed to the bacterias.
Happy travels everyone - whereever you may choose to go!
Jan 14th, 2005, 01:03 AM
#66
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It's hardly in the Caribbean, but Little Palm Island in FL can be a great quick luxe getaway for some who like it safe, with all of Miami's cultural mix not far away. Diana's view of St.John is spot-on, right down to the surly, self-empowered Trustafarian 'Awesome, dude' types. Hotel Dorset Primavera on the West Coast of PR would be a best bet as well and not an overwhelming resort experience.
