Bahamas or Virgin Islands for anniversary

Old Apr 18th, 2012, 11:34 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Bahamas or Virgin Islands for anniversary

I;ve researched for days and am so confused on where to go. We are celebrating 15yrs of marriage and are 40yrs old. We want to stay at a some what luxury resort. Most important is warm weather (in NOV), pool, beaches, food, and clean beauriful rooms, great service. I've looked in Nassau (Sandals resort), looks beautiful but mixed reviews, plus I heard Nassau is dirty and unsafe? Atlantis is too crazy for us, we want something a little more quit and less kids. Looked into the Exumas. Looked at Sabdals resort there as well. Looks nice enough, but again mixed reviews and Exumas looks like a pretty sleepy town.? Looked at Morningstar Marriott in st sthomas. Heard property is a bit worn, but it is given 4 stars? heard st thomas is nice, but innidated with cruise ships and people - very touristy. So that brought me to St. Johns. Looked perfect. if we got board we could take a ferry somwehere. looked at Westin and was excited, but again saw mixed reviews and saw lots of families stayed there. Caneel bay is out of the question. Our budget is about $400 per night. any suggestions. Please help!!! This is the first trip in 10 yrs that we have been on w/o our kids and I want it to be sooo nice and have no regrets Thank U!
lmilmr is offline  
Old Apr 18th, 2012, 11:48 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,959
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You are always going to find "mixed" reviews for most resorts - it's difficult to please all the people all the time.

The Westin on St. John will be perfect for what you are seeking. (NOTE: St. John - no 's"- is the island in the Virgin Islands; St. Johns - with the "s" - is the Capital of Antigua, a completely different island).
RoamsAround is online now  
Old Apr 18th, 2012, 12:19 PM
  #3  
KVR
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,075
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have stayed at the Sandals in Nassau and have been to St. Thomas and St. John. For water clarity, snorkeling and sailing I would say Bahamas hands down, but I agree I don't like Naussa. I would go with Exuma or one of the out Islands.

Not to sure about the weather in November, it might be a little cool.

I have been to 2 Sandals and not really a fan. However, if I found an exceptional deal for the one in Exuma, I would consider it. I found Sandals in Naussa, much better than the ones in St. Lucia.

I took DH to St. Thomas and St. John for his 50th in 2005. Though many, many, many people on this board really like St. John, it was not for us and we didn't care for St. Thomas either.

Are you really stuck with those 2 options? I think there are much better destinations in the Caribbean than those 2.

Look at Turks and Caicos or Grand Cayman. Maybe even Antigua, Barbados, Grenada or St. Lucia.
KVR is offline  
Old Apr 18th, 2012, 02:47 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ritz St. Thomas? You can likely get a room for less than $400 (but it will be close). Great service, nice property. Day trips to st. John. Easy to get to.
Jimmie is offline  
Old Apr 19th, 2012, 08:54 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have been researching for a similar trip in November for my 50th birthday & 30th anniversary. I am leaning towards Turks and Caicos. Even though it is alittle more expensive, it seems to be the place with the prettiest beach and water. Not many all inclusives, but quite a few resorts to choose from. I am looking to stay @ the Veranda (approx $560 per nt) and it is All Inclusive.
TexasTazman is offline  
Old Apr 19th, 2012, 12:35 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 607
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
For your budget why not consider renting a villa on St John. You should be able to find one with a pool for well under your budget and use the difference for food. Some the best beaches of any island. Pick one with a great view and you'll love your decision.

While I'm a big Out Island fan, St John will definitely be warmer than the Bahamas in November.
RobertoB is offline  
Old Apr 21st, 2012, 07:42 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The Bahamas will be cold at night in November and cooler during the day. There really is no culture there and the Sandals, although they have a lovely island, the food was bad and at night, everyone left the resort to go to the casino.
People tend to always mention the downtown area of St Thomas. Yes, there are many cruise ships and lots of people, but you are staying in a resort area. Not spending the week standing around in Charlotte Amalie or shopping. You can always take the ferry to St John and visit there. But, the Westin brings in a lot of kids and I'm not sure that is what you want for an anniversary trip. Bottom line: I would say either choose a resort in St Thomas or look at a villa on St John.
Knowing is offline  
Old Apr 24th, 2012, 11:51 AM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you all for your replies, I greatly appreciate it! After MUCH research and talking with people we are thinking the bahamas is a better fit for our budget and our flight restraints. We only have 4 nights and live in chicago, so we want a flight under 4.5hrs if possible. I have completely ruled out Atlantis (although we will probably do a day pass just to see it!), so we are looking at The Grand Lucayan Resort Grand Bahamas or the Sandals Bahamian Resort Nassau. New Providence (cable beach) Nassau VS Grand Bahamas?? I have no idea which is nicer? AND we are not set to travel in November, but we figured we had to wait for rainy/hurricane season to be over with? right? But will it be cold in NOV? should we try oct or sept, but wont; it be rainy then??
lmilmr is offline  
Old Apr 24th, 2012, 12:57 PM
  #9  
KVR
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,075
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
As I have mentioned, we stayed at the Sandals Royal Bahamian. We really enjoyed the pools and the swim-up bar.

We went the first week of September in 2003 and barely missed Hurricane Fabian. It was headed right towards Nassau and then did a dog leg turn and hit Bermuda. We had great weather until our last day and it poured rain for the next several days, so you never know about the weather.

We have been going to Mexico over the past several years in a November or December and have found the pools are too cold to swim in for me. The ocean temps are fine. The further away you get from the US in November/December, the warmer it will be. We went to Jamaica this past December and the pool temps were fine.

It really depends on what you want to do on vacation, but if it consists of pool time and water related activities, I don't think you will be happy with the Bahamas that time of year.

Look at Jamaica, Grand Cayman of Provo, Turks & Cacicos. I really can't see the flight time being much different and it will be warmer than the Bahamas. If you can afford to pay Sandals prices you can afford the other Islands also. I have been to all 3 and Sandals was by far the most expensive trip of all those destinations.

If you decide to go anytime between August and late October, get the Hurricane/Trip insurance. Pay the extra to cancel for any reason and not if just if your flight is cancelled or your hotel closes. I believe Sandals has a hurricane guarantee built into their packages.
KVR is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
lovebeaches
Caribbean Islands
8
Aug 8th, 2015 11:49 AM
FamilyGetaway
Caribbean Islands
12
Apr 4th, 2012 11:31 AM
itsallaboutthetrips
Caribbean Islands
4
Jul 26th, 2011 02:44 PM
sunhungry
Caribbean Islands
12
Apr 29th, 2003 05:02 AM
Greg
Caribbean Islands
13
May 14th, 2002 10:02 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -