KEC

For those of you who have been to both (or even one!) I would love to get some information. I haven't been to any island since Spring Break in college & that doesn't count...lol!

My husband and I are looking for somewhere to celebrate our 10 year anniversary in Aug 2009. We have about 4-5 nights (due to babysitting availability). We are flying from Philadelphia & hope to use FF miles on Usairways.

After doing some research, I have narrowed it down to Bermuda or Negril in Jamaica. Puerto Rico and Bahamas are also still possible because of FF miles. No other islands would work because of FF mile & flight availability.

The reason I am attracted to Negril is that it looks very tropical and lush. I love the look & sound of The Cave resort there.

Bermuda would be a lot quicker to get to & would cost less in FF miles. I have had a recommendation for The Reefs hotel from my sister-in-law. Bermuda lodgings seem more expensive than the ones I looked into for Jamaica.

So, if you had to choose, what would you do? We really want to have a very relaxing, romantic escape. And something very different than any type of beach in the US that we have been to (NJ, MD, DE, FL, NH, CA).

Thanks!

txgirlinbda

I am, of course, biased, because I live here in Bermuda and have never been to Negril. But for what it's worth, here are my two cents - I was just at the Reefs this week (researching wedding options) - thumbs up! They have a great, private beach. There is some major construction going on (time-share type addition to the hotel) but I was told that they are expecting completion by May 09. Bermuda is expensive, there's no way around that. But I agree with your thinking as far as the quick, direct flight - it makes starting (and ending) your vacation so much nicer! Feel free to let me know if I can answer any Bermuda-specific questions!!

Weadles

I really love both places for very different reasons, but since the time frame is August, I'd pick Bermuda. Reason? Negril is at its best in the winter/spring months. August can be extremely humid with very little breeze. And then there are those pesky sand flies, which I think are much worse at that time of year than any other.

Also, since you have a relatively short amount of time, Bermuda makes more sense. Although Jamaica is only about two hours further south, there's travel time from Montego Bay airport to Negril ( about 90 minutes). That's actually one of my favorite parts of the trip since the drive takes you along a coastal road that is as lush and beautiful as anything you've dreamed about in the Caribbean. But it does eat up most of your first day on vacation.

Hope you have a great time in Bermuda! The beaches are totally UNLIKE anything you'll find in the states, unless you know of some "secret" pink beaches somewhere! We stayed at the Fairmont SOuthampton two years ago, which was lovely, but full of conventions. I'd definitely opt for a smaller, more intimate hotel.

mrpw

I also vote for Bermuda. It is my favorite relaxing and beautiful getaway! I always feel comfortable and safe there. The beaches are clean and lovely, and the water temperature in August is wonderful. Have a great time in whichever destination you choose, but I would always go to Bermuda if I had a chance.

KEC

Thanks everyone! I was thinking about the weather as well & thought Bermuda might be a better option in August.

Since I fell in love with the whole idea of The Caves resort...does anyone know if there is anything remotely similar in feel in Bermuda? I realize that the setting is completely different, but I liked the sound of the unique rooms, setting, intimacy yet luxury and service. The price (for August) was really good too!

Weadles

I remember reading about a property in Bermuda that featured private cottages on stilts over the water. It sounded intriguing to us, but was totally booked for our dates. Maybe someone else here remembers the name??

txgirlinbda

That sounds like Nine Beaches!

Patty

Perhaps I'm wrong, but 9 Beaches seems much more family oriented to me than what the OP was originally considering.

Weadles

I just read about a website called UnusualHotelsoftheWorld.com that features just that- off the beaten path types of places that might appeal to you. Don't know what they have in Bermuda, but it's worth checking!

girlonthego

The Reefs in Bermuda.

cdw

I have been to both. We went to Bermuda last summer for our 20th and stayed at the Reefs. Very good food, pretty rooms, outdated bathrooms, beautiful beach, but maybe a little stuffy. You cannot rent a car but have to depend on taxis or the public bus which was weird.

Bermuda is totally different from Negril where we split time between 7 Mile Beach and the Rock House, (which is a less expensive version of The Caves). I am not sure if the Caves have AC in the rooms, but you will need it. We loved the Rock House and took our teenage daughters with us. We had a blast jumping off the 20 - 30 foot cliffs! The water was beautiful and the food was good as well.

Both were nice but I preferred the more casual, active area of the cliffs. We stayed in deluxe villas at the Rock House. Look at pictures on Trip Advisor.

Both have good scuba diving.

Weadles

There's no doubt that the vibe in Bermuda and Negril is totally different. But I still think since you're going in August, Bermuda is a better choice- much closer, and takes up much less of your very short 4-5 day stay.

Knowing

August is a superb time to visit Bermuda. The temperatures of both sea water and the air will be wonderful.

We celebrated our 10 year anniversary there. It is an enchanting place and is one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

Don't forget that you and your husband will be required to have passports if you don't have them already.

Happy planning!

KEC

Thanks again everyone! I am still torn...mostly due to prices. The cost of the really fantastic places in Jamaica are half of those in Bermuda! Are there any suggestions for something really nice, intimate and luxury in Bermuda that are about $500 a night if food is included (less if it's not)? I checked into the Reefs, but it is way more than that. I also looked up the 9 Beaches, but it looks a bit too rustic for what we are imagining. Would love to bring the kids there though!

cdw

Is there any way you can add a day or two? As I said earlier, I have been to over 20 Caribbean islands, Hawaii (Kauai, Ohau, Maui, Hawaii), Costa Rica, Mexico 10+ times. Every place is different and we liked most of them and were least fond of the Hawaiian islands.

I preferred Jamaica over Bermuda, but I tend to like more friendly, laid back places. The drive from Montego Bay to Negril is an hour. So yes, travel time is longer to get to Jamaica. I cannot recommend the Rock House enough. You might want to look at negrilonestop.com. I used them and they were great. They are Canadian and I am Texan. So I am not trying to advertise for them. The restaurants and live music on 7 Mile Beach are a lot of fun. Norma's on the Beach is a fantastic place with great live music. Keep in mind that there are hawkers on the beach selling everything imaginable, but we were friendly and said no thanks and it was not a problem. You will not encounter any of that at the cliffs area of Negril, either at the Caves or the Rock House.

One other suggestion to really confuse you. Have you considered Anguilla? It has the most beautiful sand and water of all the islands I have seen and some of the best dining in all price ranges. We stayed at a beautiful little hotel called Hotel Ku which is a sister property to Cap Juluca, a premier hotel. You step out of your room onto sugar white sand and the bluest water you have ever seen. You can day trip to St. Maarten or St. Barts very easliy too. Email me at [email protected] if you have more specific questions.

KEC

Thanks so much! I would LOVE to go to Anguilla (from what I have read), but I just looked up the flights & they are almost $800 each...that won't work for us We are really aiming to use those FF miles this time.

As for the time, we can really only get 4 nights for babysitting, but I am hoping that we can leave early on the first day & get wherever we are going early enough to enjoy the evening. Really for us, even 3 days away is a luxury we haven't had in a LONG time! With kids who will just be 3 & 5 years old(and one has autism) at the time, we will be happy to get away & even reading a book on a plane or in an airport is a break for us!

Weadles

Is there any way you could celebrate your anniversary locally in August, then take off for a few days to Jamaica in the winter or early spring?

dfio

The Caves is beautiful and fits your requirements perfectly. The is an airline that does 15 minute flights from Montego Bay to Negril and The Caves will pick you up for free at Negril Airport. I forget the name of the airline. It was recommended to us by The Caves. We left Boston around 7am and were at the resort in time for a late lunch

txgirlinbda

Are you heart-set on being on the beach? I ask because if you're not, check out the Royal Palms in Bermuda. It's in town, but might fit the bill otherwise.

Weadles

I'm wondering how many of the people who are recommending Jamaica in August have visited at that time of year? We are huge fans of Jamaica and have been going to Negril for over 25 years, but we found our August visits brutally hot and buggy.