Best beauty for a $
 

Looking for the most beautiful beaches, scenery, clear water, colorful fish... Mainly looking to snorkel, a little scuba. Accomodations need not be fancy, just food/drink readily available. Convient location to the water, not looking to tour around much. Prefer privacy & natural beauty, over waitstaff & entertainment... <BR> <BR>Please suggest your favorite Island, city/beach Location, Lodging, Sites/Activities, or any helpful info... <BR> <BR>This is my 1st trip, would like to get the most for my money. Leaning towards the Caymans, but concerned about the cost. Could I do better?

Grand Cayman, Seven Mile Beach, Westin Casuarina.

By the sound of your request, I'd suggest Turtle Nest Inn, on Grand Cayman. We loved our stay there, and ar reserved again next year. they have a web site at www.turtlenestinn.com . Its the best deal on the island and maybe in the Caribbean!

Dear Tonya: Suggest you consider the Outer Islands of the Bahamas...Beaches are magnificient, however, very laid back, quiet, and relaxing. Wonderful snorkeling, etc...White White Sand and magnificent water. If you are looking for night life, then not for you...if you are looking for serenity..please investigate. We have been to Eleuthera, CAT, and will now be heading for Gr. Guana Cay off the cost of Abaco. All these places are in the Bahamain chain. For further questions/info, pls feel free to e-mail me. Wherever you go, have fun!

I second Bette's suggestion and would recommend the "family islands" of the Bahamas as well. There are some breathtaking islands, like Harbour Island, which was named one of the 10 most beautiful in the world by Islands Mag a few years ago. <BR> <BR>You can get there easily now by ferry from Nassau and there are several nice places to stay that won't break your budget. <BR> <BR>IF you go to the www.where2stay.com board and "kalik" (pun intended, Kalik is the beer of the Bahamas, and pronounced ca-lick) on islands at the top of the board, and scroll down to the Bahamas, you will find all kinds of info, rates for the seasons and pictures of most of the resorts. <BR> <BR>Have a great trip and if you need any more info on the Bahamas, holler..... <BR> <BR>tweedy

Yes, go to Grand Cayman. Either resort previously recommended would be great. If you have a lot of $$$ to spare, the Westin is the place to be, right on seven mile beach. If you want something nice but more reasonable or perhaps smaller, then try the Turtle Nest Inn. But, in any case, DO go to Grand Cayman!!!!

I think you said beauty for a $. Here is my best advice. Go to Harbor Island in May or later when the weather is nice and stay at the Bahama House in Dunsmore Town. While not on the beach, however the beach is only a block or so away, it is a lovely B&B and you are talking about $100/night for two with breakfast. See them at http://www.bahamahouseinn.com. The island is small and truly lovely with everything you are seeking. One other consideration thinking of the $ is Cooper Island in the BVI. http://www.Cooper-Island.com <BR>It also offers what you want at a $ price. Both are much less than the coast of the Caymans. Also both islands are much more delightful for people who love beauty and nature.

For a beautiful low-rise resort located in a wonderful natural setting, I suggest Club Oasis Akumal (about 1.5 hours south of Cancun on the Mayan Coast of Mexico). Snorkeling and diving are great (we saw turtles and rays come right up to the beach), as are the food and the people. You can also take bike rides to the quaint village of Akumal, located about 20 minutes away, visit the Mayan ruins at Tulum... Enjoy! <BR>

I had forgotten about Akumal. However, I am going to recommend the Hotel Akumal Caribe where we went often in the 60's. It's still run by the same family that was the first to develop a dive oriented facility in the area in 1958. It is the headquaters of CEDAM a non-profit organization for underwater archaeology and Dive Akumal. The place has been refurbished since we were there. The bungalows at around $88/night are fine. It has a wonderful half moon bay created by an outer reef. There was excellent snorkeling years ago although the entire area along the Maya coast is getting a little overdeveloped. They have dive packages. This is much more suited for your tastes and budget than the one in the prior post which is a much newer resort chain that provides most of the typical resort type activities. The Akumal Caribe is more nature and ecology oriented and less expensive. You would enjoy visiting Tulum when you are there. <BR> <BR>