Hi there,
My hubby and I have yet to decide on what island to go to - we initially loved the idea of Cuba, but have been told by our TA that it's hitandmiss weather-wise there in January.
We want:
- a beachfront resort - all or part inclusive
- the weather will be hot
- calm waters
- lots of snorkeling, preferably on or near the resort beach
- a city nearby to discover and enjoy the culture of the island

Thanks for any and all responses. I'm at the end of my rope trying to pick a "perfect" spot for my hubby's first time down south!

Oops - also forgot to add - we would really like a reasonable-cost resort. I was sold on St. John as a destination, but alas, we are saving up to buy a house and cannot afford to go for that kind of vacation!

Thanks again.

HI spring chicken-

I am in a similar dilemma. Was looking at going to Turks and caicos in January but have concern about the ocean water being too cold. Prices are a lot more expensive in January too.

I will be watching for posts. Sorry I can't help but I totally empathize.

I'd suggest going to Barbados. It has some of everything any island can offer except for gambling and a volcano. Lovely people, lush green tropical setting, clean air, pure water, wide range of hotels, beaches, water sports, sightseeing such as caves, tropical gardens, animal preserves, plantation houses, submarine ride. Outstanding restaurants, both in hotels and independent. All revolves around a British/Caribbean culture so you don't feel like you're just in tropical America. Barbados is a really special place with a strong economy, not dependent only on tourism, so a visitor experiences a sense of a place which is beyond just a resort on a beach. Weather is great all year-perpetual summer with water temps over 80 deg. even in winter. Lowest hotel rates are mid-April to mid-December, with a big jump in high season. Calmest water for swimming/snorkeling is on the calm
west coast north of Bridgetown. IMO the best hotel on that stretch is Coral Reef Club. Family-owned for 50 years, low-rise and plantation cottage style hotel in tropical gardens and fine beach. But there is a wide range of hotel prices, with big money savings on the coast south of Bridgetown. Barbados is a really special place. See www.barbados.org

Spring Chicken: Have you considered renting a villa? Villa or condo rental quite often ends up being much more economical.

Hello Spring Chicken.
Antigua small properties group, Very Intimate Places is located at websiste:www.antigua-vip.com.
Also check out my comments on the separate 'tripadvisor' website from last stay there at Beachcomber. Sounds suited nicely to your request. If you go, please tell Sybil the warm and gracious manager I sent you. No doubt you will both love it. Deb from Boston.

Hello Spring Chicken! If you would like to go to St. John, and I would HIGHLY recommend it,if you stayed at the WESTIN resort you would be able to afford St. John because there rates are reasonable and it is a wonderful place. Go to www.westinst.john to look into it.The Westin is very close to Cruz Bay and the little shops and bars there. Make sure you visit Hawksnest Beach, Cinnamon Bay, and alsoTrunk Bay. Trunk Bay is crowded and touristy but beautiful while Hawksnest and Cinnamon are quiet and uncrowded and awesome beauitiful too.

Turks and Cacios water should be that bad in January. If you want nice warm water how about Grand Cayman? It has a reputation of being expensive but there are really inexpensive placeds that you can say such as Comfort Suites fright on Seven Mile Beach. Turtle Nest Inn in Bodden Town - you can get an apartment for an entire week. I can recommend some great spots that aren't that expenssive such as the Lone Star, Durty Reids, Cimboco, Chicken Chicken, just a name a few.....

Lori

Hi Spring Chicken,
Have I got the perfect place for you! Check out Sunset Waters Beach Resort in Curacao. Should meet all of your requirements, including the price criteria. Search the posts here and on tripadvisor.com for a full description. Enjoy!