schrink

I need a break. Looking for a hotel for five nights late February. I do not need stimulation, and I will be travelling alone. Good hotel, very nice pool, plenty of sunshine is all I require. Average food is OK. I plan to sit and read in the sun the entire time.

Looking at the following (all easy trips from New York):

Ritz-Carlton San Juan
Ritz-Carlton Cancun
Ocean Reef Club, Barbados

Which of these would you choose, and why? Any other suggestions?

beachdreams3

My personal experience with the hotels you mentioned is limited. I spent a couple of hours in the Isla Verde area of San Juan in April while on a layover and walked through the Ritz property there. I found the beach/pool area to be very crowded with lots of families and children (and I wasn't even there during Easter). Personally, I wouldn't find that relaxing or low-key.

I probably wouldn't associate the Ritz Carlton with "relaxing" or "low key" in general though, so maybe we just have different perspectives. While they undoubtedly have some wonderful amenities, they do tend to draw large crowds and pack in beach/pool chairs to accommodate their guests. I also would not consider Cancun to be a low-key destination.

Depending on exactly when you are planning to travel in February, you should be prepared for lots of families/kids (primarily during the second or third week that is a school break (President's Day) in some parts of the US, and college spring breaks might be starting towards the end of the month. Although I think the Ritz-Carlton's price point will not attract the college crowd to the hotel, they may be in the area, especially in Cancun.

I am not familiar with the Ocean Reef Club, but I have visited Barbados in early February and found it pretty low key and not too crowded at that time. I would suggest one of the resorts on the West Coast for a more upscale, low key environment.

You should also consider Turks & Caicos and/or Grand Cayman, both of which should be easy trips (nonstop flights, close) from NYC. As mentioned above, Grand Cayman has a Ritz Carlton, as well as many upscale condos. T&C's main island, Providenciales, aka Provo, has many upscale (mostly condominium style)resorts as well. I have not kept up with all the new places that have opened in the last year, but among the places that have been open since my trip last year, you might want to look at the Regent Palms (more of a pool scene) and the Somerset (more laid back but upscale). BTW, with all the new properties opening and the state of the economy, there is unprecedented discounting on high season lodging in Provo. I have been to Provo twice solo, and IMO, the beach and water on Grace Bay beach are the best I have seen and are perfect for just laying in the sun and reading (although I literally was so distracted by the gorgeous scenery my first trip that I had a hard time concentrating enough to read).

schrink

Sorry, meant Coral Reef Club, Barbados! Thanks for input so far...

virginia

look at the st. thomas ritz. very nice pool and gorgeous view from their beach.
provo might be a bit cool to be in the water in feb. < that is to say the water will cool.

schrink

Love Provo, but I agree that it may be a bit cool. Was just at RC St. Thomas in Oct, so looking for something a little different - - - thanks for help! Are there any other nice, simple places in Barbados with a good pool and low-key environment?

Knowing

Barbados is exquisite! I don't know much about the Ocean Reef Club except that it is on the Platinum coast, which is full of luxurious hotels. And it has under 100 rooms, which might be nice for you.
We like the Hilton and find it to be very handy for us. Great food, drinks and much relaxation. There's an adult pool up above - and another pool below it. But it may be too spacious for what you are looking for.
If you want to be left alone, the people of Barbados will respect that. If you want to talk, it is a great place for some lively conversation. Your call.

schrink

Looking at Cayman Islands, also. They have an R-C there, too, but I wonder if there is a less costly option, with a great pool and on the beach?

Liesl

You mentioned Cancun. What about the Meridien Hotel there?

TnTWalter

Cancun seems too busy to me for simple relaxing IMHO. I have only been once there. I have enjoyed Playa del Carmen 1 hour south and Tulum 2 hours south of airport. PDC is more hopping too though but possibly not as much as Cancun.

GC...other option on 7mile beach.

The Westin is two properties down from the Ritz on GC I believe, same beautiful beach and all. Smaller, less 'Ritz-y'. We enjoyed it when we were there years ago. We also enjoyed the Ritz but it's bigger.

There's also an affordable Marriott further down on a thinner stretch of beach.

And there was a Hyatt down the other direction from the Ritz it's been renamed though...searched google and found it...Grand Cayman Beach Suites...the rooms face sideways though if that makes sense. I remember walking by when it was a Hyatt.

Another option...
Turks and Caicos. Easy flight from NY I think. Stunning Beaches & Water so incredible it makes you weep. Food is great. Service is "island time' but you'll get lots read while waiting.

We enjoyed Ocean Club West.
The Sands looks lovely too and Grace Club is nice. Go to the restaurant for a sunset drink.

I'm sure others will have even more ideas. Best of luck. Enjoy.

Trish

xkenx

Coral Reef Club is one of the true class acts in the Caribbean, and the food will even be good. Family-owned for 50+ years, very low key, very few kids.

Liesl

Agree - LOVE the Coral Reef Club.

"Alles Gut!"