Kayjae

My mother has traveled quite a bit, but never really been to the Caribbean and I'd like to show her what she has been missing. She's turning 82, but is active and healthy. In fact, as we've brainstormed about this she's mentioned she wants to be able to see a few sights and not just hang out on the beach. She's not used to chilling out so much! So an island with some things to see, maybe some natural sights, easy access snorkeling and beaches and good restaurants would be ideal. We thought about Bermuda, but during the winter time the weather may not be hot enough. I'd prefer not to be at a honeymoon resort or a place with kids. I welcome your suggestions and tips!

qwovadis

elconvento.com PuertoRico nice historic great beaches nearby
St Thomas also quite pretty Frenchman's Reef or Ritz if budget
super good.Usually fly down on spirit.com first class for price of coach or www.aa.com

qwovadis

vacationstogo.com nice cruises out
of PR fun for seniors
I am one and have done several
Holland America and Celebrity for me easy no hassle.

Have fun!

schmerl

Playa del Carmen. You can enjoy the beach, visit ruins, enjoy the town, etc.

virginia

i'd say barbados would be a great choice. tons of restaurants. plenty of things to go do. tropical look & feel. decent off beach snorkeling. hot in winter. it's the kind of island my mom would have enjoyed.
www.bougainvillearesort.com is nice. plenty of options if you want to spend more or less.
this page, done by fodorite lois swanson is very useful:
http://www.barbadostips.com/Barbados_Tips/Welcome.html

Kayjae

Thanks very much for the great suggestions!

OceanBreeze1

Kay,
How about Aruba?
Stay at The Radisson on beautiful Palm Beach. Great beach, great restaurants within a short walk, days tours, sunset boat cruises.

Where are you? Do you have direct/non-stops to Aruba?

OB

Jimmie

St. Barts.

Kayjae

Well we are going to St Maarten and staying at Mary's Boon. Any suggestions for restaurants, beaches, activities there? I was there 17 years ago.

OceanBreeze1

Kay, just out of curiosity, why St Maarten?

You mmay get a better response if you start a new thread for St Maarten re: your question on restaurants, etc as nobody here has even mentioned St Maarten.

It's so wonderful that you & your Mom can travel together.
Have a great time!
When are you going?

OB1

RileyD

Virgin Gorda, BVI. Beautiful, pristine beaches that offer great snorkeling or diving. It's our favorite island.

CaliNurse

rent a "villa" (house) on St John, USVI

OceanBreeze1

She already said she has picked St Maarten & the place where they will be staying.

elisemf

Check the Fodor's Caribbean guidebook for great restaurant suggestions and things to do!

Lisa_Perry

I just wrote the longest reply and it went away. St. Lucia and St Martin are my choices! Bermuda is too expensive and is really a summer destination, P.R. is mostly on the Atlantic but Dorado Beach is really nice like a little Maui but not a real carribean feel on Puerto Rico. Aruba we love but super hot mid day, desert like, weather is always good, people amazingly nice!St Lucia beautiful with the rainforest. St Martin we where there in March last year and I LOVED it. Hadn't been in years but fun to go to both sides of the island half dutch/French. This is year 16 in arow going to the carribean all the way from Oregon so if you have any questions I'd love to help. I also travel with my daughter!

Lisa_Perry

Ok if you are going to St. Martin (dutch spelling) sounds like you are on Simpsons Bay. Quite little beach and nice cute place you are staying. You MUST go to the beach by the airport and watch the planes come in directly over your head. It is absolutely the coolest thing ever!! Phillipsberg is a must so many resturants and tons of shops. Just be redone very nice and clean.