Best Islands to visit late Dec/early Jan
 

We are planning to visit the Caribbean for the first time just after Christmas. We would like a romantic getaway with the warmest weather for swimming and snorkeling. Our budget is around $6000. What are your suggestions?

Any island from Puerto Rico and south will be warm during late December and early January. you should know, that on average there won't be more than a 3 to 5 degree F. difference in daytime temperatures between Puerto rico (the northern most island in the group) and the more southern islands.

The islands north of there, like Bermuda, the Bahamas or the Turks & Caicos can be cool so there is a slight risk visiting those at that time of year.

If snorkeling is a high priority look at the US Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Island, Grand Cayman and Bonaire - they have some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean.

Just so you know,. islands that have little or no snorkeling include Antigua, St. Martin, St. Kitts, Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and most of the Grenadine. The remaining islands not mentioned will have some limited snorkeling.

You are contemplating a trip during the "highest" part of High season so expect to see some of the most expensive room rates of the year. If by "just after Christmas" you mean some or all of the week between Christmas & New Years you may run into minimum stay requirements (i.e. 7 to 14 days) at some resorts. That's the busiest time of the year for most of the Caribbean so don't expect bargains and don't be disappointed if you find many places are already fully booked.

On the plus side, your $6,000 budget should be more than adequate for a week's stay on just about every island.

Now if you want a romantic resort, for starters look at Little Dix Bay (scheduled to reopen in December after a multi-million face lift) on Virgin Gorda, Caneel Bay on St. John, Peter Island Resort on Peter island (BVI's). These are all a little difficult to reach but well worth the effort.

I hope to see some great advice also.

For a Romantic getaway, Negril in Jamaica is Awesome. do some research on The Spa Retreat Boutique hotel on that side of the Island. You might love it.

Jamaica is warm all year round if you ask me. I would recommendation vacationing there. If you are looking for a resort that would capture romance and serenity, I recommend Zoetry in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

I had some fun snorkelling in st martin.
We find lowed duchess me turtles for quite a while but yes less to see than in say akumal.

Tensing Pen or Catcha Falling Star on The Cliffs in Negril Jamaica

By now you NEw Years choices are based on what's not sold out, not where you want to go!

Most Caribbean (the great places) sell out almost a year before