Best place to go for four couples?
Dec 26th, 2000, 06:14 AM
#1
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Best place to go for four couples?
Hello!
My parents want to plan a family vacation before the holidays next year (early to mid December). There will be my parents (who are in their 60s but VERY athletic), my husband and I, my sister & her boyfriend, and brother and his girlfriend (all of us in our 30's with no children, and we are all athletic as well). Our interests range from sitting on the beach, scuba & snorkling (some of us are scuba certified), golf, hiking, nightlife (dancing), rock climbing, and various water sports. We'd prefer to visit a place where we feel safe to leave the compounds of a resort and explore the countryside. Ideally, we'd like to rent two two-bedroom condos or a large hosue so we would have a kitchen available - but we'd also consider an all inclusive kind of thing. At this point we are in the initial research phase.
A few of us have travelled to various islands before. Between the eight of us we've traveled to Curaçao, Turks & Caicos, Dominican Republic, Anguilla & Jamiaca.
I'd greatly appreciate any destination suggestions, hotels, etc. that anyone can offer!
My parents want to plan a family vacation before the holidays next year (early to mid December). There will be my parents (who are in their 60s but VERY athletic), my husband and I, my sister & her boyfriend, and brother and his girlfriend (all of us in our 30's with no children, and we are all athletic as well). Our interests range from sitting on the beach, scuba & snorkling (some of us are scuba certified), golf, hiking, nightlife (dancing), rock climbing, and various water sports. We'd prefer to visit a place where we feel safe to leave the compounds of a resort and explore the countryside. Ideally, we'd like to rent two two-bedroom condos or a large hosue so we would have a kitchen available - but we'd also consider an all inclusive kind of thing. At this point we are in the initial research phase.
A few of us have travelled to various islands before. Between the eight of us we've traveled to Curaçao, Turks & Caicos, Dominican Republic, Anguilla & Jamiaca.
I'd greatly appreciate any destination suggestions, hotels, etc. that anyone can offer!
Dec 26th, 2000, 11:13 AM
#2
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Meg, I'm very interested in the same question - I'm glad you posted this. My mother and I were talking about how much fun it would be to go to a warm island next Christmas instead of a big family "do" at home (all work and no play makes Mama cranky!). We want Christmas with our family, but also want to go away someplace warm and relaxing. Tropical drinks under a palm tree seems like a terrific way to spend Christmas Day for a change. We would be five or six adults, no children. I don't have much experience of the Caribbean, though, and am just now beginning to research some possibilities.
Dec 26th, 2000, 12:52 PM
#3
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Meg,
How well do you all get along? If you are comfortable with each other, consider a crewed yacht charter -- I just returned from a Moorings charter through the Grenadines, originating in Grenada, with my parents and my husband's parents and it was wonderful. While my husband and I prefer to bareboat (go without crew) ourselves, we figured that with parents, a crew would be the way to go, as they plan the itinerary, handle the formalities (e.g. customs and immigration when going from one country to another), provide fabulous meals, and make sure you have fun and get the most out of the places you are visiting.
For first timers, I would recommend a trip like this in the British Virgin Islands, on a crewed catamaran (more stable, more room). The seas are gentler than in the Grenadines, the anchorages closer together, and there are more options for entertainment. From you own floating resort, you can visit secluded beaches, amazing rock formations at the Baths, go snorkeling, go shopping in the towns and settlements along the way, catch some rays, go to some awesome beach bars, dive, etc. However, golf is probably not going to be an option. You can sail (or learn to sail) as much or as little as you like. Your preferences are polled in advance, and the crew use their experience and local knowledge to plan a trip to meets your desires.
I can highly recommend the Moorings for trips like this (www.moorings.com), but they are not the only ones. If you would like to read about my trip to see if you would like to try it yourself, visit my personal website at www.homestead.com/islandtime/MainPage1.html (the Grenada link is in the upper right hand corner), or feel free to drop me a note.
Cheers,
Eva
How well do you all get along? If you are comfortable with each other, consider a crewed yacht charter -- I just returned from a Moorings charter through the Grenadines, originating in Grenada, with my parents and my husband's parents and it was wonderful. While my husband and I prefer to bareboat (go without crew) ourselves, we figured that with parents, a crew would be the way to go, as they plan the itinerary, handle the formalities (e.g. customs and immigration when going from one country to another), provide fabulous meals, and make sure you have fun and get the most out of the places you are visiting.
For first timers, I would recommend a trip like this in the British Virgin Islands, on a crewed catamaran (more stable, more room). The seas are gentler than in the Grenadines, the anchorages closer together, and there are more options for entertainment. From you own floating resort, you can visit secluded beaches, amazing rock formations at the Baths, go snorkeling, go shopping in the towns and settlements along the way, catch some rays, go to some awesome beach bars, dive, etc. However, golf is probably not going to be an option. You can sail (or learn to sail) as much or as little as you like. Your preferences are polled in advance, and the crew use their experience and local knowledge to plan a trip to meets your desires.
I can highly recommend the Moorings for trips like this (www.moorings.com), but they are not the only ones. If you would like to read about my trip to see if you would like to try it yourself, visit my personal website at www.homestead.com/islandtime/MainPage1.html (the Grenada link is in the upper right hand corner), or feel free to drop me a note.
Cheers,
Eva
Dec 27th, 2000, 05:54 AM
#4
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Eva, thanks that's an awesome suggestion and definitely something different than anything I'd been thinking of. I'll look into it. We all get along well, but I'm not sure how much everyone likes boats. I'm the researcher so I'm exploring many options to present to the group. Thanks for your help. If anyone else has island and resort suggestions I'd still love to hear them!
Dec 29th, 2000, 04:21 AM
#7
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I see from your post that your parents are in there 60's and athletic. Even though they are healthy please consider purchasing a medical insurance policy to
cover them if they become ill while away. I speak from experience as my dad
had a stroke while we were on vacation.
Things turned out ok but I was glad we had it covered.
Mark
cover them if they become ill while away. I speak from experience as my dad
had a stroke while we were on vacation.
Things turned out ok but I was glad we had it covered.
Mark
Dec 29th, 2000, 06:11 AM
#8
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Hi Meg,
Why not look into a luxury villa rental. You get all the aspects of privacy and family time as well your own personal staff, pool, and maybe even beach. I use www.caribbeanway.com, normally i speak with Jazz - they have great villas and can halpyou find the perfect vacation home. Check it out.
Have a great trip!!
Why not look into a luxury villa rental. You get all the aspects of privacy and family time as well your own personal staff, pool, and maybe even beach. I use www.caribbeanway.com, normally i speak with Jazz - they have great villas and can halpyou find the perfect vacation home. Check it out.
Have a great trip!!
