best small resorts - please help!
Oct 10th, 2001, 05:35 PM
#21
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Sonia,
Hi again. Sugar Mill restaurant is wonderful, the resorts/rooms are nice, just looked, didn't stay but there is only a tiny beach across the street from the resort. Though Cane Garden bay beach is just down the street. If you stayed on Tortola, I'd go with the Frenchman's Cay suggestion, though resorts are relatively close enough to have guests stay there or at Sugar Mill or Long Bay (not my favorite but we had a great time there), depends on the activities your guests want, are they there mainly for the wedding or will they have the time & desire for watersports & exploring etc.?
Hi again. Sugar Mill restaurant is wonderful, the resorts/rooms are nice, just looked, didn't stay but there is only a tiny beach across the street from the resort. Though Cane Garden bay beach is just down the street. If you stayed on Tortola, I'd go with the Frenchman's Cay suggestion, though resorts are relatively close enough to have guests stay there or at Sugar Mill or Long Bay (not my favorite but we had a great time there), depends on the activities your guests want, are they there mainly for the wedding or will they have the time & desire for watersports & exploring etc.?
Oct 11th, 2001, 03:09 PM
#22
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Such a tease, Sonia! You have let us bleed out everything we know about some great resorts and now... Sugar Mill and Ft. Recovery! I fear for your betrothed; will you go through men as you go through resorts? What next? Sebastians On the Beach?
Just joking. I'd thought about Sugar Mill, but as has been said, the beach is about the size of a postage stamp. Yet, everything else about it is very nice. While it is more into the marble and gold, it is very warm and cozy, offers nice views, and has excellent cuisine, if somewhat overpriced. Think more along the lines of an inn. A close friend went there recently and raved about the quality of the packages and state of the rooms. And I'm sure they're experienced with weddings. Being on the north shore you need a/c, but they give you a/c.
Ft. Recovery is across from Frenchman's. The rooms are motel fashion, but if you get a downstairs unit, you're literally on the beach. It's something they can afford to do because they're on a lee coast. It is perennially among my top 3 on Tortola, but once again, it just lacks the charm you so richly deserve, being an aficionado of the South Pacific.
I will suggest one last place, but it's over on St. Thomas. It's the Point Pleasant Resort where I not only got married, I got engaged there, too. It was a botanical garden and estate at one time and is located on a steep hill, marvelously landscaped. They do have a high-rise type tombstone of a hotel on top that you'd want to avoid at all costs, but down the hill all the way from the top to the bottom are duplexes constructed in such a way that you'd never know there was another half to your half. Spacious with nice terraces. Up high you get a long view east and down low you hear the waves lapping. Floor to ceiling glass facing the view, end to end. Kitchenette. They give you a car by the half day on a first come-first served basis. The USVI has the #10 and #6 rated beaches in the world: Magen's on St. Thomas and Hawksbill on St. John. Very nice resort.
As to getting married there, they have a gazebo on a cliff deep in the garden. You can see approximately 40 gazillion miles. That's where we tied the knot. Also, note that in town the jewelry is inexpensive, reputable, and they haggle.
O
Just joking. I'd thought about Sugar Mill, but as has been said, the beach is about the size of a postage stamp. Yet, everything else about it is very nice. While it is more into the marble and gold, it is very warm and cozy, offers nice views, and has excellent cuisine, if somewhat overpriced. Think more along the lines of an inn. A close friend went there recently and raved about the quality of the packages and state of the rooms. And I'm sure they're experienced with weddings. Being on the north shore you need a/c, but they give you a/c.
Ft. Recovery is across from Frenchman's. The rooms are motel fashion, but if you get a downstairs unit, you're literally on the beach. It's something they can afford to do because they're on a lee coast. It is perennially among my top 3 on Tortola, but once again, it just lacks the charm you so richly deserve, being an aficionado of the South Pacific.
I will suggest one last place, but it's over on St. Thomas. It's the Point Pleasant Resort where I not only got married, I got engaged there, too. It was a botanical garden and estate at one time and is located on a steep hill, marvelously landscaped. They do have a high-rise type tombstone of a hotel on top that you'd want to avoid at all costs, but down the hill all the way from the top to the bottom are duplexes constructed in such a way that you'd never know there was another half to your half. Spacious with nice terraces. Up high you get a long view east and down low you hear the waves lapping. Floor to ceiling glass facing the view, end to end. Kitchenette. They give you a car by the half day on a first come-first served basis. The USVI has the #10 and #6 rated beaches in the world: Magen's on St. Thomas and Hawksbill on St. John. Very nice resort.
As to getting married there, they have a gazebo on a cliff deep in the garden. You can see approximately 40 gazillion miles. That's where we tied the knot. Also, note that in town the jewelry is inexpensive, reputable, and they haggle.
O
Oct 11th, 2001, 05:09 PM
#23
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hummmm ... now that Joel has brought you to the USVI ... Point Pleasant is nice but it is a huge highrise but with glorious views. One of my favorites on St. Thomas is Secret Harbour. An older condo property out on East End, it has beachfront units right on the sand of a wonderful beach with good snorkling. It also has villas up a hill that is better for billy goats, I suspect, but great views! Really low key, casual and a great staff. Blue Moon Cafe, one of my absolute favorites on STT (am sure that Julie would accomodate since she does the "almost-vegan" (I cheat a little now and then) for me, is at Secret Harbour and Pam of Caribbean Occassions does a absolute fabulous job with weddings on site at Secret Harbour or any site on St. John or St. Thomas. About 5 minutes from the ferry dock to hop to St. John in 15 minutes and the BVI's for a day trip.
I do think the Sugar Mill is lovely - very quaint and the restaurant is excellent but, and for me a very big one, is the beach - or lack thereof - across the street! There are a couple of nice beaches on Tortola, Sumuggler's and Brewer's Bay, but neither have a resort on them and they are an adventure to get to. I am sure that Secret Harbour would work with you and your guests! It is quiet, casual, has the feeling of remote with only a few villas around it and as Joel so accurately mentions, the jewelry shopping on STT is great for "trinkets" that sparkle in all shapes and colors!
I do think the Sugar Mill is lovely - very quaint and the restaurant is excellent but, and for me a very big one, is the beach - or lack thereof - across the street! There are a couple of nice beaches on Tortola, Sumuggler's and Brewer's Bay, but neither have a resort on them and they are an adventure to get to. I am sure that Secret Harbour would work with you and your guests! It is quiet, casual, has the feeling of remote with only a few villas around it and as Joel so accurately mentions, the jewelry shopping on STT is great for "trinkets" that sparkle in all shapes and colors!
Oct 11th, 2001, 06:24 PM
#24
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A co-worker just returned from a honeymoon on Peter Island Resort (did not get married there) and raved about it. We were in the USVI/BVIs (stayed at Gallows Point on St. John but took day trips to the BVIs) and passed Peter Island and Guana, both looked very nice with beautiful beaches and tourquoise water. We ate lunch at Cooper Island, it is more downscale than Peter Island looked. You can also check into renting adjacent villas in the USVI/BVIs or a whole island (little thatch).
Oct 11th, 2001, 06:43 PM
#26
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Hi sonia -- I see you are also making comments about Fiji on the Austalia and South Pacific site. It is hard to understand what you are about or the basis of your comments becuase you are talking to people that know well both the Caribbean and the South Pacific. It may be that you have never been to either place and are trying to get new inputs and you are not certain what you desire. If this is the case just ask questions based on your real situation and expectations. There are people on this forum that can help.
Oct 11th, 2001, 07:47 PM
#28
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Hey anon: I don't know if sonia is for real or not. There are things that she has said that do not add up but she may be confused. The important thing is that there is some very useful information on this thread that other might find useful given by people who are expienced and how care about helping others. I do not understand your objective. It would appear that sonia has posted an address that is valid. I see no point is testing it. I know yours will not function.
Oct 11th, 2001, 09:33 PM
#29
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Hello paranoid posters!
What on earth have I said that doesnt add up? I most certainly have been to the South Pacific and as I said earlier, I am a heavyweight on those boards!!!
I am not sure to what posts you are referring Louis but perhaps they were from a couple of months ago, when I was still planning on getting married in Fiji (as I explained in the origin of this thread, i am looking at the caribbean only because my Fijian option fell through earlier this week).
If I can clear anything up...please let me know!! As I am confused as to why there is now all this doubt over my motives! Why on earth would I post false requests anyway?
Methinks some of you are taking the boards a little too seriously!!
Anyway - you have all been extremly helpful so far - thanks for telling me about the tiny beach at Sugar Mill, they conveniently didnt mention that on their website!
What on earth have I said that doesnt add up? I most certainly have been to the South Pacific and as I said earlier, I am a heavyweight on those boards!!!
I am not sure to what posts you are referring Louis but perhaps they were from a couple of months ago, when I was still planning on getting married in Fiji (as I explained in the origin of this thread, i am looking at the caribbean only because my Fijian option fell through earlier this week).
If I can clear anything up...please let me know!! As I am confused as to why there is now all this doubt over my motives! Why on earth would I post false requests anyway?
Methinks some of you are taking the boards a little too seriously!!
Anyway - you have all been extremly helpful so far - thanks for telling me about the tiny beach at Sugar Mill, they conveniently didnt mention that on their website!
Oct 11th, 2001, 09:40 PM
#30
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Sorry, I just reread Louis posts and realised that I put a fake email on my last post! Above one is real honest.
Wanted to comment on Louis suggestion of getting married 500 miles within home. A)I live in Australia, my family lives in London so SP/Carib is a compromise. B)It is actually cheaper for me to get married on an island than do the traditional thing in Oz or England, so I am saving my parents thousands already!!! You can buy a house anytime and will probably own several over your lifetime...but wedding only happens once! (if it is true love, whihc of course mine is!!!).
Anyway - just wanted to answer all of Louis' points.
Thanks again to everyone (including Louis, even though he doubts me) for all your help so far.
Wanted to comment on Louis suggestion of getting married 500 miles within home. A)I live in Australia, my family lives in London so SP/Carib is a compromise. B)It is actually cheaper for me to get married on an island than do the traditional thing in Oz or England, so I am saving my parents thousands already!!! You can buy a house anytime and will probably own several over your lifetime...but wedding only happens once! (if it is true love, whihc of course mine is!!!).
Anyway - just wanted to answer all of Louis' points.
Thanks again to everyone (including Louis, even though he doubts me) for all your help so far.
Oct 12th, 2001, 06:21 AM
#32
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Hi sonia! I read this thread because it has a neat title. It may be easier to get to some islands than others from England and Australia. I know that there are non-stops flights from London to Antigua (you can connect to other islands through LIAT, but that airline is a hassle). I don't know anything about Antigua, but what I am suggesting is to find out which islands may be most convenient for you and your guests, and then try to find out what small beachfront resorts might be in those islands. Also, I visited Jost Van Dyke (in the BVI) a month ago. There is a small beach hotel there called The Sandcastle. It has reasonable rates, the units are free-standing, the beach is beautiful, and it is definitely small. There are no other hotels nearby, only shacks that sell drinks, food, etc. Check it out and good luck!
Oct 12th, 2001, 02:15 PM
#35
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As CB has just pointed out Point Pleasant is not JUST a high rise, it has the very nice duplex bungalows I mentioned.
Sonia, speaking only for myself, and with regard to Louis' and a few others' comments, I guess my discouragement in posting more recommendations for you is that you don't provide much feedback. We keep throwing stuff your way, it's genuine, but you never say what you like or don't like about this place or that place, sooo.... it's kind of like pitching it into a black hole... not much help from you, therefore, an assumption that you don't like anything we've said. So tell us, given all these resorts we've mentioned where do you stand on these places and for what reasons?
Sonia, speaking only for myself, and with regard to Louis' and a few others' comments, I guess my discouragement in posting more recommendations for you is that you don't provide much feedback. We keep throwing stuff your way, it's genuine, but you never say what you like or don't like about this place or that place, sooo.... it's kind of like pitching it into a black hole... not much help from you, therefore, an assumption that you don't like anything we've said. So tell us, given all these resorts we've mentioned where do you stand on these places and for what reasons?
Oct 12th, 2001, 03:15 PM
#36
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I wish to apologize to others if my remarks to Sonia seemed out of place. I have responded to her directly regarding my concerns on her postings and I have apologized to her at having been out of line. These are stormy times and it is hard for me to not react sometimes in bad humor. I agree with Joel as it seems that there is a sea of confusion regarding requirements. I think it best that I bow out and worry about the trip we have booked to Egypt and Jordan in December. That is enough to keep me busy. Even that is a trivial concern as compared to the direction the world and human race is heading.
Oct 12th, 2001, 04:23 PM
#38
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Just checked the newly posted "special" on the Cap Juluca website. You might want to check to see if the dates and the prices work for you. www.capjuluca.com
Oct 12th, 2001, 07:20 PM
#39
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Perhaps it would help if you all would look at http://www.wadigi.com. This will give you an idea of what sonia wants in the Caribbean at $400US per person per day all inclusive with booze. This can be duplicated in the Fiji area but I don't know where you would find anything quite like it in that price range in the Caribbean. Perhaps others have ideas on this. Small private islands such as Guana and Petit Saint Vincent run over this budget.
