Blamona - help please!
 

Hi there

I have posted a few recent messages asking for advice on our holiday plans and it seems that you are by far and away one of the most knowledgeable so I was hoping you might give us your opinion.

We are hoping to go away for a week either just before Thanksgiving or Christmas (yes this year, I know it's late!). We would like to fly nonstop from Atlanta. We really want some true R&R - we have a very active 2 year old but I really feel the need for some room service at the end of the day when we are in our room when our little guy is asleep. So the room needs to be LOVELY - ideally with a great seaview via balcony or terrace. I love the sound of T&C but a friend of mine has worried me in that she said the water was v chilly at that time of year. Our budget is around $6-8k inc flights. I am wondering about going further South in the Caribbean or to Mexico in the hope we might get better weather - what's your view?

We'd love a great pool - maybe with zero entry and a lovely beach, the usual amenities of a good 4 star or if we are lucky5....

What do you suggest and where? We would rather spend more money and be sure we have a great holiday......

I hope you don't mind me singling you out and look forward to your response.

Thanks in advance and waiting in anticipation!
Jo

I will make a couple of recs:

My obivous favorite is The Somerset in Turks and Caicos. Direct flight from Atlanta on Delta. They are running a special, 5th night free, If you get a Sterling House room-which will give you 1500 sq ft, ocean view, gorgeous gorgeous rooms (As pretty as you get in the Caribbean!) with full kitchens-great for your little guy to keep drinks and snacks at hand. (And leftover foods if you're interupted.) They have a zero entry pool, some room service (not for 24 hours, but runs late) and the beach is to die for! and very kid friendly. The weather should be terrific, in my opinion. I'm taking my little sweety in Dec.-Jan. and she loves it! For possible additional savings, see if www.luxurylink.com is running a bid, (auctions)they usually feature The Somerset. Through the website for the same price, will probably throw in some dinning, maybe an excursion.

Some other islands to consider:

The Westin in St. Johns-you fly to St. Thomas. Ferry over-little guy will love that! The Westin is another gorgeous porperty, not quite 5 stars, but excellent pool (no zero entry) but with a kids club. St. John you do have to get taxi to best beaches-but again, your boy will love the open air taxi, feels like a small roller coaster.

Another consideration is Anguilla. Fly into St. Martin, ferry over to Anguilla. Check out either Cuisinart or Malli. Malli has a kids club, but harder to go on the beach. Cuisinart, the rooms look Greek, with white walls contrasting blue tiles. The restaurants in Anguilla do require a car, but are the best in the Caribbean.

My personal choice with a child is T&C at The Somerset.

Thanks so much for your quick response and I have to say The Somerset looks ideal....... I'll look into their dates and offers and let you know. If you could choose would you recommend going just before Thanksgiving or just before Christmas?

I looked at the poss of the Westin, St John but the reviews for the rooms are great - stating they are pretty basic. We have friends who have a place in Anguila and we have been trying to get there for years so need to save that hol for another time.

So, I think it will be T&C.....

BTW, you don't happen to know whether you can visit the Sesame characters at the Beaches Resort on TC do you? Our little boy is crazy about Elmo - nothing new there!

Thanks again. I was going crazy trying to make a decision but now feel confident in trying for The Somerset.

Wait to hear from you re: dates.

Jo

BTW, someone else mentioned Ocean Club - do you know these resorts?

I would go when I could get the free night-brings the price down.

Ocean Club is not even close to The Somerset, not the same league. Nothing wrong with it, just doesn't meet your criteria.

Lucky me, I've been through or stayed at all of the places in T&C. I'm almost finished with a guidebook for Fodor's on T&C-never apoligize for calling me out-I love giving my opinions!

I have also been to numerous resorts around the Caribbean and Bahamas, so I can always do comparisions.

Blamona,
How does luxurylink work? I've looked at it before, but not sure how it works. Obviously, it doesn't include air or anything, right?
And is it pretty trustworthy? Thanks!

I personally have not used luxurylink myself, but a terrific contributer here, HowardC has used it with great success-to Anguilla, T&C and DR. The prices are better than booking yourself, and the added perks are great too!

Blamona

Let us know when your guidebook is done!

I think I am between Somerset, T&C and a 2 bed villa +pool at Windjammer Landing, St, Lucia - have you been there?

Thanks again!

JSI--NO to Windjammer Landing, we were there for a week, 3 years ago and the RATS were BIG ( like a foot long), not 1 or 2 , I'm talking a dozen at least! ON the grounds, near the pool in bushes, and in the rafters in the Italian restaurant. We yelled so loud the 1st time we saw one--employees came running. The next day they were laying down bait...yuck! Plus the suites are old, bugs and water leaks in if it rains! We are going to The Somerset in '09. Stayed at The Palms next door this past summer...never again ! (long story, see my other posts)

Blamona,
This has probably been answered on another post, but was the island hurt very much from the recent hurricane? From what I recall, the weather reports said T&C had a direct hit.

Just read your earlier trip report. Fantastic BTW! I should of researched a little before my previous post.

Blamona or any other T&C traveler---What is your opinion of Villa Renaissance (saw it on vrbo.com)?

Just returned from the T&C. We stayed three nights at the Turks and Caicos Club and four nights at the Somerset. Last time we came we stayed at the Villa Renaissance. The Somerset is gorgeous, with a HUGE incredible one bdrm condo. We loved it. The T&C Club wasn't even in the same league and should not be more than $300 per night, ever. The VR is beautiful as well but has no restaurant. It is centrally located on Grace Bay and walking distance to fun places to eat but we didn't want to have to go "off property" if we wanted a casual meal.