twins

My wife and I are using Hilton honors points to travel somewhere in the Caribbean, most likely in late June/early July of 2005. Since there are several places to choose, I'm looking for some help. It will just be the 2 of us, and we are looking for someplace to relax on the beach, do a little snorkeling, eat good food and just enjoy each other's company. Plus, nice weather would be a bonus. We're not big on shopping, so that's not a big consideration. A few sights of interest would be nice. An active nightlife is not a huge concern. As far as the accomodations, we would just like the hotel/resort to be clean and offer friendly service.

Here are the choices: St Lucia, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Curacao, Jamaica(Kingston), Cancun , Puerto Rico, Trinidad/Tobago and Margarita Island.

I'd appreciate any thoughts you have on these destinations in general and/or the Hilton properties in those locations. Thanks!

kfusto

St. Lucia is beautiful and a great choice if you do not need to be entertained. My SO and I just spent 4 blissful days there in a lovely resort and enjoyed perfect weather, beautiful water and great food. And no TVs to ruin the experience. In fact, we went the day of the election and did not learn the results til we returned. The Jalousie Hilton there has a very good reputation.

Cancun is much more of a mega resort with lots of high rises and an active nightlife.

PR is a great place to spend a few days if you want restaurants, nightlife, casinos, etc.

I enjoyed Curacao but spent my time wandering the downtown area and did not see the beaches.

It really depends on what you are looking for. these islands have very different personalties IMO.

ejcrowe

The property at the Jalousie Hiltin in St. Lucia is hands down the most amazing piece of real estate I've ever set eyes on. St. Lucia is a beautiful, lush island with the iconic Piton mountains on the southwest coast.

My first trip to the Caribbean was at this hotel and it instantly made me fall in love with the region. With the exception of a few rooms in the Sugar Mill areas, all rooms are really cottages and they have private plunge pools and outdoor wet bar and patio. The grounds are stunning, set between the Pitons and rising from the beach up the hillside. Most cottages have a feeling of seclusion, so they're quite romantic.

The resort also has a spa, fitness facilities, dive shop, pitch& putt golf course, and hiking trails. You could be very active or you could just veg on the beach. They imported white sand to cover the volcanic rocks, so it's the only white sand beach on the island. There's good snorkeling a few strokes offshore and you can sign up for snorkeling excurions.

The service is typical of a large resort--professional but generally not personalized. The food, while plentiful, lacks a lot in flavor and variety. It is, quite plainly, outclassed by the setting. But you won't go hungry and there's a terrific little restaurant next door--the only thing within easy walking distance.

If I didn't prefer trying new places and new islands, I would go back to Jalousie in a heartbeat. It is the most stunningly beautiful combination of rain forest, mountain, deep blue water, and beach that I've ever seen.

Traveler863

I wouldn't stay at the Trinidad Hilton for a vacation...its a great hotel, don't get me wrong but not good for vacation, I've only stayed there in transit. I'd definitely look at St. Lucia or Margarita Island. Curacao the place to stay is the Marriott. Puerto Rico, Cancun or Jamaica not good locations, now that is my opinion...others may vary.

twins

Thanks for the insight so far. If we go to St Lucia, I've seen a few recommendations about taking the helicopter to/from the airport. Does anyone know...does that need to be arranged ahead of time? Thanks.

brenandg

You definitely have to book the helicopter in advance. Their website is stluciahelicopters.com. Also, might want to check with Jalousie. You may be able to book straight through them. They have their own helipad. The flight is only about 5 minutes and from what I heard, well worth it. The roads from UVF to Jalousie have been under construction for some time and from what the locals say, are still a mess. That is if you fly into UVF. The roads from Castries (SLU) to that end of the island are winding but bearable. We were just there three weeks ago. We took the helicopter on the way in from UVF to SLU.

caribtraveler

The Barbados Hilton does not open till next year I believe.
St. Lucia is a beautiful island, beaches are just ok. We didn't stay at the Hilton there but I've only read great things about that hotel/location.
We did stay at the Hilton in Puerto Rico. Enjoyed the island very much. We were not crazy about the hotel because it's a convention hotel...so there were conventions going on i.e. lots of people (do a search for my screen name and you'll find my trip report.
We'll be at the Hilton in Curacao in 6 weeks (can't wait!). So if you keep checking this site, you'll see my trip report which I'll file when we get back.
That's all I know.
Good luck.

ejcrowe

We flew into the airport near Castries (northern one) and took the helicopter to Jalousie. The flight was too short! It was amazing flying over Marigot Bay and then seeing the Pitons come into view. We flew right between them and had an almost vertical landing.

The transfer wasn't cheap--something like $300 roundtrip--but it saved a substantial amount of time. And since the land transfers would have been at least half that, we decided to go for it. It definitely needs to be arranged ahead of time--there's a desk at the Jalousie that can make the arrangements for you, but be sure to verify the day before departure (this is good policy no matter the destination). I believe that Jalousie Hilton also offers water taxi transfers if you prefer to go by boat (the coastline is beautiful!), but I don't believe it saves any money.

If you go with St. Lucia (and with the exception of the food quality, no other Hilton comes as close to fulfilling your wishes), definitely have dinner at Ladera resort's restaurant, Dasheen. The view is unbelievable and the food is better than the Jalousie.

sparks

We stayed in Curacao for awek & really enjoyed the island, but I wouldn't stay at the Hilton. Did not hear very good things about it. The Marriott was incredible & made our stay.

marigold

Hi,
Traveler mentioned the Trinidad Hilton (I agree it's not a good vacation idea), but there is also the Tobago Hilton. We've stayed there several times. It's a quiet, beautiful, friendly island, if that appeals to you.

girlonthego

I am interested in which one you choose because we too have a ton of hilton honors pts. The Caribbean does not have a lot of hiltons compared to Marriott.
I have heard the St. Lucia Jalouise Hilton is gorgeous. The setting is stunning. I also heard that they may be selling that property. I would be interested in hearing if it was staying Hilton. The new Barbados Hilton looks interesting and is supposedly going to be ready in early 2005.

twins

girlonthego--I'll let you know what I decide. I too was surprised by the lack of choices for Hilton properties. I was leaning toward St Lucia, but I keep wavering because it's a significant $$ difference to fly there versus someplace a little closer to the states, plus from what I read the transportation to/from the airport is pretty pricey if you don't want the long, bumpy taxi ride. Decisions, decisions. I guess I should be thankful I even have these decisions to make!