Caribbean island
 

Hi,

I and my wife plan on a 5-6 days caribbean in March. We have done quite a bit of research but still cant decide on which island. Hoping to get some suggestions ....

here is what we're looking for

- Beach with clean calm water
- Resorts that are not too crowded since this will be Spring break time
- Privacy
- Good local food
- A little bit of night life
- Snorkelling if possible, else any other outdoor/water activity. Even a whole day drive kind of thing is fine

Budget wise we're flexible and don't mind spending a little more. I do prefer the luxury resorts but not AI.

Thanks!

Sorry, don't know how much a "flexible" budget really means so suggestions may or may not be in your price range.

Also, you don't say where you are flying from so some suggestions may use up a lot of travel time.

That said, look at the following resorts (listed in no particular order) - all fit your requirements:

Amanyara or Parrot Cay in the Turks & Caicos
Caneel Bay, St. John, USVI's
Little Dix Bay or Biras Creek, Virgin Gorda
Peter island Resort, Peter island, BVI's
Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic
Cap Juluca, Cuisinart or Viceroy, Anguilla
Sandy Lane, Barbados
Palm Island Resort or Petit St. Vincent Resort, Grenadines
Ritz Carlton, St. Thomas

Flexible as in we can go $$$$ if we really like it. EWR is the preferred airport but JFK and LGA are fine too.

Thanks for the list, we'll look at them.

If you can do without resort amenities like an on-site restaurant, look at The Venetian on Grace Bay. We just returned from our fifth trip to Provo, first trip to The Venetian, and have already made reservations to return next year.

The Venetian is a condo development on the quiet end of Grace Bay. Some mornings we were the only two people on the beach. The units are top of the line luxurious, and the property is immaculately maintained.

There are a few restaurants two doors down at Ocean Club West, but you would need a car for restaurants etc., unless you plan to eat in.

Good snorkeling can be found at Coral Gardens, which is about a 15 minute drive from The Venetian.

You could also look at The Gansevoort and West Bay Club ( our former home in Turks until they tripled the pricing!), both of which are incredibly luxurious, on an excellent stretch of beach, and walkable to Coral Gardens.

I believe United or Delta flies out of EWR to Provo. Jetblue flies out of JFK. Trip time is about three hours.

The Westin on St. John, USVI is very nice, I have never stayed at Caneel Bay but have heard good things about it also. St. John is one of my favorite islands as it is beautiful with great snorkeling and beaches but never seems overcrowded as the cruise ships only stop on nearby St. Thomas and 3/4 of the island is a national park. Here is some great info I recently found on St. John: http://blog.sunplay.com/category/st-john-2/

I also really like Grand Cayman, St. Maarten or Roatan but they can be more crowded with the cruise ship stops.

Just to add, if you want non crowded resorts and privacy during Spring Break, pick a resort that is really high end and/or difficult to get to. Even better if you can find a couples or adults only resort that is not AI. Otherwise, family oriented resorts will be crawling with kids.

Or, you can for go the Spring Break time frame and go about the 2nd/3rd week of May and find lower prices and crowds at most all hotels.

Thanks for the excellent suggestions and tips. We're stuck doing it during Spring break as my wife started school and thats the only time she can get off :)

We're kind of set on Turks and Caicos, finalizing our resorts.

Thanks for all the info!

Availability might wind up making your decision for you. On T&C West Bay Club is very nice and less than 10 minutes walk to off shore snorkeling. They also have kayaks and SUPs for you to use.I think you need a car at this end of the beach as taxis are expensive and there aren't too many restaurants within walking distance. While there will be crowds (all relative on T&C) this part of the beach is especially wide with plenty of room to spread out. You may also want to look at availability at the Beach House. Very small (21 rooms), quiet, huge beach and about 5 minutes to the off shore snorkeling. It also has a fab restaurant, small spa and gym. Good luck!