Marion, I was hoping I could ask you a question privately... if you don't mind, then please email me at: [email protected].

thanks so much - hope I am not overstepping the bounds here.
Karen

Hi Karen,

Of course you are not overstepping, private exchanges are quite common here.

I'm happy to help...check your email :-)

Marion

I just want to thank everyone who has spent their time and energy helping me plan this trip. I regret to say that we have decided not to visit the Caribbean this winter. After countless days/hours of research it seems very anti-climactic, however, the reasons just mounted up on why this isn't the best time.

I didn't mention in earlier posts (didn't want to take any heat from people who might disagree) that I am expecting my second child in October. Given that I will be responsible for feeding the baby on vacation and won't be able to go to far afield I thought that a trip to Jamaica without being able to explore the island begged the question of why not just stay at a nice place in the US. This way we don't have to get passports, fly further, clear customs, etc.....

I realize I don't have to explain my rationale, however, given how much time people have devoted to helping me plan this trip, I felt I should explain.

Also, please realize that all of the posts are most likely incredibly helpful to others planning a trip.

In that vein, let me report my findings about villas in the Caribbean (bear in mind I haven't stayed at any of these and these are only my personal opinions but I have spent countless hours searching through numerous posts and many many websites):

First it seems Virgin Gorda and St. John are the most expensive places to stay, followed by Tortola, with St. Thomas and Jamaica following (these were the islands I researched).

For super high end luxury check out these places:

On St. John, the ultimate villa would be Kismet - far beyond most people's budget, but if you could get a group together to share the cost, WOW!!!

On Turks and Caicos, Baraju

On Virgin Gorda, Baraka Point

On Jamaica, I mainly researched places within my price range and the finalists were Sea Island and Great View - both looked very nicely appointed and we will hopefully get a chance to stay in one of these in the future. There were also two places on Discovery Bay that I drooled over a little, one being Destiny and the other Fortlands Point.

Thanks again to everyone.

Thanks so much for the update and CONGRATULATIONS !!

Life has its' seasons and you should relax and enjoy this time.

Interestingly, there is a thread on the US board about a couple wanting to have a romantic weekend away before the birth of their child in October :-) You might want to read and gather a little inspiration.

Your time to travel with two will come :-)

Take care !

Marion