Caribbean - where to go?
 

We are planning a trip to...somewhere, in January. Would like a luxury-style atmosphere where there are not a whole lot of kids (we're leaving ours at home!) Beaches, relaxing, quiet, restaurants, and maybe a few hikes thru mother nature. We've been to Puerto Vallarta and are thinking of going back, but I'd thought I'd try and research the Caribbean. Any suggestions?

If you can provide more info about your price range, what "luxury" means to you and what kind of property you like, (small, large, etc.) as many specifics as possible would be helpful. The "not a whole lot of kids" may actually be one of the most challenging criteria -- my husband and I have now done 12 annual trips without the kids to Mexico or the Caribbean and we have found it's tough to avoid children unless it is an "adults-only" property. Even if it is not school vacation, then there are lots of preschoolers, toddlers and infants. Of all the places we've been, our favorites for an adult-oriented, romantic vacation have been: Galley Bay in Antigua (adults-only), Nisbet Plantation Beach Club in Nevis (small resort with usually few kids) and Four Seasons Punta Mita (north of Puerta Vallarta - but there will most likely be lots of kids). These are all fairly pricey options which is why I asked for your price range. There are some good winter sales though. Jamaica Inn also gets really high marks and is adults-only. Haven't been yet but it is on the wish list!

We do travel with our child soon to be children....so I can't help you avoid them I am sorry...but I do have a few island to recommend that you may be able to avoid children.

Grenada - which when we were there last I was only pregnant and did not notice a whole lot of children...it is a lush hiking island with lovely beaches...

St.Kitts - where we have taken our son and found him to be in the minority of children. It is also a lush island with hiking and nice beaches...you can also easily access Nevis so you could blend two islands in one vacation.

I would not recommend St.Martin as I do remember where we were staying on Orient Beach was very family friendly...however maybe Grand Case...my mother was reminding me just yesterday it is NOT family / child friendly and it is nice.

I have enjoyed Jamaica twice and find that you can really choose a resort to meet your needs as there are SO many....

Enjoy!

As eileen say, if you give us a price range for what you consider "luxury style atmosphere" it will make it easier to guide you in the right direction. You see terms like "luxury style atmosphere", are meaningless without a point of refetrence since we don't know if you want true luxury and are willing to pay the price or if you just hoping for "luxury style" at a reduced price (which by the way, doesn't really exist).

That said, among the best upscale resorts in the Caribbean are:

Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda
Cap Juluca, Anguilla
Sandy Lane, Barbados
Caneel Bay, St. John
Carlise Bay, Antigua
Peter Island Resort, Peter Island, BVI's
Petit St. Vincent, Grendaines
Eden Roc, St. Barth's
Casa De Campo, Dominican Republic
Amanyara, Providenciales (Turks & Caicos)

Avoiding children entirely is a challenge since now-a-days more and more people are travelling with children and the economy being what it is the resorts that previously did not accept children are relaxing their rules. That said, you are planning a trip in January so it's likely you won't encounter many familes with children (if any) as the kids will be back in school after their Christmas/New Year's break.

As I've said before---In January, stay south. The Virgins and north can be cooler than you would like, not every year but I wouldn't take a chance. Anguilla, St. Bart's, Barbados are good choices, IMO.

Also these places will be MUCH more expensive than Mexico, but after you go you will be "hooked". The Caribbean is beautiful beyond belief.

For a more adult-focused atmosphere, you may want to check out some resorts with age restrictions. LaSource in Grenada, for example, is a luxury-inclusive spa resort that doesn't accommodate kids in the high season. It's on a section of beach secluded from other resorts and the rooms are beautiful. The best part of LaSource is that every guest receives a spa treatment each day, in addition to a wide variety activities including tennis lessons, waterskiing, yoga and more. There are three restaurants on site, and though the meals are included in the nightly rate, they are a bit different from what people typically associate with "all-inclusive"... healthfully-inspired and delicious. You can always check out their website at www.theamazingholiday.com.

Another recommendation is Bucuti Beach Resort in Aruba. They cater toward adults and are on a truly amazing stretch of beach. The resort is within walking distance of several great restaurants and is just a few minutes drive from the high rise hotel and restaurant district on Palm Beach.

Hope this helps!

Nevis has some great dining choices and some very social monkeys. Lots of treks through Mother Nature - take a picnic with you. You don't go to Nevis for the nightlife as it is a quieter place. You can also take the ferry over to St Kitts. We didn't see a lot of kids, either.

What about Firefly or Cotton house on Mustique.

Jade Mountain on St Lucia.

Verana, Puerto Vallarta.

Guana Island Resort.

Maroma, Mayan Riviera.

La Luna, Grenada.