My DH has decided that he would like for us to get away for Thanksgiving this year for 5 nights. First time he's never spent a major holiday with his family, and there's no telling how they'll react, but heck--it's about time he went his own way! However, he waited so long in making this decision that the only afforable venues are those featured in (mostly ghastly) travel packages.

BUT we found a place on St. Kitts that would make each of us happy enough, even though it's the not the sort of place we would normally choose for a vacation. Considering our budget, however, this Sugar Bay Club (AI, aaaack!) is starting to look appealing.

If it didn't sound so cannibalistic, I'd say that to hear me confess to booking an AI place on this board is tantamount to eating crow!

Anyway, St. Kitts intrigues me and there seem to be enough places within walking distance from the resort, and enough money in the budget left over to rent a car for 2 days to see more ofo the island.

Here's where I'd like some advice:

Both DH's and my birthday fall around the time of our trip and we'd like to do something really special for dinner one night. Would you recommend Rawlins, Ottley's, or Golden Lemon for that dinner? Or would you do one of their famed Sunday brunches instead?

Does any one place stand out in terms of their desserts?

Is there any one place in particular to stop for a real taste of local food? I assume one could find goat, conch, and other Caribbean staples there, but is there a local dish I should know about?

We'll definitely do an island tour on our own and of course will stop off at Brimstone Hill for the views and for the history. Where else should we consider stopping for good views, good food, good rum punch, etc?

I'd love to hear more information and suggestions you might have. Thanks!

Look at you! Sneaking in another trip before the end of the year!

Have you thought about bidding on Priceline? The resort Priceline offers is the Marriott.

hey there! well, it's not me, really. It' my DH. He wants to get some strong southern exposure before winter sets in for good.

I've found good deals for various hotels/inns/etc on almost every island, but it's the airfare that's killing us. we have a VERY low budget for this trip and the airfare was eating up about 80% of it by booking separately. Thus, the package deal at the ghastly AI. but the more I read about it, the less ghastly it all seems, especially with about a half dozen funky beach bars within walking distance of the resort. Plus, I've always wanted to visit St. Kitts--here's my way of making the most of the situation.

I think you would like the Royal Palms which is at Ottley's. There used to be a sugar factory nearby and there is a spring fed pool. It's kind of a romantic place. They have a variety of things on the menu and they make a really good coconut cream cheesecake to finish it all off
You might also want to see Romney House. It's the partial ruins of what was Thomas Jefferson's property (or so they say)a saman tree, gardens, a bell tower and then you can watch the artisans print fabrics and make batik.
And, of course, there is always the ferry over to Nevis!
BTW, we will never make you eat crow. It doesn't taste very good, no matter how you order it!

Ah yes, the airfares are kind of ridiculous these years. Well, enjoy the trip!

ej, oh my, oh my, an all inclusive!! But, more importantly, will there be any snorkeling?? Just kidding. Nothing wrong with an all inclusive in my opinion. Good for you to be going back to the Caribbean so soon. Have fun planning. Happy Labor Day. Owa

Did someone mention Coconut Cream Cheesecake? Sounds heavenly! Knowing, I think I was already leaning toward Ottley's as our special dinner place, but your little addition there may have clinched it for me. Thanks!

owa, it's hard to imagine this trip will be at an AI *and* lacking in the snorkeling department. <snort> I'm just extremely thankful for the opportunity to go back again sooner than I expected, even if it's not the place I would choose under perfect circumstances. Don't you have Bonaire coming up soon?

Yes ej, Bonaire 29 September. The only downside is we take the direct redeye from Houston at 1130PM!!! Get to Bonaire at 545AM. I had a cancelled ticket on CO that I had to use or I would not have chosen that option. I'm hoping the plane won't be full in order to lie flat. My husband can sleep sitting up, but I have a problem. I am so excited. We are going to do our first guided night snorkel. Owa

ej -good for you! We always do thanksgiving in the islands and it is wonderful! What a stress free way to enjoy the holiday! You will love St Kitts, it is beautiful, make sure you take a day trip to Nevis.

OMG! I'm about to sound like a teenager, but a night snorkel sounds simply splendiferous! How many people go on a guided snorkel like that? Does every person have some kind of mega-torch for seeing, or does the guide illuminate things bit by bit? Wow--I am totally excited for you about that and I can't wait to hear all about it.

I didn't even know there were red-eyes to the Caribbean--hope you're able to get some decent rest so that you can make the most of your first day in Bonaire.

MIM, I won't be heading to Nevis on this trip because the trip is so short and we were in Nevis 2 years ago. I'd rather be heading there than S. Kitts, but c'est la vie. If you're down there over T-giving I'll raise a glass of something to you (and Sunnyboy) across the Narrows.

Night snorkeling does sound GREAT. Can't wait to hear about it when you're back, Owa!

back to your original question, this is my opinion: skip Golden Lemon unless you want to have lunch while touring the island -- it's kind of a let-down. Rawlins used to have a highly recommended West Indian curry lunch and that would be very nice. If you are there on a Sunday, consider Ottley's Sunday brunch -- really an experience.
Too bad about Sugar Bay but once you get out and about, you will be fine. If you like seafood and local flavour, try the Sprat Net for dinner one night. For a fun dinner, I really like Stonewalls.

For good West Indian cook up, you must go to Ocean Terrace Inn's famous Friday night buffet. Afterwards they have a live steel band show.

For a special dinner I recommend Serendipity's located next door to OTI. They food was delicious and the presentation and service was spectacular.

For amazing views you must take a drive down the southeast peninsula and stop at Turtle Beach Bar & Grill www.turtlebeach1.com for their famous rum punch.

To see beautiful photos of St. Kitts visit www.myislands.shutterfly.com/action

You might find the following websites helpful:

www.myislands.myeyez.net
www.discover-stkitts-nevis-beaches.com

For a tour of the island, I highly recommend Thenford Grey. He is a friendly and professional guide who will show you around the island and tell you about the history and culture of the island. His e-mail address is [email protected]

Be sure to see the Fort while you are there - besides being amazing (buily way up ther on that hill) the views are absolutely gorgeous! Checkout the Batik "factory" too!!!

I loved St. Kitts...so laid back!

We are going back to St. Kitts this January...staying at Timothy Beach Resort with a kitchen....I have stayed at what is now the Sugar Beach and it was not a problem at all - except that the last time we were there the wind was outrageous...but nothing to do with SB...the dinning was nice and the view of the golf course while eating was great!

My favorite place on the island that stays with me always and forever in my Caribbean minds eye is Ottleys...actually there is a lot of St.Kitts...the fort, the people - there is a (is it still there or am I so outdated??) restaurant called the Wharf?? Fantastic!! Golden Lemon was nice but I must emphasize again - OTTLEYS!! wow....a little rainforest hike on the property...beautiful drive...

My DH's birthday is just before Xmas (as in the 23 of Dec.) so I am savig the celebrations until our trip and at Liz Perreira's suggestion I am taking him (and I - we are married I should celebrate too...hehehe) for a massage and then to dinner maybe in town after while my parents babysit our son...

But we will be going to Turtle beach which was a ball with the monkeys...and I was seriously considering a sunset catamaran tour - or maybe horse back riding...

I hope you have a sensational time and I can't wait to read a review???

I've been away for a few days and am delighted to return to your further suggestions and good wishes for the trip. Thank you!

It looks like Ottley's is the favorite for a special meal, but perhaps I can check out all of the old inns for a rum punch on a drive around St. Kitts!

Thanks again to everybody who chimed in. I really appreciate it!

Hi ej. Are you still going?

hi, ct! Yup, we're still for the Thanksgiving travel. I've never vacationed over a major holiday before, so while we'll miss our families, we're looking forward to breaking with tradition.

What about you and your family? Don't tell me that you've managed to work in *another* trip before your Vieques one! Seriously, though. Are you still doing the Vieques mini break and then Anguilla? Have you added anything else to the mix?