Destination in the Caribbean
 

My wife and I are looking for a romantic getaway in the Caribbean. Tops our lists include destinations with challenging golf, snorkeling, horseback riding, beaches &amp; excellent dining. Also, higher end accommodations are preferred.<BR><BR>Suggestions would be appreciated.<BR><BR>Thank you.

Caribbean Travel &amp; Life has on its website an article of he said/she said regarding golf and spa resorts in the Caribbean. You might find the perfect fit if you read it. www.caribbeantravelmag.com, then clock on editors' picks. <BR><BR>I've never golfed in the Caribbean, so I can't speak to it. It seems that golf courses are plentiful in Puerto Rico, however, whereas most islands can offer good snorkeling, horseback riding, and fine dining. Four Seasons Nevis comes to mind, as does Sandy Lane on Barbados.

I would highly recommend the Royal Hideaway Resort in Playacar (Playa del Carmen area Mexico)...excellent accomodations, great food and service, beautiful property, pools, beach etc. It is an all-inclusive but does not feel like one, definitely higher end. It's one of the best. <BR><BR>I believe there was horseback riding nearby, there's a reef off the coast for snorkeling (Snorkel Adventure is our favorite outfitter) and I assume there is lots of golf nearby. My husband did not golf on this trip, but his parents are also avid golfers and have stayed in the area a few times...I think they played almost every day. <BR><BR>There are also a lot of other sites/attractions to see nearby, the ruins, the eco-parks, etc. <BR><BR>good luck!<BR>

Also look at the Buccaneer on St. Croix.

Sandals St. Lucia Golf &amp; Spa Resort is very nice.

I would suggest looking into the Hyatt Hotel in Aruba. <BR>My husband loves to play the challenging Tierra Del Sol Golf Course at Ventanas Del Mar--has a country club like atmosphere. Have the hotel arrange a tee time for you and play early--it gets very hot later in the day. But in Aruba the wind makes it much more comfortable.<BR>The restaurants in Aruba are varied and offer excellent dining. Pasion Bodega last year received an award of excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine--just one of many restaurants that offer great dining. Ruinas Del Mar at the Hyatt has very romantic ambiance or they offer Pampered in Paradise where a table is set up on the beach. Another romantic choice in Savaneta is the very popular Flying Fishbone where you sit directly on the beach away from the hotel areas. There also is a dinner dining option on a boat at night offered by the upscale Le Dome Restaurant (belgian). <BR>There are several places to go horseback riding such as at Rancho Notorious.<BR>The beautiful 75 ft. Palm Pleasure catamaran will take you out snorkling to see the german ship wreck or there are several other choices. You can also drive out to Arashi, Malmok or Baby Beach to snorkle on your own. <BR>We always rent a car if that is an option for you although there are buses and plenty of taxis. This is a small island and driving is not difficult although offroad can be very bumpy. There is a tour where a type of Range Rovers take you out to the offroad places on the island.<BR>Go out to the Lighthouse and take in the fabulous panoramic view from the hill--some areas look like you landed on the moon. There also is a restaurant, Trattoria El Faro Blanco at this location but have never dined there.<BR> <BR>

Grand Cayman is what you are looking for. There are many high-end resorts.I'm not a golfer, but I hear Safehaven is excellent. 7Mile Beach is one of the best beaches in the world. (great walking beach).The dining is:TO DIE FOR. Snorkeling is amazing. If you go,make sure you do Stingray City.

I also recommend the Royal Hideaway resort. My husband and I vacationed there last October (2002) and it was beautiful.