Hope you all can help-We are a large family and desire a villa or suite in a top notch facility on Turks or Anguilla. However, prices seem to be prohibitively high. Does anyone have any idea on how to get discounted rates? Tour companies don't seem to deal with villas or adjust packages for suites and I don't seem to be having much luck calling directly in. Additionally, the tour companies don't seem to work with the nicer places, specifically Cuisinart and Point Grace. I would be most grateful to anyone who has any advice to offer. Also, information on how to secure low price air tickets. I have contacted the usual air fare consolidators but have not had luck. Maybe I just haven't tried the right ones... We are very discouraged and would love any leads. Several good travel agents have been unable to help us.

Sometimes you can pick up an great deal by bidding at sites such as luxurylink.com for the top properties ... but don't know how that would work for large families. Right now they are offering both Little Dix (Virgin Gorda) and CuisinArt (Anguilla) and change the destinations frequently. I have found the "hot" properties don't have to discount prices ... other than their "special packages," shoulder or off season prices ... because they have no trouble selling at the rack rate!! You have chosen two expensive destinations both in terms of top notch resorts and air fare.

Dear Karen, <BR>I thank you for your input. At least now I know that its not just me that can't seem to haggle a deal. (which, by the way, I'm usually successful at, which makes this situation even more frustrating). I have looked at luxury link before but the packages are generally designed for two people, which won't work for us. I am not bent on Anguilla or Turks but I want to get somewhere quiet, safe, and with excellent/above average Caribbezn beaches. Are you aware of any places that are not as "in" and therefore not as expensive as Turks and Anguilla but that are equally as nice? <BR>Thanks! <BR>

Dear Luci, <BR> <BR>Yes, I think I have a solution for you. Send an e-mail to my travel agent Vicki at Caribbean Bound. The e-mail address is [email protected] - just tell her elle recommended her to you. <BR> <BR>We only stay at top-end resorts as well, and we have always gotten the best deals through them. <BR> <BR>May I also suggest the Westin in the Caymans over Anguilla, and Harbour Village in Bonaire over Point Grace. <BR> <BR>Harbour Village is one of the top ten resorts in the world, and it really has yet to be discovered. I fell in love with it, and prefer it over Point Grace. A beautiful stretch of beach it has, and the design and location of the resort will astound you. What I love most is that it is not an "in" place, and is unspoiled and pure. The natural environment will just blow you away. <BR> <BR>Most people say that they cannot get a deal to Harbour Village, but I have gotten them through Vicki at Caribbean Bound. She really knows her stuff - don't even bother trying to get anything at Point Grace, because you won't and the money you spend is not worth it. <BR> <BR>The Westin in the Caymans is absolutely beautiful, again, another five star and at the top of my list (and I am picky, picky) and is actually quite serene. However, as you know the Caymans have been "Discovered", and are a bit more popular - but, I would not say crowded at all. Also, they have the same protected enviroment and the beaches are to die for!!! <BR> <BR>Both Bonaire and the Caymans have the clearest water you have ever seen! <BR> <BR>Feel free to e-mail me if you have any other questions, or need some more advice - I am always happy to help fellow travelers.

Dear Luci, <BR>I don't see the e-mail address I gave you and part of my message showing up on my screen for some reason. Although it is probably some strange computer glich of mine,here it is again, just in case: <BR> <BR>Ask for Vicki - her e-mail is: <BR> <BR>[email protected]

Luci, I have an excellent suggestion for you, Romora Bay on Harbour Island in the Bahamas. Harbour Island is regularly written up as one of the 10 most beautiful islands in the world, beautiful 3 mile long pink sand beach, that is deserted most of the time even in high season. <BR> <BR>Romora Bay is villas on the water, great food, and you can get a package deal, including airfare and meal plan. <BR> <BR>There are also several other nice restaurants on the island and a few other resorts if Romora is booked the dates you are looking for. <BR> <BR>Try www.romorabay.com and the website for Harbour Island, www.briland.com <BR> <BR>Hope this helps some, have a wonderful trip wherever you decide to go. <BR> <BR>tweedy

Look at the Dominican Republic. I have had several travel agents telling me it's the NEXT big thing and remembering reading a artilce in Frommers magazien a few years back that described it as the same. Me too I am just like you looking for discount to fly my freinds and family down to a wedding somewhere in teh Carribean. However DR is not a wedding friendly place as far as getting paperwork is concerned. Try calling teh resort direct for rates? A friend got married last year and got 25 percent of the SansSouci resort in Jamaica versus what the agents were quoting him. He did his own airfare without a package. Good Luck! I too wanted to go to TC but it's one of those "farther" away islands where I can't find discount packages for.... Haver you considered Mexico(Riviera Maya, Ixtapa, Huatulco- the NEW resort cities)? Went to Riviera Maya in Feb2000. Loved it and it was 45 minutes south of Cancun so it was NOT crazy loud.