Excellent Snorkeling, nice pool reasonable priced- Where to go?
 

We are trying to plan a vacation last week fo April or first week of May. Would like to use US Airways miles and/or Marriott points. Destination must have excellent snorkeling for hubby and nice uncrowded pool area for me plus beautiful clear ocean waters. Been to Grand Cayman, Curacao, Mexico, Aruba, Jamaica. Prefer quiet location BUT must be reasonable priced- hubby feels Grace Bay is too expensive. Suggestions?

Hi LikeToTravel!

I just entered your requirements into our 80 Degrees beach finder ( http://www.fodors.com/80degrees/ ) and got Grand Bahama Island and St Kitts and Nevis among the Caribbean choices. I can't speak to Grand Bahama, but know first-hand that the Marriott in St Kitts is excellent and has 3 pools, but the beach and waters are only meh. Would you consider Curacao? The Marriott there is also quite good and quieter than St Kitts (and I personally love Curacao--great mix of culture and activities). That said, if crystal-blue waters are your top priority, you really can't beat Grace Bay. There are usually good deals for spring travel, but no Marriott on island.

"Reasonably priced" is subjective-with a budget we could help more.....

If snorkeling is a high priority for you then skip St. Kitts (and Nevis - although there's no Marriott on that island). What little snorkeling there is on St. Kitts is underwhelming at best.

Yes, agree with blamona - "reasonable priced" can mean a lot of things - if you gave us an actual budget it would make it easier to steer you in the right direction.

If you want excellent snorkeling look at St. John, the BVI's, Bonaire - although there are no Marriotts on those islands.

Thanks- we love Curacao (@ Arabella_B) but I just read very negative reviews on the Marriott that it is in need of room renovation and actually is getting ready to start renovation- has anyone been there very recently? We loved Curacao and the Marriott but it has been a few years. Would love a recent comment form someone.
As to budget, I am embarrased as hubby felt $2300 for days in Grace Bay was too expensive so I would say $1500 or less would be what he is looking for- not sure how realistis it is really when I look around.

meant to say for 7 nights in Grace Bay Beach- so $1500 or less for 6-7 nights accommodations only

Here's a list of Marriott hotels in the Caribbean:

http://www.marriott.com/city/caribbean-hotels

You might look at the Marriott on St. Thomas. You can take the ferry to St. John and take a snorkel day trip to the British Virgin Islands.

Although no Marriotts, actually no chains of any kind, look at Ambergris Caye in Belize.

The snorkeling is great. Lots of lodging and food choices at all price points.