My boyfriend and I would like to take a weeklong vacation in the Caribbean. Neither of us have been before so we're not sure where to go. We've ruled out Jamaica because we don't want someplace that could potentially be dangerous. We're young, but out of college now and definitely don't want a Spring Break or party atmosphere. Our priorities are:
Nice beach
Some activities (snorkeling, tennis)
Inexpensive to moderately priced beach hotel (doesn't have to be too fancy, just relatively nice and very clean)
Good food or restaurants nearby

We basically want to relax, swim, and do a few activities now and then. We'd like to spend about $1200 total for the room and we have airline credits for the flights. We'd like to go in April or May. Any advice you have is greatly appreciated. We're also considering cruises.
Thanks!

Take a look at the Sibonne Hotel (http://www.sibonne.com/) in the Turks & Caicos. It's a very nice, clean, moderately priced hotel on one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. They should also be able to help you set up some of the activities you want. There's a good snorkeling reef a mile or so up the beach from the Sibonne.

Is there anyplace in the world that isn't "potentially dangerous"? If you're a gay couple, I agree that Jamaica is fairly homophobic and there might be better options. If that's not what you're talking about, I'm curious about what makes you feel that Jamaica is less safe than the rest of the Caribbean?

By dangerous, I just meant not exactly safe to venture outside the touristy areas since it's a poor country with a high rate of crime.

Thank you for the advice on the hotel in Turks & Caicos. I will check it out!

Try the Carambola Beach Resort on St. Croix. It's in a beautiful, secluded location. Rooms are spacious and clean -- not a Five Star resort, but very nice for the $$. The only negative is their menu is very limited. I would rent a car so you can explore the entire island.

Thank you. I'll check that out as well.

sdemperio... I have not been to Jamaica, but there are so many positive comments on this destination, that I am inclined to visit it. I, like you, have read many negative reports in the past as far as crime goes. I find myself giving Jamaica another look. Having said that, we love St. Kitts and Nevis. Aruba is another interesting island, although very Americanized, IMHO. We are going back to St. Martin this year. All I can say is...keep doing the research and you will be happy..hey, it's an island, right?

Laby, Sibonne looks like exactly what we wanted but there's limited availability. Any suggestions of hotels similar in price/quality?
Thanks!

Last year we visited Jamaica (6 nights in Negril at Idle Awhile and 5 nights at the Jamaica Inn In Ochos Rios) in April and then in August we spent a week at The Coral Gardens in T&C.

We are early 40's, the vacation was just the 2 of us the second to T&C was with our 16yr old son.

After a week in T&C all of us were ready to come home, it's wonderful if all you want to do is relax - we hired a car and exhausted all the activities except snorkeling - which I could do all day

I am in the early stages of planning an Easter trip just me (Mom) and my son and I think he will love Negril.

It's a pity you have discounted Jamaica since Idle Awhile guests can use the Couples sports facilities - i.e. tennis, pool etc and Negril has most of your wishes and is a cheap place to visit.

Oh well, perhaps in a few years when you have explored the caribbean further and have the confidence to travel further afield

I've just realized that if I keep telling others to go to Jamaica -- that those low airfares and great accomodations might not be available when I'm planning my next trip... So, definitely, go with your gut and choose an island that you'll be comfortable with! Don't let anyone convince you otherwise and have a great time!

fishee LOL

We should not recommend Jamaica to anyone

Hello, what were we thinking??? Jamaica most certainly ISN'T for everyone. Hear that?

I'm kidding of course, but I can see how if you want a really posh, more up-scale atmosphere with no signs of the actual political economy, Jamaica isn't going to do it for people looking for a page out of Travel and Leisure magazine. (We don't need to mention reviews of Jamaica in T&L... no one needs to know...)

fishee,

We could try to diss Jamaica but all that would happen is it we would organise a 'get together' (GTG) and it would only be me and my DH, you and your boyfriend

carribeansoul + family
Marion
Diana
brenandg
Weadles
danadlite
dantheman
liza
ejcrowe
cartera
etc, etc, etc

Tivertonhouse would probably stop by

and 'dfarmer' and 'juneholiday' will soon be part of the "Jamaica is FAB crowd"

Lets not try to persuade anyone that Jamaica is safe, They probably think we're strange! without thinking that they are the ones who are missing out.

Yeeesss.... all the more space on that beautiful vibrant beach for us!

Not much of a secret, is it? You know airfare from Chicago to Montego Bay is only $330 (all in) from next week through May? I wasn't planning on going this season but with these prices, how can I not? Last year we flew for $280 all in and thought that was a steal but are these just normal rates in the Spring??!!

I'm going to try to find a last minute rate for accomodations, wish me luck! oops, sorry, back to the original post... didn't mean to get so off tangent here.

fishee

where did you get that fare? We're flying from Boston so I expect fares will be more expensive.

I'm thinking of taking my son for April vacation and I know he'd love Negril.

Wow, it might be worth spending a couple of day in Chicago first - he finishes school on 4/13 so we could fly to Chicago and then to Jamaica.

Hmmmm..... If it wasn't for having to pack 2 wardrobes (one Chicago, one Jamaica) I might have tried that flight

You guys are funny! Jamaica can't be the only island with things to do, though, can it?
Also, since we might try to do a last-minute deal in March (if there's a special), we want to stay away from anyplace MTV's Spring break is going to be.

I've been to both, keep going back to Turks and Caicos.
Jamaica is a big spring break destination.

If Sibonne doesn't have any vacancies, then you might look at the Royal West Indies Resort (http://www.royalwestindies.com/). A very nice inn about a mile or so from the Sibonne. RWI is a step up from the Sibonne in luxury and cost but still reasonably priced. Definitely no Spring Break atmosphere at either the Sibonne or RWI.

Would you recommend one of the out islands of the Bahamas as well or no? I'm trying to decide if I should consider them because airfare to the Bahamas from NY is really cheap.
My boyfriend and I went to Kona, HI last year and loved it. It wasn't overrun with tourists and we spent time snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking the volcanoes. I know the volcano hikes are out, but I've read that on some of the out islands you can rent bikes and ride around all day and there is great snorkeling. Do any of the places have tennis courts? Or are those places too dead to have much to offer?