First trip, help please!!
 

We would like to plan our first trip to the Carribean Islands, and while I would like to do a search here, I don't even know where to start! Can you please help me?

While we've traveled extensively (US and Europe) this will be our first trip to the Caribbean. We are late 40's, first trip without the kids, celebrating anniversary and life.

We want seclusion, cabana on white sand, short drive to fine dining, shopping, golf.

Can you give me some ideas with which to start my search? All replies greatly appreciated.

I suggest Bucuti Beach Club in Aruba.

Meets your requirements perfectly!

Thank you very much, Kristen. I was hoping you'd reply as you seem to be one of the most informed experts. I will definitely check it out.

I would suggest you consider Barbados. It is 166 sq. miles with all sorts of sites to see (very picturesque), good road system, good tourism infrastructure.

The have fantastic hotels (Tiger Woods just bought out all of Sandy Lane for his wedding). Restaurants are world-class -- the best anywhere. You can dine on gourmet food in spectacular settings.

If you'd like to find out more, write me at: [email protected]

and I will send you my 12-page Insider Tips on Barbados. I put this together after our 19 trips to the island -- we really love it. It will help you with your planning.

Regards,

Lois

wanderluster...

when are you planning to travel? That may affect choosing the best location.

Thank you again for your replies.

Kristen, we're planning our trip for next June after our youngest graduates from high school. It will be our first trip alone, without kids, definitely bittersweet! (congrats to you on your pregancy! Such joy awaits you!)

In June, you are pretty much safe to go anywhere. Please let us know what you decide. and please feel free to ask more questions!

I would suggest the Cayman Islands,but I am not sure if the island will be completely back on its feet by June...

How about Las Terrenas? There is much to see and do, it's in a somewhat remote but rapidly growing part of the Dominican Republic. Nearby are the waterfalls of El Limon, or you can go to the mangrove woods of Las Galleras. Las Terrenas itself is full of little bars and restaurants, with plenty of night life. Towards Puerto Plata is a golf resort, but I do not play myself and do not know much about it. You can rent small cabanas close to the beach or apartments in hotels (safer because they have a watchman on duty). I loved it and many other travelers with me. Try samana.net or dr1.com for more info about this area. There is also a Las Terrenas website, but I think it's in Spanish. Happy travels.

Check out Le Toiny on St. Barts. I have not been yet, but it is definitely on my "wish list!"