aari5

I'm looking to go on a 4-5 day golf trip in the Carribbean with a buddy in early February. We'd like some place not too far from New York, fairly nice, but not top shelf prices. We'd also like a place that is not exclusively a golf resort, being that we're both single and 30. Finally, we're ok with staying at a resort and playing golf close by, if need be. I was thinking of possibly the Dominican, but would welcome any suggestions. Thanks.

Adam

A_Traveller

There are lots of golfing opportunities in Puerto Rico. If you chose a location in or near San Juan you'll have access to numerous courses, casinos and tons of nightlife.

A_Traveller

Sorry, meant to add that Puerto Rico is a fairly quick (4 hours) non-stop flight from NYC.

Laby

In early February? You're not leaving yourself much time. Bermuda might be worth considering as it has numerous great golf courses and you'll pay low season rates (because of the cooler weather). The Pompano Beach Club would have been a perfect choice as it sits right next to one of Bermuda's most renowned courses but, unfortunately, the Pompano is currently closed until March for renovations. But there are literally dozens of inns and hotels you can look at in Bermuda that are within a reasonable distance of a great golf course.

aari5

Thanks. I meant to add PR and possibly Cancun as options. I'd like warm weather, so I'll pas on Barbados. Any resort reccomendations? Thanks again.

Laby

aari5, I assume you meant Bermuda, not Barbados. Barbados is most certainly as warm as Puerto Rico and Cancun this time of year. Good luck with your trip.

RobR

The answer is "it depends". What do you want?

Casinos, nightlife, multiple good courses = Puerto Rico. Casinos, nightlife, one course = Aruba.

Many courses = Bermuda, although can't be sure it's going to be tropical at that point of the year (think of the weather in Kiawah), Cancun, Dominican Republic and Jamaica (I recommend Montego Bay with the White Witch, Half Moon, and Rose Hall).

Good, quiet islands with one course = Turks and Caicos, Curacao (not as quiet, but not like Aruba or PR), St. Thomas, Nevis, etc.

Ease of travel from NY = Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Cancun, Aruba, St. Thomas, Jamaica...all about the same except Bermuda.

All said, if it was just me and my buddy and all we wanted to do is play golf all day, I'd do either the Dominican (Casa De Campo) or Jamaica. Price may be the ultimate determining factor given that you're going in high season and it's a month away.

eileen

My husband must have golf on vacation so we have been to a lot of golf resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico and also resorts that are not "golf resorts" but are near golf courses. The challenge is trying to get a combination of golf and good nightlife. The vast majority of the resorts we have been to are very quiet at night, people golf and beach it all day, have a nice dinner, crash. I have been to Puerto Rico several times and it would be a good choice, however, all the good golf is a significant distance away from the nightlife in San Juan. Cancun might be a decent choice but there is no way you want to go there in February, they are far from recovered from the devastation of the hurricane and most hotels are closed. I would recommend Playa Del Carmen which is about 40 minutes South of Cancun. They missed most of the devastation of the hurricane because Cozumel which is directly opposite PDC took the brunt of it. If you stay at an AI in Playacar, the Playacar Golf Club is right there and you are a five minute taxi ride from downtown which has some clubs and nightlife but no casinos. Another option would be an AI in Ocho Rios Jamaica there would be more activity and there is a golf course nearby. Another option would be Curacao. There's a golf course (not fabulous though) and the city seems more active in terms of nightlife and there are casinos. It's a 2 1/2 hour direct flight from Miami. One more thought -- Club Med Punta Cana, reasonably priced, lots of activity and golf nearby.

nankar

We stayed in Cabarete in the Dominican several years ago. It is a small town on the amber/northern coast near Sosua. There is a golf resort nearby, I believe the name is Playa Grande but I am sure you could find confirm. Anyway, this course is magnificent for the cost. It sits right along the ocean with wonderful views. I would have no problem staying there and playing golf for a week. There is a hotel on the property also that sits near the beach below.
St. Croix would also be a good choice. There are several beautiful courses in St. Croix and the greens fees are the most reasonable I have encountered.