HELP CHOOSING CARRIBEAN ISL.
 

Hoping that you can all help. This Christmas, my sister and I decided that we would send my parents on a long-weekend to the Carribean. Here is the problem that we are running into-- we don't know where to send them.
Let me give you some background-- looking for a place which is relatively close to NYC (somewhere where they can preferably fly non-stop rather than change planes). A nice beach is important, as well as beautiful property (4 or 5 * property). Since they like gambling, a casino wouldn't be a bad idea either. And most importantly somewhere they can go and relax.

For their 25th wedding anniversary a few years ago, we sent them to the Marriott Stellaris in Aruba, which they loved. Actually, they went back a year later.

Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks for any info-
KB

Aruba would have been my first suggestion, but your parents have been twice already. Have you considered the Bahama's or perhaps the Dominican Republic? Both offer non stop flights from New York with a full range of accomadations. They also have some good beaches.

ST MARTIN/ST BARTS/ANGUILLA or Turks and Caicos

You can't get to Anguilla or St. Barts from NYC without changing planes. You can, however, fly non-stop from NYC to the following islands: Puerto Rico (has good beaches, a selection of fine hotels, casinos, restaurants, etc.), St. Martin, St. Thomas, Provo (in the T&C - no casinos), St. Lucia, Barbados, Aruba, Jamacia, Dominican Republic, to name a few.

SUnnyboy, Provo does have a casino at the Allegro, but it was kinda small and dingy.
(We were staying at the Sands and went down to check it out.)

I vote for the Bahamas or Puerto Rico if they liked Aruba. Cheap & easy to get to. You might also consider Cancun.

You're right. I stand corrected about the small casino on Provo.

Have you thought of Antigua, we stayed at galley bay in october & it was wonderful & I imagine your parents are about the same age. Great rooms, food & ambience!

Diane C:

Would you recommend Galley Bay for a honeymoon? What it worth the all-inclusive price? Any other comments on Galley Bay?

I would definitely recommend Galley bay as a honeymoon destination. Unless you want a rowdy nightlife, which it hasn't, it has everything else. Please email me with any questions you might have. [email protected]

Think about the Sheraton/Westin Our Lucaya Resort on Grand Bahama Island. It's got three hotels, something like 9 restaurants (expensive though), over 7 acres of beach, immaculately maintained grounds and at least 5-6 pools, is directly across the street from the Port Lucaya Marketplace and Marina with dozens of shops, restaurants, open air lounges, and live entertainment in the evenings. It is also opening it's brand new casino on 15 December, finally. USAirways flys out of LaGuardia and I think, but am not certain, it's non-stop. The issue is going to be getting there. By this time flights are going to be difficult to get and will be very expensive. I just checked flights out of Boston a couple of days ago and the round trip prices this late in the game were far too exhorbitant to even consider checking on a resort.

Danny

PLAN EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS!
One suggestion for those who are planning to go to the Caribbean over Christmas, we planned our vacation for December in June. By the time October came around and our family wanted to join us, the hotel was already booked (Turks & Caicos Club - 2nd trip) and no rental cars available. (This was in the Turks & Caicos)

Thanks to everyone for their replies. We finally ended up booking them at the Ritz Carlton San Juan for four nights. They had some great rates going in January.

I've stayed at the resort several times. Very beautiful-- the beaches however are not the best, but it will do for a short trip.

Thanks to all, and Happy New Year!