NEEDVACATION

I need HELP choosing in choosing a destination for a ?special? vacation for my future wife and I that can be booked on fairly short notice (last wk in March). I say ?special? since I am 42 and never thought I would ever marry again after my wife?s death 6 yrs ago. For this reason, any suggestions would be greatly and sincerely appreciated. I have listed some preferences of ours to give a better idea of what we would find enjoyable.

1. Great beaches with clear, calm water. Also, it must be un-crowded, preferably with some privacy or a secluded area close by where we could be somewhat ?alone?.
2. Great restaurants to enjoy each night.
4. Plan mostly to relax and use spa (if available) to relieve some stress but a few activities such as snorkeling, horseback riding, short sail or cruise, etc should be available.
5. Some sort of nightlife with music/live band, etc., as my partner loves to dance. We love to gamble as well and would not mind if a casino existed nearby, though it is not an absolute requirement.
6. The room must be of luxury resort stature, romantic and preferably oceanfront or on/near the beach but with a nice ocean view as a bare minimum.

I have been to Malliouhana in Anguilla, which was wonderful and would fit the bill, but I am looking for someplace with more nightlife than what was available in Anguilla. Without regard to cost (within reason, of course), is there one destination that might feature all or at least most of these traits I would appreciate any feedback from those who have had an experience that might come close to what we are looking for. Thanks in advance !

bosco

Sounds like the Hyatt in Aruba might be a good choice. Beautiful beaches, casinos and lots of nightlife.

dekinjack

if you are looking for a romantic beautiful vacation spot....consider Caneel Bay on the island of St. John in USVI......amazing place (no casino though!!!)
we have traveled extensively but keep coming back to Caneel.
check out their website at caneelbay.com
we are going back again on 5/1....truly paradise...quiet, restaurants are great..staff subperb...this is a special place.
Some consider it pricey but believe me when i say it is special.....nice bar near beach that has music in evenings...7 of the most gorgeous beaches ...very secluded...and if you prefer more action..Cruz Bay is a 6 dollar cab fare ride away.

ejcrowe

I think a great book for you to consider is Ian Keown's Caribbean Hideaways, published by Frommer's. It's an excellent guide to the most romantic spots in the region, and he rates each recommendation based on food quality, activities available at the resort, and romantic atmosphere.

If Anguilla is too quiet for you, I'd bet that St. John (where Caneel Bay is) would also be too quiet. Now, I have never been to Aruba, but if you want an uncrowded beach in March, I don't think Aruba is the place. What about La Samanna on the French side of St. Martin? Plenty of luxury, fine dining, and a little nightlife, and a spa. Four Seasons Nevis might suit the bill with the exception of little nightlife.

I hope you're able to plan a fabulous vacation at the last minute, but keep in mind that some of the most fabulous places will already by at or near full capacity, which means that "secluded areas close by" may be hard to come by, no matter where you choose.

WGS

Congratulations on your new-found love and upcoming marriage.

I would consider the new Tara Suites at Bucuti Beach Resort in Aruba. They are scheduled to open March 19. The Tara Suite is right ON the the most beautiful beach I have ever come across. Here's their website. Just follow the links to Tara:

http://www.bucuti.com/english/home/index.htm

Peaceful and tranquil, Bucuti caters to couples and honeymooners (of any age). There are no watersports, casino or organized activities right on their property but they are nearby. There are few, if any, children. There is a restaurant on the premises and a casino nearby. Aruba has a wealth of excellent restaurants.

I would check very soon as Bucuti books up quickly. Airfare is another hurdle at this late date, both seat-wise and price-wise

WGS

Also, if you click on "News" on the very top of this page, then scroll down to 25 romantic getaways and click on that, you'll find Bucuti comes right up with raves reviews.

benj

We had looked into Couples Swept Away in Negril Jamaica. It looks wonderful & I have seen many rave posts on it. It is adult only & you can enjoy the beach or go further down to the nightlife. Is late March Spring Break? Then some places will be busy in the islands. Couples has their own stretch of beach & it would be an amazing time for you. Their site is http://couples.com/12sw/index.html
A good message board for what's happening in Negril is www.negril.com.

Congrats & have a great time wherever you go!

quixtarr44

I would suggest the Maho Bay Beach Resort and Casino in St. Maarten/St. Marten. There are casinos, good food, nice beaches, good nightlife, shopping, and you can party till 4 a.m. at some local bars/clubs if you want, or you can have alone time and have the feeling of being secluded.
It has great mountain views, and 2 different cultures on 1 island(French/Dutch).
The Maho resort also has the optional all-inclusive package. I like this resort because it is on the Carribean Sea and not the Atlantic Ocean, which means calmer water, and great snorkeling.
St. Barts would be a great place to visit for a day trip. It is only a ferry ride away from St. Maarten.