My wife and I are planning a trip to the islands. No kids. We are in our 30s and 40s, relatively sedate--we like beautiful places and beaches, beautiful resorts with cool pools, few kids under foot, and great food. Nonurban and a place without beach hawkers. We are willing to pay for it. We have been to Turks and Caicos, Aruba, and the Bahamas. We can pick any season. All inclusive ok but would prefer European Plan. We had thought of Caneel Bay in St. Johns but have read reviews about poor service? Also Little Dix Bay.
Any other resorts that would fit the bill--island really not so important but would prefer green over desert. Thanks!
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If you like a little adventure in addition to water, I'd suggest Costa Rica.

Sandy Lane in Barbados is lovely.

Try checking out Majahuitas on the outskirts of Puerta Vallarta (oops no pool )Verana , in the same area. Maroma outside Playa Del Carmen . Perhaps Ladera in St.Lucia ? Laluna in Grenada ?

Caneel Bay is really a lovely resort, the beaches are wonderful, nice walking paths and scenery. The service is fine, just for the reputation it should be top notch. St. John has lots of nice little restaurants. Also have you thought of splitting the time between Caneel, LDB. Little Dix is also very nice.

I hear Caneel's pool is sort of "backyardish." I know , hey it is the Carib, why have a pool. But I can equally say that a top notch resort should have a pool that is top notch. And Little Dix has NO pool. So where to go if I want a cool pool, and a great beach, and great food. Sorry for the change

Anguilla....awesome beaches and very good restaurants. Nonurban and definately no beach hawkers. Anguilla however is not green....the interior of the island is dry and scrubby. There are several upscale resorts on the island.

I have read some really good reviews of the Bel Air Plantation in the spice island of Grenada. The property is not located on busy Grand Anse Beach. I have added this property to my list of places to stay on vacation. Information is online if you're interested.

Thanks all.

One more question--how about Biras Beach on Virgin Gorda--anyone have any experience? Thanks!

Jeff,

Couple places to check out:

http://www.maroma-mexico.com/opening.htm

http://www.occidentalhotels.com/incl...nds/royal.html

http://www.lacasaquecanta.com/

http://www.besthotelsresorts.com/pinksands.htm

http://www.isle-de-france.com/html/frame_intro_us.htm

http://www.frangipani.ai/

http://www.thereefs.com/reefs/home.html

http://www.thesanctuary.com/

Check out St. Kitts...beautiful beaches, and also has a dormant volcano and a rain forest on the island. If you want secluded, the plantation inns are a perfect choice-some are Ottley's Plantation Inn, Rawlings, and the Golden Lemon.

Biras Creek in Virgin Gorda. Relais and Chateaux. Great food, very private. Few kids (maybe more in summer).

We were steered to Tortola - see "Water Island, USVI?" thread (no telling where some of these discussions go). We're trying to book at Sugar Mill (there's a pool). We stayed at Caneel Bay last year - if you really want a pool, stay at the Westin... but you'll have to venture off if you want good beaches on St. John (Westin's is man-made). This year we stayed at Estate Lindholm - we'll probably go back there if it's just the two of us... but we're okay with renting a car & exploring - and hiking to remote beaches with a towel & a cooler.

If you do stay at Caneel Bay, don't do the meal plan. The Equator was quite good but there are other great places to explore... Asolare, La Tapa, to name 2...

We stayed at Caneel Bay several years ago with our kids then 12 and 15 and we all had a fabulous time. The pool isn't great but you don't need a pool even if you have little ones. You are in a bay area so the ocean water isn't rough and it's very shallow for quite a ways out. The water is perfect and clear plus the price includes all sorts of water gear that your kids will have a blast with. We actually tried to get in for winter break this coming year but they are booked.

I agree about not using the meal plan. We ate breakfast and most of the time lunch there but dinner is more fun going out and you still save a bundle just by eating dinner out instead of using the plan. Hope this helps.

ONe more thing, we are going to Turks and Caicos for the first time for winter break since we couldn't get into Caneel Bay, what are your thoughts on that? We will be staying at Point Grace with our kids 15 and 18.