If the cost was not a factor, where would you go to decompress tomorrow?
 

Hi everyone! I just got laid off and I am going on a trip to decompress! I am single, an active woman, will be traveling alone and thought I would query the travel gurus...If cost did not matter, where would you go in the CARIBBEAN and why? What would you do? I am thinking I will take a week to 10 days to chill, rest, take yoga, hike, swim and eat. Any suggestions for a single, active soul seeking, stressed young lady???? My mind in on St Barts, St Maarten, Grenada and Martinique....Thanks ALL, StarShine

http://www.maromahotel.com/web/ocan/maroma.jsp gorgeous hotel with unique spa treatments
there is also a secrets resort on the same stunning beach.
in the area are activities from zip lines to mayan ruins.

Well again, I may be totally biased, as I love Anguilla and seem to be refering it alot today, but I think that would be a great choice. There is plenty of rest to be found on the island, as well as great food and people. There are over 30 beaches for you to explore and hike around and as I've mentioned, some really great restaurants...over 80 of them. It's the most relaxing place on earth for us and we love going there. I would suggest the Cusinart resort as you said money was no object. If you are needing to decompress there is a spa there that is out of this world and a fantastic beach and swimming pool. Again, if money isn't an issue, go for the luxury suite on the third floor of the villas. I would recommend villa 8, 9 or 10. These rooms have the best view of the beach which is really relaxing.

We haven't stayed at any of these because of the cost, but after 20 yrs. of going to the Caribbean, we have visited the following for lunch, etc.

I agree with Anguillagirl that Anguilla is a beautiful place with top resorts including www.cuisinartresort.com

On St. Bart's www.leguanahani.com is gorgeous. And I have to add St. Bart's is a very different experience because it's so "French". We've been there 3 times for the day and loved it. Rented a car & drove to the resorts & beaches.

A favorite of ours is Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos and www.gracebayclub.com is top knotch(we stay next door at Ocean Club West, it's in our price range) but we've had many wonderful meals at Grace Bay Club. The beach, pool, and hotel are stunning.

If you want something different, I'd choose St. Bart's.
If you want something easy to get to, I'd choose Grace Bay.
For me, the beach, resort, and restaurants at Cuisinart were all gorgeous, but I didn't like the pool being right by the restaurants (not very private, but maybe there is another pool I didn't see).

No question -Meridian Club Pine Cay - but in the Turks and Caicos not one of your listed islands.

If cost is really no object check out Necker Island in the BVI's but be warned you have to be super-rich to afford the price tag so it may not be suitable for someone who just got laid off.

On St. Bart's, for luxury at more down to earth prices (but still expensive)check out Eden Roc or Isle De France.

" chill, rest, swim and eat" makes me think Anguilla. Maybe combine with St Barts or St Maarten? The only thing I would double check on is when restaurants reopen in Anguilla- many close for Sept and part of Oct. I don't know about yoga, but there are 2 spas on Anguilla. I stayed at a less expensive place, but if I could, I personally would pick Cap Juluca, but that's me.

thank you everyone! I checked out the Maroma Hotel website and it looks heavenly!! I did not consider Mexico! I am sure that I could get such a steal right now too. Turks may be an option; I live in South Florida, so the flights are convenient and short. Anguilla is on my bucket list, and I also thought Ku looked lovely! Too many choices, but I will let you know! Thank you again for taking the time!

Since Turks is an option, check out the new Gansevoort Turks and Caicos:

easy to get to from Miami (1 hour 15 min flight on a big plane)
Great specials going on right now at all resorts Including yoga specials!)
Perfect swimming beach
Nice luxurious accomodations
A beautiful yoga pavillion and nice spa
great restaurants

The only thing lacking is hiking, but you have miles of beaches to walk and explore. You can even day trip to Middle Caicos and hike the cliffs with beaches in coves.

You could also check out the excellent Parrot Cay, an awesome luxurious escape. They have a yoga pavillion, and concentrate on yoga so much, Donna Karan built her own pavillion.

Without a second of hesitation, I would choose Santorini, Greece! It's the most beautiful island I've been to anywhere in the world. Since it sounds like you are traveling alone, safety is also important when choosing a destination. Santorini is a great pick. See my photos of Santorini (and from around the world) at: http://www.JulieRoggowPhotography.com
I hope you enjoy them! :)

Sosua in the Dominican Republic. It's sooo laid back.

We would return to Panama and spend a lot more time in the Kuna and Gamboa areas. These are beautiful and restful. The Kuna islands have wonderful areas to stay with beautiful beaches to visit and great snorkeling. The Gamboa area has about as many birds as you would want to view as well as a great hotel in a very relaxing atmosphere. The people in these two places are friendly and fun to be with.

Roatan, Honduras in a condo on West Bay Beach.

St. John (USVI) is a wonderful, simple, and laid back island with much of the island reserved in a national park. Check out Concordia Estates if you are into yoga.

I also really loved the Big Island (Hawai'i). Incredible beauty, diversity of climates, places to explore, and an active volcano to boot. (Don't worry, the volcano is currently "oozing" and not expected to blow the big one).

Let us know where you decide to go.

LaLuna in Grenada
Ottleys Plantation in St. Kitts
Couples or Swept Away in Negril Jamaica

These places are generally expensive I think...maybe just maybe Ottleys is not the MOST expensive and does possess decadence and that get away and decompress feel.

However, with this - I desperately needed to decompress and rebuild my sanity last winter...I found a great deal at the Gran Bahia Principe in Runaway Bay Jamaica...no where near as expensive as the others but with total decadence. Because I was such a burn out case we did not even leave the resort and this is very much NOT my style...but this place for what I needed... met all my needs and I DID feel significantly rejuvenated after we returned!

La Source Grenada everytime! Quite a few singles & a free spa treatment everyday included in the AI.You can also do yoga, Tai Chi, play golf etc. We haven't been since 2002 , but are going back this Winter to see what the new upgraded hotel is like. It only reopened last year after the hurricane.

For total decompression and a week to treat myself well, I'd pick Guana Island in the British Virgin Islands. Private island, tons of hiking trails, you get massage therapy, you can do daytrips to Tortola or the other BVI. Snorkel, scuba, swim, sail, walk, meditate, yoga. All or nothing at all. And with no more than 30 or so guests on the island at any time, it's never crowded. Dining is usually communal for dinners (but you can request a solo table if preferred), and with the few guests there it's possible to get to know them beyond the usual small talk. It's pricey, but three meals a day are included in the rates. www.guana.com

I would choose La Casa Que Canta in Zihuatenejo but it's not in the Caribbean. I think it looks gorgeous but it's a bit out of our price range. On your list Grenada looks very interesting. I hope all is well.