Island decisions
 

Hi everyone, my husband and I are looking to go away for a week for our anniversary (Nov) we we're going either in Nov or Dec. We we're leaning towards Bermuda we liked the idea of a vacation rental and the freedom to come and go when we want. We don't want to do AI. We aren't interested in Mexico, Dominican or Cuba. We don't drink but don't mind going to the pub or a bar to get something to eat. We will probally flying out of Toronto so we are pretty flexable with islands. We would like a nice beach close by but one that isn't covered with hundreds of people, we don't like alot of crowds looking for a quiet island it doesn't have to be a "tourist trap" . This is our first south vacation we enjoy swimming. As for shopping not looking to do too much bring home some treasures to remind us of where we've been I'm not looking to go clothes shopping all day. We looked at Grenada really liked the idea of going for a tour of where they grow/process the nutmeg, even though we don't drink wouldn't mind going to a place to see how rum is processed, we are farmers, and seeing other countries industries and way of life intrest us.We are active so we would like a place we can go hiking, biking, or going kyaking (love it) For a budget looking to keeping it under $ 4000 was planning on cooking and eating out some (airfare not included). I hope we are not being to naive, and to demanding. Thanks for your help.

November/December is off season for Bermuda as the weather gets a bit chillier. weather.bm should give you some idea of what to expect. It is too cool for me to go ocean swimming, but the beaches are empty and gorgeous and most hotels have heated pools. You can easily fit within the budget range. If you are interested in Bermuda after reviewing the weather expectations, let us know and we will be glad to make some suggestions. If you are on Facebook, like the Bermuda tourism page. Great photos and first notice of deals! Happy anniversary.

Thanks will try the weather site. I grew up on the South Shore of Nova Scotia and I remember going swimming in the summer, it was alot of fun, you couldn't feel your legs it was so cold, but it was fun :) However I'm a bit older now so I will have to check into the temperature.

My husband and I looked on the weather site and we agreed we want a bit warmer.

I thought that might be a deal breaker. Consider Bermuda for a early fall trip another time. It is another world!

I am currently sitting on the patio of our unit at the Blue Horizon Garden Resort in Grenada. This is our 5th time here since 2004. We have been to many of the Caribbean islands but Grenada has become our second home. There are many different tours you can take some of which include a stop at the River St. Antoine rum distillery. Watch out for their 'white lightning'. The BH is a small quiet resort with only 32 units each with a kitchenette. We are a 5 minute walk from Grande Anse beach, one of the nicest in the Caribbean. Just up the hill is Morne Rouge another lovel quiet retreat until the cruise ship crowds arrive on their afternoon excursions. Grenada is a very safe island with some of the most welcoming people you will ever meet.

If you click on my name you will find my trip report from a previous visit.

Thank you we will have a look.

Since nobody has suggested Curacao yet, I will go ahead and do that. November/beginning of December is a great time to go, since airfare deals are still cheap. As soon as you hit past the 10th of December or so, all prices skyrocket (students go back home from The Netherlands, families visit for Christmas and New Year's).
A week in Curacao for $4000 in Nov/Dec excluding airfare should not be a problem at all. You can rent a villa instead of a hotel, having your own kitchenette (since you wanted to cook). There are plenty of options to eat out, so if you do decide to go to Curacao and want advice on that, let me know (and do not go to the restaurants Fodor's recommends).
The weather is great in Nov/Dec (last year I was there in December and it was wonderful!!).

You can also check out how they make the original Blue Curacao and other versions of it (chocolate, coffee, orange etc).

The most important part: beautiful, secluded beaches. No long stretches of beach like any other island, but another beach with a unique charm for every day of your stay (even if you stretch it to 3 weeks or more). http://www.curacao-travelguide.com/discover/beaches/
And if you go....do not miss Klein (Little) Curacao. It's a whole day trip, but you will not regret it.

It's off season for Anguilla. Paradise Cove is not far from Cove Bay, and would be budget friendly. Carimar may also work for yu. Check some smaller villas too