Jamaica, Antigua, Turks & Caicos or PR
Aug 23rd, 2006, 01:01 PM
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Jamaica, Antigua, Turks & Caicos or PR
Well here are the options for my husband & I---first time in the Caribbean from 10/5-10/8/06:
1) Couple San Souri in Jamaica - great deal and it is a luxury hotel & looks incredible!
2) Hawkbill by Rex in Antigua - great deal as well but considered a *** maybe **** ---still it looks amazing
3) Sibonne on the beach - affordable for us but don't know how much we'll spend for meals----but Grace Bay voted top beach, looks heavenly
4) Intercontintal SJ - very good deal & I would love to visit Old SJ but I want aazing beaches & I heard its not the crystal clear caribeen waters here.
Any input would be so helpful...we would love to just relax for our anniversary & spend time on a beautiful beach & have some good food.
Thanks
1) Couple San Souri in Jamaica - great deal and it is a luxury hotel & looks incredible!
2) Hawkbill by Rex in Antigua - great deal as well but considered a *** maybe **** ---still it looks amazing
3) Sibonne on the beach - affordable for us but don't know how much we'll spend for meals----but Grace Bay voted top beach, looks heavenly
4) Intercontintal SJ - very good deal & I would love to visit Old SJ but I want aazing beaches & I heard its not the crystal clear caribeen waters here.
Any input would be so helpful...we would love to just relax for our anniversary & spend time on a beautiful beach & have some good food.
Thanks
Aug 23rd, 2006, 02:20 PM
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<font color="red"><b>What type of vacation are you looking for? I'm sure if you're a little more specific about what you like to do on vacation, more people will answer.
We just got back a few months ago from Turks and Caicos and LOVED it! You're perception was correct about their beach - it is heavinly! In TCI it's all about the beach - water activities. They have wonderful dining as well. NOt much else to do but relax and try out some great food and awesome water excursions. We will definitely return!</b></font>
We just got back a few months ago from Turks and Caicos and LOVED it! You're perception was correct about their beach - it is heavinly! In TCI it's all about the beach - water activities. They have wonderful dining as well. NOt much else to do but relax and try out some great food and awesome water excursions. We will definitely return!</b></font>
Aug 23rd, 2006, 04:16 PM
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I stayed at the InterContinental in San Juan and I would not recommend the hotel or San Juan based on your requirements.
The water is not crystal clear and when I went in November there was a LOT of seaweed and the beach was dirtier than I would have liked. I did enjoy my stay at the resort but I was disappointed with the beach and I wish I knew prior to going.
I've been to Jamaica and if you're looking for a great beach, I'd recommend the Negril area, which has a long stretch of beach with amazing water. Also, to get to resorts that aren't right near the airport requires a 90 minute to 2 hour ride.
The water is not crystal clear and when I went in November there was a LOT of seaweed and the beach was dirtier than I would have liked. I did enjoy my stay at the resort but I was disappointed with the beach and I wish I knew prior to going.
I've been to Jamaica and if you're looking for a great beach, I'd recommend the Negril area, which has a long stretch of beach with amazing water. Also, to get to resorts that aren't right near the airport requires a 90 minute to 2 hour ride.
Aug 23rd, 2006, 09:31 PM
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We went to T & C in May and stayed at the Sibonne. Though Grace Bay is a very gorgeus beach, we were not impressed with T & C as a whole. Not enough night life or shopping for us and the food/drinks were very expensive. I wrote a detailed trip report on Trip Advisor that specifies the dining costs. We spent approx. $750 on meals/drinks/transportation to and from resturants and that was scrimping as much as possible. We like AI properties better.
The Sibonne is far from luxury. It's a small, standard hotel with 26 rooms. Our room was nice and clean. It will be quite opposite from the San Souci in Jamaica. You might need to check if the Sibonne will be open for the dates you listed. There is new construction of the Mandalay next door and the Sibonne was going to close between Sept. and Dec. due to the construction noise.
We're headed to Aruba in 9 days. Looks more like the atmopshere we're looking for. You might look at Grand Cayman also. Very nice beach with more things to do than just lie on a beach and go boating/sailing. May be slightly less expensive than T & C. We liked Grand Cayman better.
The Sibonne is far from luxury. It's a small, standard hotel with 26 rooms. Our room was nice and clean. It will be quite opposite from the San Souci in Jamaica. You might need to check if the Sibonne will be open for the dates you listed. There is new construction of the Mandalay next door and the Sibonne was going to close between Sept. and Dec. due to the construction noise.
We're headed to Aruba in 9 days. Looks more like the atmopshere we're looking for. You might look at Grand Cayman also. Very nice beach with more things to do than just lie on a beach and go boating/sailing. May be slightly less expensive than T & C. We liked Grand Cayman better.
Aug 24th, 2006, 04:25 AM
#7
I have been to all 4 of your picks. (The islands, not neccessaily the resorts) For your criteria, Turks and Caicos hands down should be your pick.
It has one of the most incredible beaches in the world, and your looking for an "amazing beach". The beaches there don't get better than that.
As per picking the Sibonne-you are going non peek season, there are tons of bargains to be had then, without braking the bank. All are extremely nice, (especially for the money) and far superior to Sibonne.
Alexandria is having unbelievable sales
Sands and RWI give pay for so many nights get nights free.
You will find most of these specials on the individual web sites, and find that Sibonne is not so much of a bargain anymore!
If you choose Sibonne, The Mandalay project has fallen through, so no construction!!!!
For a relaxing, amazing beach you can't beat it!
It has one of the most incredible beaches in the world, and your looking for an "amazing beach". The beaches there don't get better than that.
As per picking the Sibonne-you are going non peek season, there are tons of bargains to be had then, without braking the bank. All are extremely nice, (especially for the money) and far superior to Sibonne.
Alexandria is having unbelievable sales
Sands and RWI give pay for so many nights get nights free.
You will find most of these specials on the individual web sites, and find that Sibonne is not so much of a bargain anymore!
If you choose Sibonne, The Mandalay project has fallen through, so no construction!!!!
For a relaxing, amazing beach you can't beat it!
Aug 24th, 2006, 05:48 AM
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My vote goes to T&C as well based on your requirement for relaxation, beautiful beach, and good food. Look for specials from other resorts. As blamona pointed out, other resorts are offering fantastic deals due to it being low season. Are you open to staying in a villa or are you looking for a resort experience?
I agree with the others that SJ would not fit your criteria as the beaches are not your typical caribbean crystal clear waters, unless you venture to Culebra or Vieques.
Antigua is beautiful, but not as easy to get around and explore as T&C as it is a bigger island. We love Antigua and headed back there for the 3rd time but it is not for everyone.
Have not been to Jamaica so can't really comment on that.
I think for a first trip, T&C would be a good choice. Gorgeous beach and water, and easy to get around to explore. But if you want shopping and nightlife to go along with relaxing on the beach during the daytime, then it would not be a good choice.
I agree with the others that SJ would not fit your criteria as the beaches are not your typical caribbean crystal clear waters, unless you venture to Culebra or Vieques.
Antigua is beautiful, but not as easy to get around and explore as T&C as it is a bigger island. We love Antigua and headed back there for the 3rd time but it is not for everyone.
Have not been to Jamaica so can't really comment on that.
I think for a first trip, T&C would be a good choice. Gorgeous beach and water, and easy to get around to explore. But if you want shopping and nightlife to go along with relaxing on the beach during the daytime, then it would not be a good choice.
Aug 24th, 2006, 07:35 AM
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to mymoosie,
we would be open to staying in a villa but most require 7 nights don't they and we have only 3 nights to stay. i did go on the website for alexandra & royal west indies and they do have great deals....alexandra will reimburse up to $1,300 of your airfare so its a strong possibility.
Also, where did you stay in antigua?
we would be open to staying in a villa but most require 7 nights don't they and we have only 3 nights to stay. i did go on the website for alexandra & royal west indies and they do have great deals....alexandra will reimburse up to $1,300 of your airfare so its a strong possibility.
Also, where did you stay in antigua?
Aug 24th, 2006, 07:37 AM
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to blamona,
yes, you're right I'm looking at other hotels besides Sibonne in T&C. thank you. how did you like Antiqua & Jamaica by the way and where did you stay if you don't mind?
Thanks again.
yes, you're right I'm looking at other hotels besides Sibonne in T&C. thank you. how did you like Antiqua & Jamaica by the way and where did you stay if you don't mind?
Thanks again.
Aug 24th, 2006, 07:43 AM
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to kvr,
yes i read your review on tripadvisor and my husband & i aren't to concerned about nightlife or shopping, we would just like to relax & experience the peaceful caribbean atmosphere. we are concerned about spending too much on food/drinks though...that's why we were considering Jamaica because their all-inclusive deal is so great & we are travelling to Africa in a few months & really didn't want to splurge so much. thanks.
yes i read your review on tripadvisor and my husband & i aren't to concerned about nightlife or shopping, we would just like to relax & experience the peaceful caribbean atmosphere. we are concerned about spending too much on food/drinks though...that's why we were considering Jamaica because their all-inclusive deal is so great & we are travelling to Africa in a few months & really didn't want to splurge so much. thanks.
Aug 24th, 2006, 08:28 AM
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I have also been to all four islands on your list and agree with TCI - but would most likely select another place to stay than Sibonne.
We stayed at the Sands and enjoyed it very much. There are also lots of good dining options on the island, but they are expensive.
If you can consider another island, Anguilla would also be a good choice...
We stayed at the Sands and enjoyed it very much. There are also lots of good dining options on the island, but they are expensive.
If you can consider another island, Anguilla would also be a good choice...
Aug 24th, 2006, 10:29 AM
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We really do perfer AI hotels. We've looked at Couples Negril in Jamaica. Really like the looks of it, but quite pricey. We've also looked at Antigua and would probably go with the Jolly Beach Resort. It's not luxury at all, but is priced right and offers AI.
I've to San Juan once many, many years ago on a cruise and wouldn't go back. Not my type of atmosphere.
With only 3 days, I would agree either Jamaica or T & C. Jamaica would be more cost effective in the long run. I still have it and Antigua on my 'to go' list.
I've to San Juan once many, many years ago on a cruise and wouldn't go back. Not my type of atmosphere.
With only 3 days, I would agree either Jamaica or T & C. Jamaica would be more cost effective in the long run. I still have it and Antigua on my 'to go' list.
Aug 24th, 2006, 10:31 AM
#16
where to:
In Antigua I stayed at Grand Royal Antiguan Resort. I would not recommend that place! The resort was pretty, but EVERY night around 2AM the fire alarms would go off, and we were on the 8th floor. The beach there is pretty, but there are prettier beaches in Antigua, with Darkwood Beach being my favorite. We rented a car and went around the island, and even "toured " and hung out at Jumby Bay. We checked out Sandals and their beach, that beach was pretty, but T&C beats it any day! It was a tough island to drive around, ditches that would make your car sink, and people parked in the middle of the road to socialize. We went up to Shirley Heights to watch the sunset. That was a blast! Steel drums, rum punch, and dinner, that and Jumby Bay were the highlights of my trip.
In Jaimaica I stayed at Rose Hall Resort in Montigo Bay. Very nice resort on an okay beach. We did day trips to Ocho Rios to the waterfalls (almost 2 hours to get there) and they were beautiful. We also did a day trip to Negril, which was my favorite part of Jamaica (also 2 hours to get to.) We went to Ricks to watch the cliff divers and sunset, and hung out Negril all day. Negril is (my opinion) the prettiest beach in Jamaica. Overall scenery in Jamaica is gorgeous. BUT I don't have to go back. It's not my style. I didn't relax, it was an active vacation. While Negril is pretty, once you see the beaches in T&C, it's hard to go anywhere else, if you're looking for a beach vacation. Jamaica has people on the beach trying to sell there stuff or braid your hair ALL DAY. This is fine for some vacations, but if you want to relax--
Go to T&C. Gorgeous beach. Some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean. (REad all the menus and prices, so you know what you're getting into at www.WhereWhenHow.tc ) No vendors approach you on the beach, if you want to buy, you go to them!
De-stressing doesn't get better than this!
In Antigua I stayed at Grand Royal Antiguan Resort. I would not recommend that place! The resort was pretty, but EVERY night around 2AM the fire alarms would go off, and we were on the 8th floor. The beach there is pretty, but there are prettier beaches in Antigua, with Darkwood Beach being my favorite. We rented a car and went around the island, and even "toured " and hung out at Jumby Bay. We checked out Sandals and their beach, that beach was pretty, but T&C beats it any day! It was a tough island to drive around, ditches that would make your car sink, and people parked in the middle of the road to socialize. We went up to Shirley Heights to watch the sunset. That was a blast! Steel drums, rum punch, and dinner, that and Jumby Bay were the highlights of my trip.
In Jaimaica I stayed at Rose Hall Resort in Montigo Bay. Very nice resort on an okay beach. We did day trips to Ocho Rios to the waterfalls (almost 2 hours to get there) and they were beautiful. We also did a day trip to Negril, which was my favorite part of Jamaica (also 2 hours to get to.) We went to Ricks to watch the cliff divers and sunset, and hung out Negril all day. Negril is (my opinion) the prettiest beach in Jamaica. Overall scenery in Jamaica is gorgeous. BUT I don't have to go back. It's not my style. I didn't relax, it was an active vacation. While Negril is pretty, once you see the beaches in T&C, it's hard to go anywhere else, if you're looking for a beach vacation. Jamaica has people on the beach trying to sell there stuff or braid your hair ALL DAY. This is fine for some vacations, but if you want to relax--
Go to T&C. Gorgeous beach. Some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean. (REad all the menus and prices, so you know what you're getting into at www.WhereWhenHow.tc ) No vendors approach you on the beach, if you want to buy, you go to them!
De-stressing doesn't get better than this!
Aug 24th, 2006, 11:37 AM
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For 3 nights, stick to T&C. Much much easier to get to from the US.
In T&C we stay at Aquamarine Beach Houses (www.aquamarinebeachhouses). I believe they do rent for less than 7 days. But if you're only going to be there for a few days, you may want to go with a resort so you have a restaurant and bar onsite.
We are very laid back so we usually rent a villa/beach house rather than going the resort route. In Antigua we stayed at Pelican Studio on Runaway Bay. We're staying at Antigua Village on Dickenson in December, but only because I got it super cheap on skyauction.com. We weren't planning on a trip otherwise.
If you would like to see photos of T&C, Antigua, and Old SJ, shoot me an email [email protected]
In T&C we stay at Aquamarine Beach Houses (www.aquamarinebeachhouses). I believe they do rent for less than 7 days. But if you're only going to be there for a few days, you may want to go with a resort so you have a restaurant and bar onsite.
We are very laid back so we usually rent a villa/beach house rather than going the resort route. In Antigua we stayed at Pelican Studio on Runaway Bay. We're staying at Antigua Village on Dickenson in December, but only because I got it super cheap on skyauction.com. We weren't planning on a trip otherwise.
If you would like to see photos of T&C, Antigua, and Old SJ, shoot me an email [email protected]
Aug 25th, 2006, 05:58 AM
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Where_to:
When I went to Jamaica I only stayed in the Negril area, I've never been to Ocho Rios, so I can't comment. However, Negril definitely has the amazing beach you desire. Incidentally, I went with 2 other women and NEVER ONCE did beach vendors bother me or my friends. Actually, I found the hotel entertainment staff more annoying.
As other poster suggested, since you only have 3 nights, I'd seriously consider the travel time involved to Turks/Antigua/Jamaica. I've always wanted to go to T&C and 3 nights would probably be the perfect amount of time to just be lazy on the beach.....
When I went to Jamaica I only stayed in the Negril area, I've never been to Ocho Rios, so I can't comment. However, Negril definitely has the amazing beach you desire. Incidentally, I went with 2 other women and NEVER ONCE did beach vendors bother me or my friends. Actually, I found the hotel entertainment staff more annoying.
As other poster suggested, since you only have 3 nights, I'd seriously consider the travel time involved to Turks/Antigua/Jamaica. I've always wanted to go to T&C and 3 nights would probably be the perfect amount of time to just be lazy on the beach.....
