Just got my profit sharing check for $4,000.00 Where should we travel to?
 

My husband and I have been to Aruba 3 times. I just got a wonderful profit sharing check so I want to take us somewhere wonderful.<BR><BR>Safety is an important factor for us.<BR><BR>We live in Michigan...will be going to Hawaii next year, so that is out. We are looking for somewhere in the caribbean.<BR><BR>How's Bermuda??<BR><BR>Looking for an upscale resort, romantic settings, that have wonderful landscaping. When I say upscale resort - im talking something in the Marriott's range or higher.<BR><BR>Also we like to vacation mainly for relaxation, though we love all the watersports and sunset cruises. We are not huge partiers.<BR><BR>Thank you very much.

I absolutely love Bermuda.<BR><BR>However, they do not have many upscale resorts. I would choose The Reefs or Southampton Princess.<BR><BR>The Reefs is a little more intimate.<BR><BR>Have fun

Have you ever considerred Negril, Jamaica, tons of places that are gorgeous, AL or non-al.

Sorry, meant to type AI or Non-AI

How about Nevis. I hear that is one fabulous upscale resort. That is one place that I am going to visit this or next year.

inquiring,<BR><BR>i think you should try turks &amp; caicos. the only problem is that it's a &quot;dry&quot; island and some people are looking for something a bit more lush. but as for sitting on the white sand beach, staring out at the clear, warm, blue water with an occasional dip in, it's absolute heaven. i was convinced to go along with a friend on her vacation, knowing barely nothing about the island and found it to be lovely. there are some great day trips you can take and it's very safe.

Cap Julaca, Anguilla

It sounds like to me Antigua fits what you are looking for. We honeymooned there last year and really enjoyed it. We stayed at Sandals Antigua. This resort has a laid back/romantic feel to it. The landscaping is very lush/tropical and well kept. Also, none of the buildings are higher than 2 stories, so it gives it a village feel. It has 5 pools/whirlpools spread out throughout the resort which didn't seem to get too crowded because there is a pool for each block. The beach is huge and spread out, you never feel crowded. It's the perfect place to relax, but there are plenty of options if you are looking for something to do (lots of land/watersports). <BR><BR>If you have any questions feel free to ask!

NO NO NO!!!<BR><BR>What's wrong with you people???<BR>inquiring has $4000.00 to spend and mentioned the words &quot;wonderful&quot; and &quot;upscale.&quot; <BR><BR>I will forgive the reference to Marriott as being upscale as inquiring has not visited the better islands in the Caribbean.<BR><BR>Upscale and wonderful automatically cross all Sandals and every other AI OFF the list.<BR><BR>inquiring, get on the net and check out sites for these resorts:<BR>Four Seasons Nevis<BR>Cap Juluca Anguilla<BR>Little Dix Bay Virgin Gorda<BR>Maroma Playa del Carmen<BR>Paraiso Playa del Carmen<BR>Horned Dorset Primavera Puerto Rico<BR>Casa de Campo Dominican Republic<BR>Grace Bay Club Providenciales<BR>La Luna Grenada<BR>Ladera St. Lucia<BR><BR>This is an unexpected windfall, and you should spend it at one of the best resorts in the world, not at a goofy all inclusive with a bunch of fatties running over you to get to the buffet line.

Royal Hideway PDC.

xxx - you need to get over yourself! What is the deal with the fat comment? Just because it is not your taste, doesn't not mean you have to make comments like that. I happened to enjoy the all-inclusive because it was so carefree. I didn't have to think about my finances for an entire week! Now that's relaxing.<BR><BR>The main reason I mentioned Sandals Antigua because I assumed inquiring's price range was around $4,000. We did SA for $5,000 including airfare. Now of course there is Cap Juluca, Four Seasons, etc., but can you do 7 nights including aifare for $4,000? I doubt it. <BR><BR>Inquiring, if looking for more luxury than Sandals, also check out Jumby Bay in Antigua. It is an all-inclusive but it's on the luxury side. It's located on a private island just off the shore of Antigua and I hear it's wonderful.

Inquiring - I bet you read this post and just go to another site! You probably think what awful, mean spirited people frequent this sight. Well, we are not all like that. If you like Aruba, you would probably like some of the resorts xxx posted, but some will definitely be much more than $4000. Royal Hideaway should be close to that and if you liked Aruba, PDC would do. That is a great resort. Jumby Bay would be great too, but I think it would be closer to 6000 for the week. (I just got there 2003 rates in the mail.) Maybe Palm Island or Galley Bay in Antigua. Never been to Bermuda because we love to travel in the winter and we like to go somewhere very hot. Good luck. Planning can be fun!!

We love Antigua, also. If you are not looking for a lot of informality, try Curtain Bluff. It sounds like you would feel comfortable in that atmosphere. Some people find it to be a little pretentious. Due to the tradewinds, the rooms are pretty comfortable for sleeping at night. The rooms are spacious with upscale furniture. The bathrooms are also very roomy with dual vanities and bidets. Very serene resort with a beautiful beach. Fresh food at the restaurants and an extensive wine list.

Since you are going to Hawaii shortly, why not try the &quot;bank&quot;. Trips are great, but, savings are important too.

inquiring,<BR>For $4,000.00 (including air during off-season) I have stayed at three of the resorts on xxx's list that are considered by many to be &quot;the best.&quot;<BR>Four Seasons Nevis, Maroma south of PDC and Ladera in St. Lucia.<BR>For another $1,000., I stayed at Cap Juluca and Horned Dorset Primavera.<BR>I shop carefully for airfare, and we live on the East coast, so I can usually get flights for $300 to $400 pp.<BR>In my opinion also, most true luxury resorts are not all inclusive, and the three Sandals properties I have toured would not come close to approaching the level of accommodations and service to be found at any of the resorts on xxx's list.<BR>That's just my opinion, but I have stayed at and been to some of the top resorts in the Caribbean, and those are only observations as I see them.<BR>I'm sure no matter where you choose to stay you will have a great time.<BR>Congrats on your tidy sum of money to have a nice vacation with! Most companies are cutting out a lot of those types of perks, so you are fortunate.<BR> <BR>

If you truly want an unbelievable vacation try St. JOHN USVI. I guarantee if you stay on this island you will fall in love. I have been to almost all of the islands in the Carribean and this is by far the most beautiful/lush/friendly island!! I would recommend that you rent a villa for the week. There are many in the 2,000-3000 range that are sensational with breathtaking views. A good site to learn more is usvi-on-line.com. The beaches are incredible, the people are very nice and the land is stunning. I'll be heading back in May. Take care

I agree with the St. John post. My wife and I just got back and it was the most beautiful island we have been to by far!!! We stayed in a villa overlooking Great Cruz Bay. We can't wait to go back. Half of the island is a national park, which makes it even more inviting. If you go definitly try the Stone Terrace restuarant.

We also returned 2 weeks ago from St. John and rented a villa, it was amzaing and a beautiful island. The only other two islands I would recommend would be Bermuda or St. Barts.<BR><BR>Good luck!

You might look into staying at the brand new Marriott Hotel in St. Kitts. You can sail to Nevis for the day and hike the rain forest etc. Have dinner at one of the plantation hotels. You will need a car to tour the island. <BR>You could even split your vacation between St. Kitts and Nevis staying at Qualie Beach Club or Hurricane Cove Bungalows in Nevis (you can get fabulous views from Hurricane Cove).

I have not been to St. John but a good friend of mine honeymooned there last year and loved it. I have heard nothing but great things about the island, and after seeing pictures...I have not doubt it is paradise! :)

Depending on the time of year, Bermuda, Bahamas and TCI would be ruled out in the Winter because it isn't warm enough IMO. If you are open ended on the dates, you might try www.luxurylink.com to get more bang for your bucks since some of the resorts mentioned won't work in your budget unless off-off season and many of the upscale resorts and islands won't compare to Aruba easily. Very different atmosphere and ambience. Most of the upscale are not the Marriott's and chain hotels with a few exceptions (4Seaons Nevis for one!). Cap Juluca is wonderful and would have to concur if you can make it fit the budget. Two posts mention Maroma but unless you go for the oceanfront rooms and plan to eat out, there are much better places to stay for that price. I was disappointed. Might want to look at Meridian Club on Pine Cay (closed some of the summer) which is delightful but true R &amp; R. Caneel Bay on St. John is lovely but doesn't have the luxury that CapJ, 4Seasons, etc has with the baths, solariums, etc. Peter Island beachfront is dynamite, Biras Creek, Guana Island. Jumby Bay if you must go all inclusive. There are some glorious spots in the Grenadines. <BR>You can use luxurylink to scout the luxurious places if you are expecting and want another Aruba, I think you might be disappointed if you are looking at the luxury spots mentioned. They are far superior in accomodations and have a much more laid back low key ambience than does Aruba. Heck! most of them don't even have a Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast! <BR>Good luck in your search. Luxurylink does a great job!

Nancy:<BR>What did you think of Ladera? How did it compare to CapJ? Have your ever been to St. Barts? I'm interested in Le Toiny - but it's going to take some &quot;saving!&quot;<BR>Inquiring:<BR>Congratulatio ns! I'd be on my way to Le Toiny, I think. But other places that would top my list are Cambridge Beaches in Bermuda (only during warm season) and Nevis. Cap Jaluca is wonderful, and the Anguilla climate is arid like Aruba. Also, Ladera is a really cool resort; the rooms have 3 walls with the 4th open to view the Pitons and ocean BUT it is not the &quot;safest&quot; of those mentioned above.<BR>

Hi wondering,<BR>If I had to choose which to go back to, I'd say Cap. (But I am really a beach person, and CJ is on an incredible stretch of beach.)<BR>Ladera is very exotic, and so is St. Lucia as a destination. So lush and mountainous.<BR>To me, Cap J and Ladera were very similar in amenities abd the &quot;feel &quot; of the resort.<BR>The main difference - turquoise water beach view vs. gorgeous lush mountain view.<BR>You cannot lose with either :)

found it hard to compare since Cap J is beachfront and wonderful. Also the restuarants on Anguilla not just at Cap are far superior to anything on St. Lucia. Easy to visit lots of beaches on Anguilla, a quick ferry ride will get you to St. Martin if a shopping bug bites and possibly the friendliest and most welcoming hosts in the Caribbean. St. Lucia has covered there natural black sand beaches with white sand for the tourists.

Didn't mention that there is some very wonderful spots on Anguilla with more moderate prices that are wonderful but just lacking a few of the amenities of Cap J. Frangipani cames to mind but if you want the opposite of Aruba with quiet and undeveloped but also arid and not tropical, it'll work fine. Check http://hotels.ai/ and cruise the site to see if Anguilla fits or if you want more excitement.

How about Seabrook,NH? Top notch security in the shadow of the nuclear power plant. Nice beach. And, as for the NH climate, it's ...undescribable! Your $4,000 will go far there.Bon voyage.

I hate to rain on your parade, but by now you have most likely figured out that $4000.00 is not enough for upscale luxury. Since Bermuda is not considered the Caribbean, it is off the Carolina Coast. It is also not warm enough IMHO at this time of year, either are the Bahamas or T&amp;C - you have to go further south. Cap Juluca and St. Barths are out since it will cost more than $4000.00. There are some beautiful places in the BVI that are mid priced and very lovely. BVI has great weather, watersports and beautiful sunsets. Try looking at www.nailbaay.com and mysticwaternailbay.com for some ideas.<BR>Since you did not state exactly when you are going or what you intend to get for $4000.00 (does that include air, hotel and spending money???) Since it is high season (or even in low season,) unfortunately 4 grand does not go very far and cannot afford upscale luxury! It is still not enough to go to Cap or LeToiney even in value season.

With the cost of airfare and other expenses you will find it difficult to stay at a luxury property in the Caribbean.<BR>Try staying in a one bedroom suite at Lavender Hill Estates in St. John--you could cook in some nights if you need to.<BR>Access online the Continental Airlines Vacation packages that includes airfare and see what you can get!

Inquiring is asking for an upscale resort. I don't understand why people have to be so snobby.<BR><BR>And Yes you can get luxury for $4,000.00 a week for two. It all depends on each persons perspective on luxury. &quot;Inquiring&quot; was saying something along the line of Marriott or higher.<BR><BR>So please...there are ALOT of places to go.<BR><BR>But if you are looking for luxury and are thinking about clean and safety, you could do Grand Cayman next year for the grand opening of the Ritz.<BR><BR>Anyway, check out some packages through your travel agent, often times they run specials during &quot;peak&quot; carribbean travel season.<BR><BR>Enjoy.