Lush, luxe, posh Caribbean???
Jun 9th, 1998, 01:35 PM
#1
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Lush, luxe, posh Caribbean???
Seeking suggestions for very posh, very luxe, but not overly large, hotels/inns/resorts in the Caribbean . . . prefer ocean locale with swimming beach, pools, gardens, lots of flowers, quiet, lush, civilized, high level of service, uncrowded.
Jun 9th, 1998, 05:33 PM
#2
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Kathryn, it sounds to me like you're looking for Sandals in Ocho Rios. It has everything you're interested in. The service is top, as is the staff, will cater to your every need and whim. Be careful tho in Jamaica, natives can be quite aggressive and I wouldn't leave the "compound" at nite. If you like, Sandals Ocho and Sandals in Dunns River have a shuttle running between the two of them, you can have the best of both worlds. <BR> <BR>Good luck
Jun 10th, 1998, 12:21 PM
#3
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Sandals may be a good choice, but most of them are large in scale...if this is not a big deal, the most posh of the Sandals resorts is the following: <BR>1) Sandals St. Lucia; <BR>2) Sandals Royal Bahamian <BR>Both these are quite luxurious, with lots of spa facilities,at extra price...I think that the Sandals in Bahama is best suited to your taste. High scale and not as busy/fast paced as Sandals St. Lucia (I prefer St. Lucia though, nice island) <BR>Check www.sandals.com
Jun 10th, 1998, 12:33 PM
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When I think "posh" I think Cap Juluca, Four Seasons Nevis, Peter Island, Young Island, Caneel Bay, Sandy Lane, etc. I guess you need to better define "posh" and your price points. When I hear posh and luxe I am thinking a lot more $$$ than a Sandals!
Jun 11th, 1998, 07:38 AM
#5
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Many thanks to y'all kind folk above for your pointers, I'm following them up. As is no doubt obvious, I'm naive about the Caribbean and it has so very many hotels/resorts it's difficult to know where to start. <BR> <BR>Here's, a more definitive view of what appeals to me. High prices don't scare me as long as high quality is delivered. I often stay at Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton hotels stateside although abroad I've found the smaller Relais & Chateau federation to be more enjoyable than larger hotels. <BR> <BR>First, I adore gardens and flowers and would like to be surrounded by same, lots and lots of 'em. Other desired elements: swimmable, uncrowded (preferably private to the hotel) beach; swimming pool or pools; fine dining on-site; large, comfortable, well-furnished rooms or suites; solicitous but not obtrusive service; something with an international flavor (so maybe in this case I'm not looking for a Four Seasons although I enjoyed their digs in Hawaii at Hualalai on the Big Island). <BR> <BR>Thanks for your patience! I'd love to hear more suggestions from the Caribbean Cognoscente out there!
. It was a great vacation!! The island even has its own website. I'd recommend ut highly!!
Jun 13th, 1998, 10:44 AM
#10
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Sounds to me like you're looking for Cobblers Cove in Barbados. This happens to be a Relais & Chateaux property and is one of the nicest hotels on this beautiful little island, where the people are friendly and service is a priority. Take a look at this property at this link: http://www.barbados.org/hotels/ccove/index.htm <BR> <BR>If you would like more information on what Barbados is like, let me know. It's my favorite Island! <BR>
Jun 13th, 1998, 02:07 PM
#11
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<BR>Sounds like you might like Young Island. It is a private island off the coast of St. Vincent with just 30 rooms. The grounds are very, very lush. We had room #30. It was a hike, 126 steps up from the beach, but very private. We had a great veiw from every room. The accomadations were wonderful, so was the food, service, etc. Our stay also included a 2 night trip, just my husband, myself and crew on a 40 foot yacht. We visited Bequia and Mustique. Loved the whole stay. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me. Kathy
Jun 14th, 1998, 06:46 AM
#12
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Three books to recommend for finding a different kind of resort would be one of the following - "Caribbean Hideaways" by Ian Keown, "Caribbean Connoisseur" by Michele Evans, and "The 100 Best Resorts of the Caribbean" by Kay Showker. These books give extensive descriptions of the kind of resorts you would be interested in. In fact to choose our honeymoon destination, I read all three books plus the regular books, ordered brochures from any resort that sounded interesting, about 40 different ones, and then made our decision. We even knew what room number we wanted. Good luck. <BR>
Jun 14th, 1998, 07:54 AM
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We enjoy the Ocean Club on Paradise Island, Bahamas. This former mansion of the original owner of the island is quiet and first class all of the way. The resort has about 60 rooms and steps of gardens (gardens have flowers, trees, reflecting pools, and statues) that lead up to a 14th century closister that the former owner had shipped from France. <BR> <BR>First class all of the way! Gorgeous and long, white sand beach with the clearest water we've ever seen anywhere in the Caribbean. Plenty of room to spread out, although when we arrived on a Wednesday there were only 2 other couples on the beach. The weekend drew more people, but also a waiter. Plant your flag in the sand and he will bring you just about anything that you can name. <BR> <BR>Service is never a problem here, although a lack of $$$ would be. Expect to pay $350 per night in low season for a gardenview room. Their main restuarant is in the courtyard of the hotel. Breakfast under the umbrellas and dinner under the stars with a calypso quartet playing soft music. There are also outdoor restaurants at the pool and the overlooking the beach. All food is excellent. A meal plan is available for about $80 a day per person.Otherwise, dinner runs about $200 with appetizer or dessert and a few drinks or a bottle of wine. <BR> <BR>The Ocean Club is owned by the same company that owns the Atlantis resort. Don't worry, it is far enough away that you will not notice it, but close enough that a shuttle van runs between the two hotels and the golf course. Atlantis has a casino if you need some diversion. Atlantis has 12 restaurants which are also included on the meal plan. It just amazed us how good the food was considering it is such a huge operation. Our favorite there is Cafe Martinique. For steaks there is the Bahamian Club. <BR> <BR>Our room had a closet the length of the room. Yes you will need to dress up for dinner. A drawback yes, but even my husband will wear a sportsjacket to eat their fabulous meals. Marble bath with a huge tub, separate water closet with bidet. All of the usual ammenities and extras. Balcony had two chaise lounges and a table with chairs, nice if you had breakfast room service. Of course they had turndown service, rotating Godiva chocolates, red roses and orchids for the pillows each evening. <BR> <BR>There is no fitness center, but they will bring a piece of exercise equipment to your room if you request. <BR> <BR>Concierge can make any of your arrangements for you from flowers (the hotel has it's own florist) to dinner reservations too and all of the other usual stuff. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me. <BR> <BR>Lisa
Jun 18th, 1998, 03:47 AM
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Sounds like your choice has to be Caneel Bay, St. John, US Virgin Islands. The best snorkeling, they have seven private beaches. It is very easy to be on a beach with no one else around. The facilities are understated luxury. Everything has been redone since the extensive damage from the hurricane two years ago, haven't seen it, but heard it is lovelier than ever! Have been there several times, it is most defintely our favorite place, paradise!
Jun 19th, 1998, 09:42 AM
#15
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<BR>If you want "posh" then I would suggest trying a villa in St Martin. Just got back about 3 weeks ago and I do not thing I would go any other way. <BR>We rented a villa called day-o. It had three huge bedrooms,its own swimming pool, was right on the ocean and had views to die for.The place was with out Question one of the nicest places i haved stayedin.
Jun 21st, 1998, 03:44 PM
#17
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Another option for you is Little Dix Bay in Virgin Gorda. It is really quiet, great service, but pretty quiet. I think there is some sort of deal with Caneel Bay and Little Dix where you can stay at both. I hear Caneel has a little more going on and is very beautiful as well. Be sure to be there on Monday night for the Grand Buffet, it was amazing!
Aug 24th, 1998, 02:25 AM
#20
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Two I would reccomend, The Journey's End, Ambergris Caye Belize, accessible only by air or water taxi from San Pedro, the Material Girl madonna keeps going back, but mucho dinero. Anthony's Key Resort, Raotan Island, Honduras if you are a more modest millionaire. Both meet all your criteria and more. <BR>
