MOST PEACEFUL ISLAND???
 

Does anyone have suggestions as to which island is the most private, non-americanized relaxing place to visit for a young couple? We do not want any high risees or big chain hotels. Something small and quaint with beautiful clear water beaches and friendly people. Thanks so much, this will be my fist trip to the caribbean-most likely going in september.<BR><BR>Thanks in advance!!!!

Sorry everyone, I didn't realize that there's an almost exact question like this one!!!<BR><BR>Cheers

Just in its setting, not the island itself is the Long Bay Hotel in Antigua off in a serene area on a beautiful beach setting--more like a large Inn. I think you would enjoy this atmospere.

Just reading about a very small place in Tobago--The Seahorse Inn--also a restaurant--very nice beach setting.

Some resorts in the outer islands of the Bahamas are quiet--the Abaco Beach Resort in Harbour Island may be a good selection. Tennis, swim up bar, white sand beach, watersports, scuba, etc.

For several reason I would say head South in the Caribbean. First, it is less developed than the Northern islands; fewer American's because it is a little harder to get to; you are going in September which is around the peak of the hurricane season and the Southern islands are passed most of the time. I would say the Grenadines for several options like you described...Bequia and then even better down the chain. It is very relaxing but yet you can hike, walk, etc if so inclined. Even during the high season this year we had 3 out of 5 beaches to just us. Everyone is very friendly and you really get a chance to know people during your stay if you desire. Check out The Old Fort (www.theoldfort.com) and you will see what kind of places to stay. Loved that Inn and will be going back in two days. I warn you, you will be spoiled if you later visit the Northern islands. Good luck in your search and your trip.

Anguilla is the most peaceful, noncommercial beautiful island. best beaches, great restaurants, friendly ppl. No high rises, no chain hotels.<BR>be careful in Sept - it can be a bit rainy.

Sammie,<BR><BR>Petit St. Vincent in the Grenadines, Young Island off St. Vincent, Nisbet Plantation on Nevis, Curtain Bluff on Antigua, almost all of the small hotels on the west coast of Barbados north of Bridgetown, Old Gin House on Statia, and I'd also look into villas on St. Bart, or Bequia, Mustique and Canouan in the Grenadines.<BR>Check out also Spice Island Inn on Grenada and Biras Creek and Bitter End on Virgin Gorda.<BR>Make sure you get trip interuption insurance as September is peak hurricane season.

The small intimate Peach and Quiet Hotel (yes, that's PEACH!) in Barbados is not expensive and definitely quiet (see Where2Stay.com for travelers reviews)--they offer packages as well as hiking programs for a week (extra cost). A British couple own this property.

Just another note that September is the hurricane season so it's best to stay in the Southern part of the Caribbean--Barbados, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao etc. Other islands may not be in the path of a hurricane but you can get a lot of rain. We always travel in early December and usually have nice weather and we still get the low-season rates.

Another vote for Anguilla. <BR>Yes September is in hurricane season, but the hotel rates are very low, the water is even clearer than in the winter months and every where is less crowded.

Why does everyone try to avoid the American's? If you go to a small quiet island does it really matter who goes there???<BR>Just Wondering, I'm new to this board.

I know I will offend many, but sometimes American tourists are very rude and inconsiderate. Sorry, you asked.

No apology necessary xxx.<BR>This type of question is discussed on the Euro board on occasion.<BR>No question that Americans are overall the most rude, inconsiderate and disliked travellers in the world.<BR>That's just the way it is.<BR>No way to sugar coat it.

Donna and xxx, re-read Sammie's post. He (she?) wants a 'non-americanized' place. Meaning (s)he wants someplace that has retained its own heritage, one that hasn't sprouted KFC and McDonald's on every other corner. (S)he makes no mention of not wanting americans around. (S)he wants the authentic, old Caribbean flavor, and I can't fault him/her on that. It's what I look for also.<BR>But I do it with a little wrinkle. I look for places on islands that can't be reached directly by air from New York.<BR>That way I know I can enjoy myself without being subjected to the loud nasal brayings of "Why does it take so long to get a drink here?" or, "I told you we should have gone to Miami Beach!"<BR>or, "No television in my room? I hate this place, I've never been treated so rudely. And I'm never coming back!!"<BR>To my experience, this kind of tourist won't venture beyond that direct-flight island, and so I won't have to endure them.

Thank you for your honest reply, no apology necessary. We are American and I can honestly say that I get embarassed at other's behavior. We travel where there are mostly Europeans and the atmosphere is very different. Very relaxing and peaceful people are more respectful of others. No yelling or loud talking it's actually lovely. I am not speaking for all Americans behavior, but I can certainly understand why we as a whole are considered boorish and over the top. <BR><BR>To answer the post I would have to say that I enjoy any of the British Islands. For September I would go as far south as possible.

Have you considered Positano in the Amalfi Coast-Italy? Also, Marie Galante in Guadeloupe.

For information on the french islands--Marie Galante, Les Saintes, St. Barts etc. go to frenchcaribbean.com

Where2Stay. com has travelers reviews of Les Petits Sainte Hotel in Les Saintes off the coast of Guadeloupe. Get info typing in information in Google.

that's funny...i've always found the europeans to be the rudest...never que up..always barging to the front of lines...blowing smoke in your face...not wearing deodorant...etc.

Hey, American, my guess is you've had to be around a lot of French and German tourists, right? Man, I agree, they are a pain.<BR>The Brits are, by and large, pleasant to be around. Maybe some of these posters should be more specific about who they mean.

It's true that Americans can be loud and complain a lot on vacation but there are also many Americans who are the nicest people on earth--it just depends upon where you're staying--refined sophisticated quiet places are usually alright and the less expensive quiet places but a place like Atlantis is a zoo. I would vacation with the Brit's anyday and when we were in France the French were so nice but I can't say that of a near by country which I will leave at that.

Try St. Barts, Virgin Gorda or Nevis, all successfully resisting (so-far) the blight of mass American tourism.<BR><BR>If you don't mind an island where virtually no English is spoken, try Terre de Haute (Les Saintes) off Guadeloupe. It's totally un-American, totally uncrowded, has beautiful beaches and a scenic harbor that is often compared to that of Rio's. No cars allowed.<BR><BR>If you are willing to give up the beaches, then Dominica is great, with a gorgeous island and very friendly people.

I also agree with the Anguilla vote, but here is another that is nice and peaceful...Ambergise Caye off of the coast of Belize. The diving /snorkling is oustanding. Day trips to the jungle and Mayan ruins. No cars at all on the island, except for the taxi's. Sand floors in the restaurants in town. Want to ride a bike for a while? They are provided free of charge at most hotels, none of which are chains.<BR><BR>All in all, an outstanding place.

I vote for the small Francois Plantation in St. Barts--small island and gorgeous beaches.

Thanks to everyone for your input and really great ideas. Although after careful consideration, I don't think we will be travelling to the caribbean in sept. due to everyone's warnings about hurricanes. Out of the research that I've done, a few islands popped out to me. Although they were not mentioned on this board, I've heard and read a lot of great things about Cat Island in the bahamas. Has anyone been there/heard of it? Also what about a smaller island in the Turks? Any suggestions there? Do they have nice beaches? Friendly people?<BR>Also, Lou's suggestion of Ambergise Caye off of the coast of Belize seems great.<BR>Anyway, if there are any other opinions I would greatly appreciate it.<BR><BR>Thanks so much for all your time and responses.<BR><BR>S<BR>

Since you expressed interest in the Bahamas look into Tiamo Resort, Andros Bahamas--see travelers reviews in Where2Stay.com-- a very quiet property on a gorgeous beach.

Don't exactly rule out the Caribbean in "hurricane season". Aruba lies below the hurricane belt so there is no worry about hurricane season. I wonder if Curacao or Bonaire does also.<BR><BR>Don't about romantic, quiet hideaways however.

In general, the farther south you go, the less American tourists you will find. For example, Grenada is a world apart from places like the US virgin islands. I recommend picking one of the super lush tropical islands if this is your first trip, so avoid islands like T&C, Cayman or Anguilla.