My husband and I are planning a trip the first weekend in April, and we were thinking we'd like to go to Bermuda. I'm afraid it will still be too cold to enjoy the beach then, though. What other island could we visit which would be as civilized as Bermuda?

Bermuda is a sophisticated wonderful island. Its hard to match! It really is an island unto itself in many more ways than its location. It would help if you give a little better criteria.

SusanGA-<BR><BR>We also looked into it for the later March of March. The lady @ Pompano said the weather will be 70-75. And water temperature 65-70. I did some additional research and found that in Mach, the water will only be 62.<BR><BR>If you go @ this time though, you will be some GREAT rates. But I wonder about the availability of watersports, etc.<BR><BR>Good luck, let us know what you find out.

Susan GA-I agree with Susan 1-March can be iffy since Bermuda is off Carolina Coast.<BR><BR>Post # 14 in the Bermuda section gives a detailed description of water temps and sports that time of year.<BR><BR><BR>

To give a little background, we went to Jamaica for our honeymoon and realized that it's really like a third world country there. We decided it would be best to stay on the resort. We want to go somewhere this time with a beautiful beach, but also with fabulous restaurants, nice shopping, and where the local citizens don't harass tourists. We want to feel safe too, and I understand that Bermuda has almost no crime. Thoughts?

Bermuda is beautiful, safe and sophisticated. The beaches pristine, golf spectacular and very good restuarants. BUT-the weather in April probably won't be beach weather.<BR><BR>We loved Bermuda-spent our 15th anniversary there.<BR><BR>Just returned from Grand Cayman and loved that also. Very similar to Bermuda but with less formalness. Also, I think a better choice of restaurants. Also, no crime. It may not be as upscale, though but is not third world by any means.<BR><BR>Continental has non stop flight from Newark on sat and sunday. It is a 4 hour flight and you are only 1 hour from Miami.<BR><BR>Bermuda is only an hour from New York. Many non stops to there.<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>

Karan, Where did you stay in Grand Cayman? Maybe we'll go there. Thanks.

Bermuda has been one of our favorites for many years. We have been there onver 20 times. In the early 90's we wanted to go away in the cold weather. We went to Barbados, had a great time, nothing like Bermuda, but I was disappointed in the beaches, plus the island was too large. We next tried Anguilla, been there many many times. Its flat, arid, nothing like Bermuda except the English connection, and its small, lovely lovely Anguillians, fantastic hotels in many price ranges, and wonderful little waterfront restaurants, empty beaches. <BR>The best time to go to Bermuda is late May to mid October. It may be off North Carolina, but it is affected by the Gulf Stream, after all it is a semi <BR>tropical island! April is a little too early for me!

We stayed at a very nice, although not 5 star condo called aqua bay. I found it in the site under the cayman Islands postings. You might want to go thru them. Great advice from several cayman experts.<BR><BR>There is a website called caymanvacations.com that shows where they are.<BR><BR>The really are no 5 star props in Grand Cayman but it is still very nice indeed. <BR><BR>If you are from GA, there is a non stop from Atlanta.<BR><BR>Let me know what you decide.

susanGA, susan 1-another possibility, although I ahve not been there, is Turks and Caicos in the southern Bahamas. We considered going there but we would have had to go to JFK for a non stop.<BR><BR>I've heard great things about the area and there are some interesting posts.

Karan, Aqua Bay looks nice (I looked at the website). And, I am from Atlanta, funny you should mention it. How were the restaurants in Grand Cayman? We really like eating out. I will also check out T&amp;C. <BR><BR>And, Penny, Anguilla sounds nice. I'll check that out too.

Excellent restaurants in grand cayman. good variety and quality. pappagallo and calypso grill near aqua bay, fab. As good as any NYC restaurant. More varitey and price than bermuda. I live in NJ but i guess you figured that out,<BR><BR>Super stuff by georgetown area as well if you are willing to drive.<BR><BR>everything from gourmet pizza to dine in delivery from great local restaurants to condos.

Karen,<BR>I am going to GC the first week of April, and plan to stay at Marriott. Do you know if the beach in front of Marriott has been restored. Can I walk on the beach to Treasure Island hotel. Thanks.

dandandan-sorry, i really do not know from personal experience. If you go to the cayman islands discussion there are lots of posts about it.<BR><BR>The marriott is on the south part of 7 mile as is treasure island so i think you can probbaly walk there. Lots of people walk all over.

karen,<BR>Thanks for your reply. Do you know if you can snorkel right off the beach in front of Westin?

SusanGa-<BR><BR>One other suggestion for you if you love beaches and a safe clean environment, you might want to consider Aruba...which is my favorite island.<BR><BR>You really get a relaxing feeling there. It isn't very tropical (the island itself), but the resorts are landscaped beautifully, and they are lined with palm trees.<BR><BR>I recommend the Hyatt, Marriott or the Radisson. If you are more on a budget (which I don't think so because Bermuda can be pricey), you might want to consider Wyndham, which is also a nice resort.<BR><BR>Let us know what you choose.<BR><BR>We also are now tossing with the idea of Grand Cayman also. We will probably stay @ the Hyatt or Westin (regardless of what the folks on this site say).<BR><BR>Good luck!

susan 1-i like the location and look of the Westin better. Westin is a very good hotel chain and I am sure you will like it. <BR><BR>Even though in GC the hotels are located in a busier part of the 7 mile beach, the 7 mile beach is absolutely beautiful no matter where you stay.<BR><BR>GC is a wonderful island.<BR><BR>

While Bermuda is nice, it is definitely a little chilly that time of year compared to the Caribbean.<BR><BR>The most upscale island is, hands-down, St. Barth's in the French West Indies. Also, along with ANguilla, the most expensive and exclusive. Gorgeous beaches and water. Lots of pampering and poshness, but the island itself is a little arid, not lush.<BR><BR>If you want beautiful lush island with upscale pampering, try the Four Seasons on Nevis. It just won a &quot;Best Of&quot; award for service and luxury from the Caribbean Travel and Leisure magazine.<BR><BR>Good luck.

Been to Bermuda countless times, and my husband even worked there for a year, so I know it very well. You're right--very iffy at that time of year. Even May can be cool, actually. Another option for you might be St. Barts. Went there for the first time in November and it's INCREDIBLE! Very, very civilized, and the shopping is great-totally beats Bermuda. Dining is also fabulous, though I love Bermuda's dining too. Only prob is getting there. No airport, just a landing strip.