Narrowed down to five islands.....
Jul 16th, 2003, 04:43 PM
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Narrowed down to five islands.....
OK..I have been researching feverishly for a few weeks now...and have narrowed down our (a group of late twenties/early 30's ladies)late winter/early spring Caribbean trip to one of four islands: St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Barbados, Antigua, and Aruba.
Now I know these are 5 very different islands, with very different things to offer, and am having a great bit of trouble choosing our first Caribbean vacation..so I was wondering if any of you have been to one or more of these islands might offer your advice...the good, the bad, where to stay, dining/nightlife, etc?
That way I can compare opinions and hopefully put myself out of misery soon and just pick a darn island...ha ha
Thanks in advance.
Now I know these are 5 very different islands, with very different things to offer, and am having a great bit of trouble choosing our first Caribbean vacation..so I was wondering if any of you have been to one or more of these islands might offer your advice...the good, the bad, where to stay, dining/nightlife, etc?
That way I can compare opinions and hopefully put myself out of misery soon and just pick a darn island...ha ha
Thanks in advance.
Jul 16th, 2003, 05:21 PM
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Hi Elizabeth,
I know the feeling! I have logged HOURS on the 'net, trying to pick the islands I want to have my wedding/honeymoon on next summer and I change my mind everyday! The thing to remember, I think, is that no matter what you pick, you will have a blast! The chances of you going to St. Thomas and then wishing you went to Antigua are probably pretty slim! I'm sure you will have fun no matter where you go.
I know the feeling! I have logged HOURS on the 'net, trying to pick the islands I want to have my wedding/honeymoon on next summer and I change my mind everyday! The thing to remember, I think, is that no matter what you pick, you will have a blast! The chances of you going to St. Thomas and then wishing you went to Antigua are probably pretty slim! I'm sure you will have fun no matter where you go.
Jul 16th, 2003, 07:31 PM
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Just a suggestion- But if you are interested in all those islands,
Why not choose a SOUTHERN Caribbean cruise out of San Juan and GO to all of the islands...
Then you will have first hand experience of which one you liked best to go back to later for another vacation...all the while, having a terrific time on a cruise..
Why not choose a SOUTHERN Caribbean cruise out of San Juan and GO to all of the islands...
Then you will have first hand experience of which one you liked best to go back to later for another vacation...all the while, having a terrific time on a cruise..
Jul 17th, 2003, 06:11 AM
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It really all depends on what your priorities are and what you are looking for in a vacation. I personally would not choose a cruise just for the simple fact that I don't want to be stuck on a boat with 2,000 other people and not able to enjoy the beach and island when I please.
We honeymooned in Antigua last year and really enjoyed the island. The beaches are great and there are a variety of resorts to choose from. But being a group of girls, I would assume you would want some nightlife options and I don't believe Antigua offers much in the way of that. I don't have any interest in Aruba because of what I have read. It is very Americanized with lots of high rise hotels and casinos. This may be the perfect spot for a girls trip though.
Maybe someone else can chime in on St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Barbados. Good luck in choosing and enjoy your trip!
We honeymooned in Antigua last year and really enjoyed the island. The beaches are great and there are a variety of resorts to choose from. But being a group of girls, I would assume you would want some nightlife options and I don't believe Antigua offers much in the way of that. I don't have any interest in Aruba because of what I have read. It is very Americanized with lots of high rise hotels and casinos. This may be the perfect spot for a girls trip though.
Maybe someone else can chime in on St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Barbados. Good luck in choosing and enjoy your trip!
Jul 17th, 2003, 06:44 AM
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Hi, Elizabeth:
I know what you mean about research -- I've been doing the same recently and when I bring home all the printed answers, my husband exclaims "look how many trees you've killed!"
Anyway, I wouldn't be me if I didn't put in my bid for Barbados. We're going there next month for our 19th or 20th time (we've actually lost count). We prefer to stay on the South Coast and there's lots of nice restaurants, happy hours at the beach bars, and nightlife (though I'm older than you and never awake for the nightlife anymore!)
The only thing Barbados doesn't have is gambling, so I don't know if that's a problem for you or one of your friends.
Hope this helps you in any small way.
PatC
I know what you mean about research -- I've been doing the same recently and when I bring home all the printed answers, my husband exclaims "look how many trees you've killed!"
Anyway, I wouldn't be me if I didn't put in my bid for Barbados. We're going there next month for our 19th or 20th time (we've actually lost count). We prefer to stay on the South Coast and there's lots of nice restaurants, happy hours at the beach bars, and nightlife (though I'm older than you and never awake for the nightlife anymore!)
The only thing Barbados doesn't have is gambling, so I don't know if that's a problem for you or one of your friends.
Hope this helps you in any small way.
PatC
Jul 17th, 2003, 06:51 AM
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It might help if you told us what is most important to your group. Shopping? Fine dining? Fabulous beaches? Nightlife? I have been to all five islands and there are pros and cons to each, also, some are more expensive than others, especially in winter. I find Barbados to be significantly more expensive than Aruba, and Aruba is more Americanized. Let me know what you are looking for and I will try to offer advice.
Jul 17th, 2003, 08:48 AM
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Well,I think we are looking for a mixture of everything you mention...shopping, nightlife, dining (not necessarily fine dining only), excursions,beaches, with just the right mix of relaxation worked in.
A casino would be fun, but not absolutely necessary.
Is Barbados considerably more expensive than the other islands?
Thanks to everyone for all the advice..keep it coming..ha ha!!!!!
A casino would be fun, but not absolutely necessary.
Is Barbados considerably more expensive than the other islands?
Thanks to everyone for all the advice..keep it coming..ha ha!!!!!
Jul 17th, 2003, 08:55 AM
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I'd have concerns about a group of young ladies on St. Martin/Maarten. Crime is a major problem there, undisclosed of course because it would hurt tourism.
A couple of years ago, an American tourist and her boyfriend were driving back to their hotel from a nightclub. The car was stopped and she was gang raped; hew was beaten. Isolated incident? I hope so, but an example of the crime issue.
Good luck with your decision! I love St.T, Aruba & Barbados.
A couple of years ago, an American tourist and her boyfriend were driving back to their hotel from a nightclub. The car was stopped and she was gang raped; hew was beaten. Isolated incident? I hope so, but an example of the crime issue.
Good luck with your decision! I love St.T, Aruba & Barbados.
Jul 17th, 2003, 09:28 AM
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Elizabeth,
I would like to but my vote in for Aruba. I have been there 2 times with a girlfriend and I think it is a perfect girls vacation place. We had a great time on both vacations. The first time we stayed at the Marriott which was really nice but far from the other hotels. Last year we stayed at the Radisson and loved it. The grounds are great the rooms are nice and the beach is great. I have heard of people having problems with the wind but we didnt experience it on either trip (once in May and the other in October). We looked at the Hyatt the last time we were there and decided if we went back that would be where we would stay, seemed just a little nicer than the Radisson. We really enjoyed being close to the other hotels. You could walk along the beach and check them out and go over for dinner. Aruba has great dining options. There are some really great restaurants on the island. The other thing is Aruba feels like a very safe island. Never once did we feel uncomfortable. The other thing is there are alot of couples but it wasn't thrown in your face. Down town is really nice too. What ever you do have a great trip.
Let us know what you decide to do.
I would like to but my vote in for Aruba. I have been there 2 times with a girlfriend and I think it is a perfect girls vacation place. We had a great time on both vacations. The first time we stayed at the Marriott which was really nice but far from the other hotels. Last year we stayed at the Radisson and loved it. The grounds are great the rooms are nice and the beach is great. I have heard of people having problems with the wind but we didnt experience it on either trip (once in May and the other in October). We looked at the Hyatt the last time we were there and decided if we went back that would be where we would stay, seemed just a little nicer than the Radisson. We really enjoyed being close to the other hotels. You could walk along the beach and check them out and go over for dinner. Aruba has great dining options. There are some really great restaurants on the island. The other thing is Aruba feels like a very safe island. Never once did we feel uncomfortable. The other thing is there are alot of couples but it wasn't thrown in your face. Down town is really nice too. What ever you do have a great trip.
Let us know what you decide to do.
Jul 17th, 2003, 10:01 AM
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Once again, as in other posts, I have to take issue with the crime in St. Martin. My last visit was in 2001, and I have been to St. Martin a total of six times, all within the most recent years. I have never been threatened, have never felt compromised, and have never been afraid. There is a reason I keep going back to the island. Friends of ours go twice a year (every May and October) for three to four weeks at a time. They frequent local eateries, convenience stores, and have even befriended numerous locals there. While I believe you need to keep your wits about you no matter where you go whether it be NYC, the Vatican City, or the Caribbean, I feel that these reports are a little bit overdone and are not within my experience, or those of my friends. If you choose St. Martin, I think you will have a wonderful time. It seems that it has everything you are looking for: nice, lush accommodations on the French side, casinos on the Dutch side, fabulous food, great beaches, good shopping in either Phillipsburg or Marigot, day excursions to St. Bart's or Anguilla, catamaran sails, nude beaches, and variety. Good luck choosing, but don't unilaterally rule out St. Martin.
Jul 17th, 2003, 08:48 PM
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As a 20 year resident of St. Thomas and as much as I would promote "my" island as your vacation spot, I have to agree with "andy" and his suggestion of a cruise.
For the price you would pay to visit just one island and the price of the hotel and airfare alone (no meals or entertainment) you ladies would have a real blast on a cruise and would visit just about every island on your prospect list (probably not Aruba but, sorry Aruba-lovers, you won't be missing out too much) and maybe a couple more.
I cruised many times down island in the 90s from St. Thomas, most of the time as a single. Oh did I enjoy! Cruised most of the time on the older ships which I preferred over the mega-glitz things. Met fabulous people, ate gourmet food every night, enjoyed fantastic entertainment, danced, gambled, enjoyed day trips and tours to different islands (many of which I went back to later on after a first glimpse) and have always touted cruises as being a truly enjoyable way to spend a vacation.
I think what's great about a cruise is that you can do what you want to do. If you want to do silly pool games, play bingo or indulge in karaoke or whatever else, it's all there.
If you want to have a drink in a glitzy bar or in a quiet spot, you have that option.
If you want to dress up for dinner, dinner awaits but if you want to stay in your cabin and get room service, that's there too.
If you want to be alone, that's fine. If you want to be with people, that's fine too.
Me? I always enjoyed rising early and going up on the foredeck with a cup of coffee to watch the sun rise over a vast sea . And then, very late at night, up on the foredeck watching the waves churning away from the keel with just the low hum of the engines as minimal background.
Inbetween - a bunch of fun! Look into it further, Elizabeth and, whatever you decide upon, have a wonderful vacation!
For the price you would pay to visit just one island and the price of the hotel and airfare alone (no meals or entertainment) you ladies would have a real blast on a cruise and would visit just about every island on your prospect list (probably not Aruba but, sorry Aruba-lovers, you won't be missing out too much) and maybe a couple more.
I cruised many times down island in the 90s from St. Thomas, most of the time as a single. Oh did I enjoy! Cruised most of the time on the older ships which I preferred over the mega-glitz things. Met fabulous people, ate gourmet food every night, enjoyed fantastic entertainment, danced, gambled, enjoyed day trips and tours to different islands (many of which I went back to later on after a first glimpse) and have always touted cruises as being a truly enjoyable way to spend a vacation.
I think what's great about a cruise is that you can do what you want to do. If you want to do silly pool games, play bingo or indulge in karaoke or whatever else, it's all there.
If you want to have a drink in a glitzy bar or in a quiet spot, you have that option.
If you want to dress up for dinner, dinner awaits but if you want to stay in your cabin and get room service, that's there too.
If you want to be alone, that's fine. If you want to be with people, that's fine too.
Me? I always enjoyed rising early and going up on the foredeck with a cup of coffee to watch the sun rise over a vast sea . And then, very late at night, up on the foredeck watching the waves churning away from the keel with just the low hum of the engines as minimal background.
Inbetween - a bunch of fun! Look into it further, Elizabeth and, whatever you decide upon, have a wonderful vacation!
Jul 19th, 2003, 06:24 PM
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There's lots to do in St. Thomas. When you get tired of the shopping, nightlife, hustle and bustle....head over to the ferry to St. John, (20 min. out of Red Hook) beautiful peace and tranquility awaits.
When in St. Martin, the french side is best. If you like nudist beaching go to Orient Beach or other secluded spots. We prefer to take the quick water taxi to Anguilla to Shoal Bay which is a paradise in my opinion. Course I shouldn't tell you all because then too many people will go and it will become crowded. As far as St. Martin, I don't care for it much, just alot of restaurants, the shopping is not as good as St. Thomas.
Also, there is the fact that it is French, how do they feel about Americans, aside from the fact that they want our money? I am part french but I will feel more comfortable in the good old and beautiful US Virgin Islands.
When in St. Martin, the french side is best. If you like nudist beaching go to Orient Beach or other secluded spots. We prefer to take the quick water taxi to Anguilla to Shoal Bay which is a paradise in my opinion. Course I shouldn't tell you all because then too many people will go and it will become crowded. As far as St. Martin, I don't care for it much, just alot of restaurants, the shopping is not as good as St. Thomas.
Also, there is the fact that it is French, how do they feel about Americans, aside from the fact that they want our money? I am part french but I will feel more comfortable in the good old and beautiful US Virgin Islands.
Jul 20th, 2003, 05:31 PM
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I have not been to St. Thomas or Aruba but if I was to go back to the other three I would place them in this order:
Barbados
Antigua
St. Martin
Barbados and Antigua are more interesting scenically. Antigua's Nelson's Dockyard is worth visiting and the island has some nice beaches. I would choose Barbados first only by a hair because I found the atmosphere a tad more fun. On another day I might swing in favour of Antigua.
In Barbados I liked the west coast best (for accommodations). St. Martin is good though for taking day trips to Anguilla with its outstanding beaches, and St. Barths.
Barbados
Antigua
St. Martin
Barbados and Antigua are more interesting scenically. Antigua's Nelson's Dockyard is worth visiting and the island has some nice beaches. I would choose Barbados first only by a hair because I found the atmosphere a tad more fun. On another day I might swing in favour of Antigua.
In Barbados I liked the west coast best (for accommodations). St. Martin is good though for taking day trips to Anguilla with its outstanding beaches, and St. Barths.
Jul 21st, 2003, 05:40 AM
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Well, if your priorities are the best mixture of beaches, dining, shopping, etc. I have to go with Aruba, although I really like Barbados too. Barbados is definitely a prettier island and its beaches are nice, but I love Aruba's beach because you can walk on it for miles and large stretches of it barely have any people. Also, Aruba is compact, so it is easy to get around and there are lots of good dining choices. As a bonus, you have access to the casinos. The shopping is good, not great like St. Thomas and St. Maarten but since you are looking for the best mix of amenities, Aruba gets my vote. It is also clean, the people are friendly, safe. One warning though, it is pretty Americanized (Outback Steakhouse, Dunkin Donuts, etc.) so if that's not what you are looking for, pick another island. I actually found the Aruba culture to be very interesting -- a great mix of dutch, caribbean, indian and American. And I agree with a previous poster, I love the feel of the Hyatt. The Radisson is bigger and lots of people rave about it, but for me the Hyatt has the right feel and the landscaping and public areas are gorgeous.
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