Need advice re: Caribbean vacation
 

My wife and I are planning to take a short (7 day) vacation this summer (June/July). We are looking at various islands/hotels in the Caribbean area. Here's what we're looking for:

--upscale/luxury resort but not ridiculously expensive
--something in the range of $400-$500/night
--quieter/more romantic place as opposed to family-oriented
--hotel on the beach with good snorkeling nearby
--island-related activities so we don't have to spend all our time at the resort

Right now we're considering the following places:

Anse Chastanet (St. Lucia)
Jalousie Plantation (St. Lucia)
Ladera (St. Lucia)
Maroma (Mexico)
Cap Juluca (Anguilla)
Cuisinart Resort (Anguilla)

I've checked the rates and these seem to be in the ballpark and look very nice. Any comments on these hotels/islands or suggestons for others? Thanks so much for your help.

I'd look into Caneel Bay St John. It will be close on the rates, but fits all your other requests.

My wife and I just planned a similar trip (just a few days longer) and we opted for CuisinArt in Anguilla.

Thanks. Are you suggesting that Caneel Bay is better? Or just throwing it out as another option?

gallows point resort st john at that price.

www.gallowspointresort.com

upscale/luxury resort
Cap Juluca
CuisinArt

(in my opinion, CJ and CA were more upscale then Anse Chastnet, Ladera and Jaluosie) we've stayed at Jaluosie and visited Ladera and Anse Chastnet

quieter/more romantic place as opposed to family-oriented
Cap Juluca
Ladera

(CuisinArt had families and children there, Jalousie has a children's program although we didn't see many while there)

--hotel on the beach with good snorkeling nearby
Jalousie
Cap Juluca
CuisinArt

(Ladera is up higher and you have to take a shuttle down to the beach, Jalousie was fantastic for the snorkeling- we thought snorkeling and the beach was much better than at Anse Chastnet which has a black sand beach)

--island-related activities so we don't have to spend all our time at the resort
probably all

If you opt for Anguilla- Cap Juluca seems more in line with what you are looking for in my opinion.

If you opt for St Lucia- Jalousie is really nice- although I haven't been there since they changed management so not sure if there are issues there right now.

Between those 2- I would probably pick Anguilla because I love seeing the crystal clear waters.

St Lucia is great if you want a more lush island- and Jalousie has a really pretty beach. It has great views and going to dinner at Ladera is really special! (also don't forget if you are looking at Ladera that they have an "open wall" so if you need AC or if you feel uncomfortable with bugs etc Ladera might be iffy.... that along with being close to the beach are why we went with Jalousie.

I would second TravCarib's comments on all counts.