Need Some Tips
 

Hi, my boyfriend and I plan on going to the Carribean in mid to late June for a week (or a bit more). I travel frequently, and have traveled throughout the U.S., Belize and England. However, I am completely lost in finding the perfect vacation destination for June. I was considering Atlantis in the Bahamas, but I have read so many negative remarks that I have been turned off. Any opinions?

While Atlantis seemed nice at first, with its beautiful aquariums & activities, I'm thinking I do not want a resort that big and touristy. Ideally, I would like a romantic hotel on a pristine beach with clear water. Any ideas on a location?

I would like a clean, beautiful room; luxurious with nice bedding and furniture. I also would like some activities, i.e. shopping, water sports, dining- but not extremely necessay, especially if the hotel/resort/villa offers these things. Looking to spend $2500 per person.

Sorry if this is so vague, I'm just trying to get as many opinions and discover the perfect vacation spot. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

I have been to Atlantis and we had fun, but I think from your description of pristine and luxurious, you may be disappointed. It was very nice, but I get the feeling it is not what you are looking for.
St.Thomas has a ritz carlton that would give you luxurious accomodations on a nice beach with beautiful water. You can take snorkel boats, etc..from here and you also have shopping in town.
We have been to Aruba and it is busy there with tons of watersports right in front of the hotel. The water is a blue-green with white sand. I think the nicest hotel is the Hyatt. We stayed at the Marriott and it was very nice, but the Hyatt had a more plush look. Shopping was not something we did here, but dining is fabulous. In Aruba, I would look at the Hyatt, Radisson and Marriott properties.
Anguilla will have the pristine beaches and dining, but is very quiet. St. Martin is the next island and you can go there for shopping and action. I believe there is a ferry between. The most talked about hotel, (I have not been) is Cap Jaluca. It is known for it's luxury.
Back to the Atlantis, It is over the top gaudy looking, but fun! I would describe it as a Vegas on the beach. We had a blast and had a very nice suite in the Royal towers(It was my 40th birthday) and family came to the island to surprise me as well. The food was good. Everywhere in the Caribbean is expensive. The Atlantis was not overly crowded when we were there, but I understand it gets packed. There are many families at this hotel. Outside of the resort, I wouldn't even bother to go to. Nassau is a very dumpy town. If you are into straw bags, that is the shopping. I am sure that the Bahamas offers much nicer areas to visit than Nassau.

If you want the fun of Atlantis, but laid back luxury, go to The One and Only which is next to Atlantis and will give you full privileges to Atlantis property.

Good idea Schmerl. I did not even think of that.

I agree with girlonthego.....the Hyatt in Aruba is awesome. It's a beautiful resort with fabulous service, great restaurants, awesome beach, and lots to do including Red Sail Sports on the beach and a casino on the property. The resort is very well maintained and has a very luxurious feel. When we first went there, the taxi driver said as we pulled up "Welcome to Paradise!"

Actually, that should be the One and Only Ocean Club.

Bucuti Beach hotel - Aruba

http://www.bucuti.com/en/rooms/tarabeach.php

The best beach in Aruba and very quiet. We stayed there mid June 2004 when the Tara Suites had just opened, The Tara suites are 2 people maximum and the resort doesn't cater to children so this is a quiet hotel.

We had no trouble finding a lounger or a palapa and the hotel provide you with a flag that you stick in the sand when you want another drink and the bar staff come to you and take your order - how relaxing is that?

Aruba has many good restaurants - your only issue will be deciding which ones to visit.

Public transport is frequent, clean and well used by locals and tourists so you don't need to worry about getting around the island, but if you decide to hire a car the roads are wonderful.