My husband and I will be celebrating a special anniversary at the end of this month. And, I still haven't booked our 4 night getaway. We love upscale, but not stuffy, places on the beach. Are there all-inclusive spas beside Le Sport? Basically,we'd love white sand beaches, good service, clean turquoise waters and something that is not part of hotel strip.

I'm looking on last minute travel sites. But, most of the deals seem to be at really super-sized resorts. any ssuggestions?

Maybe Four Seasons Great Exuma? Even though it is kind of big, its pretty private and there are only private residences that are next to it. The beach seems to be perfect, with white sand and turquoise water.

The only other all-inclusive spa that I'm aware of is La Source, on Grenada --- same owners as Le Sport. But that resort still hasn't reopened (I think that happens in February). Does this have to be on St. Lucia? Does it have to be all-inclusive? I think those are the issues that make this a very difficult search for you.

There should be a fair number of deals for late November, but you've waited very long to book something for Thanksgiving weekend, if that's what you have in mind.

What kind of price range are you looking at?

I'll look into the Four Seasons. Doug, it does not have to be a an all inclusive and I've actually waited very long to make a decision for late October /the first few days of November. I would rather spend under $3,000.

Eek ... October not November. I guess you have waited a long time. The good part about that is you may find a last-minute deal. Since your time is so short, take a look at the Turks & Caicos as well. Maybe the Somerset has something.

Well, after endless hours of research, it seems that couples swept away might be the best choice for us. The deal for around $3,300 includes everything (including my husbands scuba) However, I'm not that excited. I really am frightened of feeling compelled to join in activities and of mediocre food. I looked in the Somerset (booked) Pink Sands (booked) Guana Island (too expensive). I feel reassured though by the good reviews on trip advisor and the listing on Conde Nast and Travel and Leisure. Does anyone have any other ideas I can explore or opinions on this resort.

i know 2 couples who have honeymooned at swept away. they both loved it. one couple has returned 3 times for anninv. celebration. from what i hear you will not be compelled to join any activities. they both thought the place was romantic and offered plenty of privacy.
i'd book it and be done with the stressing. you'll have a great time.

If you are looking for a hotel on the smaller side that will give you a bit more privacy, try these websites for lovely hotels on Harbour Island.

www.romorabay.com
www.rockhousebahamas.com
www.runawayhill.com (although Runaway may be closed to get ready for the season)
www.coralsands.com
www.dunsmorebeach.com

and

www.myharbourisland.com

Have a lovely trip.

don't know if this is any help but if you've picked out a couple of places and the online booking says no vacancy, it is sometimes very worthwhile to call the resort directly to see if they have anything available. I've done it several times and been successful. It's even happened when I've called a resort or hotel when the 800-nuumber says no go.

Thanks so much. Harbour Island looks exquisite, I'll have to look into that too. There is also availability now at teh Ritz Carlton in Montego Bay (i've heard the beach is not nice) and some Turks and Cacois condos (I'm worried about being overwhelmed by families and feeling compelled to cook. Anyone else have thoughts on these properties or Swept Away?

I'd definitely take the Ritz-Carlton in Grand Cayman, but I'm just not fond of the one in Jamaica (yes, the beach is sub-standard, though golf is great). If your husband is a diver, then that's another consideration. Diving isn't that great in Jamaica.

Swept Away is a great resort, but it's not that upscale. You can easily opt out of activities, so don't be concerned about that. There are some excellent non-AI properties right on Negril Beach, and you would save enough on a room that you could easily meet your budget on food and drinks.

Sunset at the Palms is great for AI, but it's across the street from the beach. But I'd recommend Idle Awhile as a nice boutique property on Negril Beach in an unbeatable location. Country Country is a cheaper alternative. There are alot of good restaurants there, including Norma's. The Caves, while not on the beach, is an excellent upscale boutique hotel (might be out of your price range, but it's worth checking). The Rockhouse is nicer (as long as you get a villa room).

So, having spent another day researching here is what I found. Loved Rock house in Negril. Called them and it's booked. I think Idle Awhile might be too famiy friendly with their villa options. The Caymans seem too glitzy to me after our cruise ship stop. T&C might me soemthing we do with the family in February. Anguilla would be great when we can get into Cuisinart. St. MArtin would be great whent here is space at Le Petit. Four Seasons Eleuthra is very family-frinedly.

I think I realize that I want only to be in a couples only places otherwise I'll feel too guilty about leaving my kids behind.

Swept Away has been rated in the Top 25 in T&L and Conde Nast. It even won some award for their environmentally sensitive dive operation. It has great reviews on Trip Advisor, Fodors and Frommers. And, I'm getting all the stuff including my husband's diving, golf, tennis (with instruction) for just a little over 3200. (Will we actually be with each other?) It would be under 3000 if I wasn't asking for a beachfront veradah room. Plus, they have yoga classes and a 45-martini, martini bar. So it makes sense to go there.

But, please someone help me get over my fear of it being in one fodorites words "redneck riviera."

I don't think you need to worry about that. This isn't the Holday Inn Sunspree or even the gigantic Riu resorts. Swept Away is a reasonably expensive, very well run AI resort. I like the Couples brand, and they run a good operation. It's just not terribly upscale, but it has one of the best sports facilities in Jamaica.

Misha, I was a travel agent and EVERYONE

Sorry about the above, my computer did a weird thing.

Anyway when I was a travel agent, everyone I ever sent to Swept Away became return guests. We have friends who have gone for the last 15 years..every year. I think you'll be happy.

Judy

Thanks, that is a relief from an agent's perspective and from your's Doug. By not upscale do you mean it will feel more like an average marriot than a ritz carlton? Or, will it feel like a Residence Inn?

Well, it's done. I hope we have a great time. Thanks Judy and Doug for helping me feel better about it. I just reread your words and they have helped me with the lurking feeling of buyer's remorse. Do any of you have room suggestions? From Miami we will be going via Air Jamica. My agent bookde this before I read some of the bad reviews. What are your overall impressions of the airline?

Thanks again

I have absolutely no problelms wtih Air Jamaica (other than occasional difficulties with late flights out of MoBay), but since you don't have to connect, I don't see a downside. Air Jamaica even serves food. No airline is going to do well in customer service polls, and I've always found Air Jamaica to be as good (if not considerably better) than any major U.S. airline flying to the Caribbean in terms of service.

Thanks again Doug. I really appreciate your help in this process.