texaskim99

We are trying to narrow our search for a great vacation spot in January. We are looking for a luxurious and relaxing beach destination with at least some sightseeing available in the town (doesn't have to be much). Resort pool, beautiful water a must. I am also curious how the prices for food and drinks compare at these destinations.

The choices are:
Grand Cayman Marriott
Curacao Marriott Beach Resort
Casa Magna Marriott Cancun
San Juan Marriott Stellaris
Waiohai Beach Club in Kauai, Hawaii

christiegr

Definately go to KAUAI...although I did not stay at the Marriott..I met a couple that were staying there and they loved it.Kauai is a true paradise.It has some of the most beautiful green,lush mountains that I have ever seen...not to mention the waterfalls,canyons,black sand beach,golden sand beaches,great snorkeling,a natural pool (Queens Bath).In my opinion...it is the most gorgeous place on earth and its not totally developed like some of the other Hawaiian islands.It has good shopping,culture and baby chicks,roosters and chickens run around like dogs or cats would.They are beautiful and do not bother anyone.

During Winter the South Shore beaches are the calm ones on Kauai.That is near where you will be staying.Waimea Canyon is a must see..its the Grand Canyon of the Pacific...amazing.Trust me..its a little more expensive but no more than any other island (for example Aruba)you would not regret it if you go.We love Kauai!!!!!

3pnutz

When reading your question my mind is yelling "KAUAI!!!" Most definately the most incredible place on earth!!! I didn't stay at the Marriot but I've seen it and it's amazing- the island is a true paradise! Rent a car and explore this gem! I promise you- you will have the time of your life! Another definate to do on Kauai- take a helicopter ride to see the island...80 percent of island is only accessible by air...it's breathtaking!

Jaisy

KAUAI- definitely KAUAI. One of the most beautiful places on earth! Lots to see and do!

Samsaf

We're going to the Marriott Kauai Beach Club in June. We've been to Kauai before (stayed at the Hyatt), and we loved the island. We have been to 3 of the Hawaiian islands and several in the Caribbean, and I think Kauai is the most beautiful. I think the pool at the Waiohai Beach Club isn't as nice as the Marriott in Lihue, but the property is not very old and looks nice.

Food/drinks are sort of expensive in Kauai; we have a list of moderately-priced restaurants and we will probably try to mainly eat at those. We aren't too much into fancy food, anyway.

We went to Grand Cayman last year. We also loved that island, but I wouldn't want to stay at that Marriott -- it doesn't seem as nice as some of the other ones. I'm also not sure which hotels have re-opened after the hurricane. The water at Grand Cayman is a beautiful blue color (I think the water is a prettier color than the water in Hawaii). Excursions were cheaper for us in Grand Cayman.

Knowing

Kauai is my most favorite place, BUT.. if you're looking at a Marriott, I would choose Curacao. It, too, is a spectacular island. Kauai in January tends to be rainy and although the Marriott there is nice, I don't think it's as nice as Curacao's. The rooms in Curacao are very nice and the restaurants are good. Cool breezes, but nice weather. Rent a car for a day or two to sightsee, although signage is not the best.

beth48

We're going to the Marriot on Grand Cayman in June. It will just be re-opening after being completely refurbished following the hurricane. I look forward to staying in a "brand new" hotel ! I'll let you know how it was.

NYGiants27

HAHAHA, how did I know what Christie would answer?! I have never been there, but given that choice, I would also pick Kauai.

christiegr

ny-hello I know I love Kauai..

moosh4

You have to experience Kauai once in your lifetime..it is truly different from any other place. You'll be glad you did!

cathye

We just booked a December vacation week at the Marriott in Cancun. Only the best reviews on Tripadvisor.com. The description of the beach and accomodations sound wonderful! We cannot wait! We booked it through Expedia.com. Decent rates for the Casamagna as compared to their fancier sister hotel next door. From what I have read, the magana is preferred.

We were in San Juan last December - for a couple of days before our cruise departed. The Marriott in San Juan is beautiful - the beach is nice but not spectacular. It is in the busy but chique Coranado shopping area - so it is busy and not exactly an expansive resort with other hotels a long side. More of a downtown feel.

Kauai is beautiful too - was there many years ago. The flight time prevents us from going back - 12 hours from Boston.

Have fun where ever you end up!

iamq

texaskim,

Kaua`i is wonderful, but in your original post you state that you want "a luxurious and relaxing beach vacation". While the Waiohai is fairly new, is on a great stretch of beach in Poipu, and would be relaxing, it is not by any means luxurious. So don't expect a luxurious, full service resort. It is a mostly timeshare condo complex. Aloha!

-Bill

Little_Man

JW Marriott Cancun fits your criteria -- don't know why you left it out?