Rethinking our Bahamas plan. Need suggestions.
 

After posting last night about the Bahamas (and after talking to some friends who have been), we're rethinking our plans.

We're planning to travel in October (our dates are flexible) to celebrate our 15th anniversary. We want a beach vacation, but do not want to go to the sort of island where you stay on the resort and that's it. We like to sightsee, and we'd like to experience local culture. Islands that are resorts amid poverty are really not what we want.

We love the idea of Grand Cayman, but from what I hear the damage from the hurricane was extensive and many restaurants and resorts are still rebuilding. Bermuda also sounds wonderful, but I think the expense of meals and drinks would be a bit too much for us.

We want a nice island vacation, beautiful beach, pools, and things to do that are not too tourist-y and that will allow us to venture away from resort areas. I also HATE to fly, so the closer I can stay to the U.S. the better (and prop planes are a definite NO!).

Is it hopeless? Any island suggestions? We're using a timeshare trade, so we don't need to find a resort. Just the right island with the right combination of beach/good food/good drinks/some nightlife/and culture.

Help!!!

Do you have a timeshare possibility in St. John U.S.V.I.? The Westin there has villas that are timeshares and are very nice. The island is 2/3 national park, and is probably one of the few Caribbean islands that does not have a significant poverty factor. It is less expensive than Bermuda, but as some on this board will testify, it ain't cheap. The travel hub is St. Thomas. You fly into St. Thomas and it's a cab and a ferry from there. Most of the Virgin Islands are fairly safe to travel around. There are portions of St. Thomas, St. Croix and Tortola which are "low-income" and have reputations of having higher crime rates, but I wouldn't feel I had to stay on the resort to avoid them. I've only been to Grand Bahama in the Bahamas, and that was 10 years ago. I didn't feel it unsafe to explore and it was not poverty-ridden. Unless things have changed, that might be a good option to. I've heard good things about Our Lucaya there.

When many say the "Bahamas", they're referring to either New Providence or Grand Bahama. Are you also considering Bahamas out islands? I just got back from Great Abaco Island to see the status of the Abaco Parrot in the vast southern coppice forests, south of Marsh Harbor. A great vacation would be to stay on one of Abaco's beautiful cays, and to take Albury's ferry to Abaco's Capital, Marsh Harbor, rent a car and island explore. Great Guana Cay, for example, has miles of deserted beaches which you could explore with a rental golf cart. There is also night life at "Nippers" (see their website). If you want a real intrepid exploration on Abaco, I know a man who could take you to a tour of the southern coppice forests, to see the Abaco Parrot. There are only 58 nesting pairs left, due to feral cats, and they are a beautiful bird to see. Robert

Robert and Tuxedocat --

Thanks so much for your replies.

I believe we do have a timeshare option in St. John -- I'll have to look into that. Would we need a car on the island? Again, trying to keep expenses down somewhat.

Robert, we just realized we do have timeshare options on Abaco. Can you tell me more about it? The original place we had picked out is a small villa on Paradise Island which looks wonderful.

We haven't ruled out Bahamas just yet. The airfare there is so cheap(!) that it's going to be hard to pass it up.

Susan

I agree with Robert that the out islands are gorgeous with plenty of exploration opportunities and culture however they will likely involve you taking a small connecting flight (20 people or so) from San Juan or Miami...St John may be more suitable for your needs...

since you can use a timeshare, Abaco would probably work for you. I think the Fast Ferry is now going into Abaco but not sure if it is up and running in October.

Since you are talking about the HEIGHT of the hurricane season, alot of the resorts are closed for October so as not to have to worry about tourists if a hurricane does appear. Also to update and fix and problems for the next season.

I would suggest going to www.where2stay.com you will be able to click on lots of islands and come up with some ideas.

Also check with a local travel agent so you get additional ideas of what is open in the carribean in October, also any deals since it is very off season.

One last thing get travel insurance, just in case.

I can recommend several nice places to stay on Eleuthera and Harbour Island, which is easy to get to these days, fly into Nassau and take the ferry over from downtown Nassau. You might have to stay overnight in Nassau depending in on your flights. There are 2 sailings of the ferry, very early am and early afternoon. You might check the website for more info www.bahamasfastferries.com

On Harbour Island try these sites
www.romorabay.com
www.rockhousebahamas.com
www.coralsands.com

Hope this helps, have a great time.

Again, thanks so much for all the helpful info. I will definitely see what I can find as far as timeshares in Abaco.

I didn't realize some of the resorts close in October. Since we can be flexible with our dates, would we be better off waiting until the first week in November? Is the weather still very warm then? We're really wanting a beach vacation!

Thanks!

I would suggest checking when the resort you are interested in has availability and then plan your trip accordingly.

Also check with some travel sites, and Travel Agents so you have some ideas of costs and the advantages of going off season.

Hi

I have a suggestion - instead of going to an island have you considered vacationing some place in Florida? I am going to Naples in October ( we have a condo there) and it is beatiful. Also close by is Marco Island. There are beaches, pools, shopping areas, and various other attractions. The only thing missing is the "island" flavor.

If you dont like to fly - it might be a great alternative. There are also quite a few timeshares in the area. In Naples - stay close to Vanderbilt beach (near the Ritz Carleton) its the best!!

Have fun.

Tra

Just reply regarding a car on St. John. You don't absolutely need a car to get around, but you should get one for convenience and the freedom to explore the island. A simple 4 wheel drive will run you about $400/week. IMO, well worth the expenditure. Save money by buying your own booze and mixers and snacks.

Yes, we've definitely considered Florida. But we've spent our last four vacations there (South Beach, Key West, Sanibel) and were looking for something different this time, hence the island thing! But it's definitely not out of the question at this point.

I did check on the resorts available in Abaco/Harbour Island through the timeshare exchange, and all I can say is blech. There are only three, and not one of them was on the beach. So we're back to Cable Beach or Paradise Island as our first choices in the Bahamas. Is anyone familiar with either Paradise Island Beach Club or Sunrise Beach Club & Villas in Paradise Island or West Wind I in Cable Beach? All three look great on the internet -- although Paradise Island Beach Club definitely has the best reviews that I can find.

Thanks!

smg; what are the time share names on Abaco? I can help you out with them since I just got back from Lubber's Quarter Cay, and explored the southern coppice forests to help the Bahama Parrot a few weeks ago. Robert