We are looking for someplace for a very long relaxing weekend in August. Don't worry, we'll purchase trip insurance in case a hurricane decides to intervene.

We tried Tiamo after seeing them on MSNBC as a top eco lodge but they are closing for renovations!

Prefer a casita, not a hotel. Prefer small. Prefer not hanging out all night drinking.

Prefer relaxing, quiet, activities if we want them.

I'm at a bit of a loss. I've been to Ti Kaye and that might fit our bill but I was hoping for someplace I haven't been.

We live in ATL so Delta is our carrier of choice if that helps.

Anyone?!

how about La Luna on Grenada? I've not been to Ti Kaye but I know its website well from looking at it many times over the last few years. La Luna seems to have a similar vibe to Ti Kaye, with rustic romanticism being the phrase I would use to describe La Luna. Many of the rooms are individual units, but a few are duplexes (like Ti Kaye). All of them have plunge pools. Many are set on the hillside. The beach is small but lovely, shared only by private villas. The restaurant is very good. The only catch is that La Luna is considerably more expensive than Ti Kaye, but in August they may be willing to grant you a special rate. When I visited it was in July and they were happy to match a rate I found online that was about $75/night lower than the resort's website rates. www.laluna.com

I just now noticed that you said you want a long weekend, so Grenada might not work. It usually takes about 12 hours to get there from the east coast. however, I'm not sure what possibilities there are using Air Jamaica codeshare with Delta out of Atlanta.

Before I make more suggestions, just how long of a long weekend are you considering, and what is your price range for accommodations? How many rooms/casitas constitute 'small' for you?

I **really** want to go to Granada, but as you pointed out, it's not easy from Atlanta. We'd have to fly to NY, do a layover...

I am going to check out La Luna (I probably already have) and bookmark it for the future. Maybe for my b-day in February when I don't have to work under SO deadlines!

I have asked the SO multiple times when he's available so not sure. Personally I need a week and might stay the extra days myself, but we're probably looking at 5 days.

Since you didn't mention your budget, I'll just jump in here with suggestions, but keep in mind that most places that are casita style accommodations are going to be expensive!

Galley Bay on Antigua -- they have beachfront cottages and Gauguin cottages with plunge pools set in the gardens. THis place is really pricey, but it's an all-inclusive, so at least your meals and drinks are included in the price.

Jalousie Resort on St. Lucia -- Since you know you already liked St. Lucia. This place is a large resort, but the price is right when you can get a LuxuryLink package averaging only $200/night, including breakfast. The villa rooms are large and comfortable, set on a hillside. The beach is small but the snorkeling is pretty good. There's a spa on site as well as hiking trails and a pool.

9 Beaches on Bermuda -- This place is extremely rustic, but the rooms are tent-cottages, with some of the rooms out over the water. Formerly known as Daniel's Head, it has gotten some very mixed reviews.

Rockhouse Resort or Tensing Pen in Negril, Jamaica. These two places are located on the cliffs end of NEgril and have very reasonable prices. Very pretty looking properties right on the water, but not on the beach. The Caves, also in this area, is several steps up from those two in terms of price and luxuries.

Golden Lemon on St. Kitts -- some of the accommodations at this inn are in individual villas. The beach there is not especially pleasant for swimming, but it's nice for wind-swept walks. Mixed reviews.

Nisbet Plantation on Nevis - I believe the rooms here are four to a cottage. Great place, nice value. Wonderful island.

Guana Island in the BVI (hey, why not? ) Rooms are in cottages up on a hill overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Expensive rates, but lots of privacy and romance here. Also look at LuxuryLink for package deals.

Thank you much, ejcrow! I'll look into those. Budget is flexible. We don't want to break the bank but this isn't a bare bones trip.

The problem with being in Atlanta is that Delta sucks. Well, they suck at flying to the interesting islands (like Granada) so it becomes very involved if one is trying to avoid the horrible large all inclusive type places (*shudder*).

We might end up back at Ti Kaye because I know what we'll be getting.

I looked into 9 Beaches before but the huge mix of reviews has me a bit scared. Often you can tell that the party animals ended up at the Quaalude quiet place or vice versa, but the reviews seem to be about other things. If I get to Bermuda I'm going to take a trip to them to see them first hand.

Of course you can make the final decision, but from Atlanta Delta flies direct to Turks & Caicos (Providenciales PLS-airport code) in about 3 hours. We looked at Tiamo also, but I didn't want to go to such an exclusive place for $700/day and end up eating family style at a predetermined time. You can stay all inclusive if you want, but after studying the possibilities at http://www.tripadvisor.com you will end up seeing more and more people choose a villa type hotel. Gorgeous beaches, turquoise water - it is going to be very hot in August anywhere in the Carib so be prepared.

If you settle on Grenada, check out Belair Plantation. Another great place in St Kitts is Ottleys Plantation, and if you opted for Barbados, check out The House.

Second the suggestion of either Nisbet Plantation or Galley Bay -- our two favorite resorts and very quiet and romantic. Nisbet is a really good value in the summer, GB more expensive but they are having a sale right now -- you get a double category upgrade so if you reserve a superior beachfront room you get upgraded to their top of the line premium beachfront rooms which are really nice (also somewhat similar to Nisbet's top rooms but the view from GB's are better - closer to the water). At Nisbet I actually like the mid-category the best because it's a good value and I love having the separate screened porch/living room. Those rooms are two to a bungalow.

If you found Tiamo interesting, check out Kamalame Cay, which is also on Andros. It (and Tiamo) have been on my short list for some time, but Kamalame Cay is beyond my budget. But for a long weekend, it might work for you (assuming it's open in August).

The recommendations for Grenada are spot on, but alas, it is too far for a long weekend from Atlanta.

If you are willing to go to other Out Islands of the Bahamas (most of which are easier to reach than Andros), here are some thoughts:

- Fernandez Bay Village on Cat Island (rustic chic)
- Cape Santa Maria on Long Island (in addition to bungalows, they also rent villas)
- Bluff House Inn on Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos
- Four Seasons in the Exumas
- Columbus Isle on San Salvador (yes, it's a Club Med, but it looks outstanding)

Other places that come to mind are one some of the more traveled islands (i.e. easier for you to reach), but the properties themselves are quite special. Along those lines, I've absolutely adored Le Petit Hotel, which is on the beach in Grand Case, St. Martin (though aside from Grand Case, I don't love St. Martin), as well as the Inn at English Harbour in Antigua. Each of these is a luxurious, small hotel seemingly tucked away from the insanity that can be the rest of the island.