I'm looking for a place to stay in the Carribean for me and my husband this January/February that has a natural, rustic feel while also having a classy, nice style. Something with a private studio cottage, open air, on the beach, great food. No big hotels or resorts. All we want to do is sleep, relax, read and unwind. Something off the beaten path. I love the look of some of the open air bungalows in St Lucia but it's just too hard and far for us to get to from Boston on this trip. Also, I love the look of 'Tiamo' in the Bahamas but it looks like they are closed for a couple of months. We don't need AC, TV, or internet. Just a quiet, relaxing, laid back but slightly upscale (not fancy though) spot.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I can't seem to find what I'm looking for.
Thanks so much!

Check out Le Meridian Club in Turks and Caicos-sounds exactly what you're looking for. the bonus of this place is it is on one of the most stunning beaches in the world, that you'll have pretty much to yourself.

blamona's recommendation is spot-on. I've always wanted to try the Meridian Club and perhaps one day I'll get there.

I'd also recommend Guana Island to you, a private island in the British Virgin Islands. It's quite small, with only 15 cottages and I think villas on the island. The island is criss-crossed with hiking trails, the views are gorgeous from all over the island, the white sand beaches are lovely and uncrowded, and there are lots of activities included in the rates. The resort is very eco-conscious, with its own organic garden and emphasis on local produce, fresh fish, etc. The food is generally simple but always good, and three meals a day are also included in the rates.

Guana offers tons of places for you to really be alone but also amply opportunities to socialize with other guests. The rooms are all built to take advantage of the breezes, with some offering private sun patios and others private shaded balconies.

The general manager there is a real gem and the staff there are warm and ready to make your stay the best that it can be. I honeymooned on Guana 5 years ago and returned there this year for my wedding anniversary and for most things it was even better this year. The accommodations aren't at all posh, but they're spacious and comfortable--they luxuries here are more of privacy, of space, and of nature than of the marble bathroom and Frette linen sort. But to sleep, relax, read, and unwind, it's hard to beat.

I'd be happy to answer specific questions about Guana, or you could read my obnoxiously long trip report that I posted in April of this year.

Nueva Vida in Tulum? Although more rustic than upscale. Stunning Beach. Romantic Cabanas. They do have a restaurant and provide beach service and breakfast delivery.

www.tulumnv.com

Trish

Another option for you.

http://thecavesresort.com/index.htm?...FQQrFQodk21bEg

Not the Caribbean but a wonderful retreat in the Florida Keys.

http://www.littlepalmisland.com/litt...land_home.aspx

I recommend the Meridian Club, Pine Cay. We have been there several times and hopefully will be returning. For reading, relaxing and walking the amazing quiet beach, I have found no place like it. A bonus feature is that it is not a long flight from ATL or (with teeth gritted)MIA. A sort of fun boat ride is also part of the voyage. Check out the website. It really looks as pictured. (Photoshop is not necessary for this place.) Note that it is Caribbean luxury- It does not "feel" like Ritz-Carleton or the Four Seasons.
I am not sure what the temperature will be in January/February, we have always gone in March or April due to my inflexible schedule.


http://www.meridianclub.com/

Take a look at my favorite island, Montserrat. www.visitmontserrat.com & www.volcano-island.com.

you might like http://www.caneelbay.com/
on st. john. you would fly to st. thomas. caneel has people at the airport. once you claim you bags they take them from you. they take you to the dock, put you on their own ferry. and off to caneel -40 mins, nice ride.

Check out Kamalame Cay on Andros in the bahamas. I think it's just what you are looking for.
http://www.kamalame.com/

The Meridian Club has inconsistent food based on 3 visits. It ranges from average to very good because chefs change. The rooms except the Honeymoon cottage are more like motel rooms and are attached so I am not sure that is what you want. The beach is lovely though the snorkeling in the immediate area of Pine Cay is only adequate. Scuba gal may have a good isea or at least I hope so for we are going there in May for a week. But in Jan./Feb. the temperates could be chilly with possible highs in the 70's and lows around 60's. It is the Bahamas, not the Caribbean. Guana I have heard from friends and the comments above may be "on-target". If you can go in late January Caneel Bay will be less hectic because most children are in school and the rooms at Scott Beach section are right on the beach but they are like large motel rooms as are most rooms at Caneel except Cottage #7 in Rooms C, D, E, or F.We like Kawks Nest section the best when we cannot get into Cottage #7. The 7 beaches are lovely, the food is good to very good most years, the snorkeling now is the best in the Caribbean but the only night life is a 2-3 piece combo near the bar/lounge on most evenings.

Consider Peter Island also in the British Virgin Islands, it is a short boat ride from Tortola airport -- if you can get direct Boston/San Juan Tortola is only 30 minute flight or so -- which they run to meet all flights or also from St. Thomas on special request. About 50 rooms, beautiful island, great food, lovely service, lots of space, no TVs in room but there is a nice club house with TV, internet, library. We just had a great week there.

Rustic luxury, with a price tag to match. This is where Scarlett Johansson recently got married:
http://www.wildretreat.com/

Sorry, meant to add, it's not in the Caribbean... was responding more to the question: is there such a thing.