St Maarten or Grand Cayman in December?
 

Hi all! My husband along with another couple (we are all in our early 30's) would like to plan a getaway leaving a few days after Christmas. We are looking for beach time, pool time, visits to the spa and gym, relaxation along with some snorkeling. We would like to stay at a resort rather than rent a home or condo. We would love a resort with some great restaurants for dinner, however we also would love to visit restaurants on the island that are easy to travel to from our resort. We prefer to stay at the nicer resorts on the islands as far as budget goes. These are just two islands I was considering checking out, however would love some help deciding between the two, and would love suggestions for others that I should look into as well. Thanks so much!

You have to define what "a few days after Christmas" means. You see the week between Christmas and New Year's is peak time in the Caribbean and most resorts have minimum stay requirements (anywhere from 7 to 14 days, depending on hotel) so you may have a very limited selection of resorts/hotels if you are hoping to go for only "a few days".

You are also going to find the highest room rates of the year so it would help if you could give us an actual dollar range for your budget rather than than say you "prefer to stay at nicer resorts". Knowing how much you want to spend for accommodations will help us steer you in the right direction.

Now, Grand Cayman and St. Martin are two very different islands.

Grand Cayman is relatively flat and arid. It has a "British" feel. There are resorts in all price ranges - most located on the famous 7 Mile Beach where you'll find many restaurants and shops nearby - some within walking distance and others a short drive away. This island offers very good to excellent snorkeling and most of the upper end resorts have spas and fitness centers. Besides 7 Mile beach the island has many other white sand beaches where you can relax in the sun.

St. Martin is hilly, has both a French and Dutch side, excellent shopping and hundreds of restaurants all over the island. Snorkeling is just OK and you'll find plenty of smaller cove-like golden sand beaches. You'll have no trouble finding spas and fitness centers.

Both islands tick off the boxes on your wish list.

I have never stayed in Grand Cayman but I have been there for a day cruise, my husband dove etc.

I have stayed in St.Martin at Divi Resorts and many locals told me it is there top notch resort on the island. I loved it at the resort. It is on the Dutch side close to Phillipsburg which has many restaurants etc. A wonderful boardwalk with many shops and eateries. You would have to take a taxi there although it is down the hill it is not easy to walk to at all. There are restaurants on the resort as well. For a few days it sounds like that would work. You will have to check availability for the timeframe.

Just to point out a common misconception about Grand Cayman being dry, arid or scrubby...it receives more annual rainfall than most other islands in the Caribbean. Tobago, Dominica, Guadeloupe and Martinique receiving more rainfall. The majority of the island is thick mangrove swamp and inland dry forest.

It is however, very flat which can lead to the assumption it is dry and scrubby like some other islands with similar topography.


http://www.currentresults.com/Weathe...e-rainfall.php

Grand Cayman is alot more expensive than St Maarten, if that's important.

If you can postpone your trip until the second week in January, you'll find a lot better rates, and probably have a much better time. The holiday rush in the islands often means frenzied workers, waiting in lines even with reservations, and top rates for everything at the resorts.

I agree with Odin. Cayman used to be affordable , but not anymore. A few years back, my hubby & I went to a pub and ordered 2 beers. The bill was 20.00 US!!!!! There was a soccer match going on- maybe prices were inflated..... I love st Martin. If you have to stay in a resort, check out the Raddison on the French side.

I believe that you will like Grand Cayman. There is a large choice of excellent restaurants, great snorkeling and wide, clean sandy beaches. The Ritz Carlton has a great spa and the Westin has a great beach area. Food at the hotels can be expensive, but there are many restaurants which are reasonable given the quality. Prices are like New York City. A local beer, Caybrew, Ironshore,at a pub would be more likely US$ 6-7.

Silver Rain is the name of the spa @ The Ritz, lovely to look at, and nice to experience if you don't mind many C$$$$ for such as a mani. George, you are right about the Westin Beach. A word of caution Gr. Cay can be cool and even cold at Xmas so bring a sweater/jacket and/or shawl. No. westers are often experienced at this time of year.