STRESS!!!!
 

Okay, my husband and I haven't had a vacation in 5 years! This has been a very stressfull 4th quarter for his business and we need a break! I want first class all the way, but PRIVATE and relaxing, nothing stuffy! We love Bermuda's class and safety, but it's not warm enough for when we want to go (Easter Weekend). We don't care about casino's or nightclubs, just relaxation! Definately care about great dining options, fabulous secluded beaches would be great, but even sexy private plunge pools for a first class room would be fabulous. NO ALL-INCLUSIVES! We generally prefer small properties to avoid crowds, but resorts with large, sprawling "compounds" work too. Give me a few suggestions, I'll research them all!!!! Thanks so much for helping out!!! :)

Nevis...Four Seasons or one of their many quaint hotels.

Okay, take a look at some of these places. You may have to forego one item on your wish list per place:

Jade Mountain at Anse Chastenet on St. Lucia -- Super secluded and romantic with plunge pools and a 4th wall left open to the vistas of the majestic Pitons. Long-a$$ hike down to the beach, though!

La Luna on Grenada -- the rooms are very nice but not luxurious, and the open air bathrooms people find either romantic & quaint or just out of place when you're paying that kind of nightly rate. Beautiful beach on site, plunge pools with each room, lovely restaurant also on site, and not a long drive to other great restaurants and beaches on the island.

Spice Island Beach Resort, also on Grenada -- This is an all inclusive, but it's luxurious and intimate. On the longest stretch of white sand on the island. Very nicely appointed rooms, great food & service, and some rooms have a plunge pool. There are only about 35 rooms at the resort, so it still exudes intimacy.

Peter Island, a private island in the British Virgin Islands -- just off of Tortola. Beautiful beaches, good food, but I don't think there are many different restaurants to choose from for any given meal. Nice spa on site.

I wouldn't rule Bermuda out. I am in Bermuda right now and have had wonderful weather. 70's and we are going home with a great tan and I was here at Christmas and it was beatiful weather then too!

So maybe you should reconsider?

you could look at ladera or anse chastenet on st. lucia.
or maroma beach hotel, esencia ikal de mar, royal hideawawy or paraiso de la bonita on the maya riveria coast south of cancun.
cap juluca or cuisinart on anguilla.
jumby bay on antigua.
caneel bay on st. john.
four seasons nevis.
point grace, grace bay club, turks & caicos club on provo, t&c
sandy lane on barbados.
little dix bay or biras creek on virgin gorda. <fewer dining options
la samana on st. martin.
there are others of course but this gives you a start.
provo might still be a little cool at easter.
anguilla and provo are known to have great restaurants.

Take a look at Casa de Suenos on Isla Mujeres, Mexico.

I have two suggestions for you

Four Seasons, Nevis - Why settle for any other bed when you can sleep there? Also, think green; it's a beautiful environment.

Palm Island, Grenadines - This is actually an AI, but don't discard it. We just came back on Thursday and surprisingly found that I was fine with it. It is absolutely beautiful there. No comparison to the other dozen islands that we've been to in the Caribbean. The rooms have their own refrigerator in the mini bar and the beer, wine and pop are all complimentary and it is checked every day. It's a first class place. Lots of palm trees, a wonderful library and a great part of the Caribbean. Very tranquil. A private patio (no television or phone). Children 16 & under are not permitted Jan 3 - Apr 4.

Got to second Knowings recommendation about Palm Island like she says it got everything you need except for it being AI.It's just great for a relaxing break and very very peaceful.
Or you could also look at Nisbet Plantation on Nevis,another great relaxing place.

Hello,

Consider the One & Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island in the Bahamas - the One & Only properties are heavenly. The One & Only Ocean Club has 106 luxurious accommodations and villas and the Dune restaurant, created by Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

I recommend the Sandy Lane in Barbados, which is a secluded haven for upscale travelers. It has gorgeous beach, a 47,000 sq. ft spa, 3 golf courses, a huge pool complex.

Also, I would recommend Turks & Caicos and the Amanyara or the Parrot Cay. Parrot Cay is a boutique resort on a private 1000-acre island, which requires a 35 min. boat ride. There is the COMO Shambhala Retreat, peace, privacy, quiet beaches and gorgeous sunsets.

Finally, there is always St. Barts - it has fine cuisine, upscale boutiques, soft white sand and has a French ambience.

Best Regards,
Julia Elzie
Blog: personaltouchtravel.wordpress.com

Ok,
I really, really recommend Anguilla. It is the most relaxing place we've ever been. There are no all inclusives, no big monster hotels, very friendly people, beautiful beaches (over 30 of them) and FABULOUS restaurants. There isn't much to do on the island except relax and hit the beach all day followed by a great dinner at night. I highly recomment The Cuisinart resort. It's fantastic. If you need to relax this really is the place to be. Let us know what you decide.