Suggestions for anniversary vacation in Carribbean? (I'll be 6 mos pregnant.)
 

Have been to Mexico, Jamaica, Bahamas, Anguilla. We're considering St. John (maybe the Westin?) and Punta Cana (Secrets). Am leaning away from all inclusive, though, as we've never done that, and I tend to like going out to different restaurants. We'll probably spend most of our time by the pool, on the beach, snorkeling (not diving). And, obviously, no rough water sports. Any advice? (Also, not to sound like a complete jerk, but considering this is likely to be our last child-free vacation in a while, would prefer a hotel/resort that's not too kid-friendly.)

How about Grand Cayman or Aruba?

In GC, the Westin sounds perfect for you. Nice resort, great beach and snorkeling. And lots of good resturants.

In Aruba, Bucuti or the Radisson would be good for you. Both on excellent beaches. Lots of good resturants here too...

I just returned from Secrets Punta Cana. The resort is beautiful. Great beach and wonderful pool. There are NO children allowed. As far as all inclusive--in the Dominican Republic you don't really want to wander off the resorts anyway. They have seven restaurants at Secrets. The continental one was wonderful. The seafood one was also very good. It was very relaxing.

I forgot to add- Secrets is at the North Atlantic side of the island. The water is not calm. It is over an hour from the airport on some rough roads.

SadieM: Congratulations on the baby!
I wouldn't recommend the Westin St. John for you if you don't want kids around. We were there last June and enjoyed it, but if you'd rather not have kids around, I'm not sure it's the place for you (but I guess it depends what time of the year you're going). Anyway, when we were there, there were lots of screaming kids at the pool. And the beach is not that great if you're planning to lounge there quite a bit.
I can't comment on Punta Cana since we haven't been there.
I see you've done the Bahamas but have you done Grand Bahama Island specifically? We did the Westin there last October for our anniversary and really enjoyed it (on advice from another Fodorite).
Good luck.

Thank you! We've ruled out the St. John Westin (because of the kids)--should we think about renting a villa? I tend to like hotels/resorts. And have also ruled out Secrets Excellence/Punta Cana, unfortunately. The rough surf plus the unappealing 60 minute drive from the airport did me in. Aruba sounds really interesting, as do Grand Cayman and Grand Bahama (have only been to the out islands in the Bahamas--absolutely love Harbour Island). Thanks so much--any more suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I feel like I should book soon, since the prices seem to go up everyday!

Oops, one more question--would the Bahamas be on the cool side in late November? (I should know this, but I can never keep it straight.) Really want to be able to snorkel, etc., without being cold.

The Bahamas can be quite cool in late Nov.
We went there once over Thanksgiving a few years ago, and had to buy sweatshirts.
The water was also very rough when we were there.
Check into Caribbean Mexico. Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Cancun.
Easy to get to, lots of places to eat and stay and shop, and some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean. (I didn't see where you went in Mexico, so I thought I'd mention it.)

I'd take Diana's advice about Bahamas weather in late November. Too bad, the beach and the water where we went was wonderful.
A lot of people on this forum have rented villas in St. John and seemed really happy with doing that. We did the Westin but I would absolutely consider renting a villa. Driving around is very easy in St. John. There are some postings on this board about renting villas in St. John.

If you'd like to stay in a resort in St. John's, have you considered Caneel Bay? I don't know if kids are prohibited, but I didn't see any when I was visiting. More expensive than the Westin, but friends who have stayed there loved it.

I traveled to the Caribbean when I was 4 months pregnant and chose Jamaica. After I got there I thought, geez, what was I thinking? If I were to do it again I'd choose an island with better medical care just in case I needed it. As it turned out my trip went smoothly but it is just something to consider.

I would start off by looking at transportation from wherever you live to Caribbean. When you are 6 months pregnant it is likely that your tolerance for hauling luggage, changing planes, waiting in airports, etc. will be reduced - as well as ground transportation once you arrive. So start off by investigating to where you can go with minimal air connections. Also, make sure destination has decent medical facilities. And make reservations that are cancellable/refundable - you may not be able to buy trip cancellation insurance that covers pregnancy. Don't want to be negative - just practical - I traveled through both of my pregnancies many years ago.

Very good advice Gail. I traveled around a lot when I was pregnant and I always remember getting a sore lower back from sitting in the airplane seats. Maybe somewhere with a spa would be nice so you can relax and get a massage, facial, pedicure.

You must look pretty good if you want to go to the beach 6 months pregnant. I don't like the thought of putting a bathing suit on now even on my un-pregnant body.

Good point about medical care - especially Jamaica. I heard a story once about a couple who were there and it took them a couple of hours for an ambulance when one was hurt. Ended up when they got to the hospital, they didn't even have a working x-ray machine. Ended up - they had to be flown somewhere else. I would make this a top priority - simple rule to follow is pick an island that isn't poverty stricken - maybe try the Caymans or Bermuda. I'm not sure about the others.

Beware November in the Carribean--we encountered Hurricane Lenny in early November on St Barts--a catgory 5 hurricane put a damper in our first escape from our child....

The chances of encountering a hurricane in the Caribbean in November are EXTREMELY low.

Lenny was a total anomaly - both in terms of date of occurrence and its path.