jean

I work in high stress job and just want to go somewhere sunny, beautiful and relaxing. Alone. Have any suggestions? When's the best time to travel? October or November? I notice alot of places charge single supplement. Any single travellers out there with tips? I don't want to go to a Disney-type resort with screaming kids and people caught up in the frenzy of being a tourist. I just want to chill in a stress free, safe and AFFORDABLE environment, in the Caribbean. Does such a vacation exist?

Janet

Well, I haven't travelled solo but here's my suggestions for what they are worth. First, I'd pick November in the Caribbean because you're less likely to encounter a hurricane....the season is June to November...so go later in November. Second, pick an adults only resort to avoid the kids. Third, I can only speak about where I've been but two places that might meet your criteria are the Mayan Riviera (not Cancun....too Vegas like and touristy) and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. I don't know if you'd like either of those but I can tell you that both areas are beautiful, warm, sunny, and AFFORDABLE. As for the resort, I can't really recommend because I always travel with family. I CAN recommend a website for resort reviews:
www.debbiescaribbeanresortreviews.com
Enjoy this website and hopefully you'll find a resort you like.

GM

Would you like an all inclusive and spa treatments included with your de-stressing? Can highly recommend LeSport in St. Lucia. We met many single gals (especially from NYC)who we met for dinner some times and we also met 2 gals that leave their hubbies for a week and go down there from NH. It's a private beach, with Security Guards roaming around. I know they just added the supplement thing (don't understand this, but...) and no kids 16 and under are allowed. It's really conducive to adults. Now, the pricing might seem a little high (check out rates on Expedia, etc.) but you get SO MUCH for the buck...I mean, really, I don't know HOW they do it. It's a schlep (stop over in P.R. then a 1-1/2 hour flight on AA Eagle) but SO worth the trip. There's a sister resort called LaSource that a single guy from Long Island we met at LeSport recommends cause he goes between them both (only 1 spa treatment a day there, tho; we're considering LaSource for this Winter, ourselves; my hubby LOVES LeSport, and he doesn't even do the spa stuff).

LeSport has 3 pools, it's right on the beach, 3 meals a day plus High Tea at 4pm with all the premium liquors and TONS to do - or not, PLUS the spa treatments, which I love. The Oasis (the part of the resort where the spa stuff is) has a tranquility pool (5 ft. tops) for water aerobics or cooling off, the fitness gym, and a nude sun bathing deck on top of the Oasis building (caveat: European women will sun topless at the pools and beach, this is allowed; we got used to it). There's no TV, but there is always nightly entertainment. I can understand what you mean about the kids, because we are childfree. Consider towards the mid/end of November for travel to the Caribbean islands included in the Hurricane belt. Hope this helps.

PseudoPreRegistrationUser

I have traveled solo quite a bit and have some words of advice

1. Becareful of destinations where the culture of "machisimo" is strong. Although Janet recommended Costa Maya or the Dominican Republic, sometimes men in these cultures view women traveling alone as "available". The last time I was in Cozumel alone, I kept getting asked "Where is your husband?" or "Would you like to marry me?" This got to be annoying although it could have been worse, and I have heard accounts from other solo women travelers where have experienced worse.

2. Traveling solo can be expensive. There is the single supplement and transportation is more expensive because there is no public transportation and you have no one to share taxis with. Even package deals charge you double.

However, I have some affordable suggestions.

November before Thanksgiving is definitely the time to go. Many Caribbean places are closed in October due to hurricane season.

I don't know where you live, but from where I live, I have been able to get the best prices for flights to St. Thomas, Jamaica, and the Bahamas.

I know that some posters have been highlighting the "dangers" of St. Thomas, but I have been there MANY times alone and have never been bothered or hasseled.

I often stay in charming little hotels or bed and breakfasts that have very good prices. For example, there is a bed and breakfast on Harbor Island, Bahamas that is $100/night and does not allow children under twelve. It is called the Bahamas House. Harbor Island has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and a quaint little town. It is the perfect place to de-stress - it may be TOO quiet. There is very little to do, you may get bored. I have recently seen some good deals on airfares from the US to the Bahamas.

GM's idea about the spa is excellent. Check out Fodor's book Healthy Escapes to see if there are any you like. You may beable to find low season deals.

Feel free to post any other questions

Cathy

Oops! Accidently deleted my name in the above post.

I have not been to Harbor Island, but I have been doing lots of research and have heard many positives. I am planning to go there solo next June.

Have been to the US and British Virgin Islands solo and other islands solo where I have had a very good time and no one has hassled me. I have gotten the best deals staying at small hotels and bed and breakfasts.

Again, feel free to post any additional questions.

tivertonhouse

Check www.treasurebeach.net -- the Treasure Beach, South Coast, Jamaica community Web site for a full spectrum of accomodations and stress/resort-free
destinations...I'll be there tomorrow .

jean

Thanks for your help everyone, I'll check it out. Tivertonhouse, what do you do for a living? You're a regular Dr. Travel! I don't need to post questions anymore, I'll just email you direct! One.

Louis

Near, low key and friendly Harbor Island in the Bahamas has been mentioned above. Also the B&B there that looks lovely from their web site and the price is certainly right. It is just a few steps to the wonderful pink sands beach and a few steps to town where you will eat meals and enjoy the local people. While we have not stayed there we know the location and it is great for everything. Yes, it is the Bahama House Inn.
http://www.bahamahouseinn.com/
They open in November.The rates with full breakfast and other ammenities appear to range $105 to 165 max. From the pictures, what a lovely spot to relax, read and then walk about. By all means go to church on Sunday and you will be thrilled with the singing. November is the best time to travel as you are near the end of the hurricane season and most places are closed in October including the Bahama House Inn. If you really want to rest and stay put a good value is the Cooper Isand Beach Club in the BVI.
www.cooper-island.com There is always some activity about from the yachts that come and go every day. This is also a low key place where you can fall in love with nature.

jean

Thanks Louis!

Marla

I would suggest Le Sport in St. Lucia or the Sugar Mill in the British Virgin Islands.

Up Up and Away To Cooper Island

The people were so nice to deal with when I was checking it out. They are super affordable and with the yachties coming in to lunch, at least there is some movement. It looked really peaceful to just kick back and read Gone With The Wind or reread The Firm or Anna Karenina or some beach classic like that. The food is inexpensive, the rum flows and the little cottages are cute with kitchenettes, I think. They use an electric generator and don't permit hair dryers, I was panicking, but the manager told me he'd let me use mine at a specially arranged time! It sounds like the Carib the way it used to be, easy to get to, easy on the pocketbook and good living. They have about 12 bungalows. Go in November or early December and you will come back with a different mindset. Change of pace. Just a pair of flip-flops, shorts, bathing suit and reading material! You can do snorkelling, diving etc. that they arrange or tour other islands too if you want. It is a perfect Gilligans Island type place with good food and good cheer.

More on Cooper

Just revisted their website. In November and early December, a single person can get a package for 7 nights, including lunch and dinner daily, ferry transport from Tortola, snorkelling equip to use all week, a kayak to use all week, a rum welcome drink for $739!!!!! BOY IS THAT CHEAP!!!!!!!! Plus if you want to make breakfast in your kitchenette they will prestock it for you before you get there with a list of stuff you provide. I would order cokes, water, and maybe some yoghurt and cereal, coffee and milk and bananas. The menus for lunch and dinner look great and are very filling. For $1139 you can also get five two tank dives included which is a great deal. BVI is the prettiest part of the Caribbean and you will love it and they will take nice care of you. Write to Toby, he's the nice guy who helped me out so much, and co-owner.

More on Cooper

Just revisted their website. November and early December, a single gets a package for 7 nights, lunch and dinner daily, ferry transport from Tortola, snorkelling equip and kayak to use all week, a rum welcome drink for $739!!!!! BOY IS THAT CHEAP!!!!!!!! They will prestock it for you before you get there with a list of stuff you provide. I suggest soda, water, yoghurt, cereal, coffee,milk and bananas. For $1139 you can also get five two tank dives included which is a great deal. BVI is the prettiest part of the Caribbean and you will love it and they will take nice care of you. Write to Toby, he's the nice guy who helped me out so much, and co-owner.