Suggestions Needed
 

Hello! My husband and I are looking to go the Caribbean next July for our 10 year anniversary. We know its too early to book, but want to make sure we find just the right place and want to know what it might cost. We have never been. Have no clue where to start. I have been doing a lot of research and narrowed it down to a few places but figured I'd ask all of you for reccomendaions and comments. We like Tortola (which I see tends to be expensive), or any other Bristish Virgin Island, St. John's, Cayman Islands, or Bahamas. We are looking for
1. Relaxation
2. All-inclusive or tips on meals (Not looking to cook or shop for food)
3. We don't care about excursions so much, maybe 1 or 2
4. Would LOVE to swim with the dolphins, but not necessary to do.
5. Not a whole lot of people
6. Not looking to spend a fortune

Any suggestions (even if it is not a place listed would be helpful) that you may have would be GREAT!!! Thanks

Part of your quest will be difficult because 2, 5 & 6 will be difficult to find in the same Property. How much is a fortune & how long do you plan to stay ? I also topped a post re: the dolphin bit.

excluding the dolphin swim and not knowing your budget you might look at akumal beach resort in mexico.
there are several dolphin things in the bahamas which would be nice in july. i think bimini and bermuda have this but i don't know about resorts on those islands. andros has small hope bay lodge. long island has cape santa maria beach resort and stella maris.
on grand cayman you should look at the reef resort.
st.john is very expensive (caneel is only ai) unless you camp or get a villa.
on virgin gorda little dix and the bitter end are ai and Very pricey. on tortola long bay beach resort might be nice for you.

Unless it has changed in last couple of years, Caneel Bay on St. John was not AI when we were there...maybe you have the option to do that. Only other big hotel on St. John is Westin & don't know whether they give AI option either...didn't think so but could be wrong. We are going to Grand Cayman in May & I didn't find any AI options. We've been to Barcelo Maya in Riviera Maya part of Mexico & loved it! There are a million AI in that area & tends to be cheaper than other areas in the Carribean. Beautiful water & friendly people too.

thank you for your replies. When I say a fortune I mean the very high end properties (I saw that you can rent an island for $16,000). we want to stay at a nice place that the service is good and someplace we can relax. As long as there are good places to eat close by that is good.

Virginia-Thank you for your suggestions. Have you ever been to Tortola? I am very hooked on the beauty of this island! The Long Bay Beach Resort seems very nice! Have you been? If you have How is the food, can you venture of the property, anything you would reccomend to do?

caneel has ai option for $115/day
the reef on gc IS ai optional.
i have been on tortola briefly, but did not stay at long bay resort. this link will take you to a page of posts of fodorites who have been: http://www.fodors.com/search/results...y+beach+resort
here's a link to trip advisor reviews: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...n_Islands.html

while on trip advisor just now i noticed cooper island (tiny bvi) for $200/night. i'm not familiar with it, but it looks low key and the reviews are very good: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...n_Islands.html

So less than $16k a night, that narrows it down. Staying for a month, a week , a year ? 1st post stated A/I now we're looking for nice restaurants close by ? My point being (& I see you are a 1st time poster) the more info you provide, the more helpful we can be. To be as vague as your original post really doesn't do much to narrow the field, so to speak. Some folks have given you some places to start. It would also be helpful to know where your flight is originating from, some places can be darned difficult to get to.

I am looking for recommendations for a half-day tour bus or?to take us around Paradise Island & on over to the Bacardi Rum factory, etc. We are ataying at the Atlantis.

Based on your post I would suggest looking into Pink Sands resort (not all inclusive) on Harbour Island in the Bahamas. Gorgeous beach, very quaint town, nice restaurants.
Or Caneel on St John.
We have been to Tortola (stayed at a villa). While Tortola is very scenic I did not care about the beaches as much. I found VG to be more quaint with great views as well and much better beaches. Have not been to St John but it appears to be similar to VG (with more beaches and very good snorkelling).

They are long gome I am sure, sounded to me like she was looking for a travel agent, not advice.

I have stayed a Long Bay on Tortola. The island is scenic, with a little town. The beach was okay, not as good as Caymans or St. John. It is not the easy island to get around hilly and twisting roads. It is a wonderful base if you want to go out on boat trips to the other nearby islands. Quieter than Caymans.
The Caymans easier to get around and alot of good places to eat also better beach.