LillyFay

Alright, I'm trying to plan a family vacation to the Caribbean and I need all of the help that I can get. I want posh, luxurious accomodations, however I don't want to have to have to wear my finest to dinner. I need some middle ground. The only hotels that I can't deal w/ are the huge all-inclusives such as Beaches or Sandals. My only other specification is that I do not want a high rise hotel. Please, please, please, give me some advice!

Sue

Try Cap Juluca, Peter Island, Nevis 4 Seasons, Ocean Club Paradise Island, Pink Sands to name a few.

Arubasun.

<BR> <BR> <BR>Radisson Aruba Caribbean Resort is the best I have ever been too. I have learned that they have recently completed a 55 million dollar renovation and have been upgraded to a five star status. The property is gorgeous, nice landscaping, luxurious rooms and it has the largest Spa on the island. <BR> <BR>Another gorgeous hotel on the island is the Hyatt Regency with many waterfalls, lagoons, it is real elegant however the Hyatt has very small balconies yet rated a five star hotel. <BR> <BR>

LillyFay

Sue- of all the hotels you named I am seriously considering Cap Juluca. However I am travelling w/ two children, ages 12 and 15. Will the hotel be to sophisticated for them and what is the dress code there? I already researched Peter Island and the dress code there is too fancy for our taste, Nevis is too rainy for the time of year we will be travelling and we've heard horrible things about the Bahamas and are reluctant to go there. Do you have any more information on Cap Juluca, if so, anything would be helpful. <BR> <BR>Arubasun- I prefer not to stay at chains and therefore the Radisson would not work for me, any other suggestions?

wallace

I think you'll get very difffering opinions on this board about the best spots to vacation. Just look at the first two posts, places like Cap and Peter Island could not be more different (and in my opinion more interesting) than the Raddison in Aruba. But that's just my opinion. I'd suggest several really good books to help you with your decision: Caribbean Hideaways (Ian McKeown), Fodors Caribbean 2000, and Best Resorts and Hotels of the Caribbean (or something like that). These books are written in a pretty objective fashion and will give you an unbiased view of the quality of the resort from people who have been all over the Caribbean, not just to one or two islands. <BR> <BR>My two cents, we love to boat, snorkel, and scuba as well as good beaches, so the BVI and St. John are our favorites. Not a lot I would consider "posh" on these islands, but places like Peter Island, Caneel, Biras Creek, Guana Island, and Little Dix Bay are considered some of the best resorts anywhere in the world. They all have sophistication that's unmistakable, but without being ostentatious or overdone. For a family vacation, probably Caneel or Little Dix. Remember though, if you want TV's, Jacuzzi's, and Casinos (not that there is anything wrong with this) these are not for you.

Eric

Try St. Barts. You can find very nice accommodations all over the island. It just depends on how much you want to spend & where on the island you'd like to be. <BR>Very sophisticated, yet a casual fun island.

[email protected]

Lilly Fay, <BR> <BR>I've been to Peter Island and the only dress code I'm aware of is that they require pants and a sport shirt at dinner. I don't think you'll find anything that is posh and luxutious where shorts and a t-shirt are acceptable dinner attire. It's very laid back, and unlike some other resorts, very family friendly. Truly one of the best places to stay in teh Caribb. Cap Juluca is more stuffy about dress.

gail

Lilly, i agree with one of the earlier posts on Pink Sands on Harbour Island in the Bahamas. <BR> <BR>Pink Sands is one of the most beautiful resorts in the Carribean, with lush surroundings, amazing stretch of beach, some fun water sports on island, great snorkling, good food, very laid back, warm people and the island is easier to get to these days. <BR> <BR>You can fly into Nassau and either fly on Bahamas Air to N. Eleutehra or take the Bahamas Fast Ferry over to the island. <BR> <BR>You kids will also enjoy the place, and will have the opportunity to meet other kids from all over the states and europe. <BR> <BR>One thing I should also mention is the island is very safe, so you can allow them some freedom to roam. <BR> <BR>Go to the www.pinksands.com site and see some pictures. <BR> <BR>Have a wonderful trip.

LillyFay

In response to Wallace's comments, I agree that I prefer hotels that are not part of a chain and I hate casinos and hopping night life when I'm just trying to relax and get away from everything. I have been reading "100 Best Resorts in the Caribbean" by Kay Showker and that is what has gotten me started. I am looking for a play more like Little Dix or Caneel bay than a Hyatt, Hilton, or Marriott chain.

LillyFay

I am thrilled to hear that Peter Island's dress code is not as strict as I thought it was. However, will we be totally isolated there or can we be ferried to tour or eat out elsewhere? <BR>

[email protected]

You are correct that Peter Island is fairly isolated, but they have a fleet of motor yachts that can ferry you around (for a price). Also, they'll take you to Road Town on Tortola anytime for free and you can eat there or use it as a launching point to rent a car and explore Tortola (note, though, that all meals are included at Peter Island and they do not offer a credit if you choose to eat elsewhere). Plus, with 1800 acres and numerous beaches to explore, you probably won't get too stir crazy on Peter Island. <BR> <BR>Finally, for a really extensive review of many of the best resorts in the Caribb (including Peter Island), go to www.scubamom.com.

wallace

If you feel like Peter Island might be a little isolated, then probably Caneel is a good choice. Little Dix is great, but Virgin Gorda has less dining options than St. John. You can rent a jeep and explore the island and it's dozen's of great beaches. Caneel has 5-7 beaches on it's property. St. John is clean, crime free, with only the slightest of intrusion from the US. Lot's of good restaurants. In addition to the one's at Caneel, Asolare and Paradiso are top rate. For more casual dining, Lime Inn, Shipwreck Landing and many others.

Sue

Cap Juluca is more adult oriented as are most of the really posh resorts.

adventureantigua.com

Jumby Bay and K-Club are two of the best resorts in the world which is why Lady Diana tried to stay at Jumby, got turned down and ended up at the K-Club which she totally enjoyed. It is said that she got turned away from Jumby Bay because they "didn't want that kind of publicity". I have been to both places not as a guest, but both times wished I could afford to be there as a guest. <BR>They are the cream of the crop. <BR>Eli <BR>Antigua and Barbuda

Kate

Trying to plan a summer vacation and we have always wanted to go to Caneel Bay. Would like to take our kids (13 and 17). Would they feel comfortable? Or is it more for honeymooners and couples?

Beth

Hi LillyFay, <BR> <BR>I guess I'm a little puzzled about your comment about it being too rainy in Nevis. What time of year are you planning your vacation? We have been to St. Kitts and Nevis all months except September & October and the weather is pretty much the same the rest of the year - great! It is actually cooler than most of the U.S. in the summer with low humidity, and an occasional brief (less than 5 minute shower). The water temperature is a little warmer than during our winters. If you are looking for upscale accommodations, I would certainly reccommend the Four Seasons and also <BR>Nisbet Plantation, http://www.nisbetplantation.com on Nevis. I would also recommend two lovely plantation inns on St. Kitts whic are the best of any island. These are Ottleys Planatation Inn, http://www.ottleys.com, and Rawlins Plantation Inn, http://www.rawlinsplantation.com. We've been to St. Kitts & Nevis many times in July and it has been lovely. Even in the summer time, it is hard to come back to our weather!