Two Gentlemen Need a Resort
 

Hello. I am a new poster here, but I have been reading this board for a very long time. A friend and I want to go to the beach in August. We would like an upscale beach resort. All inclusive is nice, but not required. We are considering Peter Island, Caneel Bay, Jumby Bay, Cap Juluca, and Four Seasons Nevis.

I realize that this is a broad question, but which of these (or others) would you recommend.

We are also concerned about two men travelling together. We don't intend to invite any hostility. Is that a problem with any of the locations I mentioned?


Thanks.

Nice name :) I can't speak from experience on the hostility issue, but can say that Anguilla is a bit of a conservative place (at least in the nude sunbathing camp, don't know if that carries over into other attitudes - no I didn't find that out from personal experience!). Hopefully someone can speak from experience!

I haven't been to any of those places (although would love to go) but must say that it is sad that in 2006 you must still ask the question about hostility. You are smart to ask it, but how sad that there would be some who would be hostile to you.

One idea of a great spot is Harbour Island in the Bahamas. May not be as luxurious as you'd like, but it's gorgeous and definitely welcoming (Rock House seemed to be particularly welcoming to two gentlemen).

Good luck. Looking forward to hearing peoples' thoughts.

Have been to Anguilla over 20 times and don't think you would have a problem. Instead of Cap Juluca I would recommend Cove Castles. In the summer Cap seems to be honeymooners haven. The accomodations at Cove Castles are awesome, quiet private and intimate. See if you can get villa 2. Shoal Bay Beach west is a very nice beach. Suggest you go the first week in August for Carnival. Lots of fun. Check out www.festival.ai

I've read that the French islands -- St. Barth, Martinique, Guadaloupe -- are very open-minded.

Hi need screen name, you will have no problem at CJ, or Caneel. I have seen a few male couples over the years-not a problem. Go enjoy!

St. Martin, especially the French side, seems to have the attitude that everything goes. My husband and I loved Nevis, but only visited the 4S...beautiful grounds. The place is so large that everyone seemed to be spread out. The people in Nevis were so friendly and I would be surprised if you had a problem there. Having said that, I just checked my 2005 Fodor's Caribbean Manual and there is a section that might interest you. Briefly, they report that the French and Dutch islands are very accepting, as well as Puerto Rico, The US Virgin Islands and St. Martin. They also have a list of agencies that can be very helpful in answering questions and/or booking your trip. I'm not sure where you are flying out of, but this book has been worth the $25, as it covers every island. Happy traveling!

I would rule St. Maarten/St. Martin out at this point in time. There is a serious unsolved case of abuse/beating there at the moment and attitudes are very high. The situation has been the big topic in our local newspaper every day for the past week or so. It's very sad.

Many thanks for the thoughts. I am looking forward to the trip, although it is several months away. I think we are leaning towards Peter Island, at least this hour. Last hour it was Cap Juluca, despite the threat of honeymooners!

are you a couple or just buddies? If the former, be aware that homophobia is sadly very prevalent in the West Indies. Even buddies can get the skinny eyeball.

Have a wonderful vacation wherever you end up going. I can also second the idea of The Rock House on Harbour Island, as a good choice for you. The web address is www.rockhousebahamas.com

The resort overlooks the harbour side of the island, has a lovely pool area, great restaurant and is small and intimate.

You also might look into Dunsmore Beach Club, Romora Bay and Pink Sands also on HI.

The webaddresses are:
www.islandoutpost.com
www.romorabay.com
www.briland.com
www.myharbourisland.com

Have a great time.

You'd feel comfortable at the Horned Dorset Primaverra on PR's West Coast --
but since August weather can be a crap shoot in the Caribbean, you might take a better shot at better weather: Buzios, Angra dos Reis,
Olinda -- all upmarket but not stuffy
and great beach resort areas in Brazil
where you're just plain visitors/tourists.

In August Caneel Bay and FS Nevis will be overrun with families so you are on track with Cap Juluca or Peter Island, I think. I recently visited both CB and FS Nevis on day trips, have to say I was not overly impressed with FS Nevis. It's nice, but the beach chairs are packed together like sardines and for the price they charge I just didn't think the resort was special enough. We much prefer FS Punta Mita, just spectacular grounds and views. Caneel Bay is gorgeous but rustic. At Caneel, what you are paying for is access to six private beaches and the wonderful expansive grounds.

My friends just returned from Antigua & had a wonderful time (they are 2 gay males). They stayed at Jolly Beach & are already planning a return trip. They also opted for all-inclusive. Their sexual preference was a non-issue although most of their time spent on the island was at the resort or, on a boat.

We were at the Nevis FS about three months ago and loved it. At no time did we see beach chairs packed together during our stay and although the views, beaches and grounds are beautiful, if you are a male couple, I would recommend another island. Many of the residents of Nevis are extremely religious and attend church for 6 hours on Sundays and frown on same sex relationships. Caneel Bay may be your best choice of those on your list or look into a French or Dutch island.

Knowing, maybe you can answer a question for me. When I was there, a wide stretch of beach directly in front of the main buildings was completely empty as if they were keeping it that way to maintain an unobstructed view. All the beach chairs were indeed lined up chair to chair on the right and left sides of the resort and people were not spreading out into the unoccupied stretch of beach, hence my comment about them all being crammed together. It sounds like it was not that way when you were there, can you comment? It really turned me off from staying at the resort. I don't want to be inches from my neightbor.

I've been to many of the Caribbean Islands.
I think your best bet is either HArbour Island Bahamas, or St. Barts, or St. Martin.

If you are gay the possibility exists for problems on Nevis. I believe it was either 2004 or 2005 the Polynesia a Windjammer ship was denied docking because the chartered cruise was a group of gay men. It made the headlines in the Caribbean and small blurb here and there in the States.

Curiousx is correct in his posting. When in public especially outside a resort, if gay discretion is your best recourse.

We just returned from St. Kitts/Nevis last week. Our first trip there - we have visited Anguilla 5 times, and the 6th trip is already booked.
I was disappointed in the Four Season's beach..the chairs are very close together, the sand is tan (not powdery white like Anguilla) and the beach is somewhat narrow.
I agree with the other posting - Cove Castles Beach on Anguilla is the best. White sand, aqua water and the beach is practically deserted. Walk down to Trattoria Tramonto for the best meal you will have on the island!

In August, hiring a gulyet, a private
boat, to tour the coast of Antalya from
Bodrum, generally, in Turkey, yields
incredible beaches/food/people and all the luxe of your own crewed floating
paradise, able to visit beaches and
Lycian ruins and local villages en route -- with air, for the same or less than the AIs you're looking at.
The weather will be hot, wonderful. And
Istanbul is a great city to fly into
and explore before or after the connector flight. Bang for buck in August, it sure beats all the upscales
on your shortlist now. It's one place
you don't need eyes in the back of your
head as well. Outside of maybe India Hick's hotel on Harbour Island, very Brit, or St.Barts off-season, much of the West Indian/Hispanic Caribbean would tend to look askance or at least be a tad chilly in reception -- including all the resorts on your list.

I'm not sure this is the board to give you the best advice.

I have first-hand knowledge of St. Kitts and Nevis and can verify that they are rather conservative islands in general.

But in my recent visit to Nevis, i did see a couple of same sex couples who were clearly repeat visitors. These were at smaller hotels. I don't know about the Four Seasons.

I would have recommended the French side of St. Martin but reading what Statia says, maybe it's not a good time.

I think you'll be fine no matter where you go, if you are aware of local sensibilities. Make your decision on other island/hotel amenities and activities (i.e. good snorkeling, hiking, white beaches etc.).

Let us know what you decide upon.

CW

A dictionary definition of a Gentleman is "a man of refinement", and as such a gentleman will be someone who is aware of their surroundings, local culture and sensibilities.

A traveller is basically the same thing (as opposed to a tourist :))

What I am trying to say is that I can't imagine any Caribbean island would be an issue for two gentlemen travelling together, it is all a question of respect for ones surroundings, and that applies to all visitors.

As you are lookng at high end resorts, I would rule out my place (The Reef), as we don't offer the kind of "hot and cold running bathrobes" service I think you are looking for.... but you would certainly be at home and welcome here (we do welcome many "gentlemen/ladies travelling together" as you put it !)

I feel sure that the same would be true at any resort in Cayman, so you may wish to consider the Ritz Carlton.

All the best with your research.

I think Caneel would be a great choice!! We just returned and the seclusion, privacy, and quiet was amazing.

Congratulations on your upcoming vacation!

I have been to:

Caneel - with a girlfriend
Peter Island - solo
Cuisinart (Anguilla) with a male buddy
Little Dix - solo

I think you and your friend would be welcomed and comfortable at all of the above.

The AI thing is pretty much a given at PI and at Little Dix - not many (any?) other choices.

I would not recommend AI on Anguilla or St. John because there are so many great places to eat off campus.

At all of these places I have seen all kinds of people in all kinds of groups. I don't think it will matter to anyone and I think you will feel comfortable. If someone has a problem, it is pretty much their problem anyway. (you are safe at all of the resorts regardless of what people might think.)

I agree with other posters that you may find a more conservative (Christian/Taliban?) view of "stuff" on the islands than you might find in NYC or SFO, but unless you are doing a lot of "in your face" stuff the issue won't come up.

Go where you want and have the vacation YOU want. These are all places to cater to worldly Americans and they won't give you and your friend a second glance - at least at the resort.

Of the places you mention, Peter Island is the most isolated and self contained. I would not hesitate to visit there with a buddy. Last time I was there was in August and it was mostly younger couples, but it was very low key and everyone was very friendly...food is great. Beach front rooms are much nicer than the chalet/harbor rooms, but also much more expensive. It is a nice resort for very low key relaxing. There is not much to do except the beach and a nice dinner. Little Dix is similar, but has the option of some other beaches and a couple of off campus places to eat...perhaps more kids at LD.

Caneel has the most to offer in terms of off campus activities - exploring St John and St. Thomas, hiking the national park, renting a boat, finding off the beaten path beaches, fun bars and places to eat - or just vegging on the 7 Caneel beaches - mostly couples and a lot of older people. If you have not been to the Carib a lot, St. John is a nice mix.

No experience with 4S Nevis or Jumby. Based on experience with other 4S resorts, I suspect you will find many couples who are not experienced world travelers (whatever that means)at 4S...they buy by price and hope for the best, but I doubt you would feel awkward there.

On Anguilla...I am not sure CJ is worth the price... check out Cuisinart and eat a meal or 2 at CJ.

Feel free to ask more specific questions and I will gladly respond.

Eileen,
I will comment on it as best as I can for you. The people that were on the beach down by Sunshine's were down there because there is service right down there as well as a rest room and a new adult only pool. The people on the other side were there because that is the side for children. In the middle I think people just prefer to be poolside (like us! We live on water and have our own beach so we find a pool to be more special)as there are no rules about putting your chairs anywhere. As far as lining them up, all of the resorts I've stayed in, at the end of the day, the staff has cleaned up and just lined the chairs up in an orderly fashion. But the following day, as more and more people came out and used the chairs and placed them where they wished, they weren't lined up anymore. Unless they wanted to be. Or didn't know any better. The other possibility is that the bonfire ring is right in front there and it's possible that they may have been planning on cleaning the area or had just cleaned it and no one had ventured out there yet. I just looked through my pictures the other day though and there are chairs all over the place in every one of them. I do know the FS was not full when we were there and I know that they have times when they are. We were told by the staff that during the holidays they get the repeat customers and they really get FULL! We loved it there. Great bathrooms and the beds, oh my!

I have some friends in the life who enjoy Caneel Bay. Lots to do and they felt welcomed.