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.