unspoiled Caribbean island for NATURE, snorkeling, & romantic getaway?
Dec 7th, 2005, 11:54 AM
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unspoiled Caribbean island for NATURE, snorkeling, & romantic getaway?
Can you help me choose a Caribbean island for our 1-week February 2006 romantic getaway?
We need an island that isn't overdeveloped. Hubby is a biologist and enjoys nature walks to find some native flora and fauna still intact!
We like snorkeling, nature walks, music & dance if available; finding good local restaurants in town for dinner. We don't ever choose the all-inclusive resort plan.
We need an island that isn't too underdeveloped, because I like a touch of luxury and romance. We don't need the Ritz or the Marriott, we like a nice secluded romantic place on a nice beach, with a little town to drive to with interesting local food.
In Maui we disliked the overdeveloped Kaanapali beach area; we preferred the Wailea and Hana areas. (Though hubby was disappointed that Maui actually has relatively little native flora and fauna left!!!) Enjoyed Kaui. Never been to Honolulu but it looks like our worst nightmare in photos!
We loved Dominica and St. Lucia, although that was 20 years ago!!! Haven't been to the Caribbean for 20 years.
National Geographic rates 115 destinations according to environmental issues; tourism management; social/cultural integrity; and condition of historic structures. Choosing from their list, these places look good, what do you think?
BONAIRE, Netherlands Antilles
BAHAMIAN Out Islands (help! what are these? don't know what "Out islands" means)
British Virgin Islands (NOT Tortola)
St. John, US Virgin Islands
St. Lucia
(great, but we were there 20 years ago.)
Can you suggest any places that would meet our criteria, or comment on the above places? Thanks!
We need an island that isn't overdeveloped. Hubby is a biologist and enjoys nature walks to find some native flora and fauna still intact!
We like snorkeling, nature walks, music & dance if available; finding good local restaurants in town for dinner. We don't ever choose the all-inclusive resort plan.
We need an island that isn't too underdeveloped, because I like a touch of luxury and romance. We don't need the Ritz or the Marriott, we like a nice secluded romantic place on a nice beach, with a little town to drive to with interesting local food.
In Maui we disliked the overdeveloped Kaanapali beach area; we preferred the Wailea and Hana areas. (Though hubby was disappointed that Maui actually has relatively little native flora and fauna left!!!) Enjoyed Kaui. Never been to Honolulu but it looks like our worst nightmare in photos!
We loved Dominica and St. Lucia, although that was 20 years ago!!! Haven't been to the Caribbean for 20 years.
National Geographic rates 115 destinations according to environmental issues; tourism management; social/cultural integrity; and condition of historic structures. Choosing from their list, these places look good, what do you think?
BONAIRE, Netherlands Antilles
BAHAMIAN Out Islands (help! what are these? don't know what "Out islands" means)
British Virgin Islands (NOT Tortola)
St. John, US Virgin Islands
St. Lucia
(great, but we were there 20 years ago.)
Can you suggest any places that would meet our criteria, or comment on the above places? Thanks!
Dec 7th, 2005, 11:58 AM
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I would like to add something to my post above. We like places where the people are friendly, enjoying their lives and their own culture, which we can learn something about. We found people to be friendly in Costa Rica recently and in Dominica 20 years ago.
It isn't as mch fun to go to places where the people seem to see you as a piggy bank or a dollar sign...that's what happened to us on St. Thomas and in some other places.
It isn't as mch fun to go to places where the people seem to see you as a piggy bank or a dollar sign...that's what happened to us on St. Thomas and in some other places.
Dec 7th, 2005, 12:15 PM
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You may want to consider Nevis. I think that it meets all of your requirements. There are also a number of excellent tour guides who lead walks to explore native flora and fauna, as well as walks to explore the rainforest, old plantation ruins, and Mount Nevis. Nevis is known for its excellent restaurants, including a number of fine romantic ones located at Nevis's many old plantation inns. There is a great deal of history attached to Nevis as it is where Alexander Hamilton was born and where British Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson married Fanny Nisbet.
If you want to experience Nevis at one of its lovely historic plantation inns, you might consider the Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, which is Nevis's only plantation inn located on the beach, or the charming Montpelier Plantation Inn or Hermitage Plantation Inn which are both located inland on a higher elevation (but with beach transportation available).
If you want to experience Nevis at one of its lovely historic plantation inns, you might consider the Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, which is Nevis's only plantation inn located on the beach, or the charming Montpelier Plantation Inn or Hermitage Plantation Inn which are both located inland on a higher elevation (but with beach transportation available).
Dec 7th, 2005, 12:36 PM
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In case Nevis interests you, here are the websites for the plantation inns I mentioned. By the way, we're staying at the Nisbet Plantation in October 2006 to celebrate our anniversary.
Nisbet Plantation Beach Club (http://www.nisbetplantation.com/)
Montpelier Plantation Inn (http://www.montpeliernevis.com/)
Hermitage Plantation Inn (http://www.hermitagenevis.com/)
You may also wish to contact Jim Johnson of Top to Bottom Tours (http://www.definitivecaribbean.com//...opup.aspx?i=32) who offers several different nature hikes. His e-mail address is [email protected] and he is very responsive to all e-mail inquiries. Another tour guide to contact is David Rollinson of Nevis Hikes ([email protected]) who leads a number of nature and historical hikes, including one of Nevis's capitol Charleston.
Nisbet Plantation Beach Club (http://www.nisbetplantation.com/)
Montpelier Plantation Inn (http://www.montpeliernevis.com/)
Hermitage Plantation Inn (http://www.hermitagenevis.com/)
You may also wish to contact Jim Johnson of Top to Bottom Tours (http://www.definitivecaribbean.com//...opup.aspx?i=32) who offers several different nature hikes. His e-mail address is [email protected] and he is very responsive to all e-mail inquiries. Another tour guide to contact is David Rollinson of Nevis Hikes ([email protected]) who leads a number of nature and historical hikes, including one of Nevis's capitol Charleston.
Dec 7th, 2005, 12:36 PM
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Laby, thanks for suggesting Nevis. I looked it up on fodors destinations and it looks like an exciting possibility! You're right, it does seem to meet our requirements. Appreciate the benefit of your experience. I will do some more research on Nevis.
Dec 7th, 2005, 12:40 PM
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Hello again, Melissa5!! You plan the BEST family and romantic trips!!!!!!! Italy...last year, CR...now..??
OK, I've very limited exprerience in the Caribbean, but for what it's worth, I love St John. Snorkeling , good restaurants, not underdeveloped, but also much of island is Nat'l Park so there are limited areas for building. You';ve ben to St Thomas--St John is very different. Not sure about hiking, tho' there are folks here who will know more, and there are some great guidebooks with trails listed--one by Gerald Singer. Romantic hotel--Caneel Bay (been on the grounds, but not in the hotel). OR a little, romantic, relatively secluded cottage or villa witha fantastic view of islands and Caribbean--St John has a bunch of qualities that description. Maybe the area near Francis Bay--brief walk to beautiful beach w/snorkeling, nr Maho Bay campground (lots of "nature" oriented activites for hubby) down a quiet road, but not far to drive to Coral Bay or Cruz Bay for great little restaurants/shops.
(p.s. --Warning--Off topic! HNL is wonderful, as is Oahu!!! It's soooo much more than "just" Waikiki--tho' I love that area too, for different reasons. Just had to throw in a little defensiveness on behalf of one of my favorite places in the world! If you could enjoy and survive the frenetic atmosphere of Rome in summer, Oahu/Hnl will be a breeze!! ok, nuff off-forum talk!!
)
Have a great time planning, as you always do!! Whatever you chose, it will be perfect for you, based on your extensive research. I love that you know just what you want and how to narrow it down!!
OK, I've very limited exprerience in the Caribbean, but for what it's worth, I love St John. Snorkeling , good restaurants, not underdeveloped, but also much of island is Nat'l Park so there are limited areas for building. You';ve ben to St Thomas--St John is very different. Not sure about hiking, tho' there are folks here who will know more, and there are some great guidebooks with trails listed--one by Gerald Singer. Romantic hotel--Caneel Bay (been on the grounds, but not in the hotel). OR a little, romantic, relatively secluded cottage or villa witha fantastic view of islands and Caribbean--St John has a bunch of qualities that description. Maybe the area near Francis Bay--brief walk to beautiful beach w/snorkeling, nr Maho Bay campground (lots of "nature" oriented activites for hubby) down a quiet road, but not far to drive to Coral Bay or Cruz Bay for great little restaurants/shops.
(p.s. --Warning--Off topic! HNL is wonderful, as is Oahu!!! It's soooo much more than "just" Waikiki--tho' I love that area too, for different reasons. Just had to throw in a little defensiveness on behalf of one of my favorite places in the world! If you could enjoy and survive the frenetic atmosphere of Rome in summer, Oahu/Hnl will be a breeze!! ok, nuff off-forum talk!!
)Have a great time planning, as you always do!! Whatever you chose, it will be perfect for you, based on your extensive research. I love that you know just what you want and how to narrow it down!!
Dec 7th, 2005, 01:23 PM
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CaliNurse, we meet again! I am frustrated as I put off planning this Caribbean trip too long (I was working on planning our Ireland 2006 family trip.)
So I am very late in planning our February 2006 Caribbean get-away for hubby and I.
Really not sure which island to choose, and have to choose an island quick and get things booked for Caribbean! Not my style, as you know I like to spend many months on research. No time!
St. John sounds good too. We were there 23 years ago but only for 1 day on our honeymoon. I loved it but we barely saw much of it! We stayed on St. Thomas. At that time I was very un-travelled. Didn't like St. Thomas. Got on a bus with hubby and when we were the last 2 folks left on the bus, he drove it to his friend's house and stopped to smoke some "weed", with us still on the bus! We didn't say a word, had no idea how to get back to town. When he was finished he drove us back! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! He never even offered us a word of explanation. We were young and clueless.
Well here's to narrowing it down to one isand for February...
So I am very late in planning our February 2006 Caribbean get-away for hubby and I.
Really not sure which island to choose, and have to choose an island quick and get things booked for Caribbean! Not my style, as you know I like to spend many months on research. No time!
St. John sounds good too. We were there 23 years ago but only for 1 day on our honeymoon. I loved it but we barely saw much of it! We stayed on St. Thomas. At that time I was very un-travelled. Didn't like St. Thomas. Got on a bus with hubby and when we were the last 2 folks left on the bus, he drove it to his friend's house and stopped to smoke some "weed", with us still on the bus! We didn't say a word, had no idea how to get back to town. When he was finished he drove us back! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! He never even offered us a word of explanation. We were young and clueless.
Well here's to narrowing it down to one isand for February...
Dec 7th, 2005, 01:40 PM
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Caneel Bay would be a good choice. St John is wonderful in the ways you describe, tho there won't be much (any?) music or dance. There's plenty of hiking around the island-- and absolutely gorgeous views and snorkeling anad endless beaches. Plenty of good restaurants in every price range and "ambience" range. the "people" aspect won't be as pleasant or interesting as what you found in CR, but at the same time it's not $$ oriented the way St Thomas is (ugh).
Dec 7th, 2005, 01:48 PM
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The "family islands" of the Bahamas are the outislands. The Bahamas is actually made up of over 700 islands in the chain, many are not inhabited.
You might want to look at the Abacos, Exuma or Harbour Island for your trip.
Here are some websites you may find interesting.
www.myharbourisland.com
www.briland.com
www.rockhousebahamas.com
www.coralsands.com
www.runawayhill.com
www.romorabay.com
On Abaco
www.coconuttelegraph.com
Our favorite is Runaway Hill, which is a small resort, right on the beach. There was a change in ownership last year, so have not been back yet, and I have heard that alot of rennovations have recently been done.
The island has several lovely places to stay, a bit of shopping, several great restaurants and one of the best beaches in the world.
Have a great trip wherever you go.
You might want to look at the Abacos, Exuma or Harbour Island for your trip.
Here are some websites you may find interesting.
www.myharbourisland.com
www.briland.com
www.rockhousebahamas.com
www.coralsands.com
www.runawayhill.com
www.romorabay.com
On Abaco
www.coconuttelegraph.com
Our favorite is Runaway Hill, which is a small resort, right on the beach. There was a change in ownership last year, so have not been back yet, and I have heard that alot of rennovations have recently been done.
The island has several lovely places to stay, a bit of shopping, several great restaurants and one of the best beaches in the world.
Have a great trip wherever you go.
Dec 7th, 2005, 02:04 PM
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Laby: thanks for the links. Am I misunderstanding the prices for the Nisbet Plantation Beach Club? Is it $600 for one night's stay in February? If so, hubby would never relax with those prices! I was confused about whether they meant 1 night or 3 nights for $600.
Enjoy your anniversary! Hope its relaxing and romantic.
POSS: Thanks for your info and thought on St. John's. Much appreciated.
wantsomesun: Thanks for the links for the Bahamas! Now I have lots of scenic homework to do. Sounds like you have been more than once to the Bahamas. Have you been to other islands as well? Are the Bahamas your favorite?
Enjoy your anniversary! Hope its relaxing and romantic.
POSS: Thanks for your info and thought on St. John's. Much appreciated.
wantsomesun: Thanks for the links for the Bahamas! Now I have lots of scenic homework to do. Sounds like you have been more than once to the Bahamas. Have you been to other islands as well? Are the Bahamas your favorite?
Dec 7th, 2005, 02:42 PM
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You should consider Vieques. While it's not for everybody, it does fit what you are looking for. 70% of the island, which was formerly owned by the US Navy, is now the largest nature preserve in the Caribbean. You will find amazing, deserted beaches. Think of a mile of white sand and gorgeous water with nobody and nothing on it. On the roads you will find wild horses. Oh, and don't forget the Bioluminescent Bay, which is a world class, unbelievable experience. To stay you could consider the Martineau Bay Resort, soon to become the first W Resort in the Caribbean. For smaller options, you could consider Hix Island House, Inn on the Blue Horizon, or Hacienda Tamarindo. Also, Vieques has a number of remarkably good restaurants for an island of its size. Here's a link to an article in this week's Philadelphia Inquirer travel section on Vieques, which does a good job of describing what it is and what it isn't. I'm also happy to answer any questions.
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/l...l/13294315.htm
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/l...l/13294315.htm
Dec 7th, 2005, 02:59 PM
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Sounds to me like Saba might fit the bill, also.
http://sabatourism.com/
Definitely unspoiled, lots of flora and fauna, snorkeling, eco-tourism, hiking, and quiet romanticism. There is even a small spa where you can book his & her treatments.
I'll be happy to elaborate if you have any questions. Saba is very near me and I visit often to get away from the "hectic life" of my own 8-square mile island.
http://sabatourism.com/
Definitely unspoiled, lots of flora and fauna, snorkeling, eco-tourism, hiking, and quiet romanticism. There is even a small spa where you can book his & her treatments.
I'll be happy to elaborate if you have any questions. Saba is very near me and I visit often to get away from the "hectic life" of my own 8-square mile island.
Dec 7th, 2005, 03:54 PM
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It sounds like you could like Tobago Melissa .... Has an interesting history for your `bioligst ` , the plant and animal life is more closely related to South America than the rest of the Caribbean . ( attatched a gazillion yrs. ago !! ) They actually have red howler monkeys . Incredibly diverse flora and fauna , birders paradise , incredible snorkeling and diving , quaint small inns ..... I was going to suggest Dominica and St. lucia , but .... Take a peek at Tobago !!
Dec 7th, 2005, 04:54 PM
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St.John, by far, for what you described. And Caneel Bay is the ultimate paradise on earth for beach and nature lovers. Rooms are scattered around 170 acres and SEVEN tree-shaded white sand beaches with crystal-clear water and wade-in snorkeling.
Dec 8th, 2005, 01:00 AM
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HI again, Melissa. While checking out St John touring sites for our upcoming summer trip, found this page, done by students from U. of Massachusetts. Your husband might enjoy its biologists' focus. Enjoy!!
http://www.bio.umass.edu/biology/troptrip/trophome.html
http://www.bio.umass.edu/biology/troptrip/trophome.html
Dec 8th, 2005, 01:01 AM
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ccc: My husband is intrigued by Vieques, and I am willing to consider it. Thanks for the info and the link. I read the newspaper article, very helpful. Can you please answer some questions about Vieques?
I am interested in Bravo Beach Hotel on Vieques. I do realize it's oceanfront but has no beach...the waves break on the rocks. It sure has great traveler reviews on tripadvisor. It all sounds a bit adventurous, very different from our trip to Maui last January! The Martineau Bay Resort and Spa sounds overpriced for what you get, and less than satisfying.
What is your favorite place to stay on Vieques?
Also, I am wondering if there are any facilities on these pristine beaches? I mean, are there any bathrooms nearby?! You are speaking here to somebody who can't get through a movie at the theatre without a trip to the ladies room.
Another beach question: is there some good and easy snorkeling from the beaches? (I am easily frightened out of the water, and don't like to get too far from shore.)
When were you in Vieques, and can you share a bit more about your experiences there?
Did you find the locals friendly, or resentful of visitors? (Meeting the locals on friendly terms makes a big difference in our view.)
I have read about a few interesting restaurants in town, but don't think I've heard about any music or dancing? Not essential but would be fun if available.
Thanks very much!
EVERYBODY has been great about suggesting places that meet our needs. Thank you all, we are still researching all these places. (As fast as we can!!!)
I am interested in Bravo Beach Hotel on Vieques. I do realize it's oceanfront but has no beach...the waves break on the rocks. It sure has great traveler reviews on tripadvisor. It all sounds a bit adventurous, very different from our trip to Maui last January! The Martineau Bay Resort and Spa sounds overpriced for what you get, and less than satisfying.
What is your favorite place to stay on Vieques?
Also, I am wondering if there are any facilities on these pristine beaches? I mean, are there any bathrooms nearby?! You are speaking here to somebody who can't get through a movie at the theatre without a trip to the ladies room.
Another beach question: is there some good and easy snorkeling from the beaches? (I am easily frightened out of the water, and don't like to get too far from shore.)
When were you in Vieques, and can you share a bit more about your experiences there?
Did you find the locals friendly, or resentful of visitors? (Meeting the locals on friendly terms makes a big difference in our view.)
I have read about a few interesting restaurants in town, but don't think I've heard about any music or dancing? Not essential but would be fun if available.
Thanks very much!
EVERYBODY has been great about suggesting places that meet our needs. Thank you all, we are still researching all these places. (As fast as we can!!!)
Dec 8th, 2005, 01:05 AM
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Faithie: Nice "meeting" you again! You were a big help and source of encouragement in planning our Costa Rica trip. We are looking into the suggestions. (Also, we are even considering returning to Dominica or St. Lucia, which we haven't seen for 20 years...have you been there more recently?)
I keep trying to convince hubby to just give in and let me get a package deal for Oahu...it would be a lot easier to plan! But he wants something more exotic. (I love trip-planning but am also trying to finish up our summer 2006 trip to Ireland.)
I keep trying to convince hubby to just give in and let me get a package deal for Oahu...it would be a lot easier to plan! But he wants something more exotic. (I love trip-planning but am also trying to finish up our summer 2006 trip to Ireland.)
Dec 8th, 2005, 05:07 AM
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Melissa5, Nisbet in February will be more expensive than in October when we will be traveling. I checked their website and saw that their rate for a superior cottage in February will be $475 a night but this does include breakfast and dinner for two. As a comparison, the same room in October costs $300 a night, again including breakfast and dinner for two (we're going with a slightly more expensive package that offers a few extras, including dinner at another plantation inn and a half day sailing cruise). If you're interested in Nisbet but the price is a concern, I'd suggest contacting the inn to see what they would charge without meals (or with just breakfast). There are many outstanding restaurants on Nevis at all price ranges where you could dine during your vacation; it's certainly not necessary to have all your dinners at just one place.
If you're interested in Nevis but prefer a less expensive place to stay, you could contact the Golden Rock Plantation Inn (http://www.golden-rock.com) which is located high up in the hills near the Montpelier Plantation but has transportation to the beach. During high season, Golden Rock's rates start at $220 a night without meals or $325 a night with breakfast and dinner for two. We gave very serious consideration to staying at Golden Rock with its great history (the main building was built in 1801), its spacious property (over 100 acres), its romantic Sugar Mill cottage, and its proximity to Nevis's rainforest and its famed monkeys. But in the end we decided to go with Nisbet which also has an excellent reputation.
If you're interested in Nevis but prefer a less expensive place to stay, you could contact the Golden Rock Plantation Inn (http://www.golden-rock.com) which is located high up in the hills near the Montpelier Plantation but has transportation to the beach. During high season, Golden Rock's rates start at $220 a night without meals or $325 a night with breakfast and dinner for two. We gave very serious consideration to staying at Golden Rock with its great history (the main building was built in 1801), its spacious property (over 100 acres), its romantic Sugar Mill cottage, and its proximity to Nevis's rainforest and its famed monkeys. But in the end we decided to go with Nisbet which also has an excellent reputation.
Dec 8th, 2005, 05:20 AM
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Hi Melissa , No , I have not visited Dominica , but next to Tobago it is the highest on my list and I did tons of research . Supposedly it has not changed at all . It's interier has been declared a Unesco World Heritage site for the incredible diversity in flora and fauna , and also the boiling lakes etc. To me it's seems the best kept secret in the Caribbean ! And contrary to what most people think ..... it DOES have some beautiful pale sand beaches !! Take a look at www.beaurive.com , www.habitationchabert.com . Tobago is truly another treasure ......
