Vidor5

My husband and I are looking for somewhere reasonable to go in February for our 25th wedding anniversary. We've been to Aruba, Virgin Islands, Barbados, Grand Cayman, Costa Rica & the Dominican Republic, so would like to go somewhere else. We don't drink so I don't think we would like and all-inclusive. Seems like a waste of money. What is important is a nice beach, snorkling and good food, along with a room that you can take your shoes off and not have to curl up your toes. We have found that we are only in the room to shower, change and sleep. We prefer to hang around the locals and get away from touristy places. I've always gotten great ideas from this forum, so I would appreciate any help. thanks. Lisa

cmcfong

Isla Mujeres.

Vidor5

Where is that?

schmerl

It's in Mexico. Off the coast of Cancun. There was a lot of damage with Hurricane Wilma. It should be OK by February though.

I8Ds

schmerl...your name is very familiar...I think I have run into you..where are you from?

schmerl

YOu may have seen my name on other travel forums. I live in Pennsylvania.

I8Ds

No...Schmerl...now I remember where...I have seen the most beautiful black and white photographs by a photographer named Reenie Schmerl..she seems to capture the soul of her places..Greece, Vietnam, Cuba, etc...a real treat to see her work...oh well...if by some chance you are that person, I admire your work..rarely does one get to see photographs that capture what lurks beneath the obvious in travel..I feel like you are telling stories with each photograph....I hope you are the person and know you have a big fan

tess53

you mentioned the virgin islands..are you refering to the usvi's ? if so, how about the BVI's.. some great laid back,safe, friendly,islands.there are stunning beaches, great snorkeling and the locals are some of the best people i've ever met. we keep going back...Tortola(the largest & most populated)Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, Virgin Gorda,Guana,Peter, Cooper ..all beautiful islands, all unique!! good site-- www.britishvirginislands.com good luck !!

schmerl

I8Ds,
Unfortunately, I am not Reenie Schmerl, but I would love to have the type of talent you described!

Laby

Vidor5, I would give consideration to Anguilla. The beaches are spectacular the snorkeling is good, and it is renowned for its excellent restaurants (including many reasonably priced ones that specialize in local cuisine).

While many of Anguilla's hotels can be extremely pricy in February, two moderate-priced hotels you might consider are the Allamanda Beach Club (http://allamanda.ai/) and Serenity Cottage (http://www.serenity.ai/). The Allamanda and Serenity Cottage are both on the northern part of Shoal Bay East, one of Anguilla's best beaches. Both hotels have well-regarded reasonably priced on-site restaurants.

Allamanda is a bit closer to the main action on Shoal Bay East (and right next to one of Anguilla's famed luncheon spots, Gwen's Reggae Grill (http://www.news.ai/ref/reggaegrill.html)) and to one of Anguilla's main snorkeling and diving outfitters, Shoal Bay Scuba and Watersports (http://www.shoalbayscuba.ai/). Serenity is a bit more upscale (and expensive) than Allamanda and also on a somewhat quieter part of Shoal Bay East. Allamanda's restaurant Zara's and Serenity's restaurant are two of the best moderately-priced restaurants on the island.

oldhippy

where did you stay in the DR?

How much of the country did you see?

beth48

Tortola in the BVI is lovely, but I don't know how reasonable the prices will be in February. We had a quote from Long Bay for the first week in January that was about $1,000 higher than staying in St. Croix at the Carambola. We've stayed at both places in the past but decided on St. Croix because of the much lower price. There are only a few "larger" resorts in Tortola -- with Long Bay being the largest. It's not over commercialized, which is great!

Vidor5

Old Hippy-We stayed at a Club Med in the DR about 15 years ago. Lot of fun. It was for a convention so we didn't get around much. Armed guards at the gates of the resort as a matter of fact. The club Med was a circus theme and it was a lot of fun. Learned how to fly the trapeze. They had a show at the end of the week you could perform in, but I tore all the ligaments in my knee on the trampoline and went home on crutches. Never hurt yourself in another country is what I learned.

Vidor5

Laby-Alamanda Beach Club looks really nice. I will be sure to check out more.

Vidor5

cmcfong-I have looked at Isle Mujerus and it sounds pretty laid bach which we like. Is the snorkling there very good? I've heard that farther north is better. Playa Le Media Luna looks like a nice place.

Vidor5

Beth48-We've been to the BVI's. My most favorite trip ever. We chartered a 40 foot trawler and my husband, myself and our 3 teenagers spent Christmas week there 3 years ago. It was awesome. No presents, a foot high tree on our bow and lights all around. I will remember it forever! Only glitch is it cost a lot!!!

jnew

I know it's not as 'exoctic' as some other places but, take a look at St.Croix. It's definitely not touristy as cruise ships don't stop there very often. My wife and I stay at the Hotel on the Cay (they have a website) which, is inexpensive,not fancy but clean. Sounds like what you're looking for. Has it's own beach for snorkeling too.
Just a thought.

cdt

One comment about Isla Mujeres:

Everyone has his/her own definition of "warm," but we were in Akumal last Feb. 4-13 (60 miles south of I/M) and found it a bit cool for our taste.

Daytime air temps. were fine but the evenings were cool and we would have liked water temps. a degree or two warmer.

We liked the Yucatan but vowed not to return there in Jan. or Feb.

Overall we're partial to the VI (British and US). This winter we have to take our vacation in Jan. and chose Jamaica because it's a tad warmer than the VI in Jan., and cheaper.