Where do I go?
 

My husband and I are planning a trip to the Caribbean for my 30th birthday in Feb 2004. I have an image in my mind of what sort of destination I want, but I don't know if it exists! Here's what I'm looking for:

* Nice beach, NOT in a city (I don't want a high-rise resort)
* Individual cottages/cabins nestled among dense foliage for privacy, but just a short stroll to the beach
* NO children
* Great views and easy access to the waters
* All inclusive would be nice, but not absolutely necessary

I don't need nightlife or shopping...we just want to veg out, take naps in hammocks, read our books, and enjoy our time together.

Can you help? Thanks!
Angela

That is my idea of a vacation! A few places that come to mind... Guana Island or Biras Creek in the BVI, Petit St. Vincent or Young Island in the Grenadines. With the exception of Biras, these are all private island resorts and on the high end of the cost scale. But I think that is what you'll likely find given your preferences. I'm not sure what each resort's policy is on children but as a general rule, you shouldn't see too many of them (if any) at the places I've listed. I'm sure there are many, many other resorts that fit your parameters but these are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.

Hi Angela,

I would recommend that you look into the southern end of St. Lucia. They have hotels like Jalouise Hitlon, Ladera, Anse Chasnet(sp.?) that are the upper end luxury resorts. Jalousie has the cottages although they are not directly on the beach. You might also want to check out Stonefield Estate Villas which has an awesome setting and offers the perfect romance getaway. I have not been there (yet) so I can't speak from experience but everything that I had seen and read is making this the prime setting for my honeymoon. Stonefield is great for many of the items on your wish list but the only thing is that you would have to take a shuttle to the beach. Check it out though, you might fall in love with the place like I have!
Phil

Angela,
Have you considered Grenada? We stayed at LaSource in early May and it fits all of your criteria except the individual cabin part. The rooms, however are beautiful and very quiet. We were upgraded to an oceanfront with a large veranda/balcony overlooking the sea (it was shared with two other rooms, but they were empty). Additionally LaSource doesn't allow kids under 16 and is AI with a spa treatment everyday.
Laws on Grenada prohibit any resort from being taller than the palm trees. We found this island to be blissfully uncrowded and undeveloped but with some great amentities such as excellent restaurants and friendly locals.

To meet your criteria 100%, the only place I know is French Polynesia - not near the Caribbean but paradise none the less!

Thanks for replying! It really helps to have some idea of where to start looking. I'm going to check out those resorts you all mentioned. Stonefield in particular sounds interesting!

PETER ISLAND,BEACHFRONT ROOMS IS EXACTLY WHAT YOUR LOOKING FOR

I almost recommended Peter Island too, but their beachfronts aren't individual cottages which is what the OP was looking for.

Here's another vote for Guan, Biras, and Peter Island in the BVIs; Ladera, Jalousie or Ti Kaye Village in southern St. Lucia; and anyplace in the Grenadines.

Your criteria definitely lead me to think that you would be happiest at one of the private island resorts for next February. Petit St. Vincent is probably the most expensive when transportation costs are factored in, but lots of the other places have package deals.

It would seem to me that you would profit from reading ScubaMom's online reviews at www.scubamom.com. They've certainly helped me over the last two years!

Two recommendations: The Landing, Harbour Island, Eleuthera, Bahamas and Ritz-Carlton, Montego Bay, Jamaica (Key to Paradise All-Inclusive package)
They both have web sites so rather than me ramble on just check out their sites. Ritz doesn't have great beach but it has everything else. The Landing has pink sands beach and one of top rated beaches in the world according to the travel channel. Very laid back. no tv's no telephones in rooms, but to veg out in style it doesn't get any better.

I'm sorry to sound harsh, but the Ritz in MoBay is probably the ANTITHESIS of what this person is looking for. It's in direct conflict with at minimum 3 of her original criteria - nice beach, individual cottages, and no children.

Swept Away in Negril Jamaica meets all of your criteria. One of the best beaches in the Caribbean, best sunsets in the Caribbean, beautiful rooms tucked among dense foliage - Atrium rooms are 20 yards from the beach...or beachfront rooms right on the beach....couples only resort and a very classy all-inclusive with all the activities to do at your leisure and great food. The rooms have beautiful verandas for reading in the afternoon rain.

This is a very nice spot and less expensive than many of the properties mentioned above.

You can find lots of info on this destination if you do a search on various travel websites including this one.

Patty is absolutely right on all counts. Instead of staying in a cottage you would have to stay in a hotel room in the only 5 star resort in Jamaica. And even though I don't recall ever seeing any children on my trips there, they do allow the little rascals. And as Patty said they don't have a nice beach. It is probably the antithesis of what you are looking for. It is also the best resort I have ever stayed at in the Caribbean. You probably shouldn't stay there. Sorry I mentioned it.

If it were me, I would stay at the Rockhouse in Negril, Jamaica..I think this place is fabulous, and definately amongst dense folliage and great sea views...Only 1 problem, you are on the cliff's rather than the beach..But personally, i think the view from the Rockhouse is well worth sacrificing the beach!! I am hoping to go there next year!!

St.Barts meets all your criteria, but of course no tacky all inclusives on this Island. Pristine beaches, excellent French cusine, spectacular views everywhere. Small hotels and individual villas here. Look at stbartsvilla.com as an example..

You might enjoy Esmeralda in St. Martin with each unit having a vaulted ceiling and very spacious. A pool will be right outside your door no matter what part of the property you are staying at. You can read reviews at Where2Stay.
Also have you considered Casa Que Canta Resort on a cliff in Zihuatenejo Mexico probably the most romatnic resort by any beach in the world--astonishing view. You can type out property name in a search engine and get information.

Also might consider Super Clubs "Swept Away" Resort at Negril in Jamaica. Air Jamaica now has flights to Negril from Montego.

Correction: Couples "Swept Away" not Super Clubs. Website is swept-away.com

Thanks to all of you for your great suggestions!

What I ended up going with was a private beach house on Vieques island (Puerto Rico). I just booked it today, six nights for $1000! It's got everything I wanted, but of course not AI, which is just fine. We'll have a full kitchen, so we can make our own meals or just go to the nearby restaurants.

Petit St. Vincent looks amazing and would certainly meet my criteria, but I didn't really want to pay $900/night!!

The Rockhouse in Negril, however, will probably be our destination for our next trip! Thanks for recommending that one!