where to go for the 1st caribbean trip?
 

Greetings! Trying to plan a surprise birthday trip for my wife and 1 year old son to somewhere warm in November. Ideally, we'd like something with a kitchen/kitchenette, on a beach, with nice pools, low key, everything close by so we wouldn't need to rent a car...flying from Maine for 4 nights mid week...I've been looking at Turks and Caicos but thought I should inquire for other options. Any thoughts?

Many places can fill the bill. Give us an idea of your budget for airfare and accommodations - give specific dollar amounts and not nebulous terms like "affordable" or "not too pricey" as they are meaningless without a point of reference. Also, if you tell us a little more about things you'd like to see or do during your trip that would help us steer you in the right direction.

For starters, check out Ocean Club or Ocean Club West on Providenciales's Grace Bay - it is a great place for families.

I'd like to spend under $2500 total. Really all we want do is spend daytime at the beach/ pool and be able to walk back to our accommodations for naptime. My wife is pregnant with #2 and nauseous. And have nice dinners at night. I'd love to snorkel from the beach. Ocean view and balcony would be a plus.

I've read reviews that say the pools are dirty at the ocean club properties. Also looked at Alexandra, rwi and windsong.

With a total budget of $2500 you are probably going to spend a big chunck on airfare since you are flying from Maine. You could save some money if you are able to drive to Boston and fly from there to your destination. Look at resorts/ condos in the Dominican Republic as that is traditionally a destination you can reach non-stop from most US International Gateway cities for relatively low prices. It is also a relatively short flight giving you more time considering you are only going for 4 nights.

Good luck with your search.

FYI - when we stayed at Ocean Club West we did not encounter any problem with the cleanliness of the pools. Also, the only good walk-in snorkeling on Provo is nowhere near any of the hotels/resorts you are considering - you will need ground transportation to reach the best locations.

i just looked at flights from portland/pwm to t&c/pls.
us airways has 6hr45min flts which is a wonderment from maine (i live near bangor). most other destinations are twice that long. (i'm headed to out island in bahamas soon & we have to overnight in nassau to get there) be careful with return flt as some of them are 19 hrs!

provo is perfect for you in nov: kids mostly in school so island will be quiet, air & water temps are wonderfully warm. prices haven't jumped for thanksgiving, and most of the resorts have condo style rooms. no one resort on provo is near to everything, but with only 4 nights you can easily do taxis. my favorite for families with little ones is The Sands because it has screened porches where you & wife can hang out during naps & after early bedtimes. suites have full kitchen.
i don't know if this is your first trip to the islands but you'll discover that most places don't have huge pool complexes (except at huge all inclusives).
i think people get used to the Atlantic which is Cold. provo ocean water temp will be 80-82 when you go. the sand is uber soft & never gets hot - nice for your son to play on. grace bay beach is protected from waves by the reef so should be calm. sands resort does have 3 pools.
be sure to take all sorts of sunscreen & protective clothing, hats & sunglasses for your son. also you might put some cereal a/or whatever your boy is eating in checked luggage to avoid changing his diet.
beach dresses for your wife for eating out at dinner. no ties or jackets for you.
ps - aren't you a wonderful husband to plan this surprise bday for your wife 8-)

Have you looked at Negril? CocoLaPalm would be ideal for your family?

They have 2 pools and a jacuzzi plus they're on 7 miles of white sandy beach so you can just hang out at the resort and the many restaurants/bars nearby. No car needed.

The beach is very shallow so it's safe for your little one and the water is very clear

http://www.cocolapalm.com/about.asp

Depending on where you live in Maine? It might be worth looking at direct flights out of Boston, it's a 4 hour flight.

Check parksleepfly.com , you could travel to Boston the night before, stay overnight at a local hotel (makes for a longer vacation :) ) and the parking fee is included in the price.

Good travel tips from alya. Look at St.Thomas. Many flights and reasonably close. Secret Harbour www.secretharbourvi.com is a condo hotel with what you need. Outstanding wade-in snorkeling from a nice calm water beach. Restaurant on property and town of Red Hook 5 min. away.