Where would u go to run away from it all?
 

I have been going through some difficult times (job, death, stress, etc). My birthday is near the end of July and we (a couple), moreso me, is looking to run away from life for a few days. We are looking for beachfront, affordable (in general middle income terms), serenity, beautiful beaches, relaxation, beauty, nature, activities (outdoor) and maybe a hint of nightlife 'in case' we go out one night. I know this is very broad & general, but with SO many Caribbean islands out there, I'm not sure where to choose. Was thinking Turks. Any suggestions? Thank you! :)

P.S. I know it will be the end of July and VERY hot in the Caribbean, suggest somewhere "cooler" (if that's possible)?

you've definitely described turks & caicos. almost all the resorts are directly on stunning grace bay beach, have great pools, decks and air conditioning. most are condo style rooms, so large and with full kitchens. there is a good grocery on island so you can save meal money that way. (picking up a couple bottles of liquor at duty free to enjoy cocktails on your deck will save too). there are also lots of good dining options in all price ranges. and there is a hint of nightlife. put blamona in the search box - one of her recent posts lists all the current places to go hear music, etc.

this is a list of all the resorts. many are on sale right now if you call the resort directly. you can use expedia to get an overview of pricing. http://www.turksandcaicostourism.com/hotel-resort.html

Turks is definitely a great option. However, I love St. Lucia. If you are looking to get away from it all this is a great location.

Anguilla-beautiful,relaxing, friendly. End of July and early August is Carnival. Look at Ku and Frangipani, although there are may reorts and Villas in many price ranges.

I will always recommend Anguilla because it's my favorite, but I think Turks is an excellent choice as well as the Bahamas. There are many good deals to be had there and it's easy to get to. The people however are not as friendly IMO as other islands. Again only MO.

I would suggest Eleuthera in the Bahamas. I love the Cove Eleuthera, a fantastic little retreat with hammocks and a delicious restaurant. Very small and peaceful. Not a whole lot to do, but the property is very "rustic luxury." I went in 2007 and thought, "If I'm ever on the verge of a nervous breakdown, this is exactly where I'm coming."

Here's a story I wrote about Eleuthera: http://www.fodors.com/news/story_2903.html

Turks is nice and grace bay is beautiful but I would not refer to it as an away from it all type of island. I would recommend some of the bahama out islands such as Eleuthera (Cove mentioned above or pineapple fields) as well as cat island (fernandez bay or pigeon cay beach club), exuma (feb point) or long island (cape santa maria) for privacy, serenity, off the beaten path kind of vacation. All these islands offer wonderful isolated beaches and a relaxed/casual vibe. The resorts will not be very luxurious and there will not be as many dining options as on Turks. Look to trip advisor for reviews on each of the above mentioned hotels to see if one is a good fit for you. Anguilla is very nice as well but a more expensive option.

Hi Jen-sorry for your tough times. It sounds like you need a "calgon take me away" vacation for sure!

I learned the difference b/w a trip and a vacation when I went here:

http://www.sivorypuntacana.com/

This place is def a vacation!

Relax in your personal plunge pool, read a great book under your own palapa, hear the waves crashing mere feet away from your choice of respite.

Quiet. Serene. Fantastic!

Theres a spa for massage, beauty, hydrotherapy.

Water sports.

Transportation to take you to town if youre looking for some nightlife.

A very responsive concierge and resort staff to cater to your every need.

I love to travel but with so many new places to see I rarely go back to the same place twice. Sivory is so far the only place I long to revisit!

Good luck planning! :)