Which Caribbean island should we visit?
 

My family (parents in their 60s, sister and fiance, husband and 1 year old daughter) would like to plan a trip to the Caribbean for the 2nd week in February. Initially, we had planned on Kauai but the flight was too long for my sister from NYC. So, we've decided on the Caribbean but would like some help figuring out where to go. Here is what we are looking for:

1) scenic with nice beaches and the opportunity to snorkel
2) non-stop or one-stop from NYC and Chicago
3) golf (one course is fine... just need it to sell my dad on the idea!)
4) opportunity to rent a 3 bedroom villa or condo
5) not totally developed (we don't care about shopping, casinos or giant hotels - we'd like something more laid back and natural if possible)

Any suggestions??? I was thinking Turks & Caicos but am open to any place!

Well Providenciales (the only island in the country with a golf course) is very highly developed, though there are still some places that are not. It is not at all scenic. But there are plenty of villas available that would suit you. Still, while I think I am in the minority, I find the water just too cold there to swim comfortably in February.

Grand Cayman (also highly developed) is a better choice and has a lot of villas to offer. It's more scenic and has more of a sense of history than Provo. It's similarly priced, and it's actually in the Caribbean, so it's much warmer in February.

There's nothing wrong with the Dominican Republic, and you could rent a villa in Casa de Campo and have access to some astounding courses. There are also great courses in Punta Cana (some villas are available at Puntacana Resort) and near Playa Dorada (where there are some villas as well). There are other courses near the Juan Dolio area as well as villas.

While there are probably several other islands that would meet your needs perfectly, I'm not sure about nonstop flights from Chicago. I'd first start checking to see where United and American fly nonstop from there. That's going to clinch the deal for you in all likelihood.

On Turks & Caicos ,the main resort area is Providencials, airport code PLS, direct flights from NYC, Check out The Somerset. We love it so much we are going back again for a second trip this year. www.thesomerset.com last year we stayed next door, This past January we stayed at The Somerset. They have 1 to 5 bedroom condos, 2 great on site restaurants, perfect zero entry pool that your daughter would LOVE. 1 golf course (not far) , can walk from The Somerset to many great restaurants, snorkel a short walk away, Turks is not as developed as other "americanized " islands, Great staff, beautiful condos, Viking kitchens, marble everywhere, etc

We swam in the water in January...no problem. It is not as developed as The Caymans, Turks now is what The Caymans were 10-15 years ago. Caymans is wall to wall condos, BIG hotels, Burger King, 7 -11, NO THANKS !!

Anguilla and St. Barts are both beautiful islands...not sure about golf there? Have you considered the Riviera Maya? That is an area that is loaded with beautiful beaches and tons of things to do and see. It is one of our favorites.

Costa Rica might also be an option for you, espcially the area near Playa Conchal. There are some beautiful condos there overlooking the Paradisus Playa Conchal resort (also a nice all inclusive) and the golf course and ocean beyond that.

Apparently "cdw" never left the seven mile beach area of Grand Cayman. The Reef Resort and the Morritt's Grand Resort on the east end offer long almost deserted beaches and ocean front condo's. They offer a beautiful true island free, almost untouched.

Sorry, meant to say "Caribzack" never left the 7MB area of Grand Cayman.

We sure did leave 7 mile beach....Turks & Caicos is still tops IMO....

Hard to get a golf course w/minimal development, but Puerto Rico may fit the bill. There are still many less developed portions & there should be something there for everyone, as well as having easy accessibility.

Four Seasons on Nevis - Great Course - Beautiful and Nevis is old Caribbean charm.

Definitely Turks and Caicos. My favorites are Point Grace, Somerset and Turks & Caicos Club (which is next to the reef.)

PS- Four Season Nevis is closed (they say Nov. 2009 to reopen but they were hit hard with the hurricane last year and financial/insurance woes.)

Somerset on Turks...THE BEST !!

St Kitts ticks all your boxes! It has the Royal St Kitts golf course:
http://golf.marriott-vacations.com/l...ub/default.jsp
The island is beautifully unspoilt, the people are really friendly and there are some great beaches and snorkelling...and there are an increasing number of quality villas to rent. See the official tourism website for more details, including the Condo and Villa section of the Where to Stay section
http://www.stkittstourism.kn/Whereto...ails.asp?id=52

Barbados has it all!!