Hi all,

My husband and I are looking to go somewhere in the Caribbean in early June for about a week. Our main goals are to be on a relatively quiet beach with calm water where we can read, swim, and enjoy the sun—mainly a place to rest. Ideally, somewhere where our money can go far and where we can enjoy nice accommodations and good service. Total budget with flight from East Coast is in the area of $4-5k. We’ve been to DR, Virgin Gorda, Riviera Maya and Isla Mujeres and Nassau. Somewhere new would be great. Would love to try T&C but seems pricey for our budget, then there’s Anguilla, Jamaica, Eleuthra, ABC islands……Would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks in advance!

Have you looked at Bermuda? Technically it is not in the Caribbean but June is lovely in Bermuda and it is easy to reach from the East Coast. We visit annually from Boston and the flight is about 2 hours. It is not an inexpensive island so may not fit into your definition of money going far.

For Jamaica, I loved Negril. You can stay either on the 7-mile beach or up on "the Cliffs".

Look here: Negril Resorts, Hotels and Vacations, Negril Onestop Jamaica Resorts and Hotels on the hotel map and click on the various properties and what each offers. It's a 90 min. shuttle from the Montego Bay airport.

Thanks Suze. Yes, Bermuda sounds like it'd be ideal in terms of timing--and I've been there for a couple of days--but as you mentioned, my worry is how it's on the expensive side. But will certainly think about it some more.

With regards to Negril, the 1.5-hour drive from MBJ is what I'm shying away from. I've also heard it's a bit on the busy side on the beach. But def worth considering. Thanks, Bette.

The hour & a half transfer from MBJ to Negril wasn’t a big deal IMO, it was interesting to see the country and we prearranged a transfer. But I don’t see 7MB in Negril as a restful calm place however the cliffs would be an amazing place for relaxation.

I would expect you could get T&C within your budget although at this stage airfares might be expensive. We’re going in June from a lot further away than the US and we paid around the amount of your budget. Obviously we expect to pay a lot for meals etc once we are there.

We’ve also been to Bermuda on a budget by staying at an apartment booked thru www.bermudarentals.com. Taking lunches as our main meal helped with costs and there are a few inexpensive eating places eg Swizzle Inn etc. The beaches are truly stunning & peaceful.

Anguilla’s beaches are divine. If you can get to SXM, it’s an easy taxi ride to Marigot to get the ferry to Anguilla. I’d recommend the Carimar if it’s open - Anguilla suffered a lot during last years hurricane. It’s on stunning Meads Bay and there are (or were) several restaurants within walking distance. It’s really worth the effort to get to Anguilla.

Great ideas and lots to think about, Odin. Thanks. We are, however, trying to avoid having to do it on a budget, which is why I was forgoing Anguilla, T&C, etc...and trying to go where the money goes farthest--in my experience DR and Mexico are both great for that but would be nice to go somewhere new. And because this is an R&R trip, would like to avoid making my own meals, grocery shopping and whatnot.

I didn't do any grocery shopping or making of meals in Anguilla, Bermuda or any Caribbean destination or have any take-outs. I'm not into that at all & I'm certainly not doing that on T&C. I'm just trying to say there are ways to do it within most budgets without going to the usual destinations of DR and Mexico.

I love the ride from the airport out to Negril. It's very scenic. I think I paid around $30usd. I know I used Clive's which in theory was a shared shuttle but both directions it was only me and one other person. Absolutely for me was not even a consideration and certainly not a deal-breaker to get to such a nice spot as Negril.

The beach in Negril is 7-miles long and gorgeous. Yes there are some busy parts of it. But certainly not all of it. It's basically spectacular. AND most of all fits all your requests for being a reasonable budget, no cooking required, etc. I liked Charlotta Inn there (I stayed at their sister resort le Mirage but that's up on the Cliffs) but there are many more basic and even less expensive options.

oh and as mentioned IF the beach is too busy the Cliffs might better suit you. That's where I have always stayed myself. Look at Tensing Pen or Catcha Falling Star (are more high end but rustic). But there are lots of cottage rentals and other budget options on the west end road.

Thanks for clarifying, Odin--I like the idea of Anguilla, nice and quiet and the beaches look pretty great. What do you all think of Anguilla for say six or so days and then a couple of days on Saint Martin before heading back? Also, thoughts on hotel recommendations on both islands? Zemi on Anguilla seems to be nice and within budget--want something within walking distance to a few restaurants so we're not bound to the hotel all the time. Carimar looks great but no pool and although the beach is right there, we would like a pool as well.

I do like the idea of Negril, Suze, and think we'll get there some time and the cliffs are likely where we'll end up, but somehow for this trip I'm hoping for a different vibe. But going to save your ideas. Many thanks.

Few days in Anguilla followed by some days in SXM sounds great IMO. I'm just not sure what is open on SXM since the hurricane.I don't know the Zemi but have visited the Shoal Bay area, it is pretty remote and the hotel is not on the best part of the beach. The best part is by Shoal Bay Villas.

You might find this blog useful, I certainly did when planning our trip to Anguilla last year.

Anguilla Trip Report & Photos 6/26-7/3 2016

Thanks, Odin. Good to know about Zemi and I did notice that quite a few places were not up and working on SXM. I did look at that blog and it is indeed useful. Will zero in on Shoal Bay Villas area.

Having compared prices and such, I think T&C is back on the table too. So I'd love accommodation recommendations. A very clean room and bathroom is really important and a good pool too.

Have you considered the USVI, like St Croix? We loved The Buccaneer Resort there. About Us | The Buccaneer | St. Croix, Virgin Islands. It is smaller and low-key. Family-owned with fantastic customer service. Not an AI, but a fabulous breakfast buffet is included, in a beautiful open-air patio. Manager hosted reception weekly, with walking tours of the historic grounds. We liked the oceanfront rooms. Nice, quiet beaches. Snorkeling trip to Buck Island departs from the hotel. Easy cab rides into town, or rent a car for the day and explore the entire island. Very affordable.

Eleuthera is divine and low key - the way the Caribbean was years ago. We have been there 3 times over the past several years. Similar to the Virgin Gorda vibe but with even better beaches. Tons of beaches to explore on the Caribbean and Atlantic side. Look into accommodations in the Gov Harbour area.
Another suggestion would be Cape Santa Maria on Long island - the beach its on is very calm and the colors are absolutely unreal (look at photos on tripadvisor). Cat island the north end would be also great if you are looking to get away from it all. Both LI and Cat should be well within your budget.
While I love Anguilla for its stunning beaches the vibe is certainly different than the Bahama out islands and of course its more expensive.
Planning is half the fun. Enjoy.

So many great suggestions. Thanks. Somehow less interested in the virgin islands, especially the U.S. ones. Eleuthera and the out islands have been on my radar and will def visit sometime. Right now, I'm thinking something with a direct flight and am focusing on Turks and Caicos. Been doing some research and was hoping for some help with accommodations. Within the budget considering The Palms, Windsong (I know the beach isn't as deep as the other) and West Bay Club, or something else. We are not going for an ocean view/front room, just the basic one so given that criteria, which one feels more luxurious and nice? Also, which has a nicer pool and is at least close to one or two off site restaurants--15-mt walk?