Caribbean Islands

[Deleted User]

I plan on taking the lady this Thanksgiving. I really like the incredible beaches at Turks and Caicos but trying to find alternatives. There simply are too damn many islands in that area and can not decide. I do not want to go bankrupt on this trip, so trying to keep the per night costs to under $300. I want to stay away from any kind of party, drunk silly people. I prefer to be the only drunk. Serenity, calm, quiet is what I am seeking.

Ideal would be a nice calm getaway with a view that takes your breath away. Looked into the US Virgin Islands (St Thomas, John) but did not seem to have a beach like the Turks. Maldives and Bora Bora will have to wait for a different year or if I suddenly get a stupid large bonus.

I prefer not to have the need to rent a car. So, having good eats nearby would be great! Any resorts come to mind as well as which Island? All inclusive or not, I am open.

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences or any suggestions. There is only so much YouTube videos I could watch and so many resorts I could read about.

Halen

specd_out

I just came back from a cruise down that way. We stopped at nassau st thomas and st maarten.

Nassau sucked I dont care to ever go back. St Thomas was really nice. we did excursions and shopping there didnt really get to explore the island or beaches.

St maarten was my favorite. It was a beautiful island. all the roads went through the mountains. Some of the views where just amazing. We went to Mullet bay and maho beach. Mullet bay is a fantastic beach. is a crescent moon shaped inlet with a white sand beach. It has chairs you can rent and a bar and grill with very reasonable prices and good food.
The on the left side of the beach is a rock ledge that extends into the water and a lot of colorful tropical fish swim there. Its a great place to snorkel. The beach is kinda away from the hugely popular areas so it wasnt crowed like Orient beach tends to be.

I cant say much for accommodations on the island since I was on the ship but I loved the atmosphere there. It felt the most Caribbean

Here is some photos of St Maarten
This is the bay near the port we docked at


Mountain roads



Mullet bay

tonyb

Most Caribbean Islands are the same, beautiful coastal beaches for tourists but go inland and it's slums. St. Barts/ St. Lucia in the Virgin Islands is nice as is most the French/Dutch islands. If you don't want young boozeheads ruining a romantic trip, if that's what your goal is, don't want to reach in your pocket at every turn, try a Sandals resort. They have many for couples only too.

Now south pacific islands are a different animal. Bora Bora, Fuji.....I'm in.

Check out Belize too, if scuba diving is your thing, relaxation, not expensive.

zingo

Very nice pictures!

D_M

Halenhoang,


TonyB's suggestion about going the Sandals route, might be best. Without a rental car, it's tough to get everything on your list. The Caribbean is generally cheaper and less crowded from July-August.

strider

We honeymooned in Virgin Gorda in the BVI's. Way laid back, no cruise ships docking there or big inclusive resorts. We rented a house overlooking one of the harbors with it's own pool. Best beaches I've ever seen, barely saw a person on them with the exception of the Baths, which are a wonder of nature.

Tortola is the main British Virgin Island, and has more shopping and attractions, less need for a car, too. We spent a couple days there, a quick ferry ride from VG.

strider

This is where we stayed on our honeymoon:

http://www.virgingordabvi.com/villainfo.php?vid=47

At the top of your price range for the week, but it's sweet. Very secluded, private pool, can use all the facilities at the marina. I would recommend a rental car, though. Beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding islands.

[Deleted User]

Thank you very much for the input! I really appreciate it. The pictures look great and the recommendations sounds great! Will be booking very soon. Now I need to locate my passport.

Halen

CCNJ

You should check out Galley Bay in Antigua. It is a fantastic all inclusive with fantastic food, unlimited drinks, but very quiet resort. Very classy place with huts only about 50 feet from the water. If you are looking for beauty, peace and quiet, this place won't
Disappoint. I paid 3700 for 6 days including airfare last october. Highly recommended.

sda2mike

bimini

tonyb

Glad your experience was better than mine in Antigua. I stayed at an all inclusive, in the middle of nowhere. Beach was some of the cleanest and clearest around but the hotel sucked. Service was terrible, food about the same. Forced me to rent a car and venture out into the back roads and into town. Kinda glad too because I saw things that would make you cry but also discovered a 5 star eatery that I would put up against many here. Also Hemmingway's in town, while just pub type fair, made friends with the owner who's from Britain. Very nice chap who looked like Hugh Grant. He made my trip to Antigua, gracious....funny, bought us a few rounds too. Their Cricket stadium is pretty impressive as well.

Maybe I was just on the wrong side of the island......story of my life.

txcoastal1

halenhoang wrote: »

Now I need to locate my green card.
Halen

:razz:fixed it for ya my brotha

Have a great vacation for you and your lady....will this trip be before or after the wedding?

vcwatkins

Eco-tent at Estate Concordia on St. John.

Blissfully restful. Remarkable light. Pristine beaches. Excellent snorkeling off the beaches. Most of the island is national park. Easy to get to. Very affordable. Having coffee on the deck and cooking breakfast at sunrise is sublime. If you'd like info, let me know. We go about every spring break. Here are some family pics. 2010 2009 2008

D_M

Vc,

Great photos. St. John is definitely one of those hidden gems if your into the laid back life style. Because most of the island is a national park, it won't become over populated.

Halen, if you guys are willing to do a little bit of cooking, you'll have a great time with VC's link. St. John is one of those islands where you can find a deserted beach for you and the missus. St. John does not have an airport, so you'll be arriving in St. Thomas and have to catch the ferry to St. John. You could take the missus on the ferry back over to St. Thomas for shopping one of the days that you are there. St. Thomas has a greater selection of stores than St. John. You know, the stores that women like with those fancy handbag names on the doors. You leave all the other tourist behind on St. Thomas when you take the ferry back to St. John.

tonyb

Or.....just rent out a villa on ST. John....or anywhere in the V.I. some are astoundingly cheap depending on when you go and the views, the privacy.....dude, romantic as all hell. Google search it bro. Surprise the wife, it will keep you in her good graces for awhile.

ken brydson

Just got back from St Martin 2 days ago. Beautiful place, had a great time...

custopper30

Gorgeous! Feels like I was back at home in Hawaii.....