What was your favorite Caribbean vacation and why (1 Viewer)

[DA RAIDERS]

st john thread

 

[DA RAIDERS]

and call the st john westin to see if the pool renovations are complete. they were doing some major work on the property over the last few years

 

[El Floppo]

Just got back from Anguilla.

sooooooooo ####### nice.

 

[jamny]

St. Lucia- Beautiful island, nice people, great weather, good food and beer. Worst- Aruba- Dirty, boring, and polluted.

I will second St Lucia. We loved it and it was great. We stayed at Sandals and The Ladera which only has 3 walls. The room is open to the pitons and has no fourth wall closing the room in. I loved Aruba though. I didnt find it boring, dirty or polluted. Was one of our best vacations

I'll also recommend St. Lucia, but I actually liked Aruba more. Sounds like someone had a bad experience there. I stayed in the "low rise" area which was a lot more quiet. We ventured to the "high rise" area a couple of nights and it was a little crowded, but some people might like that. It is not dirty or polluted. There is as much to do there than any other islands that I know of, so I don't get the boring comment either. My favorite caribbean spot is St. Kitts and Nevis. We stayed at the Four Seasons in Nevis and it was by far the best vacation I ever had. It is the samoa to St. Lucia's thin mint.

Just booked the Nevis FS for next spring.

Just got back from a week there. Incredible resort, hard to imagine a better one in all of the Caribbean. We don't often go back to the same place twice but we will no doubt go back again some day.

 

[chauncey]

Any recent tips for Aruba? Bars/clubs, restaurants, snorkel/cruise/jeep/hike activities, hookers down in San Nicolas, weed and blow? High school senior week hot spots?

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Any of the USVI travelers done a sportfishing day charter while there?  If so, any recommendations?  Seems like lots of places with good reviews.  Would definitely take any personal experiences for guidance.

 

[SofaKings]

St. Maarten.  Stayed at Westin on Oyster Bay.  Looks like the Island took almost a direct hit today.  T&P to those there that treated us so well.

 

[saintfool]

Heading to Jamaica in April. We haven't booked hotels yet but looking for recommendations. Thinking Negril or Ocho Rios area. Open to some day trips like hiking in the mountains maybe. Not ones to smoke up but enjoy a good time. 

 

[El Floppo]

Going to cozumel in Feb for the bumper cruise ships. Anguilla has gotten too pricey.

 

[Apple Jack]

Going to cozumel in Feb for the bumper cruise ships. Anguilla has gotten too pricey.

You prefer Cozumel to Carmen?

 

[comfortably numb]

Heading to Jamaica in April. We haven't booked hotels yet but looking for recommendations. Thinking Negril or Ocho Rios area. Open to some day trips like hiking in the mountains maybe. Not ones to smoke up but enjoy a good time. 

Got back from Jamaica last month.

Jewel grande was awesome. 

10m from airport. Nice new resort. Price was amazing. Staff was great. I didnt die. A+ in my book

 

[El Floppo]

You prefer Cozumel to Carmen?

Absolutely.

My FIL was Mexican and my wife's been going to this spot on playa azul on Cozumel since she was a kid. Water is fantastic, not many daytrippers and no seaweed. I like pdc a lot as a town, but the beach and water has been awful the half dozen plus times we've been down there. We're going for sun, swimming and relaxing. If we had more time and wanted to take the kids siteseeing, we'd spend a day or two in pdc too for Tulum, cenotes etc. We did that last trip.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

Palm Island in the Grenadines

 

[El Floppo]

Palm Island in the Grenadines

Is that the private island with the golf carts? I've been in the area, but never there...supposed to be fantastic. Have you been?

 

[Binky The Doormat]

Is that the private island with the golf carts? I've been in the area, but never there...supposed to be fantastic. Have you been?

I don't know about the golf carts ...there were a few of them.  We went a year and a half ago and going back this coming March.  We loved it, all-inclusive, quiet, good food, activities if you want them.  We just hung out, drank and ate - though we did go on one of their day excursions.  

ETA:  better array of pictures

 

[El Floppo]

I don't know about the golf carts ...there were a few of them.  We went a year and a half ago and going back this coming March.  We loved it, all-inclusive, quiet, good food, activities if you want them.  We just hung out, drank and ate - though we did go on one of their day excursions.  

ETA:  better array of pictures

Place looks amazing!

How do you get there? Puddle jumper from St Vincent? 

 

[Binky The Doormat]

Place looks amazing!

How do you get there? Puddle jumper from St Vincent? 

Last time we flew into St. Lucia ...puddle jumper to Union Island ...then a 30 minute or so boat ride over.  

 

[saintfool]

Got back from Jamaica last month.

Jewel grande was awesome. 

10m from airport. Nice new resort. Price was amazing. Staff was great. I didnt die. A+ in my book

We're not ones for the high-rise resort thing. I understand why people do it but it's just not for us. 

 

[flapgreen]

Going on a romantic getaway in a few months and trying to decide between a few places. Turks and Caicos, Grand Caymen, or Barbados. Leaning Turks for the privacy.

 

[flapgreen]

Palm Island in the Grenadines

That looks awesome

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Hope Town & Guana Cay.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

I’m bummed the St. John thread got the ax. If anyone can find it, link it!

down here now. It’s just the best! Headed to the BVI tomorrow on this bad boy.

 

[PlayaHata]

I’m bummed the St. John thread got the ax. If anyone can find it, link it!

down here now. It’s just the best! Headed to the BVI tomorrow on this bad boy.

One of my bucket list trips is to charter a yacht/catamaran for a week with a group of 6-12 and sail around BVI. I really need to do some more research on that and just make it happen.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

I’m bummed the St. John thread got the ax. If anyone can find it, link it!

down here now. It’s just the best! Headed to the BVI tomorrow on this bad boy.

One of my bucket list trips is to charter a yacht/catamaran for a week with a group of 6-12 and sail around BVI. I really need to do some more research on that and just make it happen.

HMU when you get serious. Been coming down here for 30 years

 

[KGB]

Ive come to realize that my idea of a carib vacation and most people's idea of a carib vacation are very different as my main interests are outdoor fun, adventure, laid-back vibe, and cheap... my list goes like this...

Belize

Costa Rica

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St Lucia

Water Island (USVI)

Culebra (PR)

St John

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DR (we didnt do Punta Cana)

Turks and Caicos

Jamaica

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St Thomas

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Cayman

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Any cruise

eta - guess i didnt read the OP close enough... Belize was my favorite because we spent half the time in the jungle doing awesome things (cave tubing, swimming holes, ancient ruins, hiking/nature) and half the time on an island (caye caulker) doing awesome things (snorkling, bone-fishing, kayaking). it was also dirt cheap, english was the primary language, currency was based off US dollar, the food was awesome/cheap (local vendors cooked fresh seafood on grills right on the beach), ganja was plentiful and easy to find, and the people were super friendly.

My cruise brother I think im at like 14. love it

 

[KGB]

I have a secret I found out.

Aruba... ALL the beaches are public. not just eagle beach. So, if you want to go to the pier, do it, if you want to go the the ritz carlton, you can. just take a taxi where ever you want and walk right in. use the bars, etc.

should know. sand is not acceptable in a taxi/uber. if you have beach sand on your feet, clean it off. or they will tell you, no thanks, and I dont blame them.

also, aruba, has never been hit by a hurricane. fun fact

 

[Joe Mammy]

We're going to Aruba next month part of a 10 day cruise out of Port Canaveral over Thanksgiving. We have the Aruba Natural Pool and Indian Cave Jeep Safari excursion booked.
Also hitting Curacao, Ocho Rios, Puerto Playa and NCL's private island in the Bahamas.

We cancelled 3 cruises over the last 3 years and finally got it together for this one. Splurged on a 1BR aft suite with giant balcony and all the bennies.

 

[wazoo11]

Has anyone been to Barbados? How is it in terms of travel safety?

 

[Ron Swanson]

Yes, but it has been a few years. Unless something has drastically changed I would have 0 travel safety concerns. It's BWI, very much the same attitude as St. Lucia, St. Vincent, etc.

 

[3 hour lunch]

Aruba. Small, beautiful (on the coast), casinos, great restaurants, etc

 

[El Floppo]

Has anyone been to Barbados? How is it in terms of travel safety?

It's safe, and a nice visit. But it's one of the bigger islands down there, so crimes of opportunity are there... don't leave your stuff lying on the beach or visible in your car and you'll be fine.

 

[odin33]

Ok so making plans for next year's 20th anniversary, and trying to decide where to go. Roughly for a week, and not taking the kids. Looking for a good mix of things to do/activities (no diving), shopping (but not tourist/cruise traps), and relaxation. Probably 20% activities/40% shopping/exploring 'town'/40% relaxation. Also above average food. Leaning all inclusive, but willing/wanting to go into town/eat out a couple times. Wife is allergic to seafood so there has to be options.

Got married in Puerto Vallarta at what is now the Hyatt Ziva hotel. We took the kids there several years ago and they've made it into a really nice hotel (still had same chitty elevators though). Love old town and all the shops/local feel, but it was getting bought up and high rises were going in. Can't imagine that stopped. Would consider going back as it checks all the boxes. 7-8+ hour flight from Cincy is a little long.

We've gone to Cozumel several times, stayed at Palace resort (highly highly recommend it if going there). Nice quick 4-5 hours and we're usually there for a late lunch. We both feel while comfortable, we're not ready to go back.

Spent a week on Isla Mujeres for wedding 10+ years ago. Nice but also a pass.

Cruises and Jamaica are definitely out (past experiences).

Want to try something new, but don't want to pick a bad hotel, or it not be what we're looking for in terms of activities when I know I have a few that 'work' for us.

 

[SWC]

i had a great trip out to jefferson wisconsin where there is a pet food factory that you can smell before you see it and many people consider jefferson to be the cozumel of jefferson county so that has my vote take that to the bank bromigos

 

[the moops]

Belize was my favorite because we spent half the time in the jungle doing awesome things (cave tubing, swimming holes, ancient ruins, hiking/nature) and half the time on an island (caye caulker) doing awesome things (snorkling, bone-fishing, kayaking). it was also dirt cheap, english was the primary language, currency was based off US dollar, the food was awesome/cheap (local vendors cooked fresh seafood on grills right on the beach), ganja was plentiful and easy to find, and the people were super friendly.

Planning a similar trip for our family, 10 and 12 year old boys, me, wife. FIL and his wife, a cousin his wife and their 10 year old boy are gonna join us for beach/island thing for 5 days. Then the 4 of us are gonna do our own thing in the jungle.

Mind a PM about these things, including the ganja prevalence?

 

[Mister CIA]

Belize was my favorite because we spent half the time in the jungle doing awesome things (cave tubing, swimming holes, ancient ruins, hiking/nature) and half the time on an island (caye caulker) doing awesome things (snorkling, bone-fishing, kayaking). it was also dirt cheap, english was the primary language, currency was based off US dollar, the food was awesome/cheap (local vendors cooked fresh seafood on grills right on the beach), ganja was plentiful and easy to find, and the people were super friendly.

Planning a similar trip for our family, 10 and 12 year old boys, me, wife. FIL and his wife, a cousin his wife and their 10 year old boy are gonna join us for beach/island thing for 5 days. Then the 4 of us are gonna do our own thing in the jungle.

Mind a PM about these things, including the ganja prevalence?

:subscribe:

 

[El Floppo]

Ok so making plans for next year's 20th anniversary, and trying to decide where to go. Roughly for a week, and not taking the kids. Looking for a good mix of things to do/activities (no diving), shopping (but not tourist/cruise traps), and relaxation. Probably 20% activities/40% shopping/exploring 'town'/40% relaxation. Also above average food. Leaning all inclusive, but willing/wanting to go into town/eat out a couple times. Wife is allergic to seafood so there has to be options.

Got married in Puerto Vallarta at what is now the Hyatt Ziva hotel. We took the kids there several years ago and they've made it into a really nice hotel (still had same chitty elevators though). Love old town and all the shops/local feel, but it was getting bought up and high rises were going in. Can't imagine that stopped. Would consider going back as it checks all the boxes. 7-8+ hour flight from Cincy is a little long.

We've gone to Cozumel several times, stayed at Palace resort (highly highly recommend it if going there). Nice quick 4-5 hours and we're usually there for a late lunch. We both feel while comfortable, we're not ready to go back.

Spent a week on Isla Mujeres for wedding 10+ years ago. Nice but also a pass.

Cruises and Jamaica are definitely out (past experiences).

Want to try something new, but don't want to pick a bad hotel, or it not be what we're looking for in terms of activities when I know I have a few that 'work' for us.

I've probably mentioned in this thread we used to travel a lot in the Caribbean before the kids. What you're describing is a lot like us, although shopping is very low on our list of things to do. And we're not AI people, although we've done it.

We go to Cozumel once a year lately.. wife is 1/2 Mexican and grew up going there, it's cheap and easy to get to from NYC, and has great water. Also done Isla Mujeres a couple times. Just to tie into things you've done.

Id say you should go to St Barts. Great beaches, great food, great shopping, cool and chill vibe (caveat... We've never been during high season in december- can't afford a piece of bread when the celebs are there). It has the usual water activities... But is small, so depending on what you like to do may not have certain things. It's French, but with nice french people. Other cavest- the 10 min island hopper flight from St Martin is... Interesting.

We also flat out love Anguilla nearby; it's our perfect place. Great. Beaches, water, hotels, food and the locals are amazing. Has been developed quite a bit since we started going, but last time we went a few years ago is still combo of relaxed and upscale we love. Used to go there every year until the kids... And would still go if the airfares during vacation times hadn't blown up.

 

[odin33]

Thanks El Floppo.

Do you have a hotel recommendation at each of those places? While I don't go on vacations to stay at the hotel. A good/bad one can really change the overall success of the trip.

 

[Ilov80s]

Cancun every New Years for like 15 years save for COVID year. Same resort, usually same room too. Never gets old .

 

[Tecumseh]

Not Caribbean, but we just spent our 25th anniversary in Costa Rica. We opted to drive ourselves around, so we landed in San Jose, drove up to the Arenal Volcano (3 hour drive), spent 3 days at a nice resort with hot springs, drove 3.5 hours to Tamarindo, where we spent another 3 days, then a 4 hr drive back to San Jose where we stayed one night. Arenal and Tamarindo were absolutely wonderful. All in, it was about $3k for the week.

For Caribbean, my favorite is Tortola. Relaxed, low crime, beautiful island, with plenty of options for things to do.

 

[waiver wire]

lots of different islands to choose from and with resorts for every budget

I would start with my search with direct flights from your nearest airport, then narrow it down.

 

[El Floppo]

Thanks El Floppo.

Do you have a hotel recommendation at each of those places? While I don't go on vacations to stay at the hotel. A good/bad one can really change the overall success of the trip.

Anguilla- Shoal Bay villas, Cuisinart (I'm pretty sure was sold and renamed). There's a range of hotels pricepoint-wise.

St Barths- pretty sure we rented villas each time. But I know there are a lot of really nice hotels... Just out of our price range for he most part.

Anguilla is a more chill spot. Nightlife is low key, restaurants are nice to very nice (by NYC standards). More flat, less visually striking than St Barths. St Barths has more of a French Riviera feel in terms of activities and upscale.. but is cool down tempo during the off-season. I feel like there's more to do there. But neither is about adventuring and doing lots of activities. That Costa Rica rec above might fit that bill better if that's what you want.