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

[El Floppo]

Ive been to Bahamas, St Marten, Aruba, and Antigua, but the nicest imo is Turks and Caicos.

Stunning beaches, crystal clear water, great service everywhere you go. Very tranquil. Although its been about 5 yrs and in that time it has been very built up, so it might be more crowded now.

We've travelled up and down a lot of the Caribbean and have been to T&C twice- only Provo though. IMO and IME, Grace Bay is a beautiful beach and the water is going to great pretty much wherever you go in the Caribbean, but I found it to have the worst of everything else. Suprised to hear it called out as a favorite.

Usually on my vacations to the Caribbean I want to be very lazy. Relaxation is number one priority and T&C seems to be the most relaxing/tranquil/least crowded of the others Ive been to. And Provo does have 6-7 very good upscale restaurants and a few solid casual spots and that seemed like enough for us.

My experiences in T&C (Provo) are the exact opposite of what you're saying.

Grace Beach- beautiful white sandy beach, but sooo built up/busy with condos/timeshares/hotels; any place that has Beaches, Sandals and Club Med on one beach (albeit a really long beach) is the opposite of what I'd call tranquil or least crowded (understood that that qualifier is based on your experience). We went to a handful of what were the so-called upscale restaurants (including NYE) and found them barely edible, ridiculously priced (which is normal no matter where you are in the Carib- unless it's local roti/fish-shack kind of place, it's expensive- even by NYC standards), and with some of the worst service I've seen anywhere in the world, not just Caribbean- and that's not hyperbole. Service in general we found to be pretty bad- beyond typical "island-time", which is a given. People were surly, forgetful and borderline useless. Caveat- we haven't been to Parrot Cay, which is supposed to be nice (but seriously pricey). Oh- just remembered that both times we went it was insanely windy most of the time (like, wind whipping sand at you so that it stings windy) and there were there bionic burrs that landed on the beach and would attach themselves to your skin (those burrs might have just been in one spot though). lol... still an amazing beach, even given all of that. And it's a direct flight from NYC.

 

[Foosball God]

Where and how did you stay in Belize cheap?

My parents just got back from Belize last Friday. They spent 4 nights in the jungle and 6 on the beach. They loved it, they said the people were very nice.

 

[El Floppo]

####, just deleted a long reply. Here is a list (I had links and everything).

- Hike to Salt Pond Bay and Rams Head

- Rent a dinghy and hit all the north shore beaches (can drive them all too)

- Check out Joe's BBQ in Cruz Bay

- Check out Larry's Landing in Cruz Bay (a "pour your own" establishment)

- Check out the Tourist Trap on the Coral Bay end

- Charter a boat and hit Jost Van Dyke, the Baths, the Caves, Sandy Spit and the rest of the world class drink and dive places.

 

[Foosball God]

I think the OP said no kids, but with kids Atlantis is pretty awesome (for a resort trip). Huge property, tons of things to keep you busy and you never feel trapped on a resort bc it is so huge.

Atlantis is sooooo expensive though.

 

[RBM]

Ive been to Bahamas, St Marten, Aruba, and Antigua, but the nicest imo is Turks and Caicos.

Stunning beaches, crystal clear water, great service everywhere you go. Very tranquil. Although its been about 5 yrs and in that time it has been very built up, so it might be more crowded now.

We've travelled up and down a lot of the Caribbean and have been to T&C twice- only Provo though. IMO and IME, Grace Bay is a beautiful beach and the water is going to great pretty much wherever you go in the Caribbean, but I found it to have the worst of everything else. Suprised to hear it called out as a favorite.

Usually on my vacations to the Caribbean I want to be very lazy. Relaxation is number one priority and T&C seems to be the most relaxing/tranquil/least crowded of the others Ive been to. And Provo does have 6-7 very good upscale restaurants and a few solid casual spots and that seemed like enough for us.

My experiences in T&C (Provo) are the exact opposite of what you're saying.

Grace Beach- beautiful white sandy beach, but sooo built up/busy with condos/timeshares/hotels; any place that has Beaches, Sandals and Club Med on one beach (albeit a really long beach) is the opposite of what I'd call tranquil or least crowded (understood that that qualifier is based on your experience).

No Sandals. Beaches and Club Med are a ways away from each other. In between, in my experiences, is gorgeous and very quiet.

 

[Sabertooth]

Wait, what do you guys mean by "dirty?"

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

Thanks for those replies above...

enjoy. if you hike out to Drunk Bay leave something sweet like "SHUKE WAS HERE" and take a pic. Few other FBGs have april travel plans there.

 

[Sabertooth]

How much are you looking at for a nice Caribbean vacation, all inclusive-wise?

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

I think the OP said no kids, but with kids Atlantis is pretty awesome (for a resort trip). Huge property, tons of things to keep you busy and you never feel trapped on a resort bc it is so huge.

Atlantis is sooooo expensive though.

it is, but it was sooo fn worth ever penny. May 4 year old was like 15 months and my 9 year old was 6ish. We just got a new spot by a new pool each morning and just sat and sunned for the week. Kept everyone completely entertained with minimal effort.

 

[E-Z Glider]

####, just deleted a long reply. Here is a list (I had links and everything).

- Hike to Salt Pond Bay and Rams Head

- Rent a dinghy and hit all the north shore beaches (can drive them all too)

- Check out Joe's BBQ in Cruz Bay

- Check out Larry's Landing in Cruz Bay (a "pour your own" establishment)

- Check out the Tourist Trap on the Coral Bay end

- Charter a boat and hit Jost Van Dyke, the Baths, the Caves, Sandy Spit and the rest of the world class drink and dive places.

We chartered a boat for a day and the deckhand was an 18yo kid who has lived on a boat his entire life and has been everywhere. I asked him what was the coolest place he'd ever been. He thought about it for a while and said "probably the Baths". I dont know much about them but I will go there someday based on his reply alone.

 

[Foosball God]

I think the OP said no kids, but with kids Atlantis is pretty awesome (for a resort trip). Huge property, tons of things to keep you busy and you never feel trapped on a resort bc it is so huge.

Atlantis is sooooo expensive though.

it is, but it was sooo fn worth ever penny. May 4 year old was like 15 months and my 9 year old was 6ish. We just got a new spot by a new pool each morning and just sat and sunned for the week. Kept everyone completely entertained with minimal effort.

I don't doubt it. Mrs. Foos and I were there for a business thing without the kids. I know they would have loved it but the prices were so insane I don't know that we could afford to bring them.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

####, just deleted a long reply. Here is a list (I had links and everything).

- Hike to Salt Pond Bay and Rams Head

- Rent a dinghy and hit all the north shore beaches (can drive them all too)

- Check out Joe's BBQ in Cruz Bay

- Check out Larry's Landing in Cruz Bay (a "pour your own" establishment)

- Check out the Tourist Trap on the Coral Bay end

- Charter a boat and hit Jost Van Dyke, the Baths, the Caves, Sandy Spit and the rest of the world class drink and dive places.

We chartered a boat for a day and the deckhand was an 18yo kid who has lived on a boat his entire life and has been everywhere. I asked him what was the coolest place he'd ever been. He thought about it for a while and said "probably the Baths". I dont know much about them but I will go there someday based on his reply alone.

I hope to check out the baths this time.

"The Indians"should be in there too.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

I think the OP said no kids, but with kids Atlantis is pretty awesome (for a resort trip). Huge property, tons of things to keep you busy and you never feel trapped on a resort bc it is so huge.

Atlantis is sooooo expensive though.

it is, but it was sooo fn worth ever penny. May 4 year old was like 15 months and my 9 year old was 6ish. We just got a new spot by a new pool each morning and just sat and sunned for the week. Kept everyone completely entertained with minimal effort.

I don't doubt it. Mrs. Foos and I were there for a business thing without the kids. I know they would have loved it but the prices were so insane I don't know that we could afford to bring them.

Food is really, really insane. We worked around it by getting a club level room (long story) and 2 of our "meals" ended up "free" every day. And I won a little betting NFL playoff football to offset the gouging (thank you NYG, suck it farve).

 

[El Floppo]

Ive been to Bahamas, St Marten, Aruba, and Antigua, but the nicest imo is Turks and Caicos.

Stunning beaches, crystal clear water, great service everywhere you go. Very tranquil. Although its been about 5 yrs and in that time it has been very built up, so it might be more crowded now.

We've travelled up and down a lot of the Caribbean and have been to T&C twice- only Provo though. IMO and IME, Grace Bay is a beautiful beach and the water is going to great pretty much wherever you go in the Caribbean, but I found it to have the worst of everything else. Suprised to hear it called out as a favorite.

Usually on my vacations to the Caribbean I want to be very lazy. Relaxation is number one priority and T&C seems to be the most relaxing/tranquil/least crowded of the others Ive been to. And Provo does have 6-7 very good upscale restaurants and a few solid casual spots and that seemed like enough for us.

My experiences in T&C (Provo) are the exact opposite of what you're saying.

Grace Beach- beautiful white sandy beach, but sooo built up/busy with condos/timeshares/hotels; any place that has Beaches, Sandals and Club Med on one beach (albeit a really long beach) is the opposite of what I'd call tranquil or least crowded (understood that that qualifier is based on your experience).

No Sandals. Beaches and Club Med are a ways away from each other. In between, in my experiences, is gorgeous and very quiet.

I stand corrected.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I've fallen in love with St. John (and the virgin islands in general). Probably won't venture back to the Bahamas, Jamaica, ect. ever again.

I LOVE St. John. Along with Grand Cayman and St. Maarten, probably my favorite island in the Caribbean. When everyone goes to Trunk Bay, stay on the taxi and go to Cinnamon Bay. last time I was there, my wife and I were the only ones on the beach. No facilities. Feels like you're starring in your own version of Cast Away, only you can leave whenever you want.If you want :Unspoiled beauty, less crowds, great beaches, peace and solitude : St. JohnGreat beaches, casinos, dining options, cheap beer, diverse cultures : St. Maarten/St. MartinAmerica-like, modern conveniences, sports bars, clubs, great beaches and diving : Grand Cayman

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Thanks for those replies above...

enjoy. if you hike out to Drunk Bay leave something sweet like "SHUKE WAS HERE" and take a pic. Few other FBGs have april travel plans there.

Damn! I totally would have done that! I may be going back down in the summer. I'll buy you a cocktail at the soggy dollar

 

[DA RAIDERS]

####, just deleted a long reply. Here is a list (I had links and everything).

- Hike to Salt Pond Bay and Rams Head

- Rent a dinghy and hit all the north shore beaches (can drive them all too)

- Check out Joe's BBQ in Cruz Bay

- Check out Larry's Landing in Cruz Bay (a "pour your own" establishment)

- Check out the Tourist Trap on the Coral Bay end

- Charter a boat and hit Jost Van Dyke, the Baths, the Caves, Sandy Spit and the rest of the world class drink and dive places.

We chartered a boat for a day and the deckhand was an 18yo kid who has lived on a boat his entire life and has been everywhere. I asked him what was the coolest place he'd ever been. He thought about it for a while and said "probably the Baths". I dont know much about them but I will go there someday based on his reply alone.

Absolutely epic

 

[DA RAIDERS]

####, just deleted a long reply. Here is a list (I had links and everything).

- Hike to Salt Pond Bay and Rams Head

- Rent a dinghy and hit all the north shore beaches (can drive them all too)

- Check out Joe's BBQ in Cruz Bay

- Check out Larry's Landing in Cruz Bay (a "pour your own" establishment)

- Check out the Tourist Trap on the Coral Bay end

- Charter a boat and hit Jost Van Dyke, the Baths, the Caves, Sandy Spit and the rest of the world class drink and dive places.

We chartered a boat for a day and the deckhand was an 18yo kid who has lived on a boat his entire life and has been everywhere. I asked him what was the coolest place he'd ever been. He thought about it for a while and said "probably the Baths". I dont know much about them but I will go there someday based on his reply alone.

I hope to check out the baths this time.

"The Indians"should be in there too.

Did you swim through the tunnel underwater? Freaks me out every time.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

####, just deleted a long reply. Here is a list (I had links and everything).

- Hike to Salt Pond Bay and Rams Head

- Rent a dinghy and hit all the north shore beaches (can drive them all too)

- Check out Joe's BBQ in Cruz Bay

- Check out Larry's Landing in Cruz Bay (a "pour your own" establishment)

- Check out the Tourist Trap on the Coral Bay end

- Charter a boat and hit Jost Van Dyke, the Baths, the Caves, Sandy Spit and the rest of the world class drink and dive places.

We chartered a boat for a day and the deckhand was an 18yo kid who has lived on a boat his entire life and has been everywhere. I asked him what was the coolest place he'd ever been. He thought about it for a while and said "probably the Baths". I dont know much about them but I will go there someday based on his reply alone.

I hope to check out the baths this time.

"The Indians"should be in there too.

Did you swim through the tunnel underwater? Freaks me out every time.

tunnel at the indians? (or the baths? - i've never been to the baths)no. I didn't even see it. It was pretty rough when we got there (was raining at the time), so I am not sure I would have in any event.

Maybe this time.

We stayed on the side between the rocks and Norman. Is it on that side?

 

[Don Quixote]

Ive been to Bahamas, St Marten, Aruba, and Antigua, but the nicest imo is Turks and Caicos.

Stunning beaches, crystal clear water, great service everywhere you go. Very tranquil. Although its been about 5 yrs and in that time it has been very built up, so it might be more crowded now.

We've travelled up and down a lot of the Caribbean and have been to T&C twice- only Provo though. IMO and IME, Grace Bay is a beautiful beach and the water is going to great pretty much wherever you go in the Caribbean, but I found it to have the worst of everything else. Suprised to hear it called out as a favorite.

Usually on my vacations to the Caribbean I want to be very lazy. Relaxation is number one priority and T&C seems to be the most relaxing/tranquil/least crowded of the others Ive been to. And Provo does have 6-7 very good upscale restaurants and a few solid casual spots and that seemed like enough for us.

My experiences in T&C (Provo) are the exact opposite of what you're saying.

Grace Beach- beautiful white sandy beach, but sooo built up/busy with condos/timeshares/hotels; any place that has Beaches, Sandals and Club Med on one beach (albeit a really long beach) is the opposite of what I'd call tranquil or least crowded (understood that that qualifier is based on your experience).

No Sandals. Beaches and Club Med are a ways away from each other. In between, in my experiences, is gorgeous and very quiet.

I thought T&C was pretty quiet too when I was there. I stayed in a smaller hotel, and it felt like we were on a private beach (got more crowded if you walked along the beach to the bigger hotels).

 

[El Floppo]

####, just deleted a long reply. Here is a list (I had links and everything).

- Hike to Salt Pond Bay and Rams Head

- Rent a dinghy and hit all the north shore beaches (can drive them all too)

- Check out Joe's BBQ in Cruz Bay

- Check out Larry's Landing in Cruz Bay (a "pour your own" establishment)

- Check out the Tourist Trap on the Coral Bay end

- Charter a boat and hit Jost Van Dyke, the Baths, the Caves, Sandy Spit and the rest of the world class drink and dive places.

We chartered a boat for a day and the deckhand was an 18yo kid who has lived on a boat his entire life and has been everywhere. I asked him what was the coolest place he'd ever been. He thought about it for a while and said "probably the Baths". I dont know much about them but I will go there someday based on his reply alone.

Absolutely epic

wife and I did a lot of sexy time at the baths in what we thought was a secluded area. There are no secluded areas at the baths.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

The swim through is on the Norman side away from most of the moorings. I like to moor on the st John side as it's usually calmer. Then the route I take to the tunnel is through the opening between the Indians, go right, towards Norman. I then swim around the farthest point towards Norman, where its usually a little choppy and i always see something cool and then come back to the boat.

Great times

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

The swim through is on the Norman side away from most of the moorings. I like to moor on the st John side as it's usually calmer. Then the route I take to the tunnel is through the opening between the Indians, go right, towards Norman. I then swim around the farthest point towards Norman, where its usually a little choppy and i always see something cool and then come back to the boat.Great times

we avoided the STJ side altogether because the weather was coming in from that side. it was much rougher.

 

[Dr. Gobbler]

My wife and I chartered a 5 bedroom catamaran with Capt. and first mate for 7 days in the French West Indies; St Maarten, Anguilla, St. Barths and a host of little islands in between. It was all inclusive. Every day was amazing and something different. Typical day: wake up, jump in the most amazing waters in a tranquil cove of some uninhabitated island, eat breakfast, sail to the next locale, snorkel, drink, eat a snack, sail to an inhabitated island, eat on the boat or go ashore to eat and shop, sail to another amazing little island while napping on the net/trampoline, snorkel to the beach, explore the uninhabitated island, shower, eat dinner, a few nights we ate what I caught fishing, drink and fish til bedtime. Repeat for 6 days!!! I've never felt so good after a vacation, ever!!

Next one we're doing is the B.V.I.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

I've fallen in love with St. John (and the virgin islands in general). Probably won't venture back to the Bahamas, Jamaica, ect. ever again.

I LOVE St. John. Along with Grand Cayman and St. Maarten, probably my favorite island in the Caribbean. When everyone goes to Trunk Bay, stay on the taxi and go to Cinnamon Bay. last time I was there, my wife and I were the only ones on the beach. No facilities. Feels like you're starring in your own version of Cast Away, only you can leave whenever you want.If you want :Unspoiled beauty, less crowds, great beaches, peace and solitude : St. JohnGreat beaches, casinos, dining options, cheap beer, diverse cultures : St. Maarten/St. MartinAmerica-like, modern conveniences, sports bars, clubs, great beaches and diving : Grand Cayman

Did she go topless?

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

My wife and I chartered a 5 bedroom catamaran with Capt. and first mate for 7 days in the French West Indies; St Maarten, Anguilla, St. Barths and a host of little islands in between. It was all inclusive. Every day was amazing and something different. Typical day: wake up, jump in the most amazing waters in a tranquil cove of some uninhabitated island, eat breakfast, sail to the next locale, snorkel, drink, eat a snack, sail to an inhabitated island, eat on the boat or go ashore to eat and shop, sail to another amazing little island while napping on the net/trampoline, snorkel to the beach, explore the uninhabitated island, shower, eat dinner, a few nights we ate what I caught fishing, drink and fish til bedtime. Repeat for 6 days!!! I've never felt so good after a vacation, ever!!Next one we're doing is the B.V.I.

sweet.I want to retire at 55 and run one of these charter operations.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

My wife and I chartered a 5 bedroom catamaran with Capt. and first mate for 7 days in the French West Indies; St Maarten, Anguilla, St. Barths and a host of little islands in between. It was all inclusive. Every day was amazing and something different. Typical day: wake up, jump in the most amazing waters in a tranquil cove of some uninhabitated island, eat breakfast, sail to the next locale, snorkel, drink, eat a snack, sail to an inhabitated island, eat on the boat or go ashore to eat and shop, sail to another amazing little island while napping on the net/trampoline, snorkel to the beach, explore the uninhabitated island, shower, eat dinner, a few nights we ate what I caught fishing, drink and fish til bedtime. Repeat for 6 days!!! I've never felt so good after a vacation, ever!!Next one we're doing is the B.V.I.

I've done the bvi one. If you're a diver have them come to your boat and pick you up and dive the rhone

 

[E-Z Glider]

My wife and I chartered a 5 bedroom catamaran with Capt. and first mate for 7 days in the French West Indies; St Maarten, Anguilla, St. Barths and a host of little islands in between. It was all inclusive. Every day was amazing and something different. Typical day: wake up, jump in the most amazing waters in a tranquil cove of some uninhabitated island, eat breakfast, sail to the next locale, snorkel, drink, eat a snack, sail to an inhabitated island, eat on the boat or go ashore to eat and shop, sail to another amazing little island while napping on the net/trampoline, snorkel to the beach, explore the uninhabitated island, shower, eat dinner, a few nights we ate what I caught fishing, drink and fish til bedtime. Repeat for 6 days!!! I've never felt so good after a vacation, ever!!

Next one we're doing is the B.V.I.

The kid I mentioned earlier (who now looks much older) lives on Taboo, currently parked at Honeymoon Beach, Water Island, USVI. His dad, Capn Dave, looks like a party. I love the way he brags about always having a super-hot stewardess aboard. I hope to live with them someday when my wife leaves me.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I've fallen in love with St. John (and the virgin islands in general). Probably won't venture back to the Bahamas, Jamaica, ect. ever again.

I LOVE St. John. Along with Grand Cayman and St. Maarten, probably my favorite island in the Caribbean. When everyone goes to Trunk Bay, stay on the taxi and go to Cinnamon Bay. last time I was there, my wife and I were the only ones on the beach. No facilities. Feels like you're starring in your own version of Cast Away, only you can leave whenever you want.If you want :Unspoiled beauty, less crowds, great beaches, peace and solitude : St. JohnGreat beaches, casinos, dining options, cheap beer, diverse cultures : St. Maarten/St. MartinAmerica-like, modern conveniences, sports bars, clubs, great beaches and diving : Grand Cayman

Did she go topless?

No, too worried about people showing up. She tans topless so as not to worry about tan lines.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

My wife and I chartered a 5 bedroom catamaran with Capt. and first mate for 7 days in the French West Indies; St Maarten, Anguilla, St. Barths and a host of little islands in between. It was all inclusive. Every day was amazing and something different. Typical day: wake up, jump in the most amazing waters in a tranquil cove of some uninhabitated island, eat breakfast, sail to the next locale, snorkel, drink, eat a snack, sail to an inhabitated island, eat on the boat or go ashore to eat and shop, sail to another amazing little island while napping on the net/trampoline, snorkel to the beach, explore the uninhabitated island, shower, eat dinner, a few nights we ate what I caught fishing, drink and fish til bedtime. Repeat for 6 days!!! I've never felt so good after a vacation, ever!!

Next one we're doing is the B.V.I.

The kid I mentioned earlier (who now looks much older) lives on Taboo, currently parked at Honeymoon Beach, Water Island, USVI. His dad, Capn Dave, looks like a party. I love the way he brags about always having a super-hot stewardess aboard. I hope to live with them someday when my wife leaves me.

how was the food? That's gonna be my angle

 

[El Floppo]

My wife and I chartered a 5 bedroom catamaran with Capt. and first mate for 7 days in the French West Indies; St Maarten, Anguilla, St. Barths and a host of little islands in between. It was all inclusive. Every day was amazing and something different. Typical day: wake up, jump in the most amazing waters in a tranquil cove of some uninhabitated island, eat breakfast, sail to the next locale, snorkel, drink, eat a snack, sail to an inhabitated island, eat on the boat or go ashore to eat and shop, sail to another amazing little island while napping on the net/trampoline, snorkel to the beach, explore the uninhabitated island, shower, eat dinner, a few nights we ate what I caught fishing, drink and fish til bedtime. Repeat for 6 days!!! I've never felt so good after a vacation, ever!!Next one we're doing is the B.V.I.

My dad was a sailor, and we did a bunch of these kind of sailing vacations- minus the captain. BEST VACATIONS EVER. Just being able to go wherever you want and see things waaaaay off the beaten path.... so nice. I wish I was better on a boat. Last trip I did with my folks was St Vincent and the Grenadines... I really miss my dad. BVI were a blast- and very easy sailing. Downside was they were more crowded, and we kept finding overnight cruisers from Puerto Rico who would raft up in big groups and party on their boats- loud and annoying- not what you have in mind for that kind of trip.

 

[rascal]

My wife and I chartered a 5 bedroom catamaran with Capt. and first mate for 7 days in the French West Indies; St Maarten, Anguilla, St. Barths and a host of little islands in between. It was all inclusive. Every day was amazing and something different. Typical day: wake up, jump in the most amazing waters in a tranquil cove of some uninhabitated island, eat breakfast, sail to the next locale, snorkel, drink, eat a snack, sail to an inhabitated island, eat on the boat or go ashore to eat and shop, sail to another amazing little island while napping on the net/trampoline, snorkel to the beach, explore the uninhabitated island, shower, eat dinner, a few nights we ate what I caught fishing, drink and fish til bedtime. Repeat for 6 days!!! I've never felt so good after a vacation, ever!!Next one we're doing is the B.V.I.

How much was that? And who did you charter?

 

[IrishTwinkie]

####, just deleted a long reply. Here is a list (I had links and everything).

- Hike to Salt Pond Bay and Rams Head

- Rent a dinghy and hit all the north shore beaches (can drive them all too)

- Check out Joe's BBQ in Cruz Bay

- Check out Larry's Landing in Cruz Bay (a "pour your own" establishment)

- Check out the Tourist Trap on the Coral Bay end

- Charter a boat and hit Jost Van Dyke, the Baths, the Caves, Sandy Spit and the rest of the world class drink and dive places.

We chartered a boat for a day and the deckhand was an 18yo kid who has lived on a boat his entire life and has been everywhere. I asked him what was the coolest place he'd ever been. He thought about it for a while and said "probably the Baths". I dont know much about them but I will go there someday based on his reply alone.

I hope to check out the baths this time.

"The Indians"should be in there too.

Did you swim through the tunnel underwater? Freaks me out every time.

tunnel at the indians? (or the baths? - i've never been to the baths)no. I didn't even see it. It was pretty rough when we got there (was raining at the time), so I am not sure I would have in any event.

Maybe this time.

We stayed on the side between the rocks and Norman. Is it on that side?

Soggy Dollar Bar on on JVD is a must. Willie Ts is a must too, but kids shouldn't tag along. Really liked every place we went in the BVIs. The Baths are very cool.

 

[Steve Tasker]

 

[E-Z Glider]

My wife and I chartered a 5 bedroom catamaran with Capt. and first mate for 7 days in the French West Indies; St Maarten, Anguilla, St. Barths and a host of little islands in between. It was all inclusive. Every day was amazing and something different. Typical day: wake up, jump in the most amazing waters in a tranquil cove of some uninhabitated island, eat breakfast, sail to the next locale, snorkel, drink, eat a snack, sail to an inhabitated island, eat on the boat or go ashore to eat and shop, sail to another amazing little island while napping on the net/trampoline, snorkel to the beach, explore the uninhabitated island, shower, eat dinner, a few nights we ate what I caught fishing, drink and fish til bedtime. Repeat for 6 days!!! I've never felt so good after a vacation, ever!!

Next one we're doing is the B.V.I.

The kid I mentioned earlier (who now looks much older) lives on Taboo, currently parked at Honeymoon Beach, Water Island, USVI. His dad, Capn Dave, looks like a party. I love the way he brags about always having a super-hot stewardess aboard. I hope to live with them someday when my wife leaves me.

how was the food? That's gonna be my angle

We didnt stay on their boat, he was just working as a deckhand on the snorkeling trip we took. Our kids made friends with some of the boat kids at honeymoon beach though, and we got invited to a pot-luck on the beach one night where everyone brought a side-dish and the food was fantastic. Id imagine most of them are pretty good cooks. I was surprised to learn that most of the fish you catch around there are inedible (poisonous) because of the coral they feed from.

 

[JerseyToughGuys]

####, just deleted a long reply. Here is a list (I had links and everything).

- Hike to Salt Pond Bay and Rams Head

- Rent a dinghy and hit all the north shore beaches (can drive them all too)

- Check out Joe's BBQ in Cruz Bay

- Check out Larry's Landing in Cruz Bay (a "pour your own" establishment)

- Check out the Tourist Trap on the Coral Bay end

- Charter a boat and hit Jost Van Dyke, the Baths, the Caves, Sandy Spit and the rest of the world class drink and dive places.

We chartered a boat for a day and the deckhand was an 18yo kid who has lived on a boat his entire life and has been everywhere. I asked him what was the coolest place he'd ever been. He thought about it for a while and said "probably the Baths". I dont know much about them but I will go there someday based on his reply alone.

I hope to check out the baths this time.

"The Indians"should be in there too.

Did you swim through the tunnel underwater? Freaks me out every time.

tunnel at the indians? (or the baths? - i've never been to the baths)no. I didn't even see it. It was pretty rough when we got there (was raining at the time), so I am not sure I would have in any event.

Maybe this time.

We stayed on the side between the rocks and Norman. Is it on that side?

Soggy Dollar Bar on on JVD is a must. Willie Ts is a must too, but kids shouldn't tag along. Really liked every place we went in the BVIs. The Baths are very cool.

Thoroughly enjoyed both last time.

 

[El Floppo]

####, just deleted a long reply. Here is a list (I had links and everything).

- Hike to Salt Pond Bay and Rams Head

- Rent a dinghy and hit all the north shore beaches (can drive them all too)

- Check out Joe's BBQ in Cruz Bay

- Check out Larry's Landing in Cruz Bay (a "pour your own" establishment)

- Check out the Tourist Trap on the Coral Bay end

- Charter a boat and hit Jost Van Dyke, the Baths, the Caves, Sandy Spit and the rest of the world class drink and dive places.

We chartered a boat for a day and the deckhand was an 18yo kid who has lived on a boat his entire life and has been everywhere. I asked him what was the coolest place he'd ever been. He thought about it for a while and said "probably the Baths". I dont know much about them but I will go there someday based on his reply alone.

I hope to check out the baths this time.

"The Indians"should be in there too.

Did you swim through the tunnel underwater? Freaks me out every time.

tunnel at the indians? (or the baths? - i've never been to the baths)no. I didn't even see it. It was pretty rough when we got there (was raining at the time), so I am not sure I would have in any event.

Maybe this time.

We stayed on the side between the rocks and Norman. Is it on that side?

Soggy Dollar Bar on on JVD is a must. Willie Ts is a must too, but kids shouldn't tag along. Really liked every place we went in the BVIs. The Baths are very cool.

Thoroughly enjoyed both last time.

Painkiller does kill the pain.

 

[Road Dogg]

St. Lucia- Beautiful island, nice people, great weather, good food and beer.

Worst- Aruba- Dirty, boring, and polluted.

I love st lucia, went there on a cruise and went back to the Sandals resort for my honeymoon

 

[IrishTwinkie]

For what it is worth, I found ####er's to be pretty solid too. Happened to catch the 2006 WC final game there with all the other ex-pats. Worth hitting if you happen to be in Road Town, Tortola, but I not sure I'd go out of my way for it.

ETA: Seriously?!

Here's a link to the bar. You figure out the name...

http://bit.ly/hiUIzJ

While I have made the Painkiller at home, with this very rum, it isn't quite the same as drinking while sitting on the beach...

 

[Clinton]

I went to Trinidad's Carnival when I was a younger man and it was the best vacation of my life. Trinidad's Carnival is even bigger than Brazil's and the Trini women are every bit as hot because of the island's ethnic mix. I have a chubby just thinking about them right now. If you're a young man this should be a required pilgrimage for the flesh alone. When you add that the ladies willingly come and grind their #### against your junk (whining) the trip becomes a no-brainer.

 

[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

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.

Good to hear! We're looking to book there for next spring.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Looking for places to stay etc. Trying to figure out the best place to celebrate the wifes 40th.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

BUMP

 

[fruity pebbles]

Had a great time in Vieques, little island off Puerto Rico. Cheap, very nice strip of bars, restaurants, shops on southern end. Unspoiled. Love to buy a house there someday.

 

[noleswin]

We chose to go with an all inclusive resort. We went to Valentin Imperial Maya in Playa Del Carmen. It was about a 30 minute ride from the airport in Cancun. We had a wonderful time. The price was right as well. There are several other nice resorts in the area. This one was adults only and seemed to fit our needs. I would definately not hesitate to return.

 

[Exit 1]

BUMP

So the grand canyon idea is definitely out?Where are you coming from? Is price an issue? What would you ideally like to do (just lay on a beach, snorkel, fish, etc.)?

 

[VA703]

anyone been to cuba?

 

[E-Z Glider]

Had a great time in Vieques, little island off Puerto Rico. Cheap, very nice strip of bars, restaurants, shops on southern end. Unspoiled. Love to buy a house there someday.

I dont know. That whole thing with the nuclear testing back in the day and the locals claiming to be sick from it makes me a little nervous. Im sure its OK to visit, but not sure Id be looking to move there.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

read the st john thread

 

[eoMMan]

Cancun for me, but that was years ago.