Need ideas for the Caribbean/Bahamas

[Disney-Kim]

I would like suggestions of places to go in the Caribbean/Bahamas.
We like to go to touristy places with lots of high end shopping and restaurants. Now as much as I would like,our budget doesn't afford places like the One and Only Resort. But we like high end.
also not really into all-inclusives either.
We are really into beautiful beaches and would like to stay on a fabulous beach. My DH snorkels but I am not much for ocean activities.

I was looking at Westin Lucaya, but couldn't tell if the area offered enough to do. We were bored in Maui, but love Oahu. We are on the go vacationers.

hope this gives you and idea. now I need your ideas...where would be FUN !!

Atlantis looks fun, but outside the hotel, is there anything fun to do outside the hotel?? good shopping ???

thanks !! Kim

 

[Disney-Kim]

no one?

 

[Blueeyes101817]

I havent gone to the caribbean/bahamas and stayed in a hotel...ive done cruises and love them--cant wait to go on my next one!

 

[bsnyder]

What about St. Thomas? IMO, it's not quite as beautiful as St. John, but it has a lot more "action" in terms of shopping, restaurants, etc. And you can do day trips to the BVI's from there, which I HIGHLY recommend.

 

[Kteacher]

I would second the idea of a cruise. The Southern Caribbean itinerary is usually port intensive, meaning you could be on a different beach on a different island in the Caribbean 5 days out of the week

 

[Disney-Kim]

I would love to do a cruise...but I can NOT talk my DH into it. He thinks being "trapped" on the boat on the sea days will be utterly boring. He doesn't like the idea of us being trapped in our floating hotel. ???

I agree that would be a good way to see the Caribbean. but...

I know the East Coasters vacation more down there, so was hoping to hear some ideas. I study up about places, but its hard to tell if there is anything outside of the hotel to do.

We don't party...are not looking for Sandals/Breezes etc. But we like shopping, wandering around, restaurants, etc. after a nice day at a beautiful beach.

We get this in Honolulu and LOVE it, but we have been there 5 times...just trying to venture out. But we did Maui...hated it. we were BORED and disappointed in the water/beaches. Not half as pretty as the East side beaches of Oahu. Lanikai and Kailua are our favorites !!!

 

[MomofKatie]

St Thomas is really great for shopping (Charlotte Amilie is one of the premiere shopping destinations in the Caribbean), and St. John is very close by for absolutely gorgeous beaches and snorkeling!

St. Maarten is also really neat- half of the island is Dutch, and the other half is French, so it is really neat to go from one end to the other and see the differences in culture, etc. Beautiful beaches, too.

Puerto Rico can be really nice- Old San Juan has the Spanish forts, and neat little shops. The El Convento hotel is really nice- the building is an old convent, and they have the best pina coladas I've ever tasted!!

I've never been to Aruba, but my Dad has, and he was really wowed by it. said it was beautiful.

We will be going on a southern Caribbean cruise this summer- looking forward to visiting PR, St Thomas, Aruba, Dominica, and Barbados.!!

 

[Disney-Kim]

the Southern Caribbean cruises look fantastic to me. but still would have to convince hubby.

 

[Kteacher]

If your DH doesn't want to do a cruise, then I would recommend either Puerto Rico or St. Martin, based on what you like to do. Also, although it's not technically in the caribbean, Bermuda has beautiful beaches, is an easy island to get around on your own, and has lots to do. Have fun deciding

 

[plutolovr]

For high end and snorkeling I would try the Cayman Islands. They are just about recovered from hurricane damage and I think you might be able to find a deal out there somewhere. Some nice resorts are Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman, Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, The Westin Casuarina and The Grand Cayman Marriott. Some more moderate resorts are the Courtyard by Marriott, Comfort Suites. To go snorkeling there is a great company called Captain Marvin. We did a great snorkel trip with this company on a small boat, included snorkeling with the stingrays too.

 

[stinkerbelle]

DH and I stayed here this past November.

http://www.stanielcay.com/

In the Exuma Islands.

totally NOT touristy though - only one place to eat and no place to "shop"...but it was a fun, relaxing vacation....with some great snorkling! (Feeding the wild pigs and Iguanas was cool too! heheh)

 

[Disney-Kim]

Stinkerbelle - that is very beautiful and cool looking. but the opposite.

we don't relax on vacation

I don't think a week on any of the Caribbean islands is up our alley.

I am working on the cruise idea and just going back to Oahu. Oahu is bugging me because the hotel prices have gone up so much since last years visit.