Where in the Caribbean do you recommend vacationing?

[DisneyJen0504]

Hi all!
We are looking into going away to the Caribbean but are not sure where exactly to go and there is so much to choose from! We have been to Punta Cana, St Thomas, St John and Tortola so we are looking to go somewhere different. Anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks!

 

[Syrreal]

we went to jamaica a couple of years ago and had an awesome time. we did the whole sandals thing (Negril) but didn't just stay at the resort. We didn't do any of their tours but went to town and did some shopping. Even with a tropical storm hitting us we had an incredible time and can't wait to go back.

(I apologize if this comes out as a double post)

 

[Dopey Sharon]

A few people I know have been to Aruba and loved it.

One of these years I will get there!

 

[MoniqueU]

The best beaches I have ever been to were on turks and caicos. I loved the water and the beach there. But there was very little night life. I have been to Jamaica and that is a wild good time but not for everyone as they try and sell you stuff on the beaches etc and when you are out shopping they can be pushy. I have also been to the Dominican Republic and liked it Ok. Same with the Bahamas just ok.

 

[WIcruizer]

St. John, St. Kitts, Cayman Islands are my top three. Jamaica is basically the same thing as Cozumel, Cancun, Bahamas,etc. If you want lots of restaurants, night spots, tourist shops, etc. you may like Jamaica. But you cannot go anywhere other than very public areas, and you certainly can't go anywhere at night.

The 3 places I mentioned are less built up, much safer, and much more beautiful. If you want a little of both, then Cayman may be for you. Very, very safe, beautiful, ye there are more restuarants, shops, etc. than St. John and St. Kits

 

[KathyTX]

What are you looking for- a quiet and private paradise with pristine beaches? A place with great diving? Something with active nightlife and lots of activity? Dining and shopping? Watersports? Family or all adult? Affordable, or luxury? Shorts and flipflops, or "resort casual"?

There are so many different ideas of "the perfect vacation". Tell us what your style is, and I bet you'll get some great suggestions.

 

[Big Dude]

If you want lots of restaurants, night spots, tourist shops, etc. you may like Jamaica. But you cannot go anywhere other than very public areas, and you certainly can't go anywhere at night.

Being a many time visitor to Jamaica, I take exception to the above quote. Certainly, I will not go to the center of Kingston at night much like I will not go to Harlem, New York, East Los Angeles, Detroit Michigan or any other urban landscape which I was not familiar with.

If you have a responsible "tourguide" (which I know many) there is "no problem mon" with visiting Jamaica at night. One of my favorite areas to visit in Jamaica at night is Gilstening Waters. There are luminiscent organisims in the water that "light up" when they are disturbed. Not harmful at all but very pretty when you look at them. I have visited Rasta villages in what they call "Cockpit Country" where no tourists are "supposed" to go. BULLCRAP! I was invited as "family" to many homes because I showed that I have an affection toward human beings regardless of race, religion or finances.

I am very proud that my children do not see color and have made many friends in both Mexico and Jamaica as well as in the United States. It's all a matter of perspective.

If you plan an All-Inclusive vacation anywhere and do not get off of that property, you are limiting yourself to visiting the local culture while they are "working". God knows that I am different when I get off of work. What makes this so different? If anyone wants to know a connection in Jamaica, please PM me and I will put you in touch with a personal friend that will take care of you. Like I've said, I have been on a bamboo raft ride (very romantic) to a meditation center (yes a Rasta one if you get my drift), to a small village that dedicated a day to me because I brought gifts for them.

All in all. If you go to Jamaica on a Cruise....you might as well stay on the boat unless you hook up with my contact!

Adam

 

[bicker]

We took a cruise to get a sampling of the Southern Caribbean, and settled on Antigua as the place we'd most like to go back and spend a week at. It is utterly beautiful, and the people are incredibly friendly.

 

[Michigan]

I love St. Thomas but if you really want to get away Tortola is not very comercialized and has beautiful black beaches. Tortola is a part of the British Virgin Islands but they take American money not the British pound.

 

[declansdad]

I would say Cuba but I don't think you are allowed to go there.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

i was going to say a cruise...im going on a cruise in january are were going from ft. lauderdale to key west then cozumel, costa maya and grand caymen

 

[DisneyJen0504]

What are you looking for- a quiet and private paradise with pristine beaches? A place with great diving? Something with active nightlife and lots of activity? Dining and shopping? Watersports? Family or all adult? Affordable, or luxury? Shorts and flipflops, or "resort casual"?

There are so many different ideas of "the perfect vacation". Tell us what your style is, and I bet you'll get some great suggestions.

Thanks! DH and I like a little bit of everything! We want the amazing beaches, and we enjoy activities like snorkeling and jetskiing. First choice would be adults only but we have no problem going where the families are.
We want the trip to be affordable-but we are not looking to stay at a budget hotel. We enjoy the shopping and nightlife-but good food is really important.
Thanks for the suggestions so far!

 

[DisneyJen0504]

i was going to say a cruise...im going on a cruise in january are were going from ft. lauderdale to key west then cozumel, costa maya and grand caymen

Thanks for the suggestion. We did a cruise this past July and were looking to stay on the land in one place this time.

 

[TRUFFLES13]

I love Aruba, great weather, friendly people and great food. I would love to go back.

 

[RUDisney]

We love Isla Verde in San Juan Puerto Rico.

Last time we stayed there, we had a condo, but there is the Intercontinental Hotel, the Wyndham El San Juan and the Ritz Carlton in that section of town.

The beach is clean, shell free, which means poor snorkeling, but lovely, nonetheless. You can drive to Old San Juan for shopping and to tour the old forts. You can drive to the El Yunque Rainforest and swim under a waterfall, but be careful not to break your toe like I did.

At night, hit the Wyndham El San Juan. The lobby is all mahogany and the atmosphere is beautiful! Sip a cocktail, smoke a cigar, do some people watching, maybe catch some people doing salsa dancing. There are casinos in all of the hotels. They have a Palm Restaurant and a 5-star Italian restaurant, as well as a Chinese one. Ruth's Chris Steak House is in the Intercontinental.

So, you sun well, and eat well in Isla Verde! My idea of a perfect vacation!

 

[BunsenH]

Thanks! DH and I like a little bit of everything! We want the amazing beaches, and we enjoy activities like snorkeling and jetskiing. First choice would be adults only but we have no problem going where the families are.
We want the trip to be affordable-but we are not looking to stay at a budget hotel. We enjoy the shopping and nightlife-but good food is really important.
Thanks for the suggestions so far!

Except for the jetskiing, Anguilla may fit your bill. The nightlife is subdued, but available. It has beautiful beaches , many moderately priced accommodations, a great variety of dining options, and welcoming people.

 

[bubie2.5]

Take a look at this, I went there this summer and realy liked it.
http://www.naturacabana.com/

I can tell you more if you're interested.

 

[pooh6890]

My office just took a cruise together to Nassau, Bahamas......went to Paradise Island for the day and spent a lot of time at Atlantis.....if you can get a good rate and can afford it.......IT"S FABULOUS!!!! So much to do and it's one of the most beautiful resorts I have ever been to.......go to www.atlantis.com and check it out! Merry Christmas everyone!

 

[lemondog]

If you want the adults-only all inclusive thing I recommend the Grand Lido resort in Negril, Jamaica. DH and I went there for our honeymoon and had a lovely time. The buffet food was good (well, the Jamaican food...watch out for their attempts at "southern American fare" lol!) and they have several sit-down restaurants which were fabulous! 24-hour room service, all alcohol included....watch out for those papaya and rum cream drinks. YUM! We snorkeled, kayaked...did all kinds of activities. You can also leave the resort to go shopping in the village, experience the Negril nightlife, etc. No one ever came to bother us on the beach or tried to sell us things, although some local ladies did set up shop on one part of the resort each day with handmade goods, but they never bothered us. DH and I were looking for a quiet, relaxing beach vacation and we were very happy with our experience at Grand Lido. Have fun!

 

[Cosmic_Charlie]

Ladera Resort St. Lucia