The wife and I are celebrating 10 years next spring and we're already kicking around ideas for a trip. Because we have two youngsters, we can only get away for a max of 4-5 days, so I'm really looking for no more than a 3-4 hour flight.
We're focusing in on the US Virgin Islands. We've done the Bahamas and didn't love it and visit Florida 1-2 times a year, so looking at something different. We're looking for something tropical where we can relax, drink, swim and eat well. Does anyone have good recommendations on great destinations, resorts, etc? I've been looking at St. Maarten's or St. Thomas, but my wife and I have never been so we're relying on online reviews.
Taking her, and my 4 year old, to Disney. My wife is beyond psyched.
Excellence Playa Mujeres is a close second.
Check Booking.com, Bookit.com, Expedia.com, and cheapcarribean.com before confirming. There are always a few $100 off coupons and other resort cash floating around.
Good luck!
For Excellence, the Beloved is the sister resort with kids stuff.
Both still highly recommended.
No all inclusive, you feel a bit obligated to see Old San Juan, the rain forest, islands off the eastern coast etc. All which require taxis and stuff. Just something to consider as they are things I am dreading :)
Taking her, and my 4 year old, to Disney. My wife is beyond psyched.
Im also doing my wife's dream trip in Sept. We are going to Paris.
We rented a car and had a great time alot to see around the island. We did a day in San Juan and hiked the rain forest for a day.
We stayed at the El conquistador. They have a private island with great beaches and a ton of activities.
Good restaurants near by. We are planning to go back in February.
Eli conquistador - ( New Window )
I've heard that Aruba is nice, but you'd better like wind. It is ALWAYS windy there. Me? Windy conditions drive me crazy. Especially while trying to enjoy the beach
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I also loved Rivera Maya (Mexico) and I have always wanted to do St Thomas.
I've heard that Aruba is nice, but you'd better like wind. It is ALWAYS windy there. Me? Windy conditions drive me crazy. Especially while trying to enjoy the beach
I don't remember Aruba being constantly windy.
I mean there's a sea breeze, but it wasn't like a desert sand storm. I like Aruba, but it sounds like a longer flight than aimrocky wants - it's close to 5 hours, but if he wants to bend on the flight time it's great I highly recommend it.
Not cheap but don't know you're budget.
Also, you might want to consider St.Croix.
We rented a car and had a great time alot to see around the island. We did a day in San Juan and hiked the rain forest for a day.
We stayed at the El conquistador. They have a private island with great beaches and a ton of activities.
Good restaurants near by. We are planning to go back in February. Eli conquistador - ( New Window )
This looks very nice. The wife likes it as well.
We're also researching Anguilla. Keep 'em coming, these are great.
We stayed at the Seven Stars (reasonable) and there were a couple really good dinner spots at night (Coco Bistro was my favorite). Also, we did a snorkeling trip that was super fun.
If and when we go back we are going to try and stay at St John the entire time. Even if it's insanely priced, it's worth it because you make up the cost with all the accessible food and liquor on the island---walking distance.
Link - ( New Window )
For the money I think Aruba is a bit overrated. It's great but with a little planning and effort you can get more bang for your buck in the virgin islands.
That's where my wife and I went on our honeymoon. You will love it. Trying to remember things to recommend... We stayed at the Marriott.
Bermuda is beautiful but also expensive.
Enjoy!
Which is exactly why I love Saint Lucia so much. By far the cleanest beaches, white sand beaches and crystal clear coast among all the main islands. Plus if you guys are into outdoor activities, there are a ton to do. From all the water activities, to exploring the rain forest, visiting and walking through the active volcano, zip lining and some of the best hiking trails in the Caribbean, then this island has it all.
Not sure what your price range is on a resort but if you can afford it, Marigot Bay Resort is stunning and worth the price. I've linked it below, check out the pictures.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g671541-d549924-Reviews-Marigot_Bay_Resort_and_Marina_by_Capella-Marigot_Bay_Castries_Quarter_St_Lucia.html
If you want a more cost efficent place, I've also stayed at the Royal St Lucia Resort and loved it. I've linked it below, check out the pictures.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g8843287-d149012-Reviews-Royal_St_Lucia_Resort_and_Spa-Rodney_Bay_Gros_Islet_Quarter_St_Lucia.html
No to DR. Unfriendly people, serious problems communicating with hotel staff. Gorgeous beaches though.
No to Aruba. A huge snore. A desert island, not at all attractive. Oranjestad is over in 15 minutes and there nothing else on the island. And depending where you are, the wind can sandblast you right off the beach. Also no quality snorkeling as the water is murky. Wonderful people and food though.
Puerto Rico is nice, but the most Americanized of the islands. Has some nice historical sights.
Mexico would be my choice. Anywhere within reach of Playa Del Carmen, which is a fun town for shopping and people watching. Good restaurants too. Also, take the ferry to Cozumel for the best snorkeling in the Western Hemisphere. Lots of things to do off site from your hotel.
Good luck!
To amplify: The JW Marriott in Guanacaste. It was incredible and not ridiculously priced. I've been all over the Caribbean and Costa Rica was better (by far) than anything I've experienced in the Carib.
El Conquistador is nice but a bit dated.
As for Aruba, I like the Marriott properties down Palm Beach and away from the crowds and beach populated by tourists from dozens of hotels.
I would definitely pick St Thomas over St Maarten. I'd recommend an AirBnB by Megan's Bay. Beautiful beach.
If you choose St John's - another good call - I would look for AirBnB deals there to. I'm renting a house for two weeks there and I'm amazed at the price. It's friggin ridiculous.
Also, think about hurricane season and possibly getting off the hurricane belt. This is why Aruba is a great suggestion depending on the time of year. I love that island.
If you have specific questions about any of these places let me know.
DR and Jamaica are both a little sketchy for me. Caymons are nice but expensive. St Lucia great but expensive as is Turks. Bermuda you have to be mindful of time of year as it's not tropical. Costa Rica is fun but for only 4 days prob not worth it since it's a decent flight and then you have to fly to coast (or do a sketchy drive).
I like Rivera maya and my buddy was just talking about Tolume south of playa del carmon for the water huts if that's your thing.
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for our honeymoon. Given we couldn't plan the trip till this fall, we didn't want to take any chances in the hurricane belt. Direct flight both ways is only 4-4.5 hours. I can't wait! If anyone has been and has any recommendations let me know.
That's where my wife and I went on our honeymoon. You will love it. Trying to remember things to recommend... We stayed at the Marriott.
My friends went last year. Loved it. Going again this year.
El Conquistador is nice but a bit dated.
As for Aruba, I like the Marriott properties down Palm Beach and away from the crowds and beach populated by tourists from dozens of hotels.
I would definitely pick St Thomas over St Maarten. I'd recommend an AirBnB by Megan's Bay. Beautiful beach.
If you choose St John's - another good call - I would look for AirBnB deals there to. I'm renting a house for two weeks there and I'm amazed at the price. It's friggin ridiculous.
Also, think about hurricane season and possibly getting off the hurricane belt. This is why Aruba is a great suggestion depending on the time of year. I love that island.
If you have specific questions about any of these places let me know.
Great info here, thanks B!
We're targeting June. I focused on the US VI mainly for safety. We had a few experiences in the Bahamas that are keeping me away from poorer countries like Jamaica and Mexico. Any concerns with safety in PR?
DR and Jamaica are both a little sketchy for me. Caymons are nice but expensive. St Lucia great but expensive as is Turks. Bermuda you have to be mindful of time of year as it's not tropical. Costa Rica is fun but for only 4 days prob not worth it since it's a decent flight and then you have to fly to coast (or do a sketchy drive).
I like Rivera maya and my buddy was just talking about Tolume south of playa del carmon for the water huts if that's your thing.
Your entire description of Aruba fits exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks for the advice.
Some great restaurants like El Gaucho, Fools and a Bull, Flying Fishbone, Que Pasa, Amuse, Barefoot, etc.
Plus, if you're looking at June it'll be hot there no doubt. But the Tradewinds will keep you cool the entire time.
And if you're from ny, there are plenty of nonstop flights on all the major airlines.
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Which is essentially a 2-3 mile stretch of high rise resorts. I personally like the Hyatt but it can be slightly pricey at times. If memory serves correctly the rui is the all inclusive but you really don't want to limit yourself to the hotel food as there are a ton of good restaurants. As people have alluded to Aruba is fantastic if you just want to relax, be safe, enjoy the beach, and drink. However it's not as pretty as an island as some others. However for 4 days you likely may not have time for traditional sight seeing anyway.
DR and Jamaica are both a little sketchy for me. Caymons are nice but expensive. St Lucia great but expensive as is Turks. Bermuda you have to be mindful of time of year as it's not tropical. Costa Rica is fun but for only 4 days prob not worth it since it's a decent flight and then you have to fly to coast (or do a sketchy drive).
I like Rivera maya and my buddy was just talking about Tolume south of playa del carmon for the water huts if that's your thing.
Your entire description of Aruba fits exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks for the advice.
If you like the description of Aruba but want half the flight time, then look into staying on 7 mile beach in Grand Cayman.
And it's not double the flight time. Jfk to Georgetown, GC is a bit over 4 hours.
Jfk to Oranjestad, Aruba is under 5.
Crisp - my daughter just came back from a week in Jamaica at a Hyatt Resort in Montego Bay and it was the complete opposite of what you posted.
She and her boyfriend had a great time. Loved the resort, went on excursions, no hassles with the locals and the weather was great.
I loved Jamaica but it was my first trip to the Caribbean. If you haven't to any of the islands or want to take a shorter and cheaper trip, Jamaica fits the bill. And the local resources are fantastic.
I actually have nothing but good things to say about the locals as well.
Some great restaurants like El Gaucho, Fools and a Bull, Flying Fishbone, Que Pasa, Amuse, Barefoot, etc.
Plus, if you're looking at June it'll be hot there no doubt. But the Tradewinds will keep you cool the entire time.
And if you're from ny, there are plenty of nonstop flights on all the major airlines.
The food in Aruba is fantastic. She loved Barefoot last year when we went and still talks about it regularly. El Gaucho was awesome. The Italian restaurant by the light house had an amazing view at sunset. Food was better than I expected it to be as well.
I also went skydiving in Aruba, which was awesome. Costly (400pp if you wanted picture/video) but a great experience.
I also love renting a 4x4 and getting lost on the northern part of the island like B said.
Marriott properties are best on the island imo
I stayed at Marriott Ocean Club last year. Stayed at the La Cabana each time I went before that. I liked the Marriott much more. Better area and just a nicer resort.
The Surf Club, Ocean Club, Marriott Stellaris, and Ritz Carlton are all marriott properties and all located next to each other.
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I stayed at Marriott Ocean Club last year. Stayed at the La Cabana each time I went before that. I liked the Marriott much more. Better area and just a nicer resort.
The Surf Club, Ocean Club, Marriott Stellaris, and Ritz Carlton are all marriott properties and all located next to each other.
Thanks Mook! The wife is trying to convince me to do the Hyatt because of price but the difference isn't huge.
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about the terrain and landscape on Aruba. But I love the fact that you can rent a 4x4 and explore the northern half of the island and get lost. It's a great way to spend a day or half a day. You can rent right at the major resorts. Again, I'm partial to the Marriott properties away from the larger crowds.
Some great restaurants like El Gaucho, Fools and a Bull, Flying Fishbone, Que Pasa, Amuse, Barefoot, etc.
Plus, if you're looking at June it'll be hot there no doubt. But the Tradewinds will keep you cool the entire time.
And if you're from ny, there are plenty of nonstop flights on all the major airlines.
The food in Aruba is fantastic. She loved Barefoot last year when we went and still talks about it regularly. El Gaucho was awesome. The Italian restaurant by the light house had an amazing view at sunset. Food was better than I expected it to be as well.
I also went skydiving in Aruba, which was awesome. Costly (400pp if you wanted picture/video) but a great experience.
I also love renting a 4x4 and getting lost on the northern part of the island like B said.
Marriott properties are best on the island imo
Glad you got to the Italian spot by the Lighthouse. Had a great meal at sunset there.
Did I recommend that to you?
I hear it is nice this time of year