NFT: St. John vs grand cayman in January -wife only trip

That will determine a lot of things, as the islands (specifically St Lucia) are not all on the same pricing scale.

If you're on the higher end, I can't say enough about St Lucia.

Jade Mountain is amazing, but it costs. A lot. You can split a visit up with its sister resort (Anse Chastanet) and dampen the blow. Both resorts have 3 walls/open 4th wall concept and beautiful sights of the Pitons. Food is word class at the resorts, too.

Ladera is also in St Lucia and also amazing, though a bit more rustic than Jade (a bit nicer than Anse Chastanet). Upgrade the room if you're planning on staying there to a hilltop (another 3 wall/open 4th concept). Its less than the above option and the food options are a bit more limited (but still good) and is across the road from Chocolat - which has amazing (but expensive) food.

Speaking of.... Hotel Chocolat is also gorgeous and same concept, but does not have the undisturbed sight lines of the Pitons/ocean that Ladera and Jade/Anse Chastanet have. Still good, but missing the spectacular "Wow" factor.

That said, Jade is ~1500-2000 a night (and there is a room that goes to $3k). Ladera is ~$1000-$1300 a night. Anse is same ballpark as Ladera. Food is not included in most of those prices (maybe just breakfast).

But if its a you/wife vacation - it doesn't get much better. You will never leave the room outside of breakfast and dinner.

Sugar Beach
linl - ( New Window )

In comment 14389086 BillT said:

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Sugar Beach linl - ( New Window )

That's next on my list - I visited the beach from Ladera and loved that resort's vibe.

Only deterrent is that it allows family and seems like a lot of cruise ships drop passengers off at the beach. Being in the valley like that is amazing, but it gets loud/busy during the day.

In comment 14389090 UAGiant said:

Quote:

In comment 14389086 BillT said: Quote: Sugar Beach linl - ( New Window ) That's next on my list - I visited the beach from Ladera and loved that resort's vibe. Only deterrent is that it allows family and seems like a lot of cruise ships drop passengers off at the beach. Being in the valley like that is amazing, but it gets loud/busy during the day.

Didn't know about the cruse ship thing. Went almost 20 years ago. It was awesome but I guess it's a different resort now.

But if you live in NYC you might not notice too much a difference. When I went there I was rolling in money so I could have fun. But I remember thinking, man if I wasn't doing so well right now this would be a brutal trip.

So if we can’t break the bank for this trip we would really be looking to not go nuts financially.

Has anyone been to Saint John since the hurricane

give the points.

it might be cold, or too cool for the beaches. I was in Caymans a few times. Once in March was too cold. Not on your list, but I think Aruba is pretty good year round.

You staying home? ;)

St. Johns are resorts surrounder by a national preserve...very eco- hiking, nature.....split it with St.Thomas for full american island experience.

Cayman is full highend british island experience....one of the best scuba diving location

Aruba is more desert heat, vs tropical...which makes it a strong consideration....if you do not like being drenched in sweat.

Very nice, but expensive for the all-inclusive. The island is VERY poor, you wouldn't be venturing out of the resort for anything except maybe a catamaran tour around the island leaving out of a local marina.

We splurged for their over-the-water bungalow setup and it was insanely amazing. But again, might not hit your price-point. It was enough to be a once-a-decade type thing.