<p>My husband is turning 50 in December and I would like to suprise him with a special vacation next Spring to a Caribbean island. I need suggestions on a place to go. We’ve done a cruise and stopped at St. John’s, Virgin Gorda, St. Thomas and some other island I can’t really think of right now, but besides enjoying them all, I don’t feel I know any of them well.</p>
<p>We don’t need upscale or clubs. Typically we like to take walks, snorkle, shop a little. Husband loves to dive and I would be happy hanging out while he did that. Both of us also like to learn the history of an area and DO NOT want an all inclusive resort. The other must have is a non-stop flight from Newark or Philadelphia. I’ve had too much experience with delays and cancelled flights.</p>
<p>A friend suggested St. Maarten and from a quick search it seems to have what we want. Anyone have info on that?</p>
<p>Yes, I will also be investigating on tripadvisor.</p>
<p>Grand Bahama Island. Apparently it has great snorkle/scuba diving and can be pretty romantic. I don’t know it it has non-stop, but you should look into it.</p>
<p>Has anyone here ever camped at Cinnamon Bay? It’s on my “bucket list” but would like to hear if it should stay there…
kathiep - St Johns, relaxed, snorkel, etc. Seems like it’s worth looking at.</p>
<p>4Giggles…while Anguilla is my favorite island and I have been many times, Cap Juluca (where I have also stayed) and Cuisinart are upscale and I think she said she doesn’t want upscale. However, she could still go to Anguilla and stay some place else! She couldn’t fly in nonstop either.</p>
<p>Sandy Lane in Barbados and Four Seasons in Nevis would be considered upscale as well.</p>
<p>If you like diving…what about Turks and Caicos.</p>
<p>Kathie…if you do end up going to St. Maarten…try to get over to Anguilla by ferry for a day.</p>
<p>The thing about Sandy Lane, much as it’s a great place, is that you are harrassed on the beach all the time by the vendors.
I second Grand Cayman for the diving, and for 7 mile beach area, but I believe you have to fly through San Juan. (at least you did when I went years ago)
Martinique? St Lucia?</p>
<p>Can’t get to St. John’s by airplane. Have to fly to St. Thomas and ferrry over. BUT-it’s worth it. Dragonmom- I would recommend the Maho Bay eco-resort for “camping” on St. John over Cinnamon Bay. You can go over to Cinnamon Bay for the beach, but Maho has views (up on the hillside) of the water from all the tent-cottages and it’s own private beach. We’ve been there three times and it is awesome.</p>
<p>Technically not in the Caribbean, the Bahamas were great eons ago and probably still so. Nassau/Paradise Island have the hotels and activities, they speak English, have the former British colony sensiblities and I believe they’re still tied to the US dollar. When we were there twice in the late '80s I felt as though the people were happy and prosperous, no guilt about being the rich tourist, unlike in Jamaica. We had fun wandering around Nassau as well as doing structured activities. I want to go back someday.</p>
<p>Grand Cayman is one of the best for diving - you can dive right off shore rather than having to take a boat out for several miles. I loved the beaches on Anguilla but too scrubby and not lush enough for my tastes and the diving is not great. I loved St. Maarten but traffic on the island is a problem so it made it hard to drive around and explore. The food is great though. I prefer the French side. The only island that I have wanted to go back to more than once is Jamaica. I know everyone complains about the panhandling, but you just have to know where to go. The people there are great and the island is so lush and interesting. I would recommend a villa that comes with a cook. I would call or email the man who handles these properties and tell him what you want. Shopping might be a problem since his locations are a little more remote. I had plans to stay at Horizon in Westmoreland a couple of years ago but had to cancel due to an illness in the family. The compound is owned by author Russell Banks’ wife and is a favorite of artists. These properties give you a real island experience rather than a touristy one. </p>
<p>Thanks to those of you that took the time to reply and especially to everyone that wrote the reasons for their suggestions. My husband is a big reggae music fan so Jamaica may have some real appeal. I like a place that has tourist amenities but where tourism isn’t the main business if that makes any sense.</p>
<p>Best snorkeling from beaches vs. boat in the world, GREAT diving, very laid back, alas no nonstops flights, but still so worth the trip: Bonaire.</p>
<p>Actually, there IS a non-stop flight from Newark to Bonaire (which sounds lovely) but the price ($822) is more then twice that of going to Jamaica ($318!). I’m not booking anything for a little while, just doing quick comparisons to see what’s out there and think more about what would be the best pick.</p>
<p>Bonaire. I go twice a year to dive. It’s not called Diver’s Paradise for nothing. It’s way under-developed and that’s a good thing. It’s Dutch, stable, English is used everwhere, prices are tied to the dollar. And it’s safer than Jamaica.</p>
<p>Just got home from Puerto Rico yesterday. It was really pretty and my family had a great time. We stayed in Las Casitas at El Conquistador and absolutely loved it. We booked a package online and it was pretty reasonably priced.</p>
<p>One of the cool things about El Conquistador is that it’s up on a bluff, so it has really cool views far out into the ocean, and instead of a beach it has a private island with some restaurants, snorkeling, beach, horseback riding, trails, etc etc etc. </p>
<p>I did think of Puerto Rico because we stayed there overnight before we boarded a ship for our 20th anniversary, almost 10 years ago. Just one day and night but I liked how it seemed foreign yet familiar.</p>