Best Place in the Caribbean?

J

Jimmy McNulty

< 25 Posts
My girlfriend and I are thinking about going someplace in the Caribbean in February. We have been everywhere in Mexico, so we wanna try one of the islands.

What are some of the better places to go? Money is not really an option, and we are not big snorkelers either. We just wanna go someplace where we can drink ourselves silly and chill on some awesome beaches during the day.

What would you guys recommend?

Thanks in advance.
 
I posted this on another thread, which is why it might seem a tiny bit odd here. But, decent observations anyway:



Re: San Juan PR or Montego Bay? [re: The Bloak]
Edit post Reply to this post

I've been around the Caribbean a bit and you've picked two of most different destinations (though I've admittedly never been to Jamaica). I've heard that it can be difficult dealing with the locals, though stories can always get distorted and blown out of proportion. Bottom line, if you're on vacation, you want to have fun, or at least a pleasant time, and not be hasseled for money or whatever every time you turn around.

I spent a week at the Ritz in San Juan (Isla Verde/Carolina to be more exact) in April; my wife's family is from Guaynabo. Frankly, you'd be much happier on a lot of other islands. PR has a population of 4 million people, so in a lot of ways it will remind you of South Florida (congestion and people) and the beaches aren't really that nice. Old San Juan is quaint and all but will get old after four or five hours.

By contrast, you can get to Paradise Island in Nassau, New Providence Island, Bahamas with about the same level of effort and the beaches are dramatically better. And you can gamble at Atlantis.

St. Martin has some fantastic beaches, too. Baie Longue and Grand Case are beautiful. If you want to get exotic you can take a cheap ferry to Anguilla, which might have the best beaches in the Caribbean or a not so cheap ferry to the not so cheap island of St. Barths (but it is, without a doubt, heaven on earth).
 
You say that money is not really an "option". I'm taking that to mean that money is not a deciding factor. In other words costs are not a huge consideration. Correct? If so I have a couple of suggestions. Based on your wish to lie on a beach and drink yourself silly you may want to look at "all inclusive" plans. Jamaica and the Dominican Republic both have great resorts with all inclusive plans. However, my favorite place in the Caribbean is by far St. Barths. Great beaches, wonderful restaurants and the best people you could ever meet. If you go by all means rent a house as opposed to staying in a hotel. You can get a great house with a pool for anywhere from $2000-$5000 per week. Of course you can spend more if you wish. I would also recommend the virgin islands for another great destination. I lived in St. Thomas and love the VI. Send me a private message if you have any specific questions.
Chip
 
I have been to almost every island in the Caribbean via sailboat (I have not been to Grenada and South).

I can say with no hesitation that the best place to guy is an island called Mustique.

They have the most beautiful beach I've ever seen with my own eyes (I also just got back from Bali).
 
I don't know, DC. My reading skills may not be the best, but here's a cut and paste from your second link:

"These rates are quoted in US dollars and are based on single/double occupancy, per night, and are inclusive of a daily buffet breakfast in the Restaurant, snorkeling, wind surfing, use of tennis courts and Fitness Pavilion. "

It says U.S. dollars "per night." Maybe I missed the fine print. Place looks beautiful.
 
Negril, Jamaica is my fav place. If you just want to lie on the beach and chill and drink yourself silly I can't think of a better spot. I'm not a fan of the ultra fancy places there - it takes too much away from the jamaican vibe.

I'm a big fan of Coco La Palm smack in the middle of 7 mile beach.
 
Virgins or the Grenadines are by far considered the most scenic. If you want some night life, look into St. Martin.
 
feb 07 i took my gf (now wife) to grand cayman. i needed to get away, sit on a beach, and drink for a few days. stayed at the ritz there. all in all, it was exactly what i was looking for at the time.

sat on the beach every day drinking lazy days and vodka mojitos.

looking for a place to go next year at the end of may, so i'm interested in where you end up going.
 
If money is no object and you just want to get drunk on the beach, find a vacation rental somewhere on the Florida panhandle near Destin or Ft. Walton. Save money on the air fare and get a whole house.
The Link
 
Not sure if you made a decision yet, but you may want to look into the British Virgin Island, more specifically Virgin Gorda.

I've not been yet, but have looked a lot into this destination and a friend suggested it to me.

The beaches look amazing and there are some pretty neat things about the island, especially The Baths.

Not sure where you are located, but not too long ago I was pricing flights. I've found some flights in the $300 range from San Antonio, TX to San Juan. From San Juan you can take a commuter flight to Virgin Gorda.

This site has helped me a lot:

British Virgin Islands

If you have any more questions, feel free to PM me.

Have fun!!
 
Just returned from Puerto Rico and LOVED it. We also stayed at the Ritz in Isla Verde and it was the perfect combination of lazy days by the pool/on the beach and hitting up bars at night with some great salsa bands.

Went to Marmalade in old San Juan one night for dinner, they call it California-Puerto Rico fusion, and it was one of the best overall dining experiences I have ever had. Highly recommed it and El Convento for some great sangria.

Also won a nice bit of coin from the Ritz casino- place gets crazy at night.

Can't wait to try some of these other islands recommended above!
 
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