I want to go to the Caribbean
Discussion
So I have decided I am going to surprise the mrs with a holiday to the Caribbean for her birthday in April.
Neither of us have ever been on a holiday like this so it's all very much new to me.
Quite open to suggestions on where to go! Requirements are as follows -
7 nights
Must be all inclusive
Ideally I'd like a waterfront room
£2500 budget all in
Chilled out rather than day trips all over the place but equally would like things to do, waterspouts etc
Any ideas guys? I'd be looking to pay a deposit then pay the rest closer to the time.
Also, I am sure you'll laugh but I want to make sure, is vodka available in this part of the world?
Neither of us have ever been on a holiday like this so it's all very much new to me.
Quite open to suggestions on where to go! Requirements are as follows -
7 nights
Must be all inclusive
Ideally I'd like a waterfront room
£2500 budget all in
Chilled out rather than day trips all over the place but equally would like things to do, waterspouts etc
Any ideas guys? I'd be looking to pay a deposit then pay the rest closer to the time.
Also, I am sure you'll laugh but I want to make sure, is vodka available in this part of the world?
Nearly everywhere is AI in the Caribbean.
Seven nights isn't long enough, you need to do fourteen.
I would suggest Jamaica if you aren't really planning to leave the resort much, although it is quite safe to do so if you are sensible.
Dominican Republic is another alternative, but I have this fixation that it's 'chavvy'.
Don't go less than four star if you can help it, things can get very basic very quickly!
Vodka widely available!
Seven nights isn't long enough, you need to do fourteen.
I would suggest Jamaica if you aren't really planning to leave the resort much, although it is quite safe to do so if you are sensible.
Dominican Republic is another alternative, but I have this fixation that it's 'chavvy'.
Don't go less than four star if you can help it, things can get very basic very quickly!
Vodka widely available!
Consider Grenada which is less touristy and does not have as many AI deals. You can (well used to) get a return flight out there for £600, that leaves a chunk to go negotiate on private villas. This market is on it's arse at the moment, owners are willing to give big discounts - if you ask nicely!
For that budget You should be able to get 5 star 2 weeks all inclusive in Cuba. We paid £1800 for the above and it was a fantastic time and did some a day on a party boat (music and drinks) which went to a deserted island where we had a fantastic sea food on the beach and then swam with dolphins on the way back and it was about £60pp and they had jet skis and watersports by the beach in varadero which were very cheap. For £2500 You could stay in a very nice Hotel and do some trips.
The only place I've been is Antigua for my 30th, with a day trip out to Barbuda on a boat. It was awesome but expensive to eat etc. I'd recommend it though as it was a really good hol. You'll need to not be scared of renting a motorbike to look around though as there are awesome sights all over the island, but if you just stay on your beach you won't see anything. I do think this is true of any holiday though to be fair.
you could do a week in the Caribbean then a week in Florida as they are not far from each other. I am setting off tomorrow to fly to West Palm Beach and then on Wednesday to St Thomas. Doing it all in 9 days but I live East coast America so they are only short hops for me.
Four seasons West Palm Beach is around $300/night and The Ritz St Thomas is a little more. Watch out for "resort fees" as they can add up quickly. I think I am paying $60/day in St Thomas.
Four seasons West Palm Beach is around $300/night and The Ritz St Thomas is a little more. Watch out for "resort fees" as they can add up quickly. I think I am paying $60/day in St Thomas.
Just bear in mind that their "stars" seem to be one less than our "stars" so comparing a 4 star in the Carib to a 4 star in other touristy destinations you seem to get less for your money IME.
Also be prepared for the Carib levels of service - nothing is done quickly.
When it rains - it bloomin rains. Only in short bursts and it still stays hot but you will get wet and you will know about it. Sanitation still leaves a lot to be desired so don't be surprised to see the odd turd floating down the road after a downpour.
If you can put up with that, it's a great part of the world to visit. I've been to Cuba (All Inc), Jamaica (All Inc) and Barbados (Accom only). I'd go back to Barbados at the drop of a hat. If you go AI you miss out on so much of the local cuisine and TBH the quality of the food that's lying around the buffet is variable.
Learn to drink rum and play dominos and you will make many, many friends.
Also be prepared for the Carib levels of service - nothing is done quickly.
When it rains - it bloomin rains. Only in short bursts and it still stays hot but you will get wet and you will know about it. Sanitation still leaves a lot to be desired so don't be surprised to see the odd turd floating down the road after a downpour.
If you can put up with that, it's a great part of the world to visit. I've been to Cuba (All Inc), Jamaica (All Inc) and Barbados (Accom only). I'd go back to Barbados at the drop of a hat. If you go AI you miss out on so much of the local cuisine and TBH the quality of the food that's lying around the buffet is variable.
Learn to drink rum and play dominos and you will make many, many friends.
maser_spyder said:
No no no!
Don't tell him, then everybody will start going there...
Sorry I got that mixed up with Cancun or Jamaica or Antigua-they are the places to go and lots of Vodka - Tequila - Rum and great Don't tell him, then everybody will start going there...
all inclusive resorts!Edited by sussexjob on Saturday 3rd September 09:02
Bahamas, Antigua and St Lucia I'd go back to at the drop of a hat. St Lucia is more tropical though and you can get quite a few showers. Jamaica was OK, never really got to see much as I had pneumonia and didn't help that the hotel was at the end of the runway 
There star system isn't the same as our though, and it can get very Americanised though it does depend on the resorts.
If you can find a good deal, I'd look at the Indian Ocean as the standards and food are much better. Barbados I'd love to try but on a self catering basis.
There star system isn't the same as our though, and it can get very Americanised though it does depend on the resorts.
If you can find a good deal, I'd look at the Indian Ocean as the standards and food are much better. Barbados I'd love to try but on a self catering basis.
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