TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums General Caribbean New vacation spot

I am looking for some advice. We have been vacationing n St Martin for many years. Since the destruction of Irma this year we need to find a new spot. I am looking for some advice on other islands to go to.

Here is what are looking for in a vacation:

We don't need fancy restaurants, we can be just as happy eating at a road side stand as well as a nice restaurant.

We enjoy sitting on a sandy beach. We like to rent chairs and umbrellas and have a few drinks in the sun.

We like to use AirBnB. Rent a condo and do our own thing.

We like it to be fairly safe. I understand nowhere is 100% safe and as long as you use common sense then it is usually OK.

We enjoy more of a quiet atmosphere. Not into large crowds of college at kids partying down. We are not prudes and enjoy a good time I just don't need it around 24/7.

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks in advance for your help.

Most of the northern Caribbean islands were severely affected by Hurricane Irma and, as of yesterday and today, by H. Maria so may not be fully back to normal by next February. Look at islands in the southern parts of the Caribbean - many of the Grenadines will have what you are seeking. If they are too remote for you then that leaves you with Aruba, Bonaire or Curacao.

The Cayman islands might also interest you - the 2 hurricanes didn't go anywhere near them. And, barring any more storms, I'm guessing Antigua, St. Kitts and Nevis will probably be pretty much recovered by February 2018 so they will also fill your bill.

I've had to cancel (well, let's hope it's just a postponement) my trip to St. Martin this year as well. Still hoping we'll manage the Nevis part of the trip. But my Plan C would be Costa Rica -- it seems to have what I'm looking for, with the added bonus of having many of the resorts and hotels being very environmentally oriented.

Never been but maybe some of the Bahamian islands? I know some of them are pretty crowded and busy but I think there are places you can get away from it all there as well. And I don't think they've been significantly impacted by any of this year's hurricanes. Fairly close to you as well - relatively speaking.

You could try some of the not-so-popular places in Mexico. Areas around Tulum might be a good option - possibly a house rental in Akumul with a chef?

Hawaii is always an option as well - maybe the big island or more remote parts of some of the other islands. Hawaii can be pretty expensive though and getting there from Michigan would be a bit of a haul.

As Fletch said, Antigua, Nevis and St. Kitts are options. We sailed through all of them last year and they each had their charms. Also St. Lucia, Grenada and The Grenadines (which is where we are headed this February).

We will learn more shortly in terms of how Puerto Rico fared with Maria (fingers crossed). If you get out of San Juan it can be less busy and there is lots to see - and San Juan is a great city as well. Maybe you've been before as it is a really easy flight from the east/midwest. I really hope Maria wasn't as bad as feared and the residents and businesses will be able to bounce back quickly.

Still lot's of places that haven't been impacted or at least were minimally impacted by the hurricane. Just take a look at Google Earth to get some ideas.

Matt

BTW, not that it is really relevant, but I grew up in Grand Rapids. Drove out to the Pacific Northwest in 94' at age 22 and never drove back. But I do miss Michigan and love visiting every year or two.

Most of your criteria fit the Bahama's "Out Islands". We loved Exuma and Abaco. There really is a lot to do or you can do nothing. Water and beaches are beautiful. We loved eating local food, especially conch, cooked anyway or raw. Residents are very friendly and we found it to be some of the safest islands. No need to constantly look over yuour shoulder.

I was actually looking at the Cayman Islands. We have also been looking at Caye Caulker in Belize but I'm afraid that there might not be the beaches there we like. Have you been to the Cayman Islands? If so which areas do you recommend. Thanks in advance for your help.

I have 2 suggestions: 1) Isla Mujeres; and 2) Akumal. Both are in the Yucatan in Mexico.

Isla Mujeres, just off of Cancun, has many options for lodging: lots of condos on the North Beach, and many condos around the island. We have rented casas twice on the Caribbean side which I like. Tourists get around the island via golf carts (no rental cars) or by taxis which are cheap.

Akumal is 1 hour south of Cancun and is a very quiet area. You can get there easily via private transfer or public bus to Playa del Carmen and then a taxi. Akumal is a sleepy area with lots of condo options. We will be living there soon and selected it because of the beautiful beaches and the lagoon.

If you want more information, send me a PM.

Karen

We're also huge fans of SXM. We've been to the Cayman Islands twice but only on cruise stops. It is very clean and the water is quite clear compared to SXM. Seven Mile Beach was where we spent our first trip and we swam with the rays on our second stop. I think you'd like it.

The Cayman Islands are as ARTravelers say. But they are x-British so it can be a bit stuffy, so to speak, especially if you are used to the SXM beaches <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

And quite expensive!!!

We stayed on Antigua for three nights on the way to Barbuda in February. We stayed in English Harbor and got around a good part of the island while sight seeing. I can't speak for the beaches but the ones we saw from the air looked lovely. We felt safe travelling with our then 11 yo son. All the residents we encountered were warm and friendly.

I got the impression from a few expats we spoke to that there is a good vacation rental market on the island.

We stuck to local restaurants and enjoyed all our meals. I was shocked to see "deer" on the menu. Apparently deer are/were hunted on Barbuda and the venison sold to the Antiguan restaurants.

I was actually thinking about checking out Grand Cayman. It looked like it had some nice beaches, but the bride won out and we actually ended up booking a vacation to Caye Caulker Belize. It looks to be a very laid back place. I don't think that there is going to be a bunch of great beaches but I am hoping for at least one or two. It is going to be a new experience for sure.

I am excited about a new adventure. We will miss or time on St Martin this year but I do know one thing for sure. We will have a good time where ever we end up. That is just the type of people we are. Thanks everyone for your advice. I am going to continue to look at other locations too because we may want more then one vacation this year.

Not sure I am following exactly what you mean "ARTravelers". Maybe I'm just a little slow. lol

ARTtravelers are posters here (a few back). <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Don't give up on Curacao.

Whoops now I see. That makes much more sense. I will have to do some homework on Curacao. One can never have enough favorite places to visit. Thanks

FYI Anguilla is recovered and all major resorts will be open by December 15 this year

Deserted beaches, great snorkeling, and a different secluded bay everyday? Rent a house in St John, USVI. Our go to spot for many years. Haven't been since the hurricane but I hear it's back.