Help with picking an island

[lhbrown]

Hi bonniejoy,
No I didn't bid on the auction. I couldn't push my husband... The auction offering price was $2715 ($6035.00 retail) with my $500 VIP Gift certificate this would have been an excellent price.... but no one bid. The auction closed with 0 bids.... I am sure it will come up again. If you are interested you might want to put it into your account under favorite properties, so you can see when it comes up next.

We are in the process of packing our bags to return to the States from Paris by the end of the month, so we will see what we want to do this fall once we get back state side....

[bonniejoy03]

Hi Sigmaf. To find two Anguilla blogs from me, please go to the "Community main Page" then all the way down to Blogs. I have two on Anguilla. (also one on Nicaragua.) You can also find another blog under Destinations, Caribbean, British Virgin Islands. With your trip, you might want to get planning as soon as possible. You are going at one of the busiest times of the year. Some properties have minimum night stays.This is also typically the most expensive time of the year. With that said, I would consider Peter Island. It handles most of your needs. First, it is sort of all-inclusive. Meals are included but you pay for your drinks. Second, there are beautiful beaches on the island that you can walk to. Third, It is a pretty good island for hiking. Peter Island is very private (actually, the resort is on the only property there.) Now, it wouldn't offer historical sights for you. What do you think?

[disneygal]

Bonniejoy03, you have a great memory! I bid on Guana Island and have scheduled the trip for November. I also had seriously considered Peter Island. I was ready to bid on the LL package when I noticed that taxes and service charges were not included, as they usually are. I called LL to inquire about the additional amount that would be added to the winning bid. It was about $500. So, I didn't bid and then the Guana package appeared. So it all worked out well, but pointed out to me how carefully we must read the fine print.

Cotton House also looks very interesting. On a trip to the Grenadines we were on a puddle-jumper that stopped in Mustique. The island looked so beautiful! But you do have to take a short flight from Barbados or somewhere else unless you arrive by boat. So it's a little complicated to get there, but worthwhile I'm sure.

I think there are some great ideas in this thread for Sigmaf. I'm also a little bit stumped in trying to fit historical sites in with a remote location, but I'm sure you'll find a great place for that island trip. If you have any more feedback, maybe we'll come up with more ideas. Did anyone mention LaLuna on Grenada?

[Sigmaf]

Historical places is probaly the wrong word, I should have used points of interest. Architectural items or environmental/geological items, such as the Pitons of St. Lucia.

Anyway, thanks again for all the good ideas. I'm going through everthing to try to find the best fit for the two of us.

I quickly found that we're planning on going at one of the busiest times of the year. Our actual anniversary is in April, but due to the need for someone to watch our boys, going just after Christmas worked best.

Found the blogs, just didn't go far enough down, thanks!




Message Edited by Sigmaf on 06-26-2007 01:25 PM

[Sigmaf]

I know Antigua is more traveled, especially St. Johns, but I was wondering if anyone has thoughts of it.

I'm asking because as I was going through, I noticed the Cocobay listing and it seems like it's pretty reasonable and it is kind of off by itself, away from the traffic of the north part of the island. Anyone been there or seen any reviews on it?

Thanks again!!

[disneygal]

Hi Sigmaf,



Yes, Cocobay has been discussed a bit. Here are links to some of the previous discussions. You can also Search the boards for "Cocobay".



http://community.luxurylink.com/luxurylink/board/message?board.id=board-style-1&message.id=200&query.id=227702#M200

http://community.luxurylink.com/luxurylink/board/message?board.id=board-tips&message.id=60&query.id=227702#M60



There is also another property on LL in Antigua, Hermitage Bay. It's more expensive, but looks amazing. I think someone on these boards purchased a package but has not yet taken the trip to report back.

[dowup00]

For seclusion, check out Biras Creek on Virgin Gorda or Peter Island, both in the British Virgin Islands.

[dx2etc]

Assuming Hurricane Dean was not that severe and that thigngs will be back to normal soon, you should choose the Soufriere area of St. Lucia. There is no more beautiful spot in the Caribbean. Theviews of the Pitons are breathtaking. We stayed at Ladera Resort for our 20th anniversary and it was the most wonderful place we have ever visited. I strongly urge you to consider it, there is nothing else quite like it. www.ladera.com

[amarandi]

I could use some advise on a week long trip the end of Feb. 08 - to either The Fairmont Orchid which sits along the Kohala Coast in Hawaii or the CuisinArt Resort in Anguilla.



My husband and I will be bringing our 4 year old daughter with us. We live in Metro Atlanta and I have found that airfare and the amount of time traveling to either destination is not that much different. If we did Anguilla we would probably spend a few days in Puerto Rico - which we have never been to (+). If we did Hawaii we could rent a car and travel all over the island and we would have a greater variety of activities & food choices. . .



This is why I'm having such a hard time. My husband and I are in our late 40's - He's idea of a vacation is an intensive tour followed by 3, 4, 5 days of laying around or just forget the tour. . . Our daughter and I like to be "doing" something everyday. And while my husband loves laying around on the beach w/a book or a lazy boat ride - he never learned to swim.



Alex

[bonniejoy03]

Hi amarandi. I love these challenges! First of all, I am not an expert on Hawaii. I haven't been there in 32 years! (gosh, and I am only mid 40's.) We do go to Anguilla twice a year so would love to help on that end. Cuisinart is a very lovely resort. My 1st opinion to you would be to check availablity at both places. This is very high season for Anguilla and the properties fill up fast. This might be your first consideration. Another suggestion if you go to Anguilla, you can fly USAir into St. Maarten and spend a few days there also. It is half French and half Dutch. Quite interesting. From St. Maarten you can fly or ferry over to Anguilla.



As to your requirements, Anguilla would be good for day trips such as snorkelling and sailing. If your husband isn't a swimmer, the snorkelling could be an issue. Anguilla will have beautiful blue calm waters. There really isn't a lot of touring on Anguilla. They do have fantastic restaurants, wonderful kind people and a total relaxation atmosphere.



Cuisinart is neat because they have their own hydroplonic (spelling?) gardens. They have tours of their gardens. They also offer cooking classes. Neat idea but not sure if a 4 year old would appreciate. The child would love the calm waters and pool and surroundings at Cuisinart though. It is a beautiful property.



Hope this helped a little on the Anguilla side.