Low-key resort for family - water activities priority and calm water.
Jan 1st, 2022, 06:04 AM
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Low-key resort for family - water activities priority and calm water.
Hello!
For years we went to Tamarind in Barbados and LOOOOOVED it. Perfect mix of calm water, lots of water activities, beautiful beaches...etc. But they went all-inclusive and the price jumped. Not only do we not drink alcohol but we like to eat out at night. So, just not worth it. We also missed the last two years due to Covid and not wanting to fly.
This year we are looking for something similar but opening up to other islands. Flying out of Philadelphia or NYC so should have plenty of options, traveling in late March, 2022. We love to hang out on the beach/pool during the day and use the hotel amenities like sailing, snorkeling, water-skiing, eat and repeat. Looking to say away from large hotels. Welcome your thoughts!
For years we went to Tamarind in Barbados and LOOOOOVED it. Perfect mix of calm water, lots of water activities, beautiful beaches...etc. But they went all-inclusive and the price jumped. Not only do we not drink alcohol but we like to eat out at night. So, just not worth it. We also missed the last two years due to Covid and not wanting to fly.
This year we are looking for something similar but opening up to other islands. Flying out of Philadelphia or NYC so should have plenty of options, traveling in late March, 2022. We love to hang out on the beach/pool during the day and use the hotel amenities like sailing, snorkeling, water-skiing, eat and repeat. Looking to say away from large hotels. Welcome your thoughts!
Jan 1st, 2022, 11:53 AM
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Keeping in mind that many Caribbean islands have some type of Covid travel restrictions that may or may not change between now and next March you might want to check resorts on Anguilla. This quiet and laid back island boasts 35 spectacular sugar-white beaches and 80 plus restaurants. There are no high rise hotels on the island and no crowds anywhere. You might like Cap Juluca Resort. If not there are several others to choose from.
Also look at resorts on Virgin Gorda. Small island with wonderful beaches and plenty of terrific dining venues. Little Dix Bay would be my choice but there are others that might entice you.
Another island you might like is Nevis. Small, only 36 sq. miles in size the island has dense rainforests, picturesque beaches and plenty of restaurants and beach bars for your dining pleasure. The Four Seasons hotel with only 200 rooms is the largest hotel on the island but is spread out so it doesn’t feel crowded. The next largest resort has only 38 rooms and all of the plantation inns have under 20 rooms. Visiting this island is like stepping back in time to experience what the “Old World Caribbean” life was really like.
Also look at resorts on Virgin Gorda. Small island with wonderful beaches and plenty of terrific dining venues. Little Dix Bay would be my choice but there are others that might entice you.
Another island you might like is Nevis. Small, only 36 sq. miles in size the island has dense rainforests, picturesque beaches and plenty of restaurants and beach bars for your dining pleasure. The Four Seasons hotel with only 200 rooms is the largest hotel on the island but is spread out so it doesn’t feel crowded. The next largest resort has only 38 rooms and all of the plantation inns have under 20 rooms. Visiting this island is like stepping back in time to experience what the “Old World Caribbean” life was really like.
Jan 3rd, 2022, 12:06 PM
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Thanks RoamsAround.
At first glance, I think some of these might be beyond our price limit. We were able to go to Tamarind with breakfast included only, for about $700 night. It's now up to $950. But some of these are looking in the 1k and up for accommodations. Will check out the islands though and see what I can find. The Barbados hotel had this lovely combination of relaxed vibe, great offerings and not too big. Good mix of families and couples too. I may just go back one more time and leave myself more time for finding a new place... thank yoU!
At first glance, I think some of these might be beyond our price limit. We were able to go to Tamarind with breakfast included only, for about $700 night. It's now up to $950. But some of these are looking in the 1k and up for accommodations. Will check out the islands though and see what I can find. The Barbados hotel had this lovely combination of relaxed vibe, great offerings and not too big. Good mix of families and couples too. I may just go back one more time and leave myself more time for finding a new place... thank yoU!
Jan 4th, 2022, 08:50 AM
#4
Our family loved The Buccaneer on St Croix, if you'd consider the USVI.
https://www.thebuccaneer.com
It's family-friendly, owned and operated by a family for generations. The owner is very gracious and proud of the property. She is happy to lead people on walking tours of the property.
When we were there a few years ago (pre-COVID), a fabulous breakfast buffet was included, and a weekly hosted reception was offered. There are restaurants on premises, also, that are reasonably priced. The Buccaneer is not an A-I.
Lodging choices are varied, including a very nice Beach House. We stayed in their Deluxe Oceanfront rooms. We were upgraded from Oceanview rooms.
The Buccaneer provides complimentary snorkel gear, kayaks, and boogie boards. The rooms were sparkling clean, with complimentary bug spray included.
The property has lovely beaches and calm water. You can take a snorkel day-trip from there, to Buck Island Reef National Monument. There's also golf and tennis. And scuba lessons. We rented a car one day, at the hotel, so we could tour the island. We liked a beachside bar we found at Rainbow Beach, called Rhythms-- https://www.rainbowbeachstx.com/
We also took a cab into town one night for a very nice dinner at Savant. https://savantstx.com/
For a funky adventure, you can also visit the Beer-Drinking Pigs. It's an experience, for sure. haha
https://www.thebuccaneer.com
It's family-friendly, owned and operated by a family for generations. The owner is very gracious and proud of the property. She is happy to lead people on walking tours of the property.
When we were there a few years ago (pre-COVID), a fabulous breakfast buffet was included, and a weekly hosted reception was offered. There are restaurants on premises, also, that are reasonably priced. The Buccaneer is not an A-I.
Lodging choices are varied, including a very nice Beach House. We stayed in their Deluxe Oceanfront rooms. We were upgraded from Oceanview rooms.
The Buccaneer provides complimentary snorkel gear, kayaks, and boogie boards. The rooms were sparkling clean, with complimentary bug spray included.
The property has lovely beaches and calm water. You can take a snorkel day-trip from there, to Buck Island Reef National Monument. There's also golf and tennis. And scuba lessons. We rented a car one day, at the hotel, so we could tour the island. We liked a beachside bar we found at Rainbow Beach, called Rhythms-- https://www.rainbowbeachstx.com/
We also took a cab into town one night for a very nice dinner at Savant. https://savantstx.com/
For a funky adventure, you can also visit the Beer-Drinking Pigs. It's an experience, for sure. haha
Last edited by MoBro; Jan 4th, 2022 at 08:53 AM.
Jan 7th, 2022, 11:32 AM
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Lots of islands could fit the bill: Antigua, St Lucia, Grenada, Jamaica - Negril specifically, the beach is fantastic and lots of small hotels, some with amenities, lots of places to eat out including at the cliffs area, it really has a great vibe, quite different to St James in Barbados which is more upmarket in comparison. Then you have all the French islands, they don't subscribe to the AI thing except for Club Med, lots of different types of hotels with great beaches and of course, plenty of places to eat out. T&C is not similar in topography to Barbados (being flat, scrubby, chalky terrain, not much greenery) but it does have the most beautiful beach at Grace Bay, lots of water based activities as lets face it, there isn't much else to do there, all water based, swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, water skiing, parasailing etc and at night, lots of places to eat out. It is paradise if all you want to do is be in the water during the day and eat out at different places at night.
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