We are looking at going to Curacao in a couple years since Sandals just opened up a new resort there.
We were supposed to go to Antigua in a couple years but I think we are moving it up to next year.
Beach Vacation
- Thread starter ISUConE
- Start date
We are looking at going to Curacao in a couple years since Sandals just opened up a new resort there.
We were supposed to go to Antigua in a couple years but I think we are moving it up to next year.
- Mar 27, 2006
- 40,829
- 28,324
- 113
I can't recommend Curacao enough. I'd also encourage you to check out Baoase. This was our room, literally right on the water, with a private beach access and a private pool.
I've been keeping my eye on the Sandals - it does look nice, especially if you want more of a party atmosphere. We're sort of into not talking to people - Baoase (Janny posted photos) is very small. The chef in the onsite restaurant is a Michelin chef, so the food is just amazing. They obviously are going to have more limited options for dining, however.
Curacao itself is just honestly amazing. We went during lockdown, so we didn't get to experience Willemstad like we'd planned. But it ended up being so relaxing to just sit on the beach and drink that I can't say I am disappointed at that.
We aren't partiers either and mostly keep to ourselves. We will converse with the people on the beach around us, but most of the time I am in the water snorkeling around and my wife is reading on the beach (although I bought her snorkeling equipment for Xmas so she can do that now). We aren't in the pool by the bar partying it up. We also usually try to sprinkle a couple excursions in to break up just sitting on the beach every day.
THANK YOU for being into snorkeling! Janny thinks I look like a dork in my full-face one.
I do know that Curacao definitely has a nightlife in the downtown of Willemstad, but neither Sandals nor Baoase are located near that. Curacao is super unique in that they have mountains, a jungle, salt flats, and deserts - we didn't get to take any excursions with everything closed down, but the big thing there is scuba diving. Similar with Bonaire, located very close as part of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao). I loved the snorkeling there - I did it every day!THANK YOU for being into snorkeling! Janny thinks I look like a dork in my full-face one.
I had never seen those full face ones until we were in St. Lucia. I just have a regular style one, but I bought the full face one for my wife because it seems easier to use for a beginner like her.
We went to St Lucia over Thanksgiving in 2020. We did excursions to hike the Petons, a trip to the mud pits (hot stream heated by a local volcano) and a sunset boat cruise (got this free with our package).
I'm 100% a beginner, and definitely would have struggled with the regular one. This was a good entry point.
St. Lucia is on our to-do list! Jade Mountain looks AMAZING, but super $$$.
Yeah we met a couple on the Peton hike that was staying at Jade Mountain and they told us how expensive it is. Everything is ala carte for food/beverages. But it does look like a really nice place. Celebrities routinely stay there and they filmed a season of the bachlorette there.
But we like the all inclusive option, we can eat/drink as much and whatever we want and don't have to worry about the bill.
Not everyone has Mod money
We did an all-inclusive the first year we went to Mexico and I liked it a lot. The next 5 times we've went to Isla Mujeres and did a VRBO with a private pool. The pricing works out to be about the same but we don't have to deal with other guests. If your friends with another couple it's even better. Beer is $2 a 6 pack and a great meal costs $10.
- Mar 27, 2006
- 40,829
- 28,324
- 113
That's true. I sometimes forget what it was like before I got involved in the lucrative, lucrative message board moderation game. I had to fly commercial to the Vegas game, because the G7 was getting repairs, and man... it really humbles you.
2 beach vacations in my life. Rincon, PR (it was an academic thing, lovely had several wonderful meals and drinks on the beach with UPR: mayaguez people). and me and the wife did new years eve beach camping at padre island national seashore. very cool
That's usually when we go. A few tips if you've never been.
Canadian Transfers do a good job of taking you to the ferry and back to the airport. They also have an option to have a beer on the way.
Indios is a good place for golf carts. Do it in advance. They will keep your drivers license until you return the cart. Depending on where you stay, they will fill your cart full of gas at night.
The Joint on the south side of the island is the best place for drinks.
Mango Cafe is great for breakfast. If you need good places to eat I have about 5 pretty good ones.
Chedraui is the big supermarket. What would cost $200 in the U.S. costs about $75.
The south side is where we normally stay. It's very quiet especially at night. We've stayed on both the Cancun side as well as the Pacific side. The Pacific side is a little windy but fine. The north side has good beaches if you're into that.
I use an ATM at the HSBC bank, it feels safe.
Last edited:
1st year. Great house that's since became unaffordable for us. Small pool that since has been replaced. Cancun side.
Duplex with each side having own pool and a wall. Worked out great. Cancun side and right across from the Joint.
This was our most challenging trip. Electricity went out for 24 hours and stormy. Pacific side and small pool right next to the road. Great for looking at the stars while in the pol since the whole island was black.
My 2nd favorite. Best pool and nice house on the pacific side. You couldn't see the ocean from this pool but they had a splash pool on the 2nd floor where you could. What's up with Mexico and no door to the bathroom. Not a fan of the open bathroom concept.
Probably my favorite. Penthouse suite on the roof of a condo. This one has also been priced out of my league even with another couple.
Duplex with each side having own pool and a wall. Worked out great. Cancun side and right across from the Joint.
This was our most challenging trip. Electricity went out for 24 hours and stormy. Pacific side and small pool right next to the road. Great for looking at the stars while in the pol since the whole island was black.
My 2nd favorite. Best pool and nice house on the pacific side. You couldn't see the ocean from this pool but they had a splash pool on the 2nd floor where you could. What's up with Mexico and no door to the bathroom. Not a fan of the open bathroom concept.
Probably my favorite. Penthouse suite on the roof of a condo. This one has also been priced out of my league even with another couple.
This is great info. Thanks.
We've neve been so we are staying on North Beach so that downtown is walking distance. the one place I hear multiple people mention about eating is something like North Garden. Do you know anything about it?
I highly recommend any of the Couples resorts in Jamaica. Each one has a different feel so look them up depending on what you are looking for. But they are for Couples only, it is a requirement to be a couple and no kids.
So if you are going as a family I would look at some of the family resorts there, that are geared specifically towards families.
Depending on the ages and sizes of your family these could be just what you are looking for, great restaurants, beach, and waterpark like pool areas.
But for a couples getaway, Couples is top notch at a price that is decent for what you get.
There are a lot of resorts in Jamaica, some are much better than others and some have much different amenities and target audiences, so do a little research and you will be happier. Couples Resorts has a forum like this that is very active with people that have been there many times that share a lot of information about the resorts and Jamaica in general.
Last I checked there were some covid testing requirements to go/return, but many of the resorts say that if you test positive and cant leave they will extend your stay for free while you quarantine, but these policies change often, so don't take my word on that.
Edit: and you can drink the water......
So if you are going as a family I would look at some of the family resorts there, that are geared specifically towards families.
Depending on the ages and sizes of your family these could be just what you are looking for, great restaurants, beach, and waterpark like pool areas.
But for a couples getaway, Couples is top notch at a price that is decent for what you get.
There are a lot of resorts in Jamaica, some are much better than others and some have much different amenities and target audiences, so do a little research and you will be happier. Couples Resorts has a forum like this that is very active with people that have been there many times that share a lot of information about the resorts and Jamaica in general.
Last I checked there were some covid testing requirements to go/return, but many of the resorts say that if you test positive and cant leave they will extend your stay for free while you quarantine, but these policies change often, so don't take my word on that.
Edit: and you can drink the water......