Caribbean - Relatively Small, Upscale, Secluded and Close?

My folks like large upscale hotels on the beach (eg, San Juan Ritz Carlton). It's not quite my thing (though there are worse problems to have). Ideally, I'd find a more intimate place that had all the amenities they need, a facility with dozens or fewer rooms, not hundreds, maybe even some historic charm, and one that's on a slightly more secluded beach -- rather than being on a beach that's one hotel after another.

Not that there's anything wrong with that, just not my thing.

Mind you, this might be mutually exclusive with the other conditions: we also want some place that's a) direct-flight-only and relatively close to NYC (ie, the 'near' Caribbean, not the far south), and b) is a relatively modest drive from the airport. There's some great things on the West Coast or outlying islands of PR, for instance, but they're either far from airports or have amazingly bad connections.

Any little known gems out there? Cost is no object (up to a point ;-)

Please help!!!

Thanks!

FM

Grace Bay Club in Turks & Caicos might suit you.

We adore the Jamaica Inn. It's in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and is about an hour from the airport but definitely worth the drive.

Jamaica Inn looks lovely -- but, alas, doesn't take kids <13. It's also a relatively short get-away, so even an hour drive is a tough sell to my 70- and 80-something parents (who might be up for it if it were a 1-wk vacay).

Re Grace Bay -- isn't that on that stretch of Providenciales that's pretty packed w hotels?

Might look at Barbados. I know the Hilton there (ok not a small boutique) is on a private beach. Might work for both parties. There is plenty to do in Barbados. There are non-stop flights from JFK.

Sandy Lane in Barbados is a luxury resort, although not secluded. Might also look at The Crane.

Westin St. Maarten? Or more upscale?

Ritz St. Thomas.

Check out The Buccaneer in St. Croix. It's got more rooms than you describe, but they are laid out across the resort (and not stacked on top of each other) so it doesn't feel crowded. It has it's own beaches and activities for kids. The main dining room is nice and they have nightly live music for dancing (if that's your thing); plus a couple of restaurants by the pools for lunch, snacks and drinks. I think it was a 45 minute cab ride from the airport or so.

"Downtown" was 10-15 minutes away and has some historical sites (old fort, stuff like that), restaurants and shopping.

Only downside is that it's an uphill walk from most of the rooms to the main dining room/resort lobby; shouldn't be a problem unless there are health concerns (you can always call for a van to take you up)

If you want close, how about the Fairmont Southampton (http://www.fairmont.com/southampton)in Bermuda? They have lots of amenties, plus a free shutle ferry to their sister property in downtwon Hamilton. For higher end ($600-800 per night), try the Elbow Beach (http://www.mandarinoriental.com/bermuda/), it is part of the Mandarin Oriental Family.
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13F

Bitter End in Virgin Gorda, BVIs, take ferry from St Thomas USVI, or fly to San Juan then to Tortola and ferry to Bitter end

Small and intimate bungalows, can rent sail boats, etc many of visitors will be arriving via mostly sail boats Nice resturants, very relaxing

Bitter End in Virgin Gorda, BVIs, take ferry from St Thomas USVI, or fly to San Juan then to Tortola and ferry to Bitter end


But talk about an ordeal to get there.

The Tides Riviera Maya is an easy 30 minute or so drive from Cancun airport. Secluded, small, romantic, very private bungalows, good food & service. Outdoor shower and private pools for each bungalow. It is a Virtuoso member property, so complimentary amenities apply when booking thru a Virtuoso agent.

W Vieques - the connections in SJU are not bad at all (7x Cape Air, 4x Air Sunshine, 2x Seaborne Air), and charters are available through Vieques Air Link and Air Flamenco.

Ocean Club, Bahamas. (http://oceanclub.oneandonlyresorts.com/)

Bobette

You didn't say what it is they like doing?
I like Deep Water Cay just off Grand Bahama
http://www.deepwatercay.com

They have 9 rooms and a few 2 and 4 bedroom beachfront houses.
Started out as a bonefishing lodge in the 1950's but is now a newly referbished resort with all the amenities including diving (that's why I go, fantastic to have all that water to ones self and no cattle boats in sight), sailing and offshore fishing as well as massage/wellness and fitness equipment. The food is fantastic and staff far outnumber guests so it is really a private island feeling. They also take great care of kids.

Most flights from NY to Freeport have one stop in Florida. The cab from Freeport to DWC is 50 minutes and then a short boat ride. If you really want easy travel take a flight to Lauderdale and then a charter staight to the island's own airstrip. With 4 to 6 people probably works out to almost the same price but you said cost was almost no object so a private plane should be fun.

Hope you find something!

Miles

just not my thing.



My thing is to check the T+L annual polls of readers like you. :D

My thing is to check the T+L annual polls of readers like you. :D

i think those are a complete joke. do you really think people renting €1000 a night rooms are filling out those forms saying they love that hotel........the favorites seem to be Ritz convention hotels. i have been in a number of them. they are convention hotels.

i think those are a complete joke. do you really think people renting €1000 a night rooms are filling out those forms saying they love that hotel........the favorites seem to be Ritz convention hotels. i have been in a number of them. they are convention hotels.

I have no idea who's responding to their poll.

Do you have a better idea of who's responding on FT or tripadvisor or any other crowd pleaser??

You could try "The Meridian club", http://www.meridianclub.com seems to meet your criteria, direct daily flights to Provo from NY with American, Continental and Jetblue. Secluded beach, 20mins by boat from Provo...