Please tell me where to go!
Jul 14, 2012, 10:00 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 8
Please tell me where to go!
Please advise us where to go next summer to celebrate a milestone anniversary. We will have about 2 weeks to travel in July/August, and will be traveling without children.
Some information about us/our wishes:
1. We are HH Diamond members, and have 400,000 points, but since the trip is for next summer - just doing research for now -will have more points to use.
2. We are looking for a romantic/relaxing destination with pristine beach and sand. We are not into water sports or similar activities, and want to spend our days on a beautiful beach. Casinos are not important; some nightlife would be wonderful, but not a must; and shopping is not important for purposes of this trip. We love spicy food, and trying local restaurants wherever we go.
3. We are flying from San Francisco.
4. Location/Budget: Would love to try an exotic location in Asia, but potentially high prices scare me. Could someone explain what to expect as far as the cost of restaurants/bars/spas, etc once we get there? It will cost much more to travel to Asia, and I want to take that into account in my research. I also do not know which location and resort to pick - again, would appreciate specific advice. We generally travel to the Caribbean for the beach (Aruba is our latest favorite), so perhaps you could compare the prices to what one typically finds in the Caribbean as a point of reference.
Regards
Some information about us/our wishes:
1. We are HH Diamond members, and have 400,000 points, but since the trip is for next summer - just doing research for now -will have more points to use.
2. We are looking for a romantic/relaxing destination with pristine beach and sand. We are not into water sports or similar activities, and want to spend our days on a beautiful beach. Casinos are not important; some nightlife would be wonderful, but not a must; and shopping is not important for purposes of this trip. We love spicy food, and trying local restaurants wherever we go.
3. We are flying from San Francisco.
4. Location/Budget: Would love to try an exotic location in Asia, but potentially high prices scare me. Could someone explain what to expect as far as the cost of restaurants/bars/spas, etc once we get there? It will cost much more to travel to Asia, and I want to take that into account in my research. I also do not know which location and resort to pick - again, would appreciate specific advice. We generally travel to the Caribbean for the beach (Aruba is our latest favorite), so perhaps you could compare the prices to what one typically finds in the Caribbean as a point of reference.
Regards
Jul 14, 2012, 11:17 am
#3
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 363
Phuket probably isnt the best choice in July or August as it will be rainy. If you want Thailand you are probably better off in Koh Samui. The weather will be better, but the only Hilton property on the island is the Conrad Koh Samui which doesn't really have much of a beach. Every villa has its own infinity pool though!
Jul 14, 2012, 12:06 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 8
The trip will take place in July/August.
I am open to any other destinations that would provide the biggest bang for our HH points ---nicest property overall on the best (swimmable) beach in a tropical and/or exotic location.
Thank you!
I am open to any other destinations that would provide the biggest bang for our HH points ---nicest property overall on the best (swimmable) beach in a tropical and/or exotic location.
Thank you!
Jul 14, 2012, 2:49 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Wellington, NZ
Programs: NZ *Gold
Posts: 1,371
Hi Kate, congratulations on your upcoming landmark anniversary.
It would help if we had an idea about your non hotel budget, as the flight costs are probably going to be the greatest part of the expense (as your points should get you a really good stay at a CAT 7 hotel anywhere really).
As you'll know, the Carribean is great for the beaches you want but July and Aug is smack bang in hurricane season, also very humid. Same goes for the Florida Keys/Bermuda/Bahamas (the latter of which (Hilton Nassau)would be my preference). Bahamas living costs are also quite high.
Europe can just be too unpredictable in July and August. Should be great but as this is a really landmark occasion I think you'd be really upset if it rained all week. The Middle East too hot, and IMHO Asia too humid. One possibility might be Cape Verde, but travel there from SFO could be complicated and the Hilton isn't slated to open until Q4 2012. Cape Verde costs (eating out, etc) are still comparatively low.
Funny that we are never satisfied with what we have on our own doorstep
. If I had a choice of where to go in July/Aug it would be .......California, exactly where you are flying from. Or possibly the Hamptons - but that IS expensive.
Is a flight really important to your plans and the feeling of getting away? If you can afford the flights, I would go Air New Zealand or Cathay from LAX to Auckland, and compromise a bit on the beaches - there are some GREAT beaches but maybe not quite the pretty, pretty white sand of the Carribean.
It would help if we had an idea about your non hotel budget, as the flight costs are probably going to be the greatest part of the expense (as your points should get you a really good stay at a CAT 7 hotel anywhere really).
As you'll know, the Carribean is great for the beaches you want but July and Aug is smack bang in hurricane season, also very humid. Same goes for the Florida Keys/Bermuda/Bahamas (the latter of which (Hilton Nassau)would be my preference). Bahamas living costs are also quite high.
Europe can just be too unpredictable in July and August. Should be great but as this is a really landmark occasion I think you'd be really upset if it rained all week. The Middle East too hot, and IMHO Asia too humid. One possibility might be Cape Verde, but travel there from SFO could be complicated and the Hilton isn't slated to open until Q4 2012. Cape Verde costs (eating out, etc) are still comparatively low.
Funny that we are never satisfied with what we have on our own doorstep
. If I had a choice of where to go in July/Aug it would be .......California, exactly where you are flying from. Or possibly the Hamptons - but that IS expensive.Is a flight really important to your plans and the feeling of getting away? If you can afford the flights, I would go Air New Zealand or Cathay from LAX to Auckland, and compromise a bit on the beaches - there are some GREAT beaches but maybe not quite the pretty, pretty white sand of the Carribean.
Jul 14, 2012, 2:50 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Benicia, California, USA
Programs: AA PLT,AS,UA PP,J6,FB,EY,LH,SQ,HH Dmd,Hyatt Glbl,Marriott Plat,IHG Plat,Accor Gold
Posts: 10,820
As far as I know, there's no perfect HH place in view of your criteria. But here are some wonderful hotels worth considering, including some quick pros and cons. We've been to all of them except the Conrad Koh Samui, which we're planning on getting to this February.
I fully share your concern about costs and desire to try great local places to eat. For what it's worth, keep in mind that as an HH Diamond you'll get free breakfasts which if you eat late in the morning should mean you'd just need one other big meal per day. If you bring snacks and alcohol with you to the hotels, you'll save even more. It helps that my wife is not a big eater and that I'm less of a glutton than usual when in tropical climes, but taking these factors and steps into account we usually get by spending about $100 or so for food per day even in the more expensive locations we've been to, often by ordering room service not just for the cheaper price than the hotel restaurants but also because dining alone on our deck/patio is about as romantic as a meal can get anyway.
For more info about any of these, check out the threads here in the HH FT forum and the reviews at Tripadvisor.com.
Conrad Koh Samui. Yep, not much of a beach though it does have a platform from which you can get into the sea. Lots of quick access to nice nearby beaches and relatively cheap eating if you rent a car, which I understand is inexpensive. The closest places to eat (a couple of hotels on either side of the Conrad, though apparently tough to reach on foot) might be about the same as the Caribbean, perhaps a bit less. Beyond that, the food would get a lot cheaper. Also, fairly cheap massages at those two hotels, at least compared to the Conrad and Caribbean resorts. I believe that one or both hotels and one or more other nearby restaurants will come and pick you up for a fairly low price if you book a massage or meal there.
Conrad Bali. Wonderful suites section (like a hotel within a hotel) that as a Diamond you'd at least have access to and might even get a room in. But again, unfortunately, a pretty mediocre beach. Some fairly inexpensive places to eat within walking distance or very cheap taxi ride away. Again, closest places to eat might be the same or a bit cheaper than the Caribbean. Going further away, much cheaper.
Labriz Seychelles. Wonderful beach, wonderful property, off on its own island which is a national park and which offers some great hiking opportunities if you're so inclined. But because it's off on its own, no cheap local eateries to explore. Also, the Seychelles are very far away from North America, if that's where you're based.
Northolme Seychelles. Not quite as nice as Labriz, but still a very good property. Just small inlets rather than beaches to hand out on, though easy access to good snorkeling. Perhaps a 20-minute walk (though it's a road you'd share with occasional traffic) or fairly cheap ($10?) taxi from a nearby town that has some restaurants probably about the same price or a bit more than the Caribbean.
Moorea (French Polynesia). A smallish beach but the waters are beautiful and great for snorkeling. And if you get an over-the-water villa/bungalow (OWB), you really don't need a beach anyway since you're dipping into the water right from your room. Booking with points, you'd have to pay for an upgrade to an OWB. Also, definitely more expensive than the Caribbean.
Bora Bora (also FP). Larger beach than Moorea (though again, not huge), but again if you're in an OWB that's irrelevant. About an extra $1,000 for a couple to get to as opposed to Moorea, since you'd have to book an internal flight as opposed to a simple ferry from Tahiti. And even more expensive than FP.
Overall, I'd say in terms of food quality Thailand takes the prize by far. Fresh, flavorful, sometimes spicy and varied cuisine. In terms of the tropical experience of beautiful waters to swim and snorkel in, the two FP places are fantastic though the beaches aren't that big. But for a beach person, Labriz takes the cake.
I fully share your concern about costs and desire to try great local places to eat. For what it's worth, keep in mind that as an HH Diamond you'll get free breakfasts which if you eat late in the morning should mean you'd just need one other big meal per day. If you bring snacks and alcohol with you to the hotels, you'll save even more. It helps that my wife is not a big eater and that I'm less of a glutton than usual when in tropical climes, but taking these factors and steps into account we usually get by spending about $100 or so for food per day even in the more expensive locations we've been to, often by ordering room service not just for the cheaper price than the hotel restaurants but also because dining alone on our deck/patio is about as romantic as a meal can get anyway.
For more info about any of these, check out the threads here in the HH FT forum and the reviews at Tripadvisor.com.
Conrad Koh Samui. Yep, not much of a beach though it does have a platform from which you can get into the sea. Lots of quick access to nice nearby beaches and relatively cheap eating if you rent a car, which I understand is inexpensive. The closest places to eat (a couple of hotels on either side of the Conrad, though apparently tough to reach on foot) might be about the same as the Caribbean, perhaps a bit less. Beyond that, the food would get a lot cheaper. Also, fairly cheap massages at those two hotels, at least compared to the Conrad and Caribbean resorts. I believe that one or both hotels and one or more other nearby restaurants will come and pick you up for a fairly low price if you book a massage or meal there.
Conrad Bali. Wonderful suites section (like a hotel within a hotel) that as a Diamond you'd at least have access to and might even get a room in. But again, unfortunately, a pretty mediocre beach. Some fairly inexpensive places to eat within walking distance or very cheap taxi ride away. Again, closest places to eat might be the same or a bit cheaper than the Caribbean. Going further away, much cheaper.
Labriz Seychelles. Wonderful beach, wonderful property, off on its own island which is a national park and which offers some great hiking opportunities if you're so inclined. But because it's off on its own, no cheap local eateries to explore. Also, the Seychelles are very far away from North America, if that's where you're based.
Northolme Seychelles. Not quite as nice as Labriz, but still a very good property. Just small inlets rather than beaches to hand out on, though easy access to good snorkeling. Perhaps a 20-minute walk (though it's a road you'd share with occasional traffic) or fairly cheap ($10?) taxi from a nearby town that has some restaurants probably about the same price or a bit more than the Caribbean.
Moorea (French Polynesia). A smallish beach but the waters are beautiful and great for snorkeling. And if you get an over-the-water villa/bungalow (OWB), you really don't need a beach anyway since you're dipping into the water right from your room. Booking with points, you'd have to pay for an upgrade to an OWB. Also, definitely more expensive than the Caribbean.
Bora Bora (also FP). Larger beach than Moorea (though again, not huge), but again if you're in an OWB that's irrelevant. About an extra $1,000 for a couple to get to as opposed to Moorea, since you'd have to book an internal flight as opposed to a simple ferry from Tahiti. And even more expensive than FP.
Overall, I'd say in terms of food quality Thailand takes the prize by far. Fresh, flavorful, sometimes spicy and varied cuisine. In terms of the tropical experience of beautiful waters to swim and snorkel in, the two FP places are fantastic though the beaches aren't that big. But for a beach person, Labriz takes the cake.
Jul 14, 2012, 4:18 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 8
Thank you for your suggestions.
A few quick points as I am checking out your suggested resorts --
1. I am flying from San Francisco, and have a beautiful pool at home. A swimmable beach (calm, not a fan of surfing) is a must for us! I don't care about snorkeling or any other water activities, but I do enjoy swimming.
2. We have no points to use on air. I did a few quick searches for prices from San Francisco to Maldives ($1350 roundtrip per person), Bora Bora ($2440 per person), Phuket ($1250 per person), Seychelles (2K+ per person), and Bali ($1200 per person). A roundtrip to the Caribbean is about $700 per person on average, and Dubai is about $1300. I used a random week in October to get the prices.
3. We will not drive on vacation. Ideally, I would love to be within walking distance to various restaurants. But it sounds like exotic/remote locations do not provide that. Perhaps I am contradicting myself when I demand "romantic/relaxing/exotic" while also expecting a lively atmosphere in the evenings. Hmm...
4. I wish I could do $100/day on food and drinks. We probably spend that much on drinks alone (if not more). We tend to eat 3 meals per day, and do not really snack. And we buy all our drinks at the bars/restaurants. I would love to spend $200-250/day total for food and drinks.
A few quick points as I am checking out your suggested resorts --
1. I am flying from San Francisco, and have a beautiful pool at home. A swimmable beach (calm, not a fan of surfing) is a must for us! I don't care about snorkeling or any other water activities, but I do enjoy swimming.
2. We have no points to use on air. I did a few quick searches for prices from San Francisco to Maldives ($1350 roundtrip per person), Bora Bora ($2440 per person), Phuket ($1250 per person), Seychelles (2K+ per person), and Bali ($1200 per person). A roundtrip to the Caribbean is about $700 per person on average, and Dubai is about $1300. I used a random week in October to get the prices.
3. We will not drive on vacation. Ideally, I would love to be within walking distance to various restaurants. But it sounds like exotic/remote locations do not provide that. Perhaps I am contradicting myself when I demand "romantic/relaxing/exotic" while also expecting a lively atmosphere in the evenings. Hmm...
4. I wish I could do $100/day on food and drinks. We probably spend that much on drinks alone (if not more). We tend to eat 3 meals per day, and do not really snack. And we buy all our drinks at the bars/restaurants. I would love to spend $200-250/day total for food and drinks.
Jul 14, 2012, 5:00 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Benicia, California, USA
Programs: AA PLT,AS,UA PP,J6,FB,EY,LH,SQ,HH Dmd,Hyatt Glbl,Marriott Plat,IHG Plat,Accor Gold
Posts: 10,820
Thank you for your suggestions.
A few quick points as I am checking out your suggested resorts --
1. I am flying from San Francisco, and have a beautiful pool at home. A swimmable beach (calm, not a fan of surfing) is a must for us! I don't care about snorkeling or any other water activities, but I do enjoy swimming.
2. We have no points to use on air. I did a few quick searches for prices from San Francisco to Maldives ($1350 roundtrip per person), Bora Bora ($2440 per person), Phuket ($1250 per person), Seychelles (2K+ per person), and Bali ($1200 per person). A roundtrip to the Caribbean is about $700 per person on average, and Dubai is about $1300. I used a random week in October to get the prices.
3. We will not drive on vacation. Ideally, I would love to be within walking distance to various restaurants. But it sounds like exotic/remote locations do not provide that. Perhaps I am contradicting myself when I demand "romantic/relaxing/exotic" while also expecting a lively atmosphere in the evenings. Hmm...
4. I wish I could do $100/day on food and drinks. We probably spend that much on drinks alone (if not more). We tend to eat 3 meals per day, and do not really snack. And we buy all our drinks at the bars/restaurants. I would love to spend $200-250/day total for food and drinks.
A few quick points as I am checking out your suggested resorts --
1. I am flying from San Francisco, and have a beautiful pool at home. A swimmable beach (calm, not a fan of surfing) is a must for us! I don't care about snorkeling or any other water activities, but I do enjoy swimming.
2. We have no points to use on air. I did a few quick searches for prices from San Francisco to Maldives ($1350 roundtrip per person), Bora Bora ($2440 per person), Phuket ($1250 per person), Seychelles (2K+ per person), and Bali ($1200 per person). A roundtrip to the Caribbean is about $700 per person on average, and Dubai is about $1300. I used a random week in October to get the prices.
3. We will not drive on vacation. Ideally, I would love to be within walking distance to various restaurants. But it sounds like exotic/remote locations do not provide that. Perhaps I am contradicting myself when I demand "romantic/relaxing/exotic" while also expecting a lively atmosphere in the evenings. Hmm...
4. I wish I could do $100/day on food and drinks. We probably spend that much on drinks alone (if not more). We tend to eat 3 meals per day, and do not really snack. And we buy all our drinks at the bars/restaurants. I would love to spend $200-250/day total for food and drinks.
In terms of beautiful, calm waters to swim in, I'd emphasize Bora Bora, Moorea and Labriz/Seychelles. If you also want a nice long beach to walk along, Labriz beats the other two (as well as the others I'd previously mentioned) by quite a bit.
You can get away with $250/day for three meals/day (considering that breakfast is free) plus drinks, but not if you go whole hog for dinner at the resorts' restaurants. A nice dinner with decent (overpriced) wine at those restaurants can easily run $200-250 itself. Moorea might offer a slight edge in that there's a decent, open air crepe/light meal restaurant perched over the water that's less expensive than the regular restaurant. Plus I vaguely recall from the Moorea thread that there might be a decent, inexpensive place within walking distance of the hotel. There was an inexpensive pizza place based in someone's home just a short walk away when we were there a few years ago, but it was horrible. I hope the subsequent post I read was not talking about the same place.
In addition to your wanting to take your kids to Australia and New Zealand (which are both great!!!), you wouldn't want to go there during our summer/their winter because it will be too cold for beach weather.
Whatever you do...
1. Keep the climate of wherever you're considering in mind. You could get heavy rain in the Maldives and much of Thailand (though less so in Koh Samui) during much of our summer. In contrast, in FP and the Seychelles you could get some occasional rain, but it's fairly dry that time of year.
2. Write ahead to whichever hotel you choose mentioning that you're an HH Diamond and that you will be celebrating a special anniversary while there. You could also very politely say that you'd welcome an upgrade if at all possible, without demanding or expecting it.
Happy trails!