Best superluxury resorts in Caribbean/Central America?
Aug 20, 2018, 12:05 pm
#17
Join Date: Oct 2013
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Agreed, no beach/ocean...I kind of cheated there
.However, truly an exceptional place and we did not miss the beach...amazing activities and great place to recharge.
Gegarrenton makes a valid point, the Caribbean's pull for me is the laid back aura that they sell. We did have a great time at Goldeneye in Jamaica. Stayed at a lagoon villa. They have the Flemming villia there too. Great service rustic luxury.
Last edited by mumum17; Aug 20, 2018 at 12:13 pm
Aug 20, 2018, 2:10 pm
#18
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Naples, Florida
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Has anyone been to Pink Sands Club Canouan? Mandarin Oriental took over this property a few months back but have now officially announced it (covered ony my site: https://www.thesuitelife.com.hk/mand...the-caribbean/).
The former Reservations Manager at Amanpulo is now the Reservations Manager here so I was talking to her. Although not sure about Mandarin Oriental's ability to run resorts, looks like an interesting place - the suites/villas certainly look fabulous (and while I'm not a fan of the pink, I think they've done a good job of implementing the original Pink Sands Club design it seems).
She said the coral around the area is pretty good. Of course the beach doesn't compare to Amanpulo, but the island (and resort) does have multiple beach areas.
Rates do seem on the high end, but that's the Caribbean for you. 4h45m direct flight from New York, the airport takes private jets too.
Has anyone been?
The former Reservations Manager at Amanpulo is now the Reservations Manager here so I was talking to her. Although not sure about Mandarin Oriental's ability to run resorts, looks like an interesting place - the suites/villas certainly look fabulous (and while I'm not a fan of the pink, I think they've done a good job of implementing the original Pink Sands Club design it seems).
She said the coral around the area is pretty good. Of course the beach doesn't compare to Amanpulo, but the island (and resort) does have multiple beach areas.
Rates do seem on the high end, but that's the Caribbean for you. 4h45m direct flight from New York, the airport takes private jets too.
Has anyone been?
Aug 20, 2018, 2:56 pm
#19
formerly htang333
Join Date: Apr 2014
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Amanera is usually closed between Mid Aug - Mid Nov. But agree that it can offer great value during Season of Discovery promotional periods. Unfortunately, doesn't fit OP's timeframe and still much higher than $500/night.
Amanyara is lovely because Turks and Caicos is lovely, but the service really is sub-par and while everyone knows that's a Caribbean thing, it's still tough to wait 45 minutes for a glass of beverage. Also, Serge is gone so there's no GM at the moment.
And Necker Island being something exclusive and maybe "super-luxury" (at least in pricing) only has limited weeks (aka Celebration Weeks) when you can simply book a room vs. the entire island.
For 2018:
20th October for 7 nights
27th October for 7 nights
17th November for 3, 4 or 7 nights
Amanyara is lovely because Turks and Caicos is lovely, but the service really is sub-par and while everyone knows that's a Caribbean thing, it's still tough to wait 45 minutes for a glass of beverage. Also, Serge is gone so there's no GM at the moment.
And Necker Island being something exclusive and maybe "super-luxury" (at least in pricing) only has limited weeks (aka Celebration Weeks) when you can simply book a room vs. the entire island.
For 2018:
20th October for 7 nights
27th October for 7 nights
17th November for 3, 4 or 7 nights
Last edited by BESVISOR; Aug 20, 2018 at 3:23 pm
Aug 20, 2018, 7:36 pm
#21
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
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Aug 20, 2018, 7:37 pm
#22
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
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Aug 22, 2018, 3:40 am
#23
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 1,644
Sad to reflect that two of my three favourite Caribbean resorts remain closed because of last year's hurricanes. Caneel Bay in the USVI; and Little Dix Bay in the BVI. I'm sure the buildings will be rebuilt in a great style but I do wonder about the beaches. Both hotels had wonderful beaches and Caneel Bay had at least five on the property.
I think my all-time Caribbean fave, La Samanna on St Martin, re-opens for business in December.
I think my all-time Caribbean fave, La Samanna on St Martin, re-opens for business in December.
Aug 26, 2018, 1:17 pm
#25
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 36
totally agree with this assessment although it is very quiet here - we went for almost two weeks back in December and it was just (unofficially) transitioning to MO.....however, the golf course is spectacular (and my husband has played all around the world at the finest courses), the service was impeccable and it was very relaxing. Happy to share more details if you decide to go.....
Aug 27, 2018, 9:55 am
#26
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
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Aug 28, 2018, 12:35 pm
#27
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 393
Not exactly “super luxury” but does anyone know what is going on with StR Bahia Beach?
Quick search says John Paulson and co decided to put $60 million in refurbishments (much better looking in my opinion) and is supposed to reopen late October. However, it being almost September and reservations not being up has me thinking there is a delay. anyone have a scoop on what’s going on?
Quick search says John Paulson and co decided to put $60 million in refurbishments (much better looking in my opinion) and is supposed to reopen late October. However, it being almost September and reservations not being up has me thinking there is a delay. anyone have a scoop on what’s going on?
Aug 28, 2018, 12:55 pm
#28
Suspended
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Not exactly “super luxury” but does anyone know what is going on with StR Bahia Beach?
Quick search says John Paulson and co decided to put $60 million in refurbishments (much better looking in my opinion) and is supposed to reopen late October. However, it being almost September and reservations not being up has me thinking there is a delay. anyone have a scoop on what’s going on?
Quick search says John Paulson and co decided to put $60 million in refurbishments (much better looking in my opinion) and is supposed to reopen late October. However, it being almost September and reservations not being up has me thinking there is a delay. anyone have a scoop on what’s going on?
I am holding a reservation for 5 nights at the StR Bahia Beach for mid February for a work/leisure trip. (I'd also had a booking, since canceled, for my bday in Jan 2019, so the reservations are being accepted.) The $60m renovation is supposed to have updated rooms/suites and public spaces, as well as enhancements for the pool area. (I'd hoped they might add an adults only pool, but I've not heard that was a part of the reno/update.)
I was just at the StR Bahia Beach in Feb 2017 and had a truly spectacular time--despite even the lack of an adults-only pool.
Reservations may be impacted by the recent merged account IT chaos of the Starwood-Marriott systems, so I wouldn't assume that they aren't being accepted.
Aug 29, 2018, 10:03 am
#29
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 15
Eden Rock is not super luxury. We were just before they were destroyed. We'll see if Amanyara is super luxury as we're headed there almost as I write, but I suspect it'll be more normal as the reviews indicate on this forum. I'd think of places like Mosquito Island, Over Yonder, Pemrboke House if you're really looking to go big. The largest collection of super luxury seems to be in the Bahamas, but if you're on a tight budget (as I am), Aman may be a good choice since the beach looks absolutely stunning and it's a fraction of the price of top end of the market.
Bob
Aug 29, 2018, 1:51 pm
#30
Join Date: May 2006
Location: New York
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Serge is no longer at Amanyara? He was wonderful...