Advice on Aman style alternative in the Caribbean
Oct 3, 2018, 5:51 pm
#16
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Canada
Programs: Virtuoso TA, Four Seasons Pref Partner, Rosewood Elite TA, Ritz Carlton STARS TA
Posts: 4,737
From memory the largest pools in Mayakoba are at Banyan Tree
That resort specifically has been very pro-active about cleaning up and being on top of the seaweed issue mentioned above
The rooms at Nizuc might be more to the decor taste of the OP.... OP could also look into the new Chablé Maroma
I think the OP took Jumby off the list, but it (and many other Antigua places) are closed until 9-10-11 October anyways
That resort specifically has been very pro-active about cleaning up and being on top of the seaweed issue mentioned above
The rooms at Nizuc might be more to the decor taste of the OP.... OP could also look into the new Chablé Maroma
I think the OP took Jumby off the list, but it (and many other Antigua places) are closed until 9-10-11 October anyways
Oct 3, 2018, 6:05 pm
#17
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,457
Yes, someone here gets me 
Anguilla is great Im sure, but no direct flights is the issue here.
By the way, Ive been to to Parrot Cay back to back when I was last in Turks (it was 5 years ago now). Definitely stunning beaches and the way to go if you like traditional looks. I just hated that it was old looking and so not my taste of design. I understand some are redone or are newer now, but Im scared to go back there lol. I think Amanyara overall was better for me. And its one flight, not sure why you say otherwise. Just an extra 25 minute boat ride to their island, no big deal. Ugh decisions. I dont know what to do.
Anguilla is great Im sure, but no direct flights is the issue here.
By the way, Ive been to to Parrot Cay back to back when I was last in Turks (it was 5 years ago now). Definitely stunning beaches and the way to go if you like traditional looks. I just hated that it was old looking and so not my taste of design. I understand some are redone or are newer now, but Im scared to go back there lol. I think Amanyara overall was better for me. And its one flight, not sure why you say otherwise. Just an extra 25 minute boat ride to their island, no big deal. Ugh decisions. I dont know what to do.
From memory the largest pools in Mayakoba are at Banyan Tree
That resort specifically has been very pro-active about cleaning up and being on top of the seaweed issue mentioned above
The rooms at Nizuc might be more to the decor taste of the OP.... OP could also look into the new Chablé Maroma
I think the OP took Jumby off the list, but it (and many other Antigua places) are closed until 9-10-11 October anyways
That resort specifically has been very pro-active about cleaning up and being on top of the seaweed issue mentioned above
The rooms at Nizuc might be more to the decor taste of the OP.... OP could also look into the new Chablé Maroma
I think the OP took Jumby off the list, but it (and many other Antigua places) are closed until 9-10-11 October anyways
I've really wanted to go to the Chable hotels.. the Yucatan looks stunning.. and same with MAroma
few
My friend who went to Parrot Cay told me it took like 1.5 hr to get there from the airport.. I think they ended up waiting on the dock for a couple guests....
A buddy of mine really likes La Samana; but they are closed as well..
I really loved St Barts as an island but it's too much of a pain to get to...
I know you weren't too keen on Dorado beach but they have a rediscover package that's pretty solid (starting at $499) that also includes the resort fee and continental breakfast (so probably like $150 value a day)
FDW
Last edited by FlyingDoctorwu; Oct 3, 2018 at 6:11 pm
Oct 3, 2018, 6:15 pm
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 476
I dont want to go back to Dorado, no nice beach.
I see here some options that may work, but not sure and havent done enough research:
Nizuc, Chable Maroma (seems a bit too remote for my short travel though), and MO Canouan.
If not, we are looking at Amanyara, but hey I really am open to try something new if I can get really nice beach, nice room with VIEW - and good service. If not, I I will be kicking myself for not going back there.
I see here some options that may work, but not sure and havent done enough research:
Nizuc, Chable Maroma (seems a bit too remote for my short travel though), and MO Canouan.
If not, we are looking at Amanyara, but hey I really am open to try something new if I can get really nice beach, nice room with VIEW - and good service. If not, I I will be kicking myself for not going back there.
Oct 3, 2018, 6:26 pm
#19
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,457
I dont want to go back to Dorado, no nice beach.
I see here some options that may work, but not sure and havent done enough research:
Nizuc, Chable Maroma (seems a bit too remote for my short travel though), and MO Canouan.
If not, we are looking at Amanyara, but hey I really am open to try something new if I can get really nice beach, nice room with VIEW - and good service. If not, I I will be kicking myself for not going back there.
I see here some options that may work, but not sure and havent done enough research:
Nizuc, Chable Maroma (seems a bit too remote for my short travel though), and MO Canouan.
If not, we are looking at Amanyara, but hey I really am open to try something new if I can get really nice beach, nice room with VIEW - and good service. If not, I I will be kicking myself for not going back there.
i just looked at the MO Canouan... travel is a pain in my mind. Plus I think you can only get a private pool at the villa level... though if you stay a week I think they include private jet transfers....
I’ve looked at Hermitage Bay a couple times. It looks okay I guess.
Its a shame that Amanyara doesn’t have more pools on the ocean. Real design flaw. There’s only that one that isn’t available online.
Fdw
Oct 3, 2018, 6:33 pm
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 476
I’ve looked at nizuc a couple times. Pros are that the travel is super easy. Super close to airport. Cons are that the beach doesn’t look appealing at all. I’ve gone back and forth between the pool pavilion and the master suite. Both have their pros and cons. In the end I’m not enamored with the rooms there...
i just looked at the MO Canouan... travel is a pain in my mind. Plus I think you can only get a private pool at the villa level... though if you stay a week I think they include private jet transfers....
I’ve looked at Hermitage Bay a couple times. It looks okay I guess.
Its a shame that Amanyara doesn’t have more pools on the ocean. Real design flaw. There’s only that one that isn’t available online.
Fdw
Yeah, I dont want a "it looks OK" property to settle with. Id just go back to Amanyara and suck up the no pool or the no view. At least it has nice grounds and good service. I dont know.
Let me speak with the MO, and lets see how hard it is to get there.
Last edited by moebod; Oct 3, 2018 at 6:34 pm Reason: typo
Oct 3, 2018, 6:38 pm
#21
formerly declinespecificinformatiom
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 1,140
Idk, amanyara failed to impress me and right now there are teeming issues. I don’t think any of their budget rooms, ie non-villas, are worth going to.
Anguilla is not direct because you fly from sxm! It’s a tiny private jet that then takes 3 minutes. No time in the airport, blah blah. It’s really one flight.
I think by restricting yourself to hoteks youre missing the high end options on the Caribbean. But I can understand if you want something more on the mid-range side of things. Like you, I also have severe budgetary constraints a and have to comprimise.
If amanyara was marketed by a different group it would have been viewed as severely overpriced.
If you want some really great beaches, the exumas or better yet a private yacht catamaran in that area could be great. That’s why one of next trips boat only... but hey, I’m probably the only one on this forum who’s not wowed by hotel rooms, even though they are often cheaper, so take me with a grain of salt. But expand those horizons... this is a forum about luxury travel not just chain hotels!
Anguilla is not direct because you fly from sxm! It’s a tiny private jet that then takes 3 minutes. No time in the airport, blah blah. It’s really one flight.
I think by restricting yourself to hoteks youre missing the high end options on the Caribbean. But I can understand if you want something more on the mid-range side of things. Like you, I also have severe budgetary constraints a and have to comprimise.
If amanyara was marketed by a different group it would have been viewed as severely overpriced.
If you want some really great beaches, the exumas or better yet a private yacht catamaran in that area could be great. That’s why one of next trips boat only... but hey, I’m probably the only one on this forum who’s not wowed by hotel rooms, even though they are often cheaper, so take me with a grain of salt. But expand those horizons... this is a forum about luxury travel not just chain hotels!
Oct 3, 2018, 7:04 pm
#22
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Tennessee
Programs: SPG, Marriott, United, SWA, AA
Posts: 700
Cap Juluca is now a Belmond property and they have put a lot of money into the renovation. You would be hard pressed to find a nicer beach than the one CJ sits on.
There is also a new lux boutique property Quintessence. I have heard good things thing but I have not stayed. Definitely worth a look. AXA is blessed with several stunning beaches and fabulous food.
https://www.qhotelanguilla.com/?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=businessadvanta ge
There is also a new lux boutique property Quintessence. I have heard good things thing but I have not stayed. Definitely worth a look. AXA is blessed with several stunning beaches and fabulous food.
https://www.qhotelanguilla.com/?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=businessadvanta ge
Oct 3, 2018, 9:26 pm
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 476
Idk, amanyara failed to impress me and right now there are teeming issues. I don’t think any of their budget rooms, ie non-villas, are worth going to.
Anguilla is not direct because you fly from sxm! It’s a tiny private jet that then takes 3 minutes. No time in the airport, blah blah. It’s really one flight.
I think by restricting yourself to hoteks youre missing the high end options on the Caribbean. But I can understand if you want something more on the mid-range side of things. Like you, I also have severe budgetary constraints a and have to comprimise.
If amanyara was marketed by a different group it would have been viewed as severely overpriced.
If you want some really great beaches, the exumas or better yet a private yacht catamaran in that area could be great. That’s why one of next trips boat only... but hey, I’m probably the only one on this forum who’s not wowed by hotel rooms, even though they are often cheaper, so take me with a grain of salt. But expand those horizons... this is a forum about luxury travel not just chain hotels!
Anguilla is not direct because you fly from sxm! It’s a tiny private jet that then takes 3 minutes. No time in the airport, blah blah. It’s really one flight.
I think by restricting yourself to hoteks youre missing the high end options on the Caribbean. But I can understand if you want something more on the mid-range side of things. Like you, I also have severe budgetary constraints a and have to comprimise.
If amanyara was marketed by a different group it would have been viewed as severely overpriced.
If you want some really great beaches, the exumas or better yet a private yacht catamaran in that area could be great. That’s why one of next trips boat only... but hey, I’m probably the only one on this forum who’s not wowed by hotel rooms, even though they are often cheaper, so take me with a grain of salt. But expand those horizons... this is a forum about luxury travel not just chain hotels!
Oct 3, 2018, 11:13 pm
#24
formerly known as deathscar
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Virtuoso | Four Seasons Preferred Partner | Rosewood Elite | Hyatt Prive - and more
Posts: 2,096
Maybe try the Mandarin Oriental Canouan? It's has very high praise on here from a couple of posters. No private pools though (villas only). Also, bizarrely, think you get better value at Amanyara if timed right (albeit low season) with their inclusive packages.
Oct 4, 2018, 6:04 am
#25
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 80
Hi All,
Im looking to get out next week for 3 nights. I was going to go to Amanera, the issue is they are closed for another month ;(
My requirements are:
- One easy flight out of NYC area (or PHL) with no crazy long drive to the resort since we only have 2-3 days to get away (with travel time).
- Modern, and service should be on par or close to an Aman.
- On NICE beach grounds, with a private pool (unless we are taking Amanpulo style nature then can be fine with just beachfront access, which I dont think exists near us)
Been to Jumby Bay and Parrot Cay, dont love hard product (rooms) at all. And very not modern anyhow. Loved loved Parrot Cay beach, but rest was a turn off. Been to Puerto Rico Dorado, hotel nice but beach terrible.
I have been to Amanyara before, probably my next go to of what Im familiar with- but dont love as much as Era as it doesnt have that view and pool combo. Also, I dont love the timing of the flights, but if no other ideas I am likely to go back there.
Anyone that can help with any ideas, would be appreciated!
Im looking to get out next week for 3 nights. I was going to go to Amanera, the issue is they are closed for another month ;(
My requirements are:
- One easy flight out of NYC area (or PHL) with no crazy long drive to the resort since we only have 2-3 days to get away (with travel time).
- Modern, and service should be on par or close to an Aman.
- On NICE beach grounds, with a private pool (unless we are taking Amanpulo style nature then can be fine with just beachfront access, which I dont think exists near us)
Been to Jumby Bay and Parrot Cay, dont love hard product (rooms) at all. And very not modern anyhow. Loved loved Parrot Cay beach, but rest was a turn off. Been to Puerto Rico Dorado, hotel nice but beach terrible.
I have been to Amanyara before, probably my next go to of what Im familiar with- but dont love as much as Era as it doesnt have that view and pool combo. Also, I dont love the timing of the flights, but if no other ideas I am likely to go back there.
Anyone that can help with any ideas, would be appreciated!
Oct 4, 2018, 6:31 am
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 476
i think at parrot cay you really need to be in the beach villa+ ... from the pictures it seems to be a pretty large jump up in quality from the lower level rooms. We had a Como suite, which is really just 2 of the base level rooms with a wall knocked out on the top floor and the room certainly left a lot to be desired.. we did pay significantly less than we paid for an ocean pavilion at amanyara
Oct 4, 2018, 8:36 am
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
is it possible for owners (and guests) to stay in aman residences when closed ?
moebod, did you look at all the different residences at parrot cay ?
ABG, take a look at new residences at rosewood including the top one
good point re nizuc, jean michel gathy and planned as GHM
nytimes.com/2008/08/31/realestate/commercial/31sqft.html
dorado seemed mostly sold out of $499 rooms when i looked
i can understand why people go back to same place / aman after doing necker
moebod, did you look at all the different residences at parrot cay ?
ABG, take a look at new residences at rosewood including the top one
good point re nizuc, jean michel gathy and planned as GHM
nytimes.com/2008/08/31/realestate/commercial/31sqft.html
dorado seemed mostly sold out of $499 rooms when i looked
i can understand why people go back to same place / aman after doing necker
Oct 4, 2018, 8:47 am
#28
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 476
is it possible for owners (and guests) to stay in aman residences when closed ?
moebod, did you look at all the different residences at parrot cay ?
ABG, take a look at new residences at rosewood including the top one
good point re nizuc, jean michel gathy and planned as GHM
nytimes.com/2008/08/31/realestate/commercial/31sqft.html
dorado seemed mostly sold out of $499 rooms when i looked
i can understand why people go back to same place / aman after doing necker
moebod, did you look at all the different residences at parrot cay ?
ABG, take a look at new residences at rosewood including the top one
good point re nizuc, jean michel gathy and planned as GHM
nytimes.com/2008/08/31/realestate/commercial/31sqft.html
dorado seemed mostly sold out of $499 rooms when i looked
i can understand why people go back to same place / aman after doing necker
Oct 4, 2018, 8:51 am
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
i meant talking to owner of 2BR if theyre allowed on property, but definitely residences at these places cost a lot
i like size of living space in residences, and have had unused bedrooms, but so far have only paid about yara entry rate [for hotel residences]
DSI you might try places like aman over holidays, yara hosted https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UB40 this past year
hellomagazine.com/travel/2018010145076/beckham-family-new-years-eve-celebrations-photos-instagram/
thehedonistmagazine.com/2017/11/28/aman-unique-festive-celebrations-in-tropical-destinations/
lovinturksandcaicos.com/lifestyle/celebrities-have-descended-on-tci-for-the-new-year
low occupancy can beat private villas but have to travel last minute which can be tricky
i like size of living space in residences, and have had unused bedrooms, but so far have only paid about yara entry rate [for hotel residences]
DSI you might try places like aman over holidays, yara hosted https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UB40 this past year
hellomagazine.com/travel/2018010145076/beckham-family-new-years-eve-celebrations-photos-instagram/
thehedonistmagazine.com/2017/11/28/aman-unique-festive-celebrations-in-tropical-destinations/
lovinturksandcaicos.com/lifestyle/celebrities-have-descended-on-tci-for-the-new-year
low occupancy can beat private villas but have to travel last minute which can be tricky
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Oct 5, 2018 at 8:14 am
Oct 4, 2018, 9:28 am
#30
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
premier ocean view homes, one $11m, some contemporary exteriors, kiawah are only hotel managed etc beachfront in US, none in FL, but not sure how beach compares to dorado etc
caribbeanvillas.fourseasons.com/nevis_villas/pinneys_beach/
caribbeanvillas.fourseasons.com/nevis_villas/belmont_and_stewarts/
fourseasons.com/oceanclub/accommodations/villa-residences/three-bedroom-villa-residence/
in california there is new nobu ryokan
you mentioned aman and amanpulo
there is no real reason to consider other than yara, especially linked 1BR (rate = ?)
personally i liked necker island when low occupancy, not sure re beaches
also not sure whether any of sold moskito homes are contemporary etc
to me, ideal beachfront is lacking all over world, but especially in north america
caribbeanvillas.fourseasons.com/nevis_villas/pinneys_beach/
caribbeanvillas.fourseasons.com/nevis_villas/belmont_and_stewarts/
fourseasons.com/oceanclub/accommodations/villa-residences/three-bedroom-villa-residence/
in california there is new nobu ryokan
you mentioned aman and amanpulo
there is no real reason to consider other than yara, especially linked 1BR (rate = ?)
personally i liked necker island when low occupancy, not sure re beaches
also not sure whether any of sold moskito homes are contemporary etc
to me, ideal beachfront is lacking all over world, but especially in north america