[Alfisti]

Your missus isn't up for a proper holiday, she wants to chill and do nothing. I'd look to Tukrs and swallow the cost and just get it done or she's going to be a PITA on longer flights and a more adventure type vacation.

Modern women are so tightly wound.

[MoeTE87]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Your missus isn't up for a proper holiday, she wants to chill and do nothing. I'd look to Tukrs and swallow the cost and just get it done or she's going to be a PITA on longer flights and a more adventure type vacation.

Modern women are so tightly wound.

No, she is. It might not be in Hawaii and I am totally cool with that. That is why I am trying to start my research this early so I can take my time in finding the top 2 - 3 places and then narrow that down to what we truly want.

Your version of a proper vacation is different from ours and that is perfectly fine!

We are very busy people and constantly on the go, especially my wife and her work. So if she wants to have a vacation where she can sit and relax and recharge, then so be it. That's why I still want to have an option for us to explore and venture out a few days and mix things up.

She is the farthest from being tightly wound. She knows what she likes and wants and doesn't want to settle to do something just for the sake of it.

Maybe other modern women are very tightly wound, but not mine.

[wizardofOz]

Originally Posted by MoeTE87

Good morning All,

I have been trying to do some of my own research on this but there is just way too much out there.

My 10 year wedding anniversary is next year, October 2026. The wife and I want to go somewhere fun, with a gorgeous beach and lots to do. I am having a hard time deciding where to go. We are thinking 5-7 days minimum.

When I look at certain places, some have really good reviews then they have 8 straight negative reviews.

We are open to all inclusive's but also okay to pay for a noninclusive if the place checks all of our boxes.

We are looking for a place with awesome food, unbelievable pools and not a forever drive from the airport. Wife loves the spa and I would be looking at taking my golf clubs to play about 36 holes while there.

We stayed at the Sandals La Toc in St. Lucia 2 years ago and the place was absolute garbage. Was not cheap at all! Beach was a joke. The pool was gross and the hot tubs were either 10000 degrees or cold with a cloudy film. We don't want to make this mistake again.

Any help would be much appreciated! The wife and I have been to the Caribbean before. Jamaica, Grand Caymans, Bahamas.

Just wanted to get your first hand experiences and not just rely on trip advisor website where the majority of the reviews are just fluff.

Please provide links if possible!


Thanks!

Don't have a better idea than the other folks suggestion but just want to say, have a great time

[MoeTE87]

Originally Posted by wizardofOz

Don't have a better idea than the other folks suggestion but just want to say, have a great time

Thank you!

[CLTMDA]

I have been to Turks & Caicos probably half a dozen times, last being 18 months ago. October, as said above, is firmly within hurricane season. Our last time there was probably our least favorite. While we stayed in one of the most highly rated resorts on Grace Bay, the clientele and what we saw on the beach shocked us to the point of complaining to the front desk about the cigar smoking, marijuanna smoking, public sex (yes, right on the lounge chairs on the beach in front of the hotel) and other activities not suitable for families. A family on the lounge chairs next to us picked up their kids and left. They spoke to us and were shocked as well. Hotel said there was nothing they could do as the beach is public property. I told them their lounge chairs were not and they just shrugged. While Grace Bay is an awesome location and great beach, T&C has changed quite a bit. We stayed at Wymara. They also just built a Ritz there and they ignored the height restrictions or gave them an exception. It is a serious eyesore. I have also heard the crime there has gotten worse, but we never really saw any of that.

My wife and I just recently discussed this same topic after a 14 day cruise in the Eastern Caribbean. We talked about T&C and just came to the conclusion that we would just try and bite the bullet on the flight time for a longer vacation and do Hawaii. Shorter trips would be to Kiawah, Hilton Head or Seaside, FL. The wine festival in Seaside is the first week in November and we had a great time doing that for 4-5 days.

[Watching The World Burn]

Originally Posted by MoeTE87

No, she is. It might not be in Hawaii and I am totally cool with that. That is why I am trying to start my research this early so I can take my time in finding the top 2 - 3 places and then narrow that down to what we truly want.

Your version of a proper vacation is different from ours and that is perfectly fine!

We are very busy people and constantly on the go, especially my wife and her work. So if she wants to have a vacation where she can sit and relax and recharge, then so be it. That's why I still want to have an option for us to explore and venture out a few days and mix things up.

She is the farthest from being tightly wound. She knows what she likes and wants and doesn't want to settle to do something just for the sake of it.

Maybe other modern women are very tightly wound, but not mine.

Alfi is just jaded. Don't mind him. He moved away from Australia, but I think he missed all the lethal creatures that kept him on his toes until he found his wife.

Now his head is on a constant swivel again.

Myself, I think your focus on the Caribbean sounds like it might be something she wants, but if she's had a tough week, wait till she has a chance to recharge and can actually think before you bring up the conversation again. I've got a wife probably much like yours by the sounds of it (though she is Type A) with a very demanding career and I have learned to pick my timing for planning things.

[MoeTE87]

Originally Posted by CLTMDA

I have been to Turks & Caicos probably half a dozen times, last being 18 months ago. October, as said above, is firmly within hurricane season. Our last time there was probably our least favorite. While we stayed in one of the most highly rated resorts on Grace Bay, the clientele and what we saw on the beach shocked us to the point of complaining to the front desk about the cigar smoking, marijuanna smoking, public sex (yes, right on the lounge chairs on the beach in front of the hotel) and other activities not suitable for families. A family on the lounge chairs next to us picked up their kids and left. They spoke to us and were shocked as well. Hotel said there was nothing they could do as the beach is public property. I told them their lounge chairs were not and they just shrugged. While Grace Bay is an awesome location and great beach, T&C has changed quite a bit. We stayed at Wymara. They also just built a Ritz there and they ignored the height restrictions or gave them an exception. It is a serious eyesore. I have also heard the crime there has gotten worse, but we never really saw any of that.

My wife and I just recently discussed this same topic after a 14 day cruise in the Eastern Caribbean. We talked about T&C and just came to the conclusion that we would just try and bite the bullet on the flight time for a longer vacation and do Hawaii. Shorter trips would be to Kiawah, Hilton Head or Seaside, FL. The wine festival in Seaside is the first week in November and we had a great time doing that for 4-5 days.

Thank you for that info! I am also looking at some of the "Saint" islands as well. But I feel if we want to go to these places, summer is the time to go due to the hurricane season.

Originally Posted by Watching The World Burn

Alfi is just jaded. Don't mind him. He moved away from Australia, but I think he missed all the lethal creatures that kept him on his toes until he found his wife.

Now his head is on a constant swivel again.

Myself, I think your focus on the Caribbean sounds like it might be something she wants, but if she's had a tough week, wait till she has a chance to recharge and can actually think before you bring up the conversation again. I've got a wife probably much like yours by the sounds of it (though she is Type A) with a very demanding career and I have learned to pick my timing for planning things.

All good on my end! No hard feelings at all!

Yeah, she has a very demanding career and can be stressful most times. But she has learned to manage it quite well but some day's are just a little tougher than others!

I will do my research and present her with the 5 best options in a few months and go from there. Timing is everything! I have a companion ticket through Delta that expires this summer, so I really want to get something booked by then.

[CLTMDA]

Actually, summer is way too hot. Did T&C in the summer and "never again". The high season is December- March. We visited St. Marten, Jost van Dyke, Soper's Hole, St. Kitts, Antigua, Guadalupe, Bequia, Grenada, St. Lucia, Barbados and one or two others on our cruise. Listing all of those out reminded me of a place we did not visit, but have been to before. Check out the Four Season Nevis. We loved the week we spent on Nevis, but we were there with extended family in a private residence.

Here is another totally random, but awesome experience. Take a look at Moorings. Not sure how comfortable you are with boats, but you can charter these catamarans with or without a captain/chef for almost any length of times and out of quite a few ports in the Caribbean. We are wanting to do this either with family or two/three other couples.

[MoeTE87]

Originally Posted by CLTMDA

Actually, summer is way too hot. Did T&C in the summer and "never again". The high season is December- March. We visited St. Marten, Jost van Dyke, Soper's Hole, St. Kitts, Antigua, Guadalupe, Bequia, Grenada, St. Lucia, Barbados and one or two others on our cruise. Listing all of those out reminded me of a place we did not visit, but have been to before. Check out the Four Season Nevis. We loved the week we spent on Nevis, but we were there with extended family in a private residence.

Here is another totally random, but awesome experience. Take a look at Moorings. Not sure how comfortable you are with boats, but you can charter these catamarans with or without a captain/chef for almost any length of times and out of quite a few ports in the Caribbean. We are wanting to do this either with family or two/three other couples.

Good call, thought it might be but wasn't sure on the best time to go is. We went to St. Lucia over NYE and the first week of January. Weather was great. Low 80s and cool at night. Only thing that was rough was the pool. It was like ice water.

Funny that you mention Seaside, FL because we go to Destin, FL every year! We stayed at Watercolor last year.

The last two years they have had record breaking heat the weeks we have gone and the pools we went in were so damn warm, it was gross. But it was so freakin hot out that it was somewhat refreshing for a little bit. Even the ocean was a little warm. Sand was like walking on 1000 degree coals! Ouch!!

I will have to take a look at the islands you mentioned above. I slowly started looking at St. Kitts and found a place that looks promising and has two golf courses that look amazing about 15mins from the resort. So that is definitely a huge plus for me.

I will take a look at Moorings and also the Four Seasons recommendation you mentioned above.

I am very comfortable driving boats. We rented one to go snorkeling in FL two years ago and didn't have any issues.

Appreciate the help!

[2000cs]

Not the beach, but you could fly to Vegas, spend two nights there. See a show, nice dinner. Afternoon by the pool.

Then go to Grand Canyon for a longer stay, occasional hike, chill in the lodge, etc. At GC there are many tour choices (we did an easy one on our first visit that was Jeeps to Antelope Canyon, Raft down river, flight to sightsee the canyon). That’s a place you can be as relaxed or adventurous as you want.

Then on to Zion if you feel like touring, and back to LV for the flight home.

[stbm5]

if you want a place with a great spa find a Four Seasons somewhere on the beach.

[CLTMDA]

Don't forget Bryce as well if you are close to Zion. You could also drive a little further and do Sedona. That whole area from Sedona, up through the Grand Canyon and then to Page for Antelope Canyon and then to Bryce/Cedar Breaks/Zion and St. George, UT is just amazing in October. We did that a few years ago at the end of October, not including the GC and Sedona. Not really any beaches, but plenty of sand...

[MoeTE87]

Originally Posted by 2000cs

Not the beach, but you could fly to Vegas, spend two nights there. See a show, nice dinner. Afternoon by the pool.

Then go to Grand Canyon for a longer stay, occasional hike, chill in the lodge, etc. At GC there are many tour choices (we did an easy one on our first visit that was Jeeps to Antelope Canyon, Raft down river, flight to sightsee the canyon). That’s a place you can be as relaxed or adventurous as you want.

Then on to Zion if you feel like touring, and back to LV for the flight home.

Thanks for the suggestion, however, we did this back in 2016 then again in 2023 to Sedona for a week.

Next time I go out west is in the winter time to play 18 holes every day. lol.

Originally Posted by stbm5

if you want a place with a great spa find a Four Seasons somewhere on the beach.

That's what I am seeing. Four Seasons looks top notch!

Originally Posted by CLTMDA

Don't forget Bryce as well if you are close to Zion. You could also drive a little further and do Sedona. That whole area from Sedona, up through the Grand Canyon and then to Page for Antelope Canyon and then to Bryce/Cedar Breaks/Zion and St. George, UT is just amazing in October. We did that a few years ago at the end of October, not including the GC and Sedona. Not really any beaches, but plenty of sand...

Thanks for another suggestion! We have already done the whole Vegas, Mt. Zion, Sedona thing.

[floridaorange]

BVI, Punta Cana, Antigua.

*I should have read more carefully, thought you were looking for beach ideas

[MoeTE87]

Originally Posted by floridaorange

BVI, Punta Cana, Antigua.

Thanks! Those three are actually on my list to check out and see what type of resorts they have.

I found a few unbelievable ones yesterday, over $11k. Seems like that is the going rate to do it right for us. But I will keep looking and find some good deals first.

[CamasM3e93]

Fly into LA, Turo something great with unlimited mileage, and drive the pacific coast highway north to its terminus. Stop for a few days in a Santa Barbara oceanside property, or stay in Ventana in Big Sur.

October is prime PCH drive time although the drive is marginally better north to south because that puts you on the ocean side of the road

[2000cs]

Originally Posted by CamasM3e93

Fly into LA, Turo something great with unlimited mileage, and drive the pacific coast highway north to its terminus. Stop for a few days in a Santa Barbara oceanside property, or stay in Ventana in Big Sur.

October is prime PCH drive time although the drive is marginally better north to south because that puts you on the ocean side of the road

I used to love San Ysidro. I think it is now owned by a fancy schmancy chain but probably still super chill. There are B&Bs and all kinds of neat places to stay from Santa Barbara to Astoria, OR. But for sunning on the beach, stay near Santa Barbara.

Edit: I took a look at the San Ysidro Ranch website https://www.sanysidroranch.com/ and, as Igor says in Young Frankenstein, “of course the rates have gone up.” Well out of my price range now.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by 2000cs

I used to love San Ysidro. I think it is now owned by a fancy schmancy chain but probably still super chill. There are B&Bs and all kinds of neat places to stay from Santa Barbara to Astoria, OR. But for sunning on the beach, stay near Santa Barbara.

Edit: I took a look at the San Ysidro Ranch website https://www.sanysidroranch.com/ and, as Igor says in Young Frankenstein, “of course the rates have gone up.” Well out of my price range now.

~$2600 PER NIGHT???

[stbm5]

look at Caneel Bay.

[MoeTE87]

A little update for everyone..

Wife and I went out to dinner last night for Valentines Day and we had the chance to really discuss what we want to do next year for our anniversary.

We talked about different things we wanted and if there was anything we wanted to do differently than just lounge all day at a beach resort.

So, what we came up with is, going to Italy next September for the F1 Monza race!! Woooooooo!

Well, hopefully. Need to wait and see what the 2026 F1 racing calendar looks like first. Only issue with that is, I can only go out until middle of January 2026 to book flights to Milan and I have to book my companion ticket with Delta by 8/31/2025. So I am hoping I will know the F1 schedule by then and the flight schedule is pushed out until end of Sept 2026. Fingers crossed on that one for sure!

I know there is another Italy race earlier on in the season at Emilia-Romagna which is usually in the middle of May. That might be a possibility if the Delta companion ticket becomes a challenge.

It has always been something we truly want to do and have talked about doing something like this for the past 3 - 4 years.

So, if anyone has stayed in Milan, Italy or close to the Monza race track...please give any info you have on places to stay, where to eat and drink, what to do....etc.

Wife said she wants to do it right...which only means...$$$$. lol!

I will also make a new post in the F1 section of this forum, just incase the F1 diehards don't get a chance to see this long thread.

[Alfisti]

I've been to Monza many moons ago, fantastic but pack your patience as they are not renowned for their organisation, it's a bit chaotic..... like the entrance to the train station is 3ft wide gate.... bedlam.

Milan itself has it's charms but in the end it is an industrial city, consider the Alfa Romeo Museum but after a couple of days in Milan I'd be looking to rent a car and hit the beautiful countryside to the north, especially the lakes region around Como. Rent the smallest car your luggage will fit in.

[MoeTE87]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

I've been to Monza many moons ago, fantastic but pack your patience as they are not renowned for their organisation, it's a bit chaotic..... like the entrance to the train station is 3ft wide gate.... bedlam.

Milan itself has it's charms but in the end it is an industrial city, consider the Alfa Romeo Museum but after a couple of days in Milan I'd be looking to rent a car and hit the beautiful countryside to the north, especially the lakes region around Como. Rent the smallest car your luggage will fit in.

What are your thoughts on the other Italy race I mentioned. Look like we will need to fly into Florence and make the 2hr drive to the race.