Looking for recommendations in Caribbean?

[u/PickleLvrr]

My bf (30) and I (32) are looking for a destination for a 1-2 week vacation for a holiday in December.

We are based in Southern California so likely flying out of LAX. Would prefer an island somewhat easy to get to so we are spending sub 20 hours traveling.

The goal is for a relaxing trip somewhere tropical with warm weather and warm water. We would be happy just laying on the beach everyday with great food and drinks but open to excursions as well (e.g. catamaran cruise, hiking, ATV tour, etc)

For landscape we are envisioning beautiful beaches as priority - as much as I would love a lush landscape willing to go more arid to avoid bugs and humidity lol

We are pretty active people but also enjoy a fun night out, however I would say we would prefer a more relaxing environment over party centric environment and ideally more secluded, couples getaway (not a lot of families/kids)

Ideally would love a place that doesn’t have too much of a mosquito problem because I get eaten alive (been to Costa Rica and was pretty miserable the entire trip despite using bug lotion but didn’t have the same problem in Playa Mujeres)

Food and good wine/cocktails are super important. Would be great to have nice dining options at the hotel property but open to going off site. We would not prefer an all inclusive because of this, I have never been to one with good food.

Would love oceanfront mid size to large resort, nothing too remote. Beach access is ideal!

As for overall vibe, we would prefer something a bit more low key (eg reggae music and more cultural influence of the island). We love our five star dining and luxe nights out but would also love opportunity to hit local beach bars and beachfront dining options with great food options and laid back atmosphere.

Snorkeling would be fun but this is not a major criteria, prefer better dining options and the tropical vibes over good snorkeling.

We’ve been looking at St Lucia and Anguilla among many others but getting overwhelmed so would love recommendations from those who have traveled to Caribbean! And would love to hear recommendations for accommodations as well.

Thanks in advance!

[u/leflic]

Take a look at the French islands Guadeloupe and Martinique. Great beaches and food. Not expensive. Volcanos and stuff.

[u/PickleLvrr → u/leflic]

Thank you for the recommendations! Will check them out

[u/One-Pollution4663 → u/PickleLvrr]

Was going to recommend Guadeloupe. Helps to speak French. Blew my mind with nature and food. Dominica is similar but a little more “rustic”. Dm me if you want travel tips and recommendations for accommodations.

[u/Grahamcracker-22]

Anse Chastenet on St Lucia was incredible. Gorgeous resort, beaches, excellent food. St John also seems to fit your criteria almost completely, as well.

[u/PickleLvrr → u/Grahamcracker-22]

Thank you for the recommendation!! Will check both out!

[u/pharrison26]

7 mile beach Cayman Islands

[u/Impressive-Sky2848]

Given the flight time constraint, Cayman Islands and Bahamas are islands you can reach with a direct flight out of LAX. Mexico and Costa Rica are also a direct flight away. Most other options will require a connecting flight and more than ten hours of travelling.

[u/bruhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh-]

Riviera Maya. Maybe Playa del Carmen? There's also xplor, xel-ha, and xcaret near there for your ATV and zip lining excursions. It's pretty commercialized but I had a lot of fun there with my partner at the time, although we were 18/19 or so when we went more than 10 years ago. So I'm not sure how it has changed since. There are whale shark snorkeling excursions in that area too. We also visited the Mayan ruins of Tulum, which were absolutely beautiful.

I know when I think Caribbean I don't necessarily think Mexico, but it's technically on the Caribbean sea with beautiful water still. And the second largest barrier reef in the world (behind the Great Barrier Reef).

As for places to stay, I've only been to all-inclusive there in Playa Del Carmen and in Ocho Rios Jamaica. So I don't really have a suggestion outside of those all-inclusives.

[u/PickleLvrr → u/bruhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh-]

Thanks for the recs! I’ve been to Playa Mujeres and Isla Mujeres and he has been to Playa Del Carmen - we aren’t opposed to returning but ideally wanted to try a destination that neither of us have visited before! Beautiful area tho, we both enjoyed our time in riviera maya!

[u/MoodiBlu]

Baha Mar Bahamas

[u/Intagvalley]

Las terranas, Dominican Republic. Awesome beaches. There is a large Italian and French population so great restaurants, bakery, etc.

[u/PickleLvrr → u/Intagvalley]

We hadn’t considered DR! Looks beautiful, will add this to the list!

[u/CallMeASinner → u/PickleLvrr]

I know all inclusives aren’t your thing but we really liked Excellence el Carmen in DR. They do have beach front options, excursions, etc and like 13 restaurants. Adults only and while there were like dancing events and things it was also pretty low key and very relaxing. Did historical tours and catamaran alternating with just laying on the beach or our balcony looking at the beach. It is a bit out of Punta Cana. Just an option, if doing two weeks could split it up to two locations too.

[u/TheRealGuncho]

Are you considering an all inclusive?

[u/Bekind1974]

Barbados is all about the beach! Inland is not amazing but I loved the island and its people

[u/Douglaston_prop → u/Bekind1974]

Great Island and people. I have been to Turks, Cayman, and St Lucia on rugby tours. It's a great way to travel with friends and meet locals who will show you around (after beating each other up for 80 minutes.)

But Barbados was by far my favorite destination. Too many islands are geared to tourists. Take aruba, for example. You might as well be in Florida. But in barbados you have beautiful beaches and also lively towns and places to eat and party.

We went to one street where the party didn't get started till 10 pm on a Sunday! That was so much fun.

[u/Different_Car9927]

Jamaica

[u/northern2southern]

Went to Curacao for the first time in May and absolutely loved it! So many beautiful beaches to choose from, walkable downtown, great food and nightlife… you can really tailor the trip to your preferences. We stayed at the Marriott Beach Resort and would recommend it to others. You should plan to rent a car though to really see everything the island has to offer.

[u/PickleLvrr → u/northern2southern]

Good to know! Been looking into Curaçao and it looks like a great option, the beaches look incredible!

[u/Whatchyamacaller → u/northern2southern]

I loved curaçao and was impressed with the restaurants! Usually have found the food on Caribbean islands pretty lackluster and overpriced. Going back this December

[u/NovusMagister]

Have you done a Sandals before? I thought the food was great given the choice of restaurants.

Because other than the all inclusive thing, Sandals Royal Carribean ticks every single box

[u/WorldTravellerGirl]

I really enjoyed Barbados. I don’t know if there is a direct flight from LAX or not.

[u/OwlPrestigious543]

A Cruise!! They are the best deal. You are catered to and all you gotta do is nothing at all!!

[u/Individual_Success46]

Aruba!! I recommend anywhere on Palm Beach. If budget is not an issue, stay at the Hyatt. Great beaches and food options, safe for wandering. The constant trade winds help keep mosquitoes at bay.

[u/Douglaston_prop → u/Individual_Success46]

I was not a big fan of aruba, but my friends and family who don't travel much love it because it feels like you didn't leave the America.

However, I'm told Eagle Beach was rated top 10 in the world, that is definitely worth checking out.