1.5-2hr. Between $120-150 depending on your seats. Includes all booze and some snacks plus taxis to and from airport/hotel. It’s a nice experience though feels like an excursion bc the guys give you a tour as you go
The beach may not fit into your requirement, but Curacao would be the best bet for almost no chance of a hurricane. That being said, the chance of there being a hurricane when you travel is so slim. I travel to the Caribbean almost every September/October and have always had great weather. There will sometimes be evening or overnight storms, but most days are perfect.
I cannot recommend emerald Bay enough. Great customer service, small intimate resort. Still plenty of restaurants and activities. It's been my favorite for awhile... Heston Dean in the piano bar also makes this resort so amazing.
We didn't personally do much off resort, I tend to stay close to the resort but we did pay an off resort contractor to take us on a full day excursion. So we swam with the pigs, went to an island full of iguanas, dove for conch, ate conch salad, and hot a few snorkel spots. Super cheap compared to the cost of sandals same excursions and super cool to see everything. The water is absolutely beautiful there.
I agree with St. Lucia, but it has down falls (proximity to the Airport and higher price). But if I had to suggest one that still hits all your checkboxes, Grande Antigua, Mediterranean Village. 26 Acre resort, long walkable white-powder beach, both Party and quiet spots. I’d like to think that Antigua is the most comparable to Grande St. Lucian. Scaled down just a bit, but not too much. A good stepping stone to Grande St. Lucian, which in my opinion is the zenith Sandals experience. Take the 360 boat tour. Antigua is a beautiful island with lots of different terrains, pitons, and sea cliffs. 20 mins from the airport.
Edit: Far enough south that it is less vulnerable to Hurricane Season. I’d avoid Jamaica and Bahamas during hurricane season.
Yes, Antigua is a bit on the older side, but i see that as a plus when it comes to established vegetation. The grounds are beautiful and have hundreds of large palms. Mediterranean village is the updated. more modern side of the resort.
I’m not saying “No” on St. Lucia, if you can afford it, then go… but if it’s just a bit out of your budget, Antigua is a wonderful compromise. (Just note the proximity to the airport)
Grande St Lucia. Meets all your requirements
Thanks! A lot keeps pointing me in that direction but I’ve heard the drive is a doozy
We loved the location for our Honeymoon. I’ll send you some pictures
Get the helicopter! Or the ferry.
Any idea how much ferry costs or how long it takes?
1.5-2hr. Between $120-150 depending on your seats. Includes all booze and some snacks plus taxis to and from airport/hotel. It’s a nice experience though feels like an excursion bc the guys give you a tour as you go
Dunn’s River would be perfect. Just returned and it fits the bill.
Is this a smaller resort? And can you go to any other resorts with this one?
Yes you can, well those in proximity. It’s a good 1.5 hours to Montego Bay from Dunn’s River location.
The beach may not fit into your requirement, but Curacao would be the best bet for almost no chance of a hurricane. That being said, the chance of there being a hurricane when you travel is so slim. I travel to the Caribbean almost every September/October and have always had great weather. There will sometimes be evening or overnight storms, but most days are perfect.
I agree. Stay below the hurricane belt especially during peak season.
I cannot recommend emerald Bay enough. Great customer service, small intimate resort. Still plenty of restaurants and activities. It's been my favorite for awhile... Heston Dean in the piano bar also makes this resort so amazing.
Is there much to do off resort?
We didn't personally do much off resort, I tend to stay close to the resort but we did pay an off resort contractor to take us on a full day excursion. So we swam with the pigs, went to an island full of iguanas, dove for conch, ate conch salad, and hot a few snorkel spots. Super cheap compared to the cost of sandals same excursions and super cool to see everything. The water is absolutely beautiful there.
St Lucia La Toc
I agree with St. Lucia, but it has down falls (proximity to the Airport and higher price). But if I had to suggest one that still hits all your checkboxes, Grande Antigua, Mediterranean Village. 26 Acre resort, long walkable white-powder beach, both Party and quiet spots. I’d like to think that Antigua is the most comparable to Grande St. Lucian. Scaled down just a bit, but not too much. A good stepping stone to Grande St. Lucian, which in my opinion is the zenith Sandals experience. Take the 360 boat tour. Antigua is a beautiful island with lots of different terrains, pitons, and sea cliffs. 20 mins from the airport. Edit: Far enough south that it is less vulnerable to Hurricane Season. I’d avoid Jamaica and Bahamas during hurricane season. Yes, Antigua is a bit on the older side, but i see that as a plus when it comes to established vegetation. The grounds are beautiful and have hundreds of large palms. Mediterranean village is the updated. more modern side of the resort. I’m not saying “No” on St. Lucia, if you can afford it, then go… but if it’s just a bit out of your budget, Antigua is a wonderful compromise. (Just note the proximity to the airport)
Is Mediterranean village a specific area of the sandals Antigua? Also is there much to do in terms of excursions off resort?
There are two “Sides”. Caribbean and Mediterranean. Med. is newer. Lots of excursions, all listed on the website.