Good group locations??? `

[Taller25]

I am not sure if this is the correct forum for a post like this, but here goes...

My family does a big trip over new years week each year... for 15 years we went to Bonaire and for the last 9 years we've being going to Little Cayman. Our group has blossomed to 30 with the newlyweds, partners, kids/babies and inlaws. The travel to Little Cayman is dicy at best. With babies and elderly folk, we'd like an easier travel day.

We are considering other locations that are a bit easier to get to (one flight from a major US city). Does anyone know of a good resort that can accomodate large groups? Our main requirement is good diving and a very good dive operation ... our Grandmother is 83 and still diving, but needs an attentive crew to help her out (without her thinking she's being helped... go figure!).

 

[Damselfish]

You might just consider staying on Grand Cayman, easy to get to, and skip the flight to LC. I'd suggest one of the places on the East End - you've been staying on Little Cayman & Bonaire so I assume you're either mostly divers or the non-divers don't feel the need for lots of stuff around. The Reef Resort is very nice, and Ocean Frontiers will give lots of attention. I suppose the downside is the chance of rougher conditions on the East End that time of year.

 

[The Chairman]

Check out the Bahamas forums. It's easier to get to than just about ANY Carribean Island.

 

[Charlie59]

The problem with many Latin American Carribean resorts this time of year is increased cost to help free up space for the native to the area. The Bahamas and Virgin Islands may not see the same jump in price seen in Cozumel, etc.

You didn't say where you were starting out. But since to Bonaire and LC must be central to east US.

Welcome to the board, by the way.

 

[DvrDoug]

Unless you're intrested in the Keys, I'd say go back to Bonaire... Maybe try try staying at the Plaza.

 

[stu_in_fl]

Roatan has a couple of resorts - direct flights from houston and atlanta as well.

 

[divingjd]

Cozumel is pretty easy to get to. I think a lot of the hotels and resorts there could accommodate a group well. We have had good luck with group trips through our LDS at Fiesta Americana. The dive operation there, Dive House, is very good and I think they could meet your needs regarding your grandmother. There is a lot to do on the island, so it should keep everyone in the group happy. We have also stayed at the Presidente, which was very nice. I haven't seen it since it was reconstructed in the wake of last year's hurricane, but I am sure it is still nice.

 

[Taller25]

Unless you're intrested in the Keys, I'd say go back to Bonaire... Maybe try try staying at the Plaza.

I would love to go back to Bonaire. We stayed at the Divi Flamingo for 15 years in a row... the resort went thru a long downward spiral thru the 90s. The Plaza was built in the last few years we went there ... we would actually have to celebrate NewYears there because the Flamingo had pretty much turned into a skeleton resort. Friends say all that is changed and the flamingo is fully renovated, so that is an option.

Overall, I think something new is in store. Thanks for the suggestions so far, I am googling like mad!

Our group originates from several cities (ATL, NYC, CHI, DEN).

 

[vladimir]

I'd go to the Turneffe Island Lodge in Belize. I think they could accommodate 30 of you--and nobody else. Great diving and a direct flight from Newark. Very professional staff.