large_diver
Contributor
Starting to think about a scuba-focused trip for our 20th anniversary (late 2009). We live in Europe now, but will be back in the US (Boston) by that time. If we don't move back we will consider the Maldives or Mauritius......
Trip Requirements: Looking for combination of romantic and GREAT diving that a newbie can enjoy and that I wont be bored with (she has done <10 discover dives and will get fully certified before we go). She will also want some creature comforts (spa/massage, etc and not wanting to do any of our own cooking that might be required in a rented house/villa).
Total Budget: ~$10k
Have considered Fiji, Indonesia and other South Pacific destinations, but it is a long way to go from the east coast US....and we would only have 1 week-10 days. The vibe of Fiji (smaller, quality resorts which are isolated, quiet and make you feel like you have dropped out of civilization) are what we are looking for... but my wife especially is a little worried about traveling that far for a relatively short vacation.
We went to St. Vincent (Young Island) for our 15th and really enjoyed it. Diving was great (macro) and perfect for a newbie (she did 4 dives) and resort was romantic (we were in a stand alone unit high on the hill with its own private patio, outdoor shower, etc.). Wed like to try somewhere new, however. Privacy was great in St. Vincent and no hassles from vendors trying to sell you stuff on the beach .
Some initial thoughts:
- South Pacific still not off the list ..but if flying from the US east coast, is it really worth it for a week?
- St. Lucia - Anse Chastenet on St. Lucia always gets great reviews for romance, but I don't know much about the diving. My impression is that it is sort of average by Caribbean standards, but good for newbies. We also went to St. Lucia for our honeymoon (Club Med pre-diving). Ive seen comments on this board about Ti Kaye or Jade Mountain (related to AC .and even more $$$$$).
- Caymans - GC too developed. Little Cayman always intrigues me, but not sure how romantic the resorts are there.
- Turks & Caicos diving obviously great, but with all the development, does it have the right get away from it all vibe? Maybe Salt Cay?
- ABC islands - more mass-market travel oriented...?
- Dominica - diving seems great for newbies, but resorts are pretty basic.
- Central America (Belize, Bay Islands or Costa Rica)......don't have much info and whether these locales would be good for a newer diver or what the accommodation options are.
Any ideas? Thanks.
-Chris
Trip Requirements: Looking for combination of romantic and GREAT diving that a newbie can enjoy and that I wont be bored with (she has done <10 discover dives and will get fully certified before we go). She will also want some creature comforts (spa/massage, etc and not wanting to do any of our own cooking that might be required in a rented house/villa).
Total Budget: ~$10k
Have considered Fiji, Indonesia and other South Pacific destinations, but it is a long way to go from the east coast US....and we would only have 1 week-10 days. The vibe of Fiji (smaller, quality resorts which are isolated, quiet and make you feel like you have dropped out of civilization) are what we are looking for... but my wife especially is a little worried about traveling that far for a relatively short vacation.
We went to St. Vincent (Young Island) for our 15th and really enjoyed it. Diving was great (macro) and perfect for a newbie (she did 4 dives) and resort was romantic (we were in a stand alone unit high on the hill with its own private patio, outdoor shower, etc.). Wed like to try somewhere new, however. Privacy was great in St. Vincent and no hassles from vendors trying to sell you stuff on the beach .
Some initial thoughts:
- South Pacific still not off the list ..but if flying from the US east coast, is it really worth it for a week?
- St. Lucia - Anse Chastenet on St. Lucia always gets great reviews for romance, but I don't know much about the diving. My impression is that it is sort of average by Caribbean standards, but good for newbies. We also went to St. Lucia for our honeymoon (Club Med pre-diving). Ive seen comments on this board about Ti Kaye or Jade Mountain (related to AC .and even more $$$$$).
- Caymans - GC too developed. Little Cayman always intrigues me, but not sure how romantic the resorts are there.
- Turks & Caicos diving obviously great, but with all the development, does it have the right get away from it all vibe? Maybe Salt Cay?
- ABC islands - more mass-market travel oriented...?
- Dominica - diving seems great for newbies, but resorts are pretty basic.
- Central America (Belize, Bay Islands or Costa Rica)......don't have much info and whether these locales would be good for a newer diver or what the accommodation options are.
Any ideas? Thanks.
-Chris
