Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, or Bermuda?

[KilgoreTrout]

5th Anniversary for the Warden and me is coming up. While our actual anniversary is next week, we are planning a 4-night trip to one of these places for mid-November. Which is the best option? FYI, we've never been to any of these places. We're in our mid-30's, so clubbing, etc. is not our bag.

Pros for each as I see it:

Jamaica - we'd probably do a Sandals (adults-only, no rugrats) resort. I'm heavy into Jamaican music, particularly ska and rocksteady from the 60's. The resorts can arrange for sight seeing along those lines, which would be cool, but I imagine the old studios are in sketchy neighborhoods. Not sure about all-inclusive resorts, though. There could be a skeeviness about the place...

Turks & Caicos - This is my preference. Seems slightly less developed (ever so slightly), is a tad closer than Jamaica, the currency is the USD, and from what I hear the beaches are spectacular. We both enjoy bird watching, and there are several sanctuaries on the T&C to explore. Price is comparable to Jamaica.

Bermuda - main advantage is that it's a short flight from Boston. Seems expensive, though. Would be a very relaxing getaway with most of the time spent on the beach.

OOT, make your recommendation!

[emKay]

I didn't read the OP but thought Caicos was Casino, so I voted the 2nd.

[Kneel B4 Zod]

Bermuda is far nicer than either of those places. you'll be quite safe exploringthe whole island, doing whatever you feel like, etc.

downside is the weather- in october may iffy. it's also expensive, b/c it's quite a nice island (not just the resorts)

[ChipStorm]

I've heard great things about T&C. Do either of you scuba? Highly recommended for a warm weather vacation, unless it freaks one of you out (like it does my wife).

[homeslice]

I've been to Jamaica and Bermuda, out of those two I would pick Bermuda.

[dcasper70]

I wouldn't go back to Jamaica if it was free.
Wife & I actually PAID EXTRA to LEAVE EARLY.


I'll tell you about Bermuda in 3 weeks.

[maryfield48]

[ QUOTE ]
I wouldn't go back to Jamaica if it was free.
Wife & I actually PAID EXTRA to LEAVE EARLY.


I'll tell you about Bermuda in 3 weeks.

[/ QUOTE ]

Where'd you stay, and what didn't you like?

[dcasper70]

Stayed at Wyndham Rose Hall.
Golf course was awesome, Hotel & grounds were fantastic.

Staff was abysmal. They try to sell the 'Jamaica is so relaxed, we work at a slower pace...' Bullsh!t, you're just friggin lazy.

For the amount of staff we saw there, the amount of actual work they did was a joke. At the breakfast buffet, must have had a 2-1 guest to emp ratio, but we couldn't get a cup of coffee! We ended up filling our own carafe at the wait station WHILE STAFF WATCHED! Tables weren't bussed for 20+ minutes after people left and birds had a field day on the leftovers WHILE STAFF WATCHED! At random, we picked out one employee and were amazed at how well he avoided work, wandering around dirty tables and doing nothing for close to an hour.
This seemed standard at this resort.

Everywhere in this place, nothing but lazy wandering employees. No help whatsoever.
When we complained, we got the whole 'different pace down here mon' crap. How about you just do a fair job???

Gratuities were automatically added to every bill. Likely the cause of such poor treatment. They get their money regardless....


God, that was 4 years ago and it still pisses me off... [img]/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

[nyc999]

I stayed at Couples Swept Away in Negril, Jamaica. I would go back in a heartbeat. Great beaches, felt safe when I left the resort, although I don't think you'll see any "authentic" ska/reggae in places like this.

[W. Deranged]

The Cinammon Hill course at Rose Hall was so sick... half the holes along the Caribbean, half winding through the forests up on the hills...

Ridiculously expensive, though. I also felt a little uncomfortable being forced to pay for a local caddy.