Please Register / Login to take part in discussions about the Virgin Islands.
Hello
I would really love some advice. I have decided to have a 'once in a lifetime' holiday with my 15 year old daughter. We both fancy a sun, sea and sand holiday in a beautiful place with friendly locals.
I have been looking at islands/resorts around the Caribbean and they mostly seem to be aimed at 'romantic couples'. They are also horribly touristy where guests are herded together for a prescribed series of organised events.
If we were travelling all the way to The Virgin Islands it would be nice to meet locals. Much as my daughter and I are great friends I am sure she would enjoy some company of nearer her own age and the same goes for me too.
I sat next to someone at a wedding recently who said that The Virgin Islands were the perfect place for us to go – was he right????
Any advice would be really appreciated.
I guess it really depends on what time of year you plan on coming. If it is when children are in school, she won't meet many others her age. If it is a holiday, she has better chances. Also, the hotel/resort you choose also will play a factor. If you went to Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina, for example, she'd meet others. If you went to Bluebeard's Castle, there might be ONE other kid that age in one of the 284 rooms...not good chances. Pick a fun beach place (Sapphire or Bolongo come to mind) and you both might be happy.
Hi Sheila-
Absolutely! The VI is a wonderful place for connecting with the locals, the culture and the land. The only time you'll get the "touristy" feeling is when you run into a large group of ship passengers. You can literally plan your trip so that you'll avoid them and will have the best opportunity to "live like a local" (my personal travel slogan).
I imagine you've been looking at places like Club Med and Sandals if you've found that visitors are herded from activity to activity. That just doesn't exist in the VI. There's no market for it.
People travel to the VI for the beaches, the food, the watersports, the change in culture, etc.
All you'll need to do is decide on an island. Plan to island hop and also check out the BVI chain.
Westin on St John is very family oriented with tons of things to do. I would think there would be plenty of young kids there. I love Bolongo because of Iggies the beach bar, but I think that is a bad recommendation for families and for your once in a lifetime place to stay. Very friendly people but its a bit rundown and the beach is not good, and its in a very inconvenient location.
Marriot on St Thomas is another call, even the Morningstar resort which would give you both more room, a kitchen, and a bit less expensive too. Flaymboant Manor is owned by the Mariott and is right next door if you want to save some money but still have use of the Mariott property.
I hope this helps.
are you planning to travel during school break ? if yes, i would rec. The Westin, st. John.this is a large resort and during school vacations your daughter will have plenty of new friends to make!St John is a beautiful, friendly island. i would suggest renting a car for at least part of your stay so you and she can explore the area. there are some stunning beaches to relax and snorkel on/in. great restaurants/shops to wander through. your daughter would love driving around w/ you and seeing goats, pigs, chickens,donkeys on the roads !! sometimes the donkeys have walked onto the beach!!i must say since you are traveling as two "women" alone you will feel safe and comfortable on St. John.
