Please Register / Login to take part in discussions about the Virgin Islands.
Hello Fellow VI Lovers,
I have been posting on this forum for the past couple years and it is the best travel forum I have ever seen. Everyone has great input and is helpful, and I hope I've been helpful to some of you as well.
I need some advice on the Bahamas if anyone can help me. I am going to Paradise Island in two weeks with six girlfriends as we are all turning 40 in the next year and thought it was a good excuse. We're leaving husbands and kids behind for our first all girl trip since we were in high school. We're staying at the RUI which is an all inclusive, very close to the Atlantis.
The reason I ask you for advice on this message board is that I cannot find a forum on the Bahamas with any useful info. I know that many of you travel a great deal outside of the VI's and may have some tips for me. I have never been to the Bahamas nor have I done an all-inclusive. I'm used to St. John and a villa and a jeep. Just wondering if anyone has any input. Do we tip at an all inclusive? Has anyone ever stayed at the RUI? Is there good snorkeling nearby? What is the best way to get around? Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks all! Still dreaming of our next trip to St. John!
Lisa in CT
Although I have not been there my friend was there last year and I asked her for her feedback. Here is what she said>>>>>Hope this helps you out, if you have more questions just ask and I'll get back to you
We VERY much enjoyed our stay. The water this time of year (March is when we went) was cold...my husband went in, I did not! The food was VERY good. Drinks were VERY good too...lol There was a themed buffet in the main dining room each nite, 3 other restaurants that required a reservation (no $ just a reservation.) You need to stand in line from a certain time in the AM, I think 9 AM till 10 AM to reserve your table for dinner. We LOVED the gourmet restaurant, we thought the steakhouse was fair, and never got into the Japanese restaurant, but heard it was very good. We were only there for an extended weekend, so we did not travel too far. We went to church "in town", and walked across the bridge - about a mile to church, and a mile back. Did NOT do any shopping "in town". The Atlantis was wonderful to visit...but we were glad we weren't staying there as it was rather pricey.&nbs p; The free underwater aquarium and the casino are a must. Not much else to share, all in all the Riu was very reasonably priced. We would definitely go back, but it would have to be in May when the water is warmer....I LOVE to go in the crystal clear waters! Have fun!!!
Remi,
Thank you so much. That is a huge help. I feel like I have a clue now. Thanks again,
Lisa
The RIU properties are well known and have a solid reputation. We stayed at the RIU Cancun last October and the property was excellent.
Check out this link:
http://riubambu.com/phpBB2/index.php?f=24
It's a discussion board specifically for the RUI Bahamas property.
Good Luck - Have Fun!
Expect a very very different experience than the one you are use to on St John. Paradise Island in the Bahamas is more like a Las Vegas/Disneyland destination. Some would enjoy that very much, I wouldn't....The water is a bit cooler, but the Bahamas outer islands have some of the best snorkeling/diving in the world.
if your trip is just a "Girls have fun trip" you can enjoy yourself. I was never comfortable with the artificial/casino/slick packaged type places. It is what it is and for many people that is what a beach vacation is all about. If you have stayed in a villa on St John you know better.
But go ahead and have fun.
Slick - That pre-packaged deal is not my idea of a vaca either, but it seemed to make sense for the "girls" trip. Also, I wouldn't have the heart to go to St. John without my husband. That would just be wrong!
VI Lover - Thank you for that great link!
ByRequest1,
We went to St Thomas last year and are heading to Grand Bahama Island this year. They have a message board for Grand Bahama Island ( http://www.grand-bahama.com/) but I'm not sure about Paradise Island. I have found the GBI board very helpful but not as good as this board, IMHA. I find there is a lot of bickering amongst the regulars on the GBI board.
Feel free to visit the GBI board and ask questions about Paradise Island, just ask for Helen.
Also, you might try Trip Advisor.
Cheers,
nsalphadog
