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Planning Caribbean trip for 3
Posted on 12/30/25 at 1:13 pm
Posted on 12/30/25 at 1:13 pm
Looking to use some of my 400k Southwest points on a Caribbean trip with my two daughters (20 and 17) at some point in 2026. It will be a surprise to them.
One of them has mentioned in passing at staying in one of those overwater bungalows (tiki-style huts on stilts). I know Sandals has them in Jamaica (not a place that is high on my list to visit), but are there any other spots reachable via Southwest that offer that vibe without the 'couples only' atmosphere?
Water clarity is the #1 priority — looking for that 'see your toes at 10 feet' kind of blue. Also, fresh food and decent beach activities (such as snorkeling, paddleboarding) are important as well that will keep a 17 and 20-year-old from getting bored.
For those who have done the family thing in the Caribbean recently:
Which island gave you the best bang for your buck on lodging/food/activities?
Is Turks and Caicos worth the premium for the water, or is Aruba/Grand Cayman just as good for a family trip?
Any specific resorts that have a good mix of 'cool factor' for the girls but won't kill me on the bill?
One of them has mentioned in passing at staying in one of those overwater bungalows (tiki-style huts on stilts). I know Sandals has them in Jamaica (not a place that is high on my list to visit), but are there any other spots reachable via Southwest that offer that vibe without the 'couples only' atmosphere?
Water clarity is the #1 priority — looking for that 'see your toes at 10 feet' kind of blue. Also, fresh food and decent beach activities (such as snorkeling, paddleboarding) are important as well that will keep a 17 and 20-year-old from getting bored.
For those who have done the family thing in the Caribbean recently:
Which island gave you the best bang for your buck on lodging/food/activities?
Is Turks and Caicos worth the premium for the water, or is Aruba/Grand Cayman just as good for a family trip?
Any specific resorts that have a good mix of 'cool factor' for the girls but won't kill me on the bill?
This post was edited on 12/30/25 at 1:16 pm
6
Posted on 12/30/25 at 1:20 pm to Will Cover
This might be an unpopular opinion, but I have been to Grand Cayman, Turks, and Aruba, and the water at all three is about the same to me. All very clear. Turks looks crazy because the water has a turquoise color to it, but all about the same clarity.
You can't go wrong with any of the three. If you go to Aruba, do ATV riding for a day. It is awesome.
But I would not do overwater bungalows with your two daughters. Those are typically very romantic/couple.
You can't go wrong with any of the three. If you go to Aruba, do ATV riding for a day. It is awesome.
But I would not do overwater bungalows with your two daughters. Those are typically very romantic/couple.
Posted on 12/30/25 at 1:53 pm to princessmull
quote:
have been to Grand Cayman, Turks, and Aruba, and the water at all three is about the same to me. All very clear.
Good to know. I imagine it would be splitting hairs to try and find the difference.
quote:
Aruba, do ATV riding for a day.
Interesting. We recently did this, albeit in the mountains of Colorado, and enjoyed ourselves. The scenery was breathtaking.
quote:
But I would not do overwater bungalows with your two daughters. Those are typically very romantic/couple.
Do these bungalows have separate bedrooms/bathrooms? Or is it just typically one big suite?
Posted on 12/30/25 at 2:02 pm to Will Cover
Turks and Caicos would be my choice for that type of trip. We’ve been several times and stay at The Somerset. The rooms are about 1500 sq. ft. with a full kitchen and two bathrooms which could be very important when girls are dressing.
This post was edited on 12/30/25 at 3:33 pm
Posted on 12/30/25 at 4:32 pm to Will Cover
My wife and I visited Turks and Caicos last summer. Grace Bay is where you’ll want to stay. It’s absolutely gorgeous. The water is beautiful and calm. The beach is walkable for miles and miles. There were a lot of water activities available. We stayed at Seven Stars. It was close to a nice grocery store which was nice when it came to stocking our kitchenette.
This spring we’re headed to Aruba. It seems to be very similar to Turks and Caicos but more developed with restaurants and more walkable to retail shopping. Palm Beach or Eagle Beach are the most popular beaches and has plenty of options.
Both islands are very safe.
This spring we’re headed to Aruba. It seems to be very similar to Turks and Caicos but more developed with restaurants and more walkable to retail shopping. Palm Beach or Eagle Beach are the most popular beaches and has plenty of options.
Both islands are very safe.
Posted on 12/30/25 at 5:29 pm to Will Cover
Sounds like Turks and Caicos is an option.
There was a thread on this a while back I shared some points on.
LINK
Beaches might be a good option to look into. We rented an apartment on the island and drove around each day. Certainly meets your "clear water" goal. It reminds me of the Keys or Bahamas in some ways. Beautiful water. White sand beaches. Not much else really.
Note: That island ain't cheap.
FWIW..I took our family for my son's high school graduation a while back to Grenada. Best island trip we ever took. We stayed at the Blue Horizon Resort and just walked to the beach every day. Had a kitchen. Nicely laid out. There are obviously many other great choices. An island that gives you the true Caribbean experience. Nice beaches. Great food. Friendly English-speaking people. Diversity of landscape including waterfalls and rain forests.
There was a thread on this a while back I shared some points on.
LINK
Beaches might be a good option to look into. We rented an apartment on the island and drove around each day. Certainly meets your "clear water" goal. It reminds me of the Keys or Bahamas in some ways. Beautiful water. White sand beaches. Not much else really.
Note: That island ain't cheap.
FWIW..I took our family for my son's high school graduation a while back to Grenada. Best island trip we ever took. We stayed at the Blue Horizon Resort and just walked to the beach every day. Had a kitchen. Nicely laid out. There are obviously many other great choices. An island that gives you the true Caribbean experience. Nice beaches. Great food. Friendly English-speaking people. Diversity of landscape including waterfalls and rain forests.
This post was edited on 12/31/25 at 10:12 am
Posted on 12/31/25 at 8:34 am to Will Cover
If you are planning on going during hurricane season, Aruba is a good choice since it is out of the hurricane belt.
Posted on 12/31/25 at 12:27 pm to Will Cover
St. Lucia
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