Author Topic: Re: Considering a different flavor for Spring '06 (Read 5328 times)

sunluvr · « **on:** October 21, 2005, 08:42:00 AM »

What do you folks think of San Andres Island and Panama? Both are predominantly hosted by Decameron hotels...seem to have decent reputations.

Heather, I noticed you've dabbled with the ider of San Andres. The colours of the ocean are pretty unique and while I'm hearing mixed feelings about beach quality, I think I could work with what I've seen! Prices are nuts lately, but a late April departure can get us to SAI for about $1200 pp all in, while Panama is running over $1300 base right now pp. Panama used to be the cheapest place on the planet...looks like tour operators are onto something!

Our other consideration is Mexico (Mayan) but we're limited by budget, and the only option at this time is the Bahia Principe Tulum.
Keen to hear other's comments!

Thanks

Airborne · « **Reply #1 on:** October 21, 2005, 05:35:00 PM »

Hi Sunluvr. San Andres ...brings back great memories. I loved the island. We spent 2 weeks and enjoyed every minute of our stay, of course, that was quite a few years ago, but looking at the pictures in the brochures and pics on line I don't think much has changed ...a few new resorts have been built ...but, IMHO don't think that they can compare to the Aquarium.

We stayed at the Aquarium .. (what a place... the buildings are circular and they are built in the water and supported by circular tubes. Our room was on the first floor - from our large balcony we could see lobsters, fish etc. This hotel is at the end of the island and also right in town for shopping; night life etc.

The beaches were great when we were there ... long beaches if your interested in walking. Beach on one side and town for shopping on the other. We also had rented 4 wheelers and had a great time driving them around the island ..

I'd love to go back ... someday!

flopnfly · « **Reply #2 on:** October 21, 2005, 09:51:00 PM »

Sunluvr, you know that we've been considering San Andres for years now. We've never been able to book it either through Hurricanes sitting over top of it for 3 days or work committments.

The travel window for San Andres out of Toronto is from Nov to April so it's very tight.

My sister and BIL went and they loved it and can't wait to go back. They stayed at the Aquarium and want to go back to the same resort.

There are five Decamerons on the island and you have access to all of them no matter which one you are staying at.

The aquarium is right in town so it's close for shopping and it's unique in that it's built on the water.

Prices right now are incredible, starting at $497 plus tax. But the flights book up fast so if you're interested don't hang around waiting, because you might not get a seat on the plane.

they call San Andres "poor man's Jamaica" so if you like Jamaica, you'll love San Andres.

sunluvr · « **Reply #3 on:** October 22, 2005, 12:18:00 AM »

Hey...cool...Thanks for all that info! I was aware of the Jamaican flair...but I didn't realize there was a window of opportunity...hmmm
Mr. Sunluvr can't make his vacation submission till January 1st...do you think that will be leaving it too late to book?

Also...a bit curious about the potability of water situation and recommended vaccinations...perhaps your sister could shed some light on this :) Thanks allot!

flopnfly · « **Reply #4 on:** October 22, 2005, 06:04:00 AM »

I believe that they supply bottled water, I wouldn't drink the tap water.

Everybody recommends the Hep A and B shots for going. I'm not sure that it's anymore necessary here than anywhere else, but it's not a bad idea to get them.

Check out this site for tons of info on San Andres.

Big Juice San Andres Island

sunluvr · « **Reply #5 on:** October 23, 2005, 06:37:00 PM »

That site is excellent, Heather! Thanks. Now what is all this mumbo jumbo about filtered salt water in guest quarters? Apparently only Marazul provides fresh water? Perhaps you can provide more info about that?

We're really starting to get hooked on the idea of San Andres...bang goes the savings once again...I'm destined to be a beach bum for eternity!

flopnfly · « **Reply #6 on:** October 24, 2005, 11:58:00 AM »

Sunluvr, I hadn't heard anything about the salt water situation. My sister certainly never mentioned anything, and she would have ..trust me. :)

We are definitely going to try San Andres one of these years.

sunluvr · « **Reply #7 on:** October 28, 2005, 12:19:00 PM »

One of these years? OH c'mon you can do better than that!! Heck, by next April, you'll have gone 8 months without a vacation....it's just wrong!!

You ought to go when we go! :D ;)

flopnfly · « **Reply #8 on:** October 28, 2005, 06:35:00 PM »

Well, TS Beta sat over top of San Andres the last couple of days, so I don't think we'll be going there before April. :(

sunluvr · « **Reply #9 on:** October 29, 2005, 11:17:00 AM »

oh, no, not again!

What a year for the caribbean.

Oh...btw...I don't recommend "googling" for the Big Juice website! I tried to do a quick search at my friend's office yesterday to show her some of "BIG JUICE'S" photos....unfortuntely we got a different type of exotic adventure!! LOL

bmnichol · « **Reply #10 on:** November 10, 2005, 06:11:00 AM »

Sunluvr how are your spring vacation plans coming along? Any destinations really jumping out at you?

sunluvr · « **Reply #11 on:** November 10, 2005, 06:37:00 PM »

Hi bmnichol! We are looking strongly at San Andres, we're very intrigued with all this small island has to offer, and the prices can't be beat! With a few others interested as well....we'd really like to see this happen! We'll be making a final decision around the New Year, when everyone can get a better idea of vacation times.
:)

bmnichol · « **Reply #12 on:** November 11, 2005, 07:40:00 PM »

I took a peek at a website for San Andres, it looks beautiful.