I want to use Marriott points next summer for a Caribbean vacation. Besides the Grand Cayman properties, any recommendations for where to go/what hotel to use? It's Bonvoy points so will work at any Marriott properties (Westin, Ritz, etc) but it will be with 2 kids (11 and 14) so don't think the Ritz is the way to go.

Looking for more to do than just the beach so excursion availability will be good. Flying out of Houston. It would be awesome to do something cool like Fiji, Thailand, etc, but I don't think the family wants to make that haul.

Don't know about best hotel, but the Westin on St John would be my choice. St John is the best island vacation we have ever been on

First time we went to St John we stayed at the Westin. The cove it is on is not great for swimming because there are many boats moored there so the water is not real clear. But there is a marked off swimming area and the pool is good. Short cab into Cruz Bay.

And the beaches on St John are the best.

And as you know, Westin is now owned by Marriott.

Salterra resort on South Caicos is really nice and very isolated if that is your thing. I stayed there a couple of years ago when it was East Bay Resort, and Marriott has done a ton of upgrades to the pool, the rooms, restaurants, etc. The rooms were already quite nice when I was there and they look much nicer now and the pool has been majorly upgraded. They now have flights direct to South Caicos from Miami available so you can skip the hassle of flying through Provo. The beach is very nice and they have good snorkeling and bonefishing available. We were there in March and got to see humpbacks from the dive boat and heard them a few times while underwater.

take this with a grain of salt, but i do NOT recommend marriott frenchman's cove on saint thomas.

went there in 2021 (keep in mind covid). location was ok, rooms were good, but service (at hotel and on island) were trash.

I have not been but we are close to pulling the trigger on the St. Regis Aruba. Pricy but we are using points as well. And it has a casino if you are into lighting your money on fire. Beaches are supposed to be very calm on that part of the island.

Sanctuary Cap Cana in Punta Cana

Hincemm said:

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take this with a grain of salt, but i do NOT recommend marriott frenchman's cove on saint thomas.

went there in 2021 (keep in mind covid). location was ok, rooms were good, but service (at hotel and on island) were trash.

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I was at this resort in late April, and the service was great so maybe they fixed any issues?

Resort was nice. Room was nice. Food was great and drinks were good.

Not sure that it's a great resort for kids though.

For my Marriott Bonvoy clients looking at the Caribbean, my top picks are usually Westin St. John, St. Regis Bahia Beach in Puerto Rico, and Sanctuary Cap Cana (which is adults-only and absolutely stunning).

After those, Grand Cayman tends to come in stronggreat properties but just a step behind the top-tier favorites.

I've also had clients stay at Waves Hotel & Spa in Barbados (an Autograph Collection property), and they really loved itgreat service and a beautiful spot for a more boutique feel.

Lately, I've been getting updates about the new-ish Marriott Miches All-Inclusive in the Dominican Republic. I haven't had a chance to explore it yet, but I'm planning a stay at Hilton Zemi Miches in the next year, so I'll definitely pop over and check it out while I'm in the area.

As for the Royaltons, they're all part of the Bonvoy family too. I'm a little on the fence with themthey're very Americanized, and I feel like there's room to elevate the service and food quality. That said, the Royalton Antigua property is gorgeous and definitely worth a look if that's your vibe.

Thank you, everyone. Great feedback.

I would look at Aruba, out of the hurricane zone and there is every type of Bonvoy property to choose from including a couple of Vacation Clubs with family suites.