Looking for inspiration - long haul July

soco1

Wanting to go away first two weeks July, somewhere long haul so not the Med.
Want somewhere hot, don't mind odd showers but not where rain is going to spoil holiday as i like to sunbathe lots while losing myself in books!

Have heard that Caribbean is expecting a more active than usual hurricane season but too early to tell what'll happen in 4-6wks time.
Indian Ocean/SE Asia looks very wet in July.

Any opinions on Maldives, Thailand, Costa Rica, Caribbean in general or anywhere else?

Thanks.

mandy2901

dom rep peurto plata is lovely, also not long back from jamaica this year and it was glorious!!

poe.tuesday

Mexico is fab, it can give you the sun etc but also if you want to go out and about there is loads to do and see and the food is great

hollydays

If you go to the Caribbean go AI if you want to save money,it's quite expensive to eat out.
I looked at Cape verde,then recoiled when I read the hotel reviews.
The unspoiltCanary Island of La Gomera has a beautiful hotel called Jardin Tecina.

cheap_charlie

Thailand in July is lovely - but you do get rain on the mainland.

I would recommend the island of Koh Samui - been there twice in July and it was gorgeous - only the occasional rainstorm which didn't last long and had dried up within an hour of finishing!

soco1

Thanks Cheap Charlie,

Any recommendations on area/places to stay. Seen Chaweng on loads of forums with mixed reviews. Not especially keen on having pizza hut & mcdonalds on the doorstep as I like to experience the culture of where I am.

Want quietish - not bothered about clubs/bars but like a choice of places to eat in the evening.
Want place to stay that is clean, not too far to walk for meals/shops but peaceful too with good beaches.

cheap_charlie

I stayed at the Amari Palm Reef resort and at the Blue Lagoon hotel. They are next door to one another.

The Blue Lagoon is lovely but is looking a little tired these days. It is Swiss run but don't bother staying in the beach huts - trust me the hotel rooms are far nicer.

The Amari is gorgeous - and was done up about 2 years ago...its very minimalist and trendy but has two beautiful pools.

Both are near bars and restaurants if you want them...my advice is to walk along the beach to find somewhere to eat in the evening - its possibly the most romantic place on earth!

soco1

cheap_charlie wrote: »

- its possibly the most romantic place on earth!

So long as I'm not going to be surrounded by couples - I'll be travelling alone, just me and a pile of books I've been saving up. Don't want any distractions!

Shall look at the availability and cost of the Amari. Is it in Chaweng?
Do you have any knowledge of either Chaba Samui resort or Chaba Cabana? Both in Chaweng. Have looked on trip advisor and holiday truths but reviews are mixed and sometimes easier to ask someone direct.

Flights are looking about £700 ish.

soco1

Ouch, just checked out the Amari. Now know why it's so nice.
US$2450 for 14 nights! I thought Thailand was the land of cheap cheap cheap!!!!!!!!!!
£1300ish is way beyond what I would pay for just the hotel. Paid less than that for AI in Maldives!

Know anything good for around £30/night.
Have seen a holiday b&b to Koh Samui for £886 inc flights, may go for that. It's staying at either of the 2 previously mentioned hotels (Chaba Cabana is £981).
If you have any views on them I'd be grateful to hear them.

Cheers.