Alamanda and First Visit
Posted by:
sstagnaro
(---.dc.dc.cox.net)
Date: November 16, 2006 03:11PM
Hello,
I have been reading everyones wonderful suggestions, and this boards is great! Aside from my rambling narrative at the beginning of this post I have included my questions at the end, your answers would be very much appreciated!!!
My husband and I will be traveling on our own for the first time since the birth of our daughter last year (we are leaving her at home with Grandma).
We have booked a stay at the Alamanda 1/6-1/13 and am wondering if anyone one has any additional feedback on that particular property. It was not terribly cheap, but we also booked rather late. I hear it is by the Orient beach which is supposed to be nice (we are native to Southern Cal, and now live in northern VA, and REALLY miss the beach).
I am a bit of a foodie and can't wait to sample all of what the island has to offer! I think we wil be renting a car, so we can visit both sides of the island and restaurants. We both like ANY kind of Water activities - Jet Ski, Snorkel, Scuba (though limited, we aren't yet certified), etc. Anyway, we are sooooo excited for our trip!
So here are my questions:
Are there any very special places or great local favorites we should go to to eat?
Any suggestions for the best places or best type of water activities/excursions (I want to go jet skiing, he likes to snorkel).
Suggestions for car rentals?
Unique places for shopping (Maybe with local food items,specialties,arts/crafts, etc.? (and also a place to pick up some cheap souvenirs and some liquor?)
A link to a good map and/or detailed local(non-touristy?) info on the web?
And, as mentioned earlier... feedback on the Alamanda