Favorite Non-Marriott TS for Marriott Owners?

We are thinking of depositing one of our weeks w/ II for a "beach holiday" in February, 2010. As a Marriott Owner, what is your favorite "non-Marriott" beachfront timeshare? And, what are my chances of getting it if I deposit ( "request only") sometime this week? I have a good strong trader ( Can I mention the name here???). Looking for something where it is guaranteed warm in February (not Florida).

Smooth Air

If you want someplace hot in February and not Florida then you must mean the Carribean or Mexico?

Is the cost of airfare a factor or the length of the flight?

Sit on the beach and read a book only or do that plus snorkel, see sights and visit casinos?

Harborside Atlantis comes to mind which was one of my non Marriott trades but it may not be hot enough for you in February.

My brother loves the Elite resorts in Antigua- there are a few.

My cousin loves Aruba.

Other people like Dominican Republic Punta Cana because of the AI resorts and it's inexpensive airfare/trip.

Some islands are not safe to wander around town outside the resort.

Then there are the Tradewinds Cruise Club exchanges and there are additional fees. BVI is one choice.

Aruba is my favorite beach destination, but I've only stayed at the Surf Club. I stayed at The Royal Caribbean in Cancun, which was nice. Its not as posh as a Marriott, but was still very nice.

Don't care about water sports, snorkeling, seeing the sights or casinos.
Hawaii is out b/c it is too far. We fly out of Toronto so a 5-6 hour direct flight is our max.
Don't want Mexico or Dom Rep. Nassau is too cold. Florida too cold.
So, I guess we are talking Caribbean. We want a gorgeous beach where you can walk for miles, play in the ocean/sea all day long, a few good restaurants w/in walking distance.

See if you can do a direct exchange/trade with an owner at Morritts Tortuga Club/Morritts Grand - that should fit the bill.
Trades with RCI not II so a direct exchange between owners is required.
I have a week reserved in February but have already purchased my airfare

I was going to suggest several resorts in MX but u say that is out.
Or the Marriott St Thomas/St Kitt/Aruba???

Why are you looking non-Marriott?? You have four gorgeous Marriotts in Aruba, St. Thomas and St. Kitts. How about the Westin St. John? I also would take a second look at Harborside. We were in Paradise Island in February a few years ago and it was fine. We stayed at the Westin (Hotel) in Grand Cayman but I also know there are quite a few timeshares on the island.

thx, Gray...what are the beaches like in St. Thomas & St. Kitts? Good for long walks?
Where is Morritts? I should know but am drawing a blank right now. Did you do a direct exchange to get your February, 2010 week? What did you exchange for Morritts? You are way ahead of me.....am I too late??? Did you get a direct flight? From where? ( I prob shd have PM'd you here.....)

Smooth Air

Marc, I thought that knowing about any non-Marriott resorts wld expand our options when I call II.
Also, we want to fly direct from Toronto & I don't think that any airline flies direct from Toronto to St. Kitts, St. Thomas or St. John which is where the Marriotts are. Air Canada flies direct to Aruba & St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Provo & Grand Cayman. And Westjet flies direct to St. Lucia. But there are no Marriotts on St. Maarten , St. Lucia, Provo or GC so knowing about non-Marriotts would help.

smoothair said:

thx, Gray...what are the beaches like in St. Thomas & St. Kitts? Good for long walks?
Where is Morritts? I should know but am drawing a blank right now. Did you do a direct exchange to get your February, 2010 week? What did you exchange for Morritts? You are way ahead of me.....am I too late??? Did you get a direct flight? From where? ( I prob shd have PM'd you here.....)

Smooth Air

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I own several weeks at the Morritt's Tortuga oceanfront - and I am using my own unit in February.....It is on Grand Cayman - the uncrowded east end of the island (not 7 Mile Beach area which is much more developed) - there are direct fights from NY via Cayman Air - not sure about your neck of the woods.
When u mentioned long walks on the beach, it just reminded e of the perfect place to do this! PM me for more information - there is an owners website where u can post what u have to swap and what would like....I bet someone would like to do a swap with you.

The Marriott St Thomas is a beautiful resort on the same property as the Marriott hotel overlooking Charlotte Amalie Harbor. I do recommend a car rental to go to various beaches around the island as taxis charge u per person which can quickly add up for a family of 4 or 5.
They have 2 and 3 BR units and every unit has a view of the harbor and the cruise ship traffic in and out.
STT is a mountainous island - some places the cliffs rise right up from the beach....so u do not have the looooong flat walking areas that u have in Grand cayman. We enjoy visiting STT - the beaches, boat trips to the British Virgin islands and day trips to St John......

I also enjoy Aruba but it is totally different, built up, busy, casinos, beautiful beaches , snorkeling, Jolly Pirate GREAT restaurants......

edit - also see this thread for more info and pictures of Morritts http://www.timeshareforums.com/foru...rand-cayman-any-questions-pictures-added.html
...and here is the Morritts owner website http://morritts.17.forumer.com/ ....and the 'official' website http://www.morritts.com/

smoothair said:

Marc, I thought that knowing about any non-Marriott resorts wld expand our options when I call II.
Also, we want to fly direct from Toronto & I don't think that any airline flies direct from Toronto to St. Kitts, St. Thomas or St. John which is where the Marriotts are. Air Canada flies direct to Aruba & St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Provo & Grand Cayman. And Westjet flies direct to St. Lucia. But there are no Marriotts on St. Maarten , St. Lucia, Provo or GC so knowing about non-Marriotts would help.

Click to expand...

Gotcha! I would check the TUG reviews for Grand Cayman. It really is a spectacular place! Rum Point was fantastic. What is Provo by the way???

"Provo" is Providenciales, Turks & Caicos ( airport code PLS)

Smooth Air

I was on St Martin/Marrten a few days ago, Orient beach is very long but crowded, many good restraunts on the beach. It is European so clothing optional beaches.

We were there via a cruise stop..so do not know of any timeshares there but weather was hot mid 80s so it is hot in Feb.