just got back from 10 days at banana beach and we loved our stay there...the staff, the rooms, the restaurant, the pool, the view...all top notch...

we also carted over to caribe island for lunch and a tour and fell in love with that place!

since you are choosing between two places which are not close to town...you will be taking a shuttle, biking or golf carting to experience the rest of the island. banana beach is within walking distance if you like a long liesurely walk up the beach (we did it quite a few times...but opted for taxis and golf carts when the heat and our fatigue won out!) the walk from there is spectacular tho!

words can't describe the beauty of caribe island tho...you will have the feeling of being on your own island! the beachfront is breathtaking. the pool area will make you feel like a millionaire! the restaurant and food is fantastic (as is el devino's). we didn't tour the rooms...but those with balconies overlooking their grounds and beach looked absolutely stunning!

the only complaint we had about banana beach was the lack of a truly open beachfront. the area in front of the hotel is small with rows of lounge chairs ...and there is a breakwall (beach on either side for swimming).

caribe island might be a little too far out of the action for some...but if that doesn't bother you...you will be in heaven there!