Often it depends on where you stay and what you do, how you get around, even the schedule of local events and attractions. What are you interested in? Many people will tell you that GC is the classiest place they have ever been to. I would say that they had the best cuisine, but am not in a huge hurry to go back. Most of the islands have something going for them and one person's opinion is not necessarily going to be yours. So, if you have your heart set on someplace and you've done your research, don't let one person's opinion sway you.

I'm wondering if your friend was commenting about "Atlantis," as that gets many similar responses here. If you're looking for something with "snob appeal," think British (such as Bermuda) or French (such as St. Barts). Just type the name of the island you're interested in the Search box, and all will be revealed!

I think it varies more from resort to resort rather than complete islands. I know people who consider almost all the Sandals resorts hokie. The new Riu resort in Jamaica sure looks hokie from the pictures I've seen but Swept Away is not hokie. Atlantis clearly gets its share of hokie slurs. One island where I have not seen hokie is Anguilla.

I've visited numerous Caribbean Islands as well as most major beaches on the US east coast, includung the two you mentioned. All I can say is your terms hokie and classy are relative and will depend on who you ask. My travels have shown that every island is different and each one appeals to different people. Whether one rates an island as hokie or classy depends on who's doing the rating, what that person is looking for in a destination and what type of resort they are staying at. You should also be aware that for every rave review you hear about a resort or island you will find someone with the exact opposite opinion. Don't make the mistake of letting others choose your island. You are better off making a list of those things that are important to you and then ask questions to find out which island or islands come closest to your idea of paradise.

If you like quiet, not much night life, then Anguilla or St. Barts are what I would call classy. The best islands for beaches seem to be Anguilla, Turks & Cacios or some of the outter islands of the Bahamas (Harbour Island and Abacos, etc.). Below is a couple Turks & Caicos that are very nice:

http://www.meridianclub.com/
http://www.coralgardens.com/
http://www.villaoasis.com/

Anguilla has fabulous beaches but the interior of the island is flat and pretty, shall we say ugly. Here's some pictures:

http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/archive/5/

http://www.frangipani.ai/

St. Barts is mountainous with lush vegetation, no proverty and smaller beaches. Below are some pictures of St. Barts:

http://www.sbhonline.com/Photosnew.htm

Also I think a lot has to do with your budget. On a lot of these islands you can find magnificent places to stay but they will be very costly. A lot of people that go to St. Barts rent villas instead of stay in hotels. The downside of that island is that their currency is the Euro which is way up against the dollar, however, a lot of the villas do rent in dollars.

For the Bahamas other than Nassau, take a look at these places:

http://www.islandinns.com/45.html
http://www.abacos.com/

I guess the hokiest I found was Paradise Island.

I don't know if I would consider Atlantis in Paradise Island "hokie", but it was interesting, pretty and very over-priced. The food was good though. It is a definate must see if you appreciate marine life and wild architecture. Note...you have to have a wristband each day (part of the aforementioned "hokieness" I suppose). I would have to say that Paradise island is the worst Carribean destination I have chosen though. I have to say this because the people there are laid back to a fault. CK out the French Side of St. Martin or St. Thomas (or St. John, both quite "classy")...Aruba is "classy" in spots, but to me it was lacking in island culture. Hope this helps.