I visited a few times on day trips. No gambling but the island does have a certain "feel" and I mean that in the romantic sense. One of the most romantic times I ever spent was on Shell Beach late afternoon into twilight. The thought of it still gives me goosebumps. Some people are "uppity" but mostly nice. If you speak French that seems to be a plus. The only drawback I could see would be travel time if you are only going for a long weekend.

We loved St. Barts. Definitely romantic and grown up. We didn't feel it was snobby at all. Wonderful restaurants on the island. Best beach by far is Flamands -- a classic wide Caribbean beach. We stayed at St. Barts Ile de France hotel right on Flamands beach. A little pricey, but definitely worth it for a special occasion.

I think St. Barts can be as low key as you want it to be - no gambling, but great food, nice beaches, and a nice romantic location for two. We felt everyone was very friendly and not snobby/elite at all. I question whether you would want to go for only a long weekend -- direct to St. Martin from NYC is about four hours, it takes two hours to get through St. Martin, then a quick flight and a half hour to your hotel, so you are talking close to a full day of travel each way, depending on connections. In light of hurricane season, you could get stuck in St. Martin, since the eight seater plane to St. Barts will not fly in rough conditions.

hmmm. Now that you all have me convinced that St. Bart's would be just right, travbabe has me worried about the travel time. Didn't realize it was so circuitous. Unfortunately, we do only have a long weekend -- maybe 4 days at best. My daughters are in school, and while not tiny, not wholly independent either and there are only so many days that friends can handle their complicated school schedules. Do you guys have any other ideas--a similar "grown-up" place like St. Bart's that's easier to get to from NYC? Maybe I should expand my horizons off the Caribbean boards too.... South Beach perhaps. I would prefer it beachy. Thanks all, at any rate, I really appreciate your help as I always do on these boards.

Have you considered Bermuda?

You may want to consider Turks & Caicos. Quick three and a half hour flight from NY. Really nice beaches, some very nice restaurants and a good selection of hotels.

I didn't realize you had only 4 days. St. Barts, in spite of being just what you want, is not a good choice due to travel time. I agree with mnag -- Turks and Caicos is a good second choice. Our favorite place there is Coral Gardens Resort. It has luxurious beachfront accomodations (especially the one bedroom Grand Suites), a spectacular talcum powder-soft, white sand beach, outstanding snorkeling right off the shore, and a great restaurant on-site. There are also other very good restaurants on the island. Best of all, it is a quick, nonstop flight from NYC.