Angie474

Hi, everyone!

My husband and I are planning a trip for our 5-year wedding anniversary (anniversary is in April but we are willing to travel during another month if it's better for whichever island we choose).

A little about us: We went to Cuisinart in Anguilla for 10 days for our honeymoon (and also took the ferry to St. Martin for a couple of day trips). The beaches in Anguilla were heaven and have totally spoiled us! We are 36, not big into the all-inclusive thing but if there's one that's highly recommended, we would do it. We LOVE good food (the food in Anguilla was expensive but absolutely awesome), we really enjoy local culture, some tours/hikes would be cool and a pool as well as an on-site restaurant/bar or two at the hotel would be ideal.

We're trying not to exceed $5,000 total for food/airfare/hotel (for 6 days/5 nights). We'd be traveling from NJ, NYC or Philadelphia (all are close to us).

Since we would love a great beach again, we're looking into Virgin Gorda as our first choice (someone correct me if I'm wrong there). Also looking at T&C (although this seems as pricey if not more expensive than Anguilla was), St. John, Grenada or Barbados or even the Caymans or Bermuda (if we go in the summer). As you can see, my head is spinning, hence why I am here haha.

We aren't interested in the Bahamas, Mexico, Jamaica, St. Martin or Anguilla. Enjoyed them all but since we've been to them alone or together, we're looking for somewhere different. Any other recs are welcome.

Thank you SO much for any help!

Jimmie

I'm a big Virgin Gorda fan, and the island has been discussed in several threads recently, including recommendations. Use the search function for more info.

My main concern is that it can be a little long and/or costly to get there. Not sure if it's worth it for a five-night trip. St. John is much easier, so perhaps do that and then take a one-day excursion over to the BVI, which would include Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda?

May is the best month to go, in my opinion. Likely cheaper than April, which could still include high-season prices.

Angie474

Thanks for the response, Jimmie! We were thinking of flying into St. Thomas and then taking Speedy's ferry over to Virgin Gorda...but I see your point. How are the beaches in St. John in person? Golden or white sand? Clear water? I've heard the Cayman beaches are similar to Anguilla as well so we are keeping that in the mix.

Jimmie

Although I think Speedys only does the STT - VG route Tuesdays and Thursdays, that looks like it will work with your schedule for five nights if you fly down on Thursday and catch the late day ferry. Then return early Tuesday for an afternoon flight home.

mnag

Beaches on St John and VG are comparable. White sand in my opinion. VG is a bit more off the beaten path as compared to St John. Between the two I would pick VG but it would be good if you could add one more day to the trip. Turks has beautiful white sand (comparable to Anguilla). Also do not rule out the Bahama-out island such as Exuma and Eleuthera (very different than Freeport/Nassau). More rustic as compared to Anguilla but the beaches are stunning. Harbour island on Eleuthera is chic, has some boutique resorts and an amazing pink sand beach that runs the length of the island.

Angie474

Thank you all so much!

cilburke

I vote for Bermuda. I've been to Anguilla numerous times. Virgin Gorda is lovely as is St. John, but my heart belongs to Bermuda. It's beautiful with gorgeous pink sand beaches, very sophisticated, has a great downtown (Hamilton), wonderful ferry service, and it's fun to rent the motor scooters (no car rentals there). It has great dining and is very active. We've been 7 times and are planning an 8th.

greenie

The beaches on VG are beautiful..Savannah Bay is gorgeous and empty! Good snorkeling from the beach. Spring Bay close to the Baths is awesome too.

Stay in the Valley if you go.

Peace, Greenie