45th Birthday Celebration-Help!
 

Hello all,
I am trying without success to decide on where I want to celebrate my 45th birthday. We attempted to go to St John for my 40th but because my birthday is still within hurricane season (October 1st) that trip was cancelled. We're trying again, this time with another fun couple and want to venture out a little. Our budget is up to $5000 for accommodations for the week. We're not big water activity people so that's not a priority. We don't like crowded beaches but don't care to be only 1 of 5 people on it either. Would love somewhere with attractive villas with stellar views. Not to quiet but not in the heart of it all either. I have been looking for 2 weeks and have narrowed it down to Antigua, Anguilla, St Martin & Barbados and can't for the life of me make a decision.I'm open to other suggestions I may have overlooked but have already ruled out Grand Cayman, St Lucia, Aruba & Nevis.

We're looking for:
Beautiful clear/turquoise waters
Soft, sandy beaches
Grocery options for days we want to chill after beach days
Good food for days we don't want to cook
Quiet with close proximity to shopping & dinning
Views of surrounding islands
No more than 4 hrs from Tampa, FL (moving there in July)

Why not reconsider St. John? It comes closest to what you want.

PS in October hurricane could happen anywhere or not, so any island has the same chance.

Barbados would provide most of what you have asked for with the exception of a view to nearby Islands. I live in Barbados and have barely made out a neighboring island in the distance once in my life.

Recommended accommodation if you're traveling with a group would be a villa or an apartment. There are a long list of accommodations that meet your criteria. I'd recommend something on the South Coast. Look for addresses such as St Lawrence, Maxwell, Hastings, Worthing, etc. You can look into Vista Villas, Mackston Apartments and Bella Dia for a nice place with minimal frills and reasonable costs. I'd recommend checking out caribbeantraveller.com for a list of properties you can look into though.

If the view of surrounding islands is a deal breaker then St Kitts is one of the best.