Any suggestions for an awesome Caribbean island/beach for a family with teenagers that is affordable? Would like to keep the room rate at about $250. Does not have to be a big complex. We loved the Na Balam Hotel on the island of Isla Mujerus off Cancun (only $140 per nite). Relaxed atmosphere and awesome setting and beach/water.

What is an awesome Caribbean island? I have lived in Antigua for about 30 years and it is still by far my preferred island to live in - but I am not sure I would call it awesome - apart from the 365 beaches, great weather, excellent choices for dining out, sailing, scuba, tennis etc., etc..

For cheap but awesome beach vacations (besides mexico) try Dominican Republic (punta Cana has some incredible beaches but the complexes are mostly large and most are all inclusive with a lot of activities to try), one of the bahamas out islands like eluethra (avoid nassua if possible - too many cruise ships) <BR> <BR>Or for a great time (my favorite) go to the british virgin island of tortola and stay in a small inn. We are going in November and are staying at the Ole Works Inn (11 rooms) in their delux room for $175 per night. IT has two separate floors with the king bed upstairs and a fold out couch downstairs along with a living area and kitchenette to help keep costs down. The island itself is not cheap, but having a kitchen definitely will help you stay in your budget... these islands are quiet and peaceful and extremely safe...not to mention more beautiful than most...try www.bviwelcome.com for info. Most of the activites will center around the gorgeous water...swimming, snorkeling, boating, sailing and it is easy to visit other islands as they are very close. <BR> <BR>The others would be fun, too. E-mail me for more info!

We took our 14-year-old to Aruba in Feb. and paid $165/night (with AAA discount) for room with 2 double beds, mini-fridge, TV, a/c etc. at the Manchebo Beach Resort - modest but very nice 71-room hotel on the BEST stretch of beach in Aruba. Presence of American-style fast food outlets makes it easy to eat cheaply; you can get around on buses, also. Airfare is the problem. There are reasonably priced 1 and 2-bedrm apts. with kitchens at Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, a mile or so north. A very Americanized island, but lots of activities for teens, and safer than most. <BR>

Check out Guana Beach Resort & Marina in the Abaco Islands. I found a 25% off coupon for them at www.lodgingdiscounts.com, there is is also a link to their web site from the internet coupon so you can see the place. Even without the coupon it is very affordable, and the kids would probably love it.

I visited Guana Beach Resort in April during a bareboat sailing charter. It looked to still be suffering the after-effects of Floyd and the fire that followed the storm. When I checked their website, it indicated that some of the lodgings would be open in July, but that it did not recommend first time visitors to stay there til after their planned grand re-opening in February, 2001. However, the Abacos are a great destination, and there are other affordable accomodations on Great Guana Cay, and the other Abaco cays. I can personally vouch for the Sea Spray Resort on Elbow Cay (www.seasprayresort.com) and the Abaco Inn. For more information about the Abacos, visit www.oii.net or www.go-abacos.com.

if you find that place please let us know. My wife and I are well traveled. We did Isla Mujeres for one week and now go no where else. We are in a rut and would love to hear of something else better. ( we are not hopefull) <BR>