I know that probably sounds like a contradiction in terms, but is there such a thing?? I've looked at Parrot Cay, Cap Jaluca, Jumby Bay, and Allmanda Beach Club. Definately, Allmanda Beach Club is far more affordable, but not even in the same ballpark as the others. How about something in between?? The other 3 look gorgeous, but are a bit out of our price range. Also, does the end of April/first of May work in the caribbean weatherwise??

Late April early May is an excellent time to visit the Caribbean. The weather is generalkly quite good - usually some of the best of the year. But keep in mind you are dealing with Mother Nature and there's absolutely no way anyone can guarantee what you will encounter in any given week or two during the year. You can check historical weather records for every island at the following web-sites:

www.weatherbase.com
www.wunderground.com

Late April/early May will also give you some of the lowest rates of the year so that's another good reason to vist at that time.

You'll find resorts in all price ranges on just about every island but you have to remember places like Parrot Cay, Cap Jaluca and Jumby Bay are among the most expensive in the Caribbean. Like just about everything in life you get what you pay for and resorts in the Caribbean are no exception. Regardless of what island it's on the top end resorts are going to be pretty much in the same price range. You have to be realistic and recognize that you won't find a 4-star resort with 3-star prices - it just doesn't happen. If those types of resorts are beyond your budget set your sights a little lower and you'll be fine. First pick your island, then choose the resort on that island that fits your budget and you won't be disappointed.

point well taken! So, do you have any recommendations? We will have a week, and was budgeting approx. $3000. We have $800 in travel vouchers with Delta, so we're hoping to use those to get there. We'll be flying out of Salt Lake City. Hoping to have a romantic getaway for our anniversary. Haven't been on an "alone" vacation since our honeymoon 20 years ago.

Also, we don't have an island preference. We've never been to the Caribbean, so we're very open to any suggestions.

FOr romance you might want an adults only resort. If you want all inclusive, adults only, consider Secrets Capri in Mexico's Riviera Maya and Excellence (used to be Secrets Excellence) in Punta Cana, Domican Republic. Both are romantic places with great service and should be in your price range since your air is taken care of already.

Resorts I think are a great value that time of year and are also relatively upscale/luxurious -- Jamaica Inn, Nisbet Plantation Beach Club (Nevis), Curacao Marriott, Ritz Carlton Rose Hall (Key to Paradise Plan). Caneel Bay is also on my list to travel to during that less expensive season. It's a great time of year to go.

Check out Ku on Anguilla, Nisbet Beach Plantation or Oualie Beach on Nevis, Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda, just about any resort on Tortola, some of the smaller hotel/resorts on St. John and the Marriott on St. Kitts to see if they are in your price range. You might also check resorts on some of the Bahamas Out-islands. It's a good time of year to visit those islands and there are plently of very nice resorts that are reasonably priced.

One other hint, you can save money by staying in one of the lower priced rooms at a given resort. Often these rooms have garden views rather than being beachfront or are somewhat further away from the beach but you'll never be more than a few minute walk from anything and you'll still have full access to all the resort's amenities. Keep in mind you won't be spending too much time in your room other than sleeping and other "indoor activities" which require the drapes to be closed so you won't really miss the view.

Check out Cape Santa Maria on Long Island (bahama out islands).