Mark

My wife and I have narrowed our first trip to the Caribbean down to these four islands. while we anticipate the beaches, it's not something that would hold our interest all day. We would also like to shop, site see, enjoy nice restaurants, go on some excursions, etc. What do you think best fits the bill? Thank you.

Penney

While I have never been, people rave about the beauty of Bermuda. It is rich in culture, alot to see and explore. I have never heard a negative comment.

As much as I loved Turks for the beach (most beautiful one we have ever seen), there is very little to do. There is a small town with "maybe I will open today" hours! There are some good restaurants in the area but generally, it really is a desert island. People do rents jeeps to explore and do visit neighboring islands.

Karen

Anguilla - beach it, good dining, lunch at Scilly Cay (that's kinda beaching it), sail on Chocolat, snorkle trips to several cays off island, take the ferry to SXM for the day or St. Barth's. Not much shopping on island but definitely great beaches and dining! Easy to drive, friendly people
St. John - exploring different beaches, sailing/power boat trips to BVI (Jost van Dyke, the Baths on Virgin Gorda and other spots for sites), good dining, hiking the Nat'l Park and other activity in the Park, shopping either on St. John in the two small shopping areas or ferry to STT for the mecca of duty free shopping. Driving a bit more challenging but more to see than Anguilla - some sugar mill ruins, petrographs, etc. Historical sites on STT.
TCI - beaches, trips to other more pristine islands than Provo. No shopping to speak of. "Deserted island" picnics. Several good restaurants. Very arid and uninteresting terraine and scenery except for the great beach on Provo and spectacular water in the TCI. Less developed than the others.
Bermuda - been a long time since I've been. Rent a scooter to explore. Interesting island and decidely more "British" than the BVI's or BWI's.

Leni

Mark,
We've been to Bermuda recently and couldn't be more happy with our choice !
Make sure you go in spring or fall (summer is just to hot & humid). Our eight days were not enough. Lots and lots of historic sites in the town of St. George, Hamilton, Dockyard, etc. Beautiful beaches with pink/white sand and greenish/blue waters ! Unique shopping opportunities in Hamilton. Some nightlive but rather conservative. The only negative (for some) is that one cannot rent a car -only scooters. However, the bus and ferry system is very efficient and getting from one place to another is not a problem at all. We loved Bermuda ! Have fun wherever you decide to go.

Shari

Mark,
Just be aware that Bermuda is not in the Caribbean and would be a much cooler destination in the winter months than the other places you mentioned. What time of year are you planning to travel?

Mark

Thanks for the replies. You have all been very helpful.

Shari: Our travel dates are, for the most part, open at this point. But I will keep that in mind if Bermuda becomes our choice.

penny

Mark-Bermuda is a wonderful upscale beautiful island. It has much more of a European style and charm. Lots to see and do-Dockyards with the Maritime museum, ferry over to shop in Hamilton a cosmopolitan little city, dine in a pub, go to the Aquarium, explore old St. George, climb to the top of Gibbs Light, walk the old rail trails, and walk the many coral rocks along some of the most beautiful beaches we have found. It has beautiful gardens and pink Bermuda houses with their white rain catching roofs. We love Bermuda and have been there many times. I would recommend the beach weather from April thur October!
Anguilla is very different, flat arid and lots of beaches to explore. It too has become our favorite places too! Lots of little Beach bars and laid back atmosphere. You can take a short ferry ride to busy Marigot in St.Martin, shop etc. You can go to a different beach each day, explore and just relax. The people on this island make you feel at home!
ST. John is almost all national park, lots of beaches and snorkeling. St. John to me is an American, caribbean laid back feeling almost like happy California. Great island to ferry to BVI and St. Thomas. Karen is the expert on this local!
You know the saying Love the one your with-well thats how we feel about the particular isalnd we are on at the time!

penny

P.S---By the way Mark, all your choices are excellent! I do not think you can go wrong with any of them. Keep us posted!

Mark

Thanks Penny, I hate to throw this in the mix, but I've reading some good things about St. Barths too. Any thoughts on this? Any straight flights from the US? Thanks.

Karen

Quit looking! You'll just confuse yourself! LOL You definitely have good choices! (and can't help with St. Barth's - was going to check it out in December but the ferry between Anguilla and St. Barth's wasn't running).

Julie

Hi Mark,
St. Barth's is another good choice. There aren't any direct flights from the U.S. We flew to St. Martin, then took Winair (sp?) to St. Barths. Very short flight. You can also take a ferry, but the flight it easier, IMO.

We spent 7 nights there, which was plenty. Would probably do 4-5 next time. The beaches are fabulous. There's not any nightlife, really; although, I've heard that there's one club. The restaurants are excellent - some of the best in the Caribbean. Shopping in Gustavia is good, with a mix of upscale boutiques (Cartier, Hermes) and more affordable shops. There's really not a lot of sightseeing, besides riding around the island to the different beaches.

We loved St. Barths and hope to return someday.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Julie

penny

Mark I have heard wonderful things about St. Barts, but I dread the hair razing flight so we have not been there yet. Again, all your choices are great!

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