For whoever is following this, first the good news – we are no longer in the ‘spend’ freeze situation, so we can afford a little better winter getaway next year (Jan-Feb timeframe). This means a more generous budget of about 5000, maybe a little more, for a week (that includes the airfare from NYC).
We’ve been to (and loved them all): St.John, Virgin Gorda, Anguilla, Bonaire, Belize, Costa Rica. This time I am very undecided of where to go.

As much as I would like to go to St.Lucia, the robbery at gun point last year is a serious issue for us http://www.usatoday.com/story/cruise...bbery/2083533/. I would still consider it if the “incident” had happened in a non-touristic area, or if the tourists’ behavior was considered “not safe”, but I cannot say that.

So, don’t really want to return to any place we’ve visited before and don’t want to go to St.Lucia. A place where we could snorkel would be great (Curacao?) or where we could explore lush jungle vegetation (Dominica?). Please don’t suggest Roatan/Honduras, we are planning a longer trip in the future there.

We like renting a villa so a safe area fairly close to restaurants is important, and we usually rent a car. We prefer quiet islands or areas (no nightlife, no casinos) and safe. Other islands we are considering are Vieques, Jost van Dyke or the Grenadines, but I don’t know anything about any of them. Also, Turks and Caicos, but I heard the water is cold(er) there in Jan/Feb. What are you suggesting?

Have you looked into Nevis? Not great snorkeling but lovely and gracious island. We stayed at Nisbet Plantation and loved it.

Thanks Jimmie - Nisbet Plantation looks beautiful, but not what we are looking for. "Daily Rates Include full breakfast, afternoon tea and gourmet dinner"
We like to explore different restaurants...but I will include Nevis as an option, the island looks lovely, indeed.

St. Barts. Take a look at the villas listed by Wimco and other rental agencies. In spite of it's high priced reputation, there are reasonably priced villas and restaurants on St. Barts.

went to curacao last year to snorkeling. snorkeling was great.felt safe most of the time. I would stay a little northwest of willemsted so you would be close city and avoid traffic. best snorkeling is northwest up near westpunt. need a rental car. i stayed south last year and had to drive through traffic everyday.