Hello all---
I am planning a trip in mid-january to the bahamas (originally going to mexico, but with wilma damage I want to give PDC some time to recoop). I need some honest opinions on where to go/stay.
I want somewhere oceanfront. The size of rooms is not really an issue. I am torn on AI or not. I think that as long as there is an ample selection of restaurants and clubs nearby that are tourist-friendly then I would not mind a non-AI. (I have always stayed in AI's everywhere I go)
I do not know much about the different islands of the bahamas so any input would be great. Below is a list of what my husband and I are interested in to hopefully get the feedback we need:

-relaxing on the beach with an alcoholic beverage in hand
-sightseeing of historical places
-snorkeling
-shopping

I hope that someone out there has similar expectations and can help point us in the right direction. I feel I need to make reservations soon before everything books up.

Thanks so much---anna

just wanted to mention that the temp. in the Bahamas/jan, can be pretty cool..so if you're looking for long days on the beach/pool you might give thought to an island a little more south ...have known people who have traveled there at that time of year and have really had warm weather , other times not..a chance you take. good luck!

We stayed at Sandals Royal Bahamian and loved it. Good beach, though kinda small, 2 large pools with swim-up bars and whirlpools, 8 resturants and several bars including a disco, piano bar and pub. Decent nightlife directly on property if you are a person who likes to partisipate, a spa and a privite Island with pool, beach, restuarnt and bar. The public bus stops directly out front and was easy to use for shopping and sightseeing. Sandals has a tour desk also and includes a free snorkle tour on their private boat.

I agree that January might be too cool to enjoy water activities. It usually doesn't get warm enough to swim until around May, but can vary. We went in Sept. and the weather was perfect.

Thank you guys for the responses. With all the confusion, I really didn't stop to think about the temperature in January. Perhaps Antigua....

You might not want to give up on Mexico. PDC is already making quite a comback. By January things should be fine.

Just got back from Riu on Paradise Island. Right next to Atlantis. (Have already stayed there.) Liked the Riu much better (AI) and you can walk over to the casino or restaurants if you want. We went over every night.
Our favorite snorkling is Turks and Caicos. We have been to many many islands and that is by far the most amazing. We got spoiled for anywhere else.
St. Kitts Marriot is also an option. We loved it there brand new.
St. Thomas Secret Harbor is the only place to stay (on Saint Thomas that is) Has a nice restaurant, and bar and on a cove/bay. We loved that too. Hope this helps.Took a short ferry to St. John for two days. Beautiful there also.
Have a ball, there are some great prices right now.