WT the AXA villa we stay in is on the water but not on a beach and the owners are no longer going to rent it out--making us very unhappy. We always stay in the West End which means we have to drive to snorkeling which we are willing to do. Agree about Shoal Bay East but many people on this board love it. The following villas are all high-end, some I have seen and some I haven't and all are on the water with beach and some snorkeling. Bird of Paradise, Sandy Hill (decent snorkeling), Tequila Sunrise, Dropsey Bay, (new villa--looks fantastic), L'Embellie, Forest Bay (shallow water), Turquaz, Little Harbour. Also new luxury villas called Kamique, Little Harbour, no sandy beach but snorkeling. Good luck! We have been everywhere in the Carib. and have settled on AXA as our favorite because of the restaurants, people, beaches, and it's easy to get around--no steep mountains.

For a wonderful choice of villas, I would much prefer to be in the Spring Bay area of Virgin Gorda-gorgeous beach that goes on forever, perfect for kids and you don't have to deal with the bad road at Mahoe. Take a look at http://www.guavaberryspringbay.com/ and click on deluxe villas. JKR

Hi WanderingTexan,
Are you open to other islands? If so, below are 3 of my top pics I’ve been saving the links to (just in case we can round up a bunch of couples to go someday!). They all are large, easy to get to, and very upscale. Good luck!

St. John
http://www.caribbeanway.com/villa-page/ind/106224.asp

Jamaica, Sugar Bay
http://www.caribbeanway.com/villa-page/ind/104946.asp

Dominican Republic
http://www.villa-castellamonte.com/