Margot

My sister and I are looking for this kind of beach for a vacation next fall. We've never been to the caribbean and get so many conflicting reports about the islands so don't know which is best. My sister found a picture of a beach on St. John called Cinnamon Bay, but we don't know how much the picture may have been 'doctored' to make it look better, and in any case, we would like options for other islands if you know of beaches like this. We don't want to spend a lot of money for big resorts. In fact, we'd like to keep it to $150 a night that we can split. Just need a small one bedroom. (Sister is my identical twin, we are close, so don't mind sharing a bed with her if we have to)Don't need alot of nightlife either..just a local bar where we can talk to a friendly bartender would be fine with us. Oh, and if the place we find is a rental, we would like a small pool, or even a hot tub would do. Does this place exist? Thanks

lilipad

if you're after breathtaking beaches, here's where you do NOT go: cozumel, st.lucia, maybe bahamas is out (i wasn't impressed, but some are)
you might not want a hot tub, it's hot down there! negril, jamaica is neat (beach and cliff sides) but a bit of haggling, don't go in spring break season, though that's the best time for nightlife. caymans are quiet but great beaches. never been to virgin islands ... but the name might make you want to look into this island

Sue

The biggest swimming pool (translate clear, aqua, calm water) I've ever found is Grand Cayman along SMB. Period. Would be a great intro to the Carib, esp for 2 gals alone. But you're going to have to up the budget and definitely stay in low season and forego an oceanview for that price. There are always deals to be had, though, I'm always surprised.

Grand Cayman looks exactly like the photos. Water so beautiful it hurts your eyes. Sunsets take your breath away. Shorts, t's, sundresses & sandals are all you'll need to pack.

Kate

I stayed near Cinnamon Bay in St. John and it is even more beautiful than the pictures!! There are several excellent beaches on St John and you could rent a small villa w/ a pool in the low season there for close to $150/nite.Great restaurants all over the island.-not all are expensive..Woody's is a great bar/hangoutin Cruz Bay..You should investigate the island further on this site and the web..Sounds like it is just what you are looking for..

Rich F

You've just ask my favorite question - what are the "best" & "most beautiful" beaches in the caribbean - postcard quality. To qualify, the beach must have all these great qualities - very calm, very clear, lovely color, shallow slope, no dark spots (reefs, rocks, weeds, sea grass).

My favorites are:
Negril, Jamaica
7 Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Trunk Bay & Cinnimon Bay, St. Johns
Meagans Bay, St. Thomas
Playa Norte, Isla Murjeles, near Cancun
Shoal Bay, Anguilla
Ffryers Bay & Dickenson Bay, Antigua
Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
Grace Bay, Provo
Grand Anse, Grenada
Mullet Bay & Baie Longe, St. Maarten

skip

You don't need to worry about them doctoring the pictures. The Carribean waters are gorgeous, as are many of the beaches. However, not all islands have nice white sand beaches. Rich's message (just prior to mine) is right on target when he lists the best beaches. I just got back from Paradise Island in the Bahamas, and I do not recommend it... boring, no sightseeing, a plain beach with no palm trees for shade, and mediocre waters... I would never go back. I'm on my way to Grand Cayman next week for the first time, and I've heard from many people how gorgeous it is there. I'm also heading to St. John in the winter for the same reason... highly recommended by friends who have been there. Good luck in your search for the perfect island for you.

joan

I agree with Kate -- St. John would be great, I've been to many islands, and the beaches and watercolor are truly awesome. Enjoy!

Sherry

I'd say for the crystal blue water the Turks & Caicos Islands! The water is none like I've ever seen.....BEAUTIFUL!

Sandy

Margot,
I have to agree with Sue, who posted earlier, Grand Cayman wins hands down!! Not only beautiful water and beaches, but for two girls traveling alone, it's the safest island you could go to!!
Sandy

Margot

Thanks all! I will continue to research St. John, and I'll add Grand Caymen and Turks & Caicos to my list.
I found a little house for rent on St. John for $800 week so I know there are places out there...just have to find the right one!
Lilipad, as for the hot tub...my sister had the same comment about it being hot! I told her we don't have to turn the tub on, and we could just get several bags of ice and throw it in the tub! HA!
If anyone has any suggestions on little rentals, I'm all eyes! Thanks~

Eileen

Been to lots of places in Caribbean - my vote for best beaches and water: 1) Grace Bay Beach on Provo, Turks and Caicos and
2) St. John. Gorgeous!

Liz

I keep hearing about how fabuous the water is in Turks and Caicos. but one poster somewhere said the islands themselves are not that pretty. What is the terrain like: flat, mountainous, or rolling hills? lush and green or dry and arrid?

Thanks.

Liz

Jeremy

It has no mountains, but I wouldent call it dry. Its flat green!
Whatever is in the interior of the island is usually run down, with the exception of mansions.

sandy

St. John, USVI is where you want to go. It has the most beautiful beaches -- even more gorgeous than the photographs. Cinnamon Bay and Trunk Bay are on the north side of the island, so the water is not always calm and clear in the winter, when the wind is from the northeast and there is a bit of a surge. But in the summertime, it really is just like a swimming pool. There's a lovely little beach on the south side of St. John: Salt Pond Bay. We swam with turtles and sting rays there and had the place all to ourselves.

One more thing: There are two ferries to St. John from St. Thomas -- one from Red Hook takes 15 minutes, but you have a long taxi ride over winding roads and lots of traffic. Take the ferry from Charlotte Amalie. only about 10 minutes from the airport. It takes 45 minutes, but it's very pleasurable, and you will have the view fo gorgeous St. John all the way.

tivertonhouse

MARGOT:You and your twin might enjoy BAHIA COTTAGE, adjacent to SIESTA villa at Runaway Bay on the North Coast of Jamaica, 1 hour from Mobay,20 min.from Ochie. Now being repainted in bright tropic colors and redecorated with photos soon up on www.jamaicaesccapes.com where, on the SIESTA/BAHIA pages you'll find the beach/waters you seek, 4 yards from your cottage. Printed brochure of property pre-new paint/redecorate is also available. Please e-mail me.Rate is US$1,000/week during off-season this fall,including cook/housekeeper. Transfers,guides,lots of optional services available.

ohoh

Anguilla - Shoal Bay
Negril, Jamaica
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Vieques, Puerto Rico (the beaches on the military bases are totally amazing, but even little public Sun Bay is just what you dream of

Jackie

My husband and I took a ferry over to St. John from St. Thomas when we on a cruise last year. We took a bus to Trunk Bay and the views literally took my breath away. We have visited numerous islands and St. John's is by far the most beautiful beaches and water. A friend goes to Cinnamon Bay almost yearly and camps there with his family. You can find information on the web about cabins at Cinnamon Bay, very reasonable.