I am planning an anniversary trip soon and need your help deciding the best Caribbean island for us. We are in 30's and no children and never been to Caribbean. The criteria we are looking for: 1) Great beaches and snorkeling; 2)Easy access from California; and 3)Safe and relaxed atmosphere with Caribbean "feel." Thanks for your help.

St. Lucia. <BR> <BR>Breezes or sandals. All inclusives. No Kids. California is far from all of the islands. Lay over in Miami and you can hit them all.

Hi Mark, <BR>Let me recommend the British Virgin Islands. The main islands are Tortola and Virgin Gorda, but there are several other smaller islands in the group which you can do day trips to if you wish. There are scores of beautiful uncrowded beaches with terrific snorkeling, especially on laid back Virgin Gorda. There is virtually no crime against tourists other than some rare petty theft when tourists are careless. I feel safer there than at home in my upper middle class suburban neighborhood in Dallas. The BVI has a definite casual Caribbean feel and atmosphere. They put RELAX in relaxation. American Airlines flies into Tortola's Beef Island International Airport with connections thru San Juan, PR. You can also fly into St. Thomas, USVI via Miami and catch the ferry over to Totola's West End. <BR> <BR>You can read about our experiences in the BVI this past June in my trip report which is posted at http://virginislandsnow.homestead.co...0vacation.html. Some helpful BVI websites: http://bviwelcome.com, http://BritishVirginIslands.com, http://www.b-v-i.com, and http://islandsonline.com. <BR> <BR>There are several places in the Caribbean that probably meet your criteria, but my favorite place on earth is the BVI. <BR> <BR>Regards, <BR>Ray

A Sandals Resort is a must! have been to the Bahamas and Jamaica and am going to St. Lucia in Feb, but I would say you should look into Sandals Negril, it is heaven their just what you are looking for. If you would like information just email me.

Like Ray above, I have a great fondness for the BVI, but I've been finding the islands a little more crowded every time I visit (the arrival of cruise ships doesn't help). So, to get even more away from it all, I head to the Abacos, in the Out Islands of the Bahamas (as easy a trip from California as you will find -- fly to Miami, West Palm, Orlando or Lauderdale, and then its another hop on various carriers to Marsh Harbour). <BR> <BR>The Abacos are a collection of cays; choose one for your home base (each has something to recommend it), then rent a motorboat or ferry to the others. The beaches are incomparable, the waters clear as gin. The reefs are largely untouched and unbleached, so the snorkeling is great -- some of it right off the beach. <BR> <BR>As for feeling safe, many of the inns don't even hand out keys to the rooms -- you don't need them. (Of course, to say there is NO crime is over-stating the case, but I can't think of many safer places anywhere). <BR> <BR>And there is definitely an island feel (not Disney-esque, but genuine). The lilt of the islanders' speech, the relaxed "soon come" attitude, the local foods, and the feeling of having fallen off the edge of the earth -- they really take you away. <BR> <BR>For more information, e-mail me directly or visit my personal website for an Abaco trip report (sailing) and photos, as well as BVI trip reports: www.homestead.com/islandtime/MainPage1.html. <BR> <BR>Cheers.

All of the previous suggestions are good ones. But I will put my two cents in for the BVI. They are my ideal caribbean island...charming, unspoiled, low-key tourism, great snorkleing, beaches, water, unique hotels (no high rises and the list could go on. But there is some night life on the islands...consisting of steel bands at a beach bar. No loud discos or night clubs and really nice people. If you want a total escape, head to one of the smaller islands for a few days where you may feel like the only ones there. The BVIs are a great place to hang out and meet people or find your own secluded spot...what ever suits your fancy. <BR> <BR>One last note, our first trip together was to the BVI's where we chartered a yahct for a few days to explore the islands. That trip still lingers in our minds and we are finally heading back this november...can't wait! (it will be the only place we have returned to twice). <BR> <BR>AS mentioned previously, there are no easy access islands from california, most likely you will fly to Dallas, Dallas to San Juan, San juan to BVI. Have you ever been to tahiti? That may actually take you less time to get there and those islands are also quite amazing! I believe its a seven hour non-stop flight from LAX.

St. Thomas / Cokei Beach <BR>Nice beach and some shallow snorkling. <BR>Be sure to order a BBC to drink at any bar in the Caribbean. On a warm / hot day they will cool you down and taste good too!! <BR> <BR>Have a good trip.

My best Caribbean experience was at Negril on the northwestern coast of Jamaica. Being a college senior at the University of Soth Dakota, I had never made love to an African-American before that night last March near the beach as the full moon shinned down on us while we passionately joined together in unspeakable bliss amongst the coconuts and conch shells while the waves began to crash near us. Only the thunderous surf drowned out our cries of passion. Negril is the place for me.

Bambi: You were a senior at the University of South Dakota, but you can't spell South correctly. Tell me that you didn't graduate.

Grand Cayman meets all your criteria: snorkle from shore in 82 degree water and see octopus, turtles. eagle rays, etc. in 120' visibility. 2 hour flight from Houston (WAY closer than the eastern carrib.!) Nice people, low crime, beautiful beaches with sand like sugar, and at night, you can see every star in the sky and the moon is like a spotlight!

My husband and I (early 30's, no kids) spent 8 days on Anguilla in May. We didn't really know what to expect, and it was fabulous. Tourism is still small there, and the locals are generous and welcoming. The beaches are amazing, and just about all the gourmet restaurants are located at the end of bumpy, dirt roads, overlooking the ocean. You might want to check it out as part of your search, but you can't go wrong with the BVI. Good luck!

Anguilla... Nicest low key island in the Carb... Great beaches, food , people... very safe. Own a villa there... Fly to Puerto Rico then direct to Anguilla...Best Hotels : Mallihouana... Best Villa : Carimar <BR>Enjoy !!!

I would recommend the following suggestions. <BR> <BR>1. Dunmore Beach Club Harbor Island <BR>2. Guana Island, BVI <BR>3. Biras Creek, BVI <BR>4. Cooper Island, BVI - Budget Value <BR>5. Bora Bora Hotel, Bora Bora <BR>6. Matangi Island, Fiji <BR> <BR>Given the choice to my wife she would choose Matangi. It is an easier to get there than to the BVI from California where we live in San Diego and more than likely less expensive for you. For us the use of senior coupons to Puerto Rico makes it a bargain to go to BVI about $400 RT. Check the 7 day package including air at www.matangiisland.com. Right now I would not worry about the local political problems.