We are looking for the closest island, a luxurious resort with great food, that has the best snorkeling - right from the hotel's beach. We have been all over the world but want something that would be the shortest plane ride from NYC (nonstop). We don't want DR, Playacar, Grand Cayman, unless a recommendation is of a resort that is isolated from others. We dislike when resorts are crammed up next to one another, therefore, leaving no privacy at the resort we are at. We want to spend under $5000 in March or early April, so if you know of a great place that is really a luxury resort, please tell.

Caneel Bay

Anguilla-Shoal Bay

Another set of islands to try are the out islands of the bahamas or turks and caicos. I think that there is a really luxurious, relatively isolated resort on Provo that was featured by the travel channel as one of the worlds best caribbean resorts. There is supposed to be excellent snorkeling throughout the T&C. Check out Andros and the Exumas or Long island in the bahamas as well. Then there is always Pink Sands, the Chris Blackwell resort on Harbor Island in the Bahamas. The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos would be the shortest flight from New York. I am sure if you do a search online or get a guide book, or even talk to a travel agent that specializes in the Caribbean, you can find a resort in these islands that fits the bill.

Coral Gardens in Turks. Beautiful smaller resort - decor of the suites is so beautiful. Right outside the resort is an excellent snorkeling site with a trail to follow. Water is very clear and calm and so blue. Beaches are very long and uncrowded and just prestine.

There shouldn't be a problem at all with the weather in Antigua in Nov/Dec. It is one of the islands that gets very little rain.<BR><BR>We were married at Sandals Antigua and it was perfect. I couldn't have asked for a better weddingmoon. I am not one of those &quot;Sandals Lovers&quot; but this resort really has a great laid back and romantic charm to it. It has incredible landscaping, an amazing beach...and it's so peaceful and relaxing you can hear yourself breathe!! We have never enjoyed ourselves (or each other) more than on this vacation. There is plenty to do as far as land/water sports and at night they have entertainment (usually a steel drum band). They also have a beach party once a week. But what is so great is you can join in or do nothing at all! And the resort is like having your own Caribbean village to hang out in. We loved it!<BR><BR>And as far as the wedding, it couldn't have been more perfect. We had no stress what-so-ever. They took care of everything and it was SO beautiful. I can't really put the experience or the place into words to describe it well enough! We truly enjoyed it!<BR><BR>Congrats and enjoy where ever you choose to go! And if you have any other questions, or would like me to e-mail you pics, just let me know!

Penny,<BR><BR>First of all, flying (nonstop) is simply a matter of whether or not the airline you use offers this. You'll have to call them after you decide on which island to visit, as most of us would enjoy nonstop flights, but it's simply not always possible.<BR><BR>You say you want &quot;luxury&quot;, but you wanted to spend less than 5K. You need to keep in mind that March &amp; usually most of April are prime time, and prices are higher. So finding a &quot;true luxury&quot; resort during these travel times will be challenging to say the least. Other posters have mentioned places like Caneel Bay in St John, and Coral Gardens in T&amp;C. Although these properties are very nice, both with good snorkeling on site, and good dining nearby, the price tag for either one will definitely exceed 5K after you include airfare. Both of these resorts might be feasable in May as the rates will be lower. <BR><BR>The way I see it, (just an opinion), is that you either need to change your travel dates for off season, or scale down your quest for luxury resorts. If you want some seclusion, awesome restaurants, great snorkeling from shore, you really need to investigate the northern section of Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman. I know you mentioned GC as a &quot;no-no&quot; in your post, but it does offer everything you mentioned, if you are willing to stay in a nice condo, in place of a &quot;luxury&quot; resort. Believe me, some of the condos in GC, are more than comfortable accomodations. And if you stay on the northern section of the beach, you will find plenty of seclusion. <BR><BR>

Caneel Bay. Fly from JFK or Newark, non stop, ferry over to St. John.

If you are interested in great snorkeling...don't go to Anguilla.<BR><BR>

While I loved Harbor Isalnd, it sure wasn't easy getting there! We had flight delays from PR to Eleuthera, then had to wait on the ferry. This was a 6 hour ordeal! No, great snorkeling isn't there at Anguilla. Caneel is best choice I can think of ...haven't been to Turks yet.

Skip - I don't know who your agent is but I already got a quote (including air) for Caneel at $5000 and a couple of other luxury resorts - including Maroma and Cuisinart. We are going BEFORE Easter - which is the end of April this year. <BR>Islandgirl - no sandals, but thanks.

PS -GC is out because it is TOO touristy and the resorts are on top of one another. We want privacy. We will get the luxury we want for the price we want, we've been doing it for over a decade around the world. We just want suggestions as the Caribbean is &quot;newer&quot; to us, although we've been a handful of times, as we recently relocated to the east coast from the west and are more familiar with the Pacific tropical islands. Thanks anyway

Caneel Bay is beautiful. Seven private beaches, great food, snorkeling. GO!!!

What about Cuisinart

The brand new Four Seasons on Great Exuman in the Bahamas is exactly what you're seeking. It's scheduled to open &quot;mid-2003,&quot; just in time for your trip (hopefully)! By the way, what are some of your favorite resorts in Hawaii, Tahiti or Australia, assuming you've been to all three of these places?

<BR>Caneel has my vote. You can snorkel on the beach right outside your door.Turtle, all kinds of fish. Sometimes even a sting-ray.

Norman-<BR><BR>Hawaii - favorite is Four Seasons Hualalai <BR>Maui - Four Seasons Maui<BR>Kauai- Hyatt Kauai or Princeville - although I like Poipu (Hyatt) better b/c of less rain<BR>Tahiti- none on the island of Tahiti but love Hotel Bora Bora and on Rangi I love the Sauvage although this is a no electricity place but just the escape we need<BR>Only been to Hayman in Australia and was almost a decade ago Like tahiti better<BR>We are thinking of the Cook Islands next . . .

Caneel is great (especially due to beaches) but LITTLE CAYMAN Bloody Bay Wall is the ULTIMATE snorkeling. Belize is very good too but you have to take a pretty long boat trip to get to the reef.

Thanks, Penny! We definitely have the same taste, so I would avoid Caneel Bay at all costs as the accommodations are quite subpar and not luxurious at all! I'll stick with my original advice: Wait for the Four Seasons Exuma (But the scenery can't compare with Hawaii or Tahiti!)!

I know its not the Caribbean, but have you tried Bermuda? Close plane ride from NYC.....JFK....some great secluded villas........etc.