My husband and I LOVE the beach are celebrating our 5 year anniversary in November. We want to go somewhere in the Carribean thats easy to get to and low key. We enjoy snorkeling, and watersports, and walks through the town. Any suggestions? We would like to stay in a condo on or bery near the beach w/ a kitchen thats in walking distance to restaurants, etc. No crime area. Any suggestions will be appreciated!!

If beaches and low-key island atmosphere are attractive to you, consider the Out Islands of the Bahamas, all of which have stunning beaches and are definitely low-key. Accomodations run the gamut from small resorts to large rental homes. We have stayed at a resort on Elbow Cay (in the Abacos) called Sea Spray Resort with very basic villa-like accomodations facing a marina on the Sea of Abaco, with the Atlantic Ocean over a ridge at your back. Visit www.seasprayresort.com. Most people who visit the Abacos rent houses, and you can get lots of info by visiting the very active Abaco Community Message Board (www.abacoboard.com). My last trip to Abaco was a bareboat sailing charter, and you can visit my personal website for a trip report and photos (www.homestead.com/islandtime/MainPage1.html). Also, depending on where you are coming from, reaching the Out Islands is fairly simple, but if you're planning to go in November, you'd better get cracking. <BR> <BR>I've never visited the Caymans, but have visited the BVI and the Abacos 3x each -- given a choice, I would choose Abaco. <BR> <BR>E-mail me directly if you have any specific questions.

<BR>You've just described Grand Cayman. It's so low key that nightlife is almost non-existent. Watersports are about the only real attractions. Hell & the turtle farm are great for kids. Very safe. Very clean. Very laid back. Wonderful snorkeling in many areas, from the shore & by charter. Lots of beach accomodations of all types & sizes all over the island. Short, easy flight. <BR> <BR>The one big drawback is the cruise ship crowds. Go to the Cayman CC at caribTalk for suggestions & definitely read thru the back posts for lots of good ideas. (For some reason, the most recent months are listed at the bottom in the jump box.) <BR> <BR>Congrats on your anniversary. We always celebrate ours on the beach too!

congratulations on five years together - you must have married a wonderful man. as far as watersports go, I would highly recommend staying in a villa within walking distance of a place to windsurf. not that the vacation needs to revolve around windsurfing - but it is awesome to have the option within eyesight of your hammock.

Have you considered Aruba? The beaches are the best in the Caribbean and it's south of the hurricane belt, so you don't have to worry. Wonderful restaurants, great nightlife, and plenty to see and do. Or just relax on the beach. <BR> <BR>

Tortola is incredible. Very tropical, laid back, clean, but upscale. Not too touristy either. Fort Recovery is very nice place to stay & also Long Beach Villas.