My husband is taking me to the Caribbean in January for 5-7days. In need of some suggestions; we have been to Puerto Rico, Grand Cayman, and Aruba, stayed at the Atlantis in the Bahamas. My husband’s cousin has suggest the The One and Only in the Bahamas, but since we’ve been to the Bahamas would like to try a different island. We’d like to go to an island that has clear blue water to snorkel, safe, not touristy. We’d like to stay in a place on the beach which has private lunge pool off of room or private villa with own pool on the beach.

The Bahamas could be cool in January so you probably want to go further south.

Virgin Gorda is a safe and attractive island that is somewhat difficult to get to so it will probably meet your definition of non-touristy. The island has many beaches with very good walk insnorkeling. Check out villas at Mahoe Bay as most have pools and are either beachfront or just yards away from the beach. If you want a resort atmosphere check out Little Dix Bay.

St. John is another safe island with lots of rental villas, wonderful beaches and decent snorkeling.

For spectacular beaches with access to some decent but not great snorkeling check out Anguilla. You'll have your choice of rental villas and condo like accomodations (Shoal Bay villas and Ku come to mind) and full service resorts like Cap Juluca (has several units with private plunge pools.

Wow sounds like a wonderful plan I wish I could (from experience) refer you but alas I have not yet reached that level of beautiful Caribbean...however....I am guessing as a suggestion you may want to explore Anguilla as a Caribbean travel option....it is pretty high end but I am guessing you may manage that. There is also the lovely island of Nevis with some decadent hotels but I am not certain about private plunge pools - oh but wait...in St. Kitts (not on the beach but totally brilliantly fantastic) is Ottleys Plantaion which does have individual cottages on a beautiful plantation style property with rolling views to the ocean over lush foliage and a rainforest trek on property.

As I am thinking you may also want to check St.Lucia for places such as Ladera or Jalousie? I know one of those has plunge pools private to the room...as another decadent choice but uncertain about plunge pools Anse Chastenet.

Have fun!

Just want to caution you about plunge pools in January. They are not heated and are cold. Not worth the extra $$$ when they really can't be used. Might look at resorts with private jacuzzis instead.

If still interested, there are several resorts in the Riviera Maya of Mexico with plunge pools. Check out the El Dorado Maroma. Sandals resorts on Antigua, Jamaica and St. Lucia have plunge pools. Ladera on St. Lucia has a plunge pool. The Springs Resort and Spa in Costa Rica has villas with plunge pools.

I would second the coldness factor in January. There are several resorts along the Riviera Maya which offer in room Jacuzzis and I really think that is a great option. I agree with several of the posters and think Riveria Maya or Anguilla are your answer. Of course Anguilla is going to cost you tons more, but offers an experience like you will never have again. If you stay at Cap Jaluca they offer suites with their own pools and they will be warm at that time of year. I personally have been a huge fan of Anguilla for the last five years and would go there in a heartbeat if I could right now. If you can afford it, don't pass it up.

Skip Nevis if snorkeling is a high priority for you. The snorkeling there and on neighboring St. Kitts is underwhelming at best.

Ahh it is true about the snorkeling in Nevis and St.Kitts if you are well experienced...there is snorkeling and for my family of new snorkelers they were really happy.

I am sad to hear someone was underwhelmed by St.Kitts as we have been over the moon about it for several years now but that is why we all love different spots. It is very different from the low lying, pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters of Anguilla hence the recommendation there....I loved Anguilla the short time I was there but I am more of a rainforest, mountainous, hiking and breathtaking views kind of travellers with access to good food and great wine!

Have a wonderful time - finding out what is right for you is the best research I can imagine!

No responder to this thread said they were underwhelmed with St. Kitts. What I said was the snorkeling on both Nevis and St. Kitts was underwhelming. Aside from that both islands have great appeal.

January-----I'd head for Barbados. It's far enough south for good weather and has many different levels of accomodations, excellent food, and gorgeous beaches on the west coast. You could look at The Colony Club. It has a great river pool with rooms that open up right on to it, not a private plunge pool, but pretty close. Another beautiful property is The Coral Reef Club.

Another favorite of ours is Anguilla, but other Fodorites would have to comment on the January weather. We've only been there in March & April.

St. Bart's is fabulous if you like the French influence and plan on high costs.

Our new favorite is Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos, but again I probably wouldn't recommend it in Jan. It's a little far north---we go in March-April.

Here's some websites forBarbados:

www.coralreefbarbados.com

www.colonyclubhotel.com

sandylane.com

Then there is always www.tripadvisor.com to check any resort out including Glitter Bay and Fairmont Royal Pavillion on Barbados.

Hope I gave you some ideas.

Sorry RoamsAround - I realize now that I misread your response!

I must still be touchy since Signature Vacations dumped St.Kitts up here...I am glad you enjoyed St.Kitts as well as Nevis.