My husband and I are planning a 4 nighter and it's his first time, my second in the Caribbean.

Here are the specifics:
-flying out of NY
-we're in our 30s; not super party people, but we'd like a combination of decent food, lying on the beach, some hiking, some nightlife
-we'd like a warm island, which could be an issue in March
-we'd like to stay under $2,000
-and a hotel that is NOT family-friendly (my apologies to moms and dads.

Thanks all!

With only 4 nights you need a destination you can reach non-stop from NY (I assume you mean the NYC area airports). Since you are going in Marh I'd avoid the Bahamas as weather can be iffy. Keep your sights on islands from Puerto Rico and south. Check out St. Thomas or St. Martin - both have good beaches, plenty of restaurants in all price ranges (St. Martin has more choices), ample places for hiking and numerous hotels in your price range. St. Martin is perfect for people in your age group and caters to young adults.

A specific unit that's away from hub bub of others geared to adults only would be units 1 thru 3 at Gallows Point Resort on st john in march...good time to avoid families then on st john. Gallows gets adult oriented from March thru summer.

www.gallowspointresort.com

What about St Lucia. Weather should be no problem, great hiking and other "adventure" activities, beaches, good food. Check out Tikaye Village and Ladera for accommodation. I'd suggest Barbados, maybe Turtle Beach. The new Barbados Hilton is on a great beach too, good food.

Maybe these Puerto Rico sites can help you in your search for alternatives:

www.gotopuertorico.com
www.gotoparadores.com
www.islaculebra.com

I really love PR Culebra Island, www.islaculebra.com, I stayed at Club Seabourne and love all the incredible beaches there (Flamenco and Zoni), you can get there by sea or air. It is a very peaceful island and if you want some nightlife you can visit Mamacitas.

Don't neglect looking at the BVI. Beautiful beaches and snorkling, rustic and/or luxury accommodations, great food, ferries to all of the islands, reasonable costs, fun shopping. We go there frequently and love it.

My husband and I are also doing a 4 night getaway in March. I looked at Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, St. John and Jamaica. We chose jamaica because of the quick flight. I LOVE the BVI's, but it's an all day trip with flights to St. Thomas or through Puerto Rico. St. Thomas is like being in parts of Florida (we couldn't wait to leave). For what it is worth...I looked at so many small resorts that my head could spin. We chose the caves in Jamaica which is over your budget, but I seriously considered Rockhouse or Tensing Pen. They have great ratings on all travel sites, give the carribean feel, have good food and are a great value and a few other bars/restaurants in close proximity. They do not allow children as the resorts are on the cliffs (safety) and a plus for those of us escaping ours. Idle Awhile was also a great one on the beach. Good luck!

Hi - what about Barbados? I have heard great things about Sandy Lane. You can also go to Trip Advisor to check out reviews by other people for hotels you are thinking about. Could also try to stay in States and go to Florida, but you may hit spring break.