Hi,
I'm looking to book a trip to the Caribbean in late February with my girlfriend. I'm having a hard time deciding on where to go. We both want the tranquil beaches but would also like to have some fun at night. We are both 31 and still enjoy a night out, but definetly dont need the spring break party scene. But it would be nice to know that some sort of nightlife does exist if we decide to let loose one night. Here are the things that are important and most looking for.

1. Beautiful Beaches with clear blue ocean.

2. Ability to check out some more things on the island rather then being held up in the resort we choose. Weather that be sightseeing or choosing a restaurant that isnt on the property of the resort.

3. Some sort of Nightlife. Like i said, not looking for a crazy seen.. just a place that could offer some fun at night. A casino would be nice.

4. Some watersports.. would be nice to choose from some things like waverrunner, or snorkeling, or parasailing, etc.

Any suggestions would be great!. Thanks

My opinion, St. Martin comes closest to your criteria.

1. Beaches there are good, but for excelent (some of the best in world) you can day trip from St. Martin to Anguilla-those beaches are stunning.

2. Island hopping, a fort, and the best shopping in Caribbean. St. MArtin also has the some of the best restuarants in the Caribbean in all kinds of price ranges.

3. Clusters of nightlife-I personally like Bamboo Bernies, there are also other places. Walking distance to that is the best casino on St. Martin. (there are a few casinos on St. Martin)

4. Orient Beach has all the watersports you need. St. Martin is not great for snorkeling, ut waverunners, parasailing, etc galour.

Aruba would fit your criteria

Give Cancun some thought.

It had recently reinvented itself to attract a more upscale adult crowd rather than catering to spring-breakers.

Plenty of nightlife and the ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza are close by.

Aruba has similar attributes, and they have gambling as well.

I agree with Aruba. Or instead of Cancun, Playa del Carmen. Closer to the Mayan ruins and 5th Avenue has great nightlife. However, I feel Aruba has the better beaches. They haven't been beat up as bad by tropical storms and hurricanes.

Aruba has the pure white sand beaches and the clear blue water. Baby Beach is very nice and if you swim out to where the rocks are you can see all kinds of different types of fish. Many places are just a short walking distance from the hotels, unless you're off the beaten path. There are casino's, waverunner's and parasailing.

I really just do not like Aruba. Great beaches yes, but highly commercialized and Americanized and not lush at all.

St. Martin has great beaches, charm and wonderful cafes and restaurants as well as being tropical. Antigua is also very pretty with great ebaches and lots of hotel options.

JMO, but Aruba would be last on my list, just below St. thomas.

KFusto
I can understand/appreciate why you dont like Aruba but to put it below ST Thomas??? I just dont see it.
Aruba clearly has much nicer beaches and is a safer island with friendlier locals and it's 100 times cleaner.
As commercialized as Aruba is ST Thomas takes the prize hands down.