Hi, I'm looking for a cottage (studio or one bedroom, small kitchen) for a romantic getaway this winter. I'd like it to be within walking distance to a sandy beach, if possible. Not sure which island; I'm open to recommendations. I saw the posts about the Honeymoon Cottage. Does anyone else have any suggestions?
-Newbie to Caribbean travel

Try the Yellow Bird villa on Nevis. We stayed there for a month last year and fell in love with the place. One bedroom, very private 1/2 acre grounds, plunge pool and 2 minute walk to Oualie Beach (and the small hotel located on the beach). http://www.yellowbirdnevis.co.uk/
If you want more info, e-m me.
Cheers, Richard.

Viceroy's suggestion is a good one but you should know that there are literally hundreds of small rental cottages throughout the Caribbean. You'll find them on just about every island so that's relatively easy. Picking the island, is the tricky part.

Since you are a newbie to Caribbean travel you should know that every island is different - some are large, some are small, some have long stretches of beach while others have smaller intimate beaches and still others have no beaches, some are lush others are arid, some are crowded others are secluded, some have active nightlife, some have casinos, smoe have great diving and snorkeling while others don't, some have an American feel, others are more European and some are "old world Caribbean", some are expensive while others are more economical. The thing to remember is that no one island has it all. The contributors here can offer much more help if we had a better idea of what you wanted from your trip.

You'd be better off if you made a list of the 10 or 15 things that are most important to you. Post your list on this forum along with your budget (don't use vague terms like "reasonably priced" or "not too expensive" as they mean different things to different people). That will help us make suggestions that are in-line with what you want. You'll be able to use the information to identify the island that's right for you.

Help us help you - give us more information about you and your desires.

Thanks A Traveller & Richard. Specifically, I'm looking for a low key vacation. Just a beautiful beach, quiet, private accomodation (why I'm staying away from a hotel) with some amenities (small kitchen with refrigeration, stovetop or grill outside). No snorkeling, diving, gambling necessary, but I would like to be able to swim. I don't want a crowded beach. Lush, intimate, wide beach- they all sound good. My budget is between $150-$250 a night. I would consider an apartment, but would prefer a small house. I'd love to have some good local place to eat nearby (within short driving distance) too if possible.
As to the feel- I'm hoping for open and airy and light. Not sure if that makes it American, European or Caribbean!!

I hope this helps narrow it down. I appreciate your help!

That helps a bit. Given your comments Nevis, as Viceroy suggested, might be just what you are seeking. Go to www.nevis1.com and read all about what Nevis has to offer. Use the "Villa" link and you'll find reviews, photos and rates for a number of cottages in your budget range.

Another spot to consider is Nail Bay on Virgin Gorda (www.nailbay.com). They have a number of small rental cottages in your price range. The cottages are just steps away from a very nice beach and the islad itself is picturesque, with a variety of restaurants and many terrific beaches.

Wherever you decide to go plan on renting a car - in general, unless you are staying on "motel row" the rental cottages will not be near too many restaurants and shops besides having a car will allow you to explore the island at your convenience. Hope this helps.

Nevis would be a good choice for you. There are some cottages, I think Richard pointed out a website. Others would be Guavaberry Spring bay in Virgin Gorda or Cane Garden Bay Cottages on Tortola or Blue Waters Apartments on Anguilla. I have stayed at all.

Honeymoon Cottage is on St. John USVI. Try Caribbeandays.com for a big selection of rentals on just about every island.

This would be my choice. Click through the pictures. I would pick the cottage on the promontory. Haven't stated there but it remains atop my list.

http://www.jamaicaescapes.com/horizon/jeshorp3.html

Hi again,
I'm narrowing it down between Cane Garden Bay Cottages & Guavaberry Spring Bay Cottages. Love to hear back on the accomodations and location- what is preferable for location/atmosphere, beach (quiet), and general comments. Thanks so much, you've all been very helpful.

Both woudl be great places to go. Just so you know, they are not luxury accommodations, but I am sure you figured that out, based on your research so far.

Cane garden bay cottages are set directly behind the beach. Cane garden bay has gotten more built up in the past years. It has several restaurants, etc. groceries, etc. CGB is really its own "town" of sorts. The accommodations are nice, simply furnished, but the location is great. They all have screened in porches, which is nice. You can stay up and play cards after dinner or have drinks, whatever. They have small kitchens, LR, BR and bath. The BR should have A/C. They are very comfortable, clean accommodations.

Guavaberry are small houses built on stilts. They have no A/C, but are up high enough to catch the breeze, plus they are hexagon shaped with windows on all sides (really no solid walls) just jalousie type shutters. Very relaxing to nap in the bed with a nice breeze. The beach at guavaberry is very nice, small, but beautiful with the boulders, etc. Some restaurants are within walking distance. GSB also has a commissary which is very reasonable and you can order bread each day from them to p/u at the office. There is a grocery in town. The taxis are very reasonable there. African Pride is the best company. GSB is very dark at night, bring your flash light (should be one in the house) if you walk anywhere. It is a safe island. We always took a taxi to dinner and arranged that they pick us up at the same time each night.
If you have never been to either, I would suggest going to both Tortola and Virgin Gorda, depending on how much time you have. Tortola is busier and much larger. Virgin Gorda is smaller and more quiet. They are both great for different reasons.
I have been going to the BVI for the past 30 years, so I have seen a lot of changes. But the BVIs are near and dear to me.
Let me know if you have any other questions.