I am planning a vacation in March and need some suggestions on what island(s) to consider as well as accommodations. Just my girlfriend and I will be traveling (35-40). We are looking primarily for R&R – nice beach, some snorkeling, clean and friendly accommodations, good food, and not too touristy. We’re not into the casinos or nightlife. If there are worthwhile local sites, we will only devote about a day-day and a half. We are definitely on a budget, so reasonable airfare and hotel/condo rate are a must. However, we will go a little extra for the nicer accommodations (no roach motels), although this need not be a huge hotel complex. We have both been to Bermuda, Grand Cayman, Nassau and St. Thomas. Of these, we like Bermuda the best because of its personality, cleanliness, friendly people, and 1-to-1 exchange rate with the dollar, which keeps prices reasonable. I like the Cayman beaches/snorkeling; but to me, GC is expensive and no different than being in southern Florida. If it helps, I know two people who have been to Aruba and they both said the people weren’t that friendly. One said they thought the island was a little lackluster, somewhat like Cayman. Any suggestions?

If it's friendly people you're looking for, go to Jamaica mon.<BR><BR>Suggestion: read the posts listed here for several different destinations. They'll definitely give you a "feel" for what you are looking for.<BR>This website is priceless! Good luck.

Hi Bill,<BR>Have you considered Cancun, Mexico?<BR>Went on my honeymoon, stayed at the Fiesta Americana.<BR>Nicest, most relaxing vacation I've ever had. Excellent snorkeling.<BR>Just a suggestion, since I believe it would be less expensive than the Eastern Caribbean anyway.<BR>You could probably do Jamaica just as cheap though.<BR>Have a good time where ever you go!

Bill,<BR><BR>If you liked Bermuda best of the islands you've visited, I'm afraid you will not like Jamaica or Cancun. However, if you travel south from Cancun, there are several small beachfront resort areas (my favorite is Akumal) with a quiet, friendly atmosphere and reasonable accomodations. <BR><BR>When you were in St. Thomas, did you go over to St. John? It's one of my favorite places - great beaches, nice little town and not nearly as commercialized as St. Thomas, and several good restaurants. We stayed at the St. John Inn in Cruz Bay - a small property, nothing fancy, clean, reasonable rates, and a short walk to the waterfront. There are also lots of condo/villa rentals. <BR><BR>Hope this helps.<BR><BR>

You have been to some of the nicest places already. Bermuda is indeed the nicest place one could go. You might enjoy Martinique--very civilized and great French food. Nice hiking, beautiful scenery, lots of history and nice (not great) beaches. I enjoyed it very much.

you'd love st croix.....great snorkeling,beaches, and people. try to rent a condo..less expensive (you can do your own cooking and save a bunch)Air fares aren't too bad right now.

St. Kitts would be a great choice. It is lush, green and scenically varied. There are tall volcanic mountains to the north and California coast terrain to the south. There are South Pacific views off many of the undeveloped beaches. The snorkeling is good and there are plenty of historic sites. We've stayed at Timothy Beach Resort and it is clean, friendly, and modern.(www.timothybeach.com) The one bedroom suite was great with eveything we could need. We really enjoyed relaxing on the chaises on our balcony and watching the sunsets! We were able to spot green vervet monkeys on the hill behind the hotel - totally charming place. I love talking about the Caribbean so feel free to e-mail me.

Bill: I'd second the vote for St. John. Consider renting a condo, which in March, should be very reasonable. We like some of the same things you mention and enjoyed St. John very much. You didn't say in what part of the country you're flying from, but there are deals out there if you like searching. Check out caribbeanvilla.com if interested in renting. We used them and were very happy. Good luck

Hi Bill,<BR><BR>Would recommend St. Kitts for the reasons stated a couple of posts above. Also, we've been to the same islands as you and the pricing on St. Kitts is very reasonable for the type of experience you have there. Sometimes you can have a beach all to yourself, something we consider quite a privilege. The restaurants range from local places where dinner is $10 per person to gourmet dining at plantation great houses for $60 per person (with an incredibly beautiful setting). St. Kitts is beautiful, romantic, and unspoiled.

ONE WORD: PROVO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Try a trip to either St. Kitts or Nevis - sounds just like what you're looking for. You might also be interested in Anguilla.

Check outthe Treasure Beach area on the South Coast of Jamaica / see www.treasurebeach.net -- the community web site for accomodations, guides, services,profiles, an interactive forum,etc.The site will give you a great picture of this non-touristic area which matches your wish list. March is high season so lock in your airfare asap as well.

How about the newest Beaches Resort in<BR>Ocho Rios Jamaica. This accept anyone<BR>18 years of age of older. It is not<BR>a couple resort. It is an all-inclusive<BR>resort, great beach, accommodations,<BR>service, entertainment, watersports and more. The also include an excursion<BR>to Dunn's River and are offerng a 30%<BR>sale right now! E-mail me for details<BR>or call at 800 800-6332 ex. 232<BR>Sandals/Beaches Specialist

If you enjoyed Bermuda, the places that instantly come to mind elsewhere are some of the northern islands of the Bahamas. Eleuthera was initially settled by people from Bermuda fleeing religious persecution, and I've heard people mention they found in some ways the architecture/feel of Harbour Island very similar to that on Bermuda. You also may want to look into the Abacos as well, which some consider time capsules also. These Out Islands in the Bahamas are quite different from Nassau. <BR><BR>Good luck. DAN