I'd like a more secluded island with a rain forest for hiking and nice scuba diving as well as snorkeling off the beach. My husband likes to gamble, read a book, and enjoy plenty of dining options. He does appreciate an area rich in history. Any suggestions on a compromise. Thanks

If you are looking for a secluded island you probably want to try Phi Phi Island in Thailand. The island is so secluded and it has a clear water. But I don't think they have a gambling site there But I think your husband will be able to read book quietly there.

Go on a cruise! Most islands with gambling are not secluded. Aruba, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas are a few off the top of my head that have gambling. They are definitely not secluded and to a true snorkeler, probably not too good. A cruise would have gambling and you can stop and have day trips to snorkel sights.
That is a hard combination. Does anyone know if St.Thomas has gambling? Because St. John could feel secluded with it's many private beaches. It is also a great snorkel destination.

Hi girlonthego..I don't know about St Thomas..however St.Croix does have gambling.But it is farther away from STT and STJ.I think that STT and STJ are a good suggestion even if they don't have gambling.STJ is more secluded as I have researched and St Thomas is more developed so kimonono..it would make for a good vacation.The 2 are only a 20-45 minute ferry apart.

I will be going there in 3 weeks from Wed...so I will do a trip report when we return.

I did not know that St.Croix had gambling. You can fly direct into St.Croix. I do know that. There is a place called the Buccaneer hotel that I have heard good things about. There is also an island that they take you to that you can snorkel at called Buck Island. Thanks Christie. Oh and Christie I am holding tickets to Hawaii right now for next spring. I am seriously considering the Oahu-Kaui trip. Did you see the Marriott in Kaui (Lihue) while you were there?

It sounds like you are describing Puerto Rico. It has El Yunque, the only tropical forest in the U.S. National Forest System; the fantastic bio bay; a rich history, especially in Old San Juan; and casino gambling. It is not too expensive and flights are reasonable from the mainland.

We will be there for a few days on the tail end of our St. John trip. There is so much to see and do in Puerto Rico, we are planning an extended future trip.

http://www.biobay.com/
http://welcome.topuertorico.org/reference/yunque.shtml
http://welcome.topuertorico.org/city/sanjuan.shtml
http://condado-plaza.wyndham-hotels.com/

I recommend Curacao. It's not a lush island, but there is an interesting state park/mountain for hiking, good snorkeling, diving, lots of dining options, gambling and it is not Americanized like other islands so you really feel like you are in a foreign country. Also, great museums, history, and a city with a european influence. We were there in March and really enjoyed it.

I would suggest St Kitts, you can do everthing mentioned. Very rich in history, rain forest and gambling! Everthing you might want.

I might agree that a cruise might be heaven for you. You could visit several different islands and get what you wanted from each and enjoy different cuisine on the ship.

Dear Friends,
I love the idea of Puerto Rico, or Saint Kitts. Last price on all inclusive at Paradisus w/ ocean view and air, 2358.00 each. My husband is now on the Dominican Republic, Secrets , for 1633.00 each. Still trying to find a compromise. I'm not a cruise fan. I don't like to stand in line for anything. Thanks for all your input.

kimonono,
I hear you on the standing in line, yuck. I don't think you're going to find a secluded island with gambling, those two things just don't go together. Secluded islands you'll find diving/snorkeling, hiking, local hangouts, all that great stuff but unfortunately for the gambling you'll have to go to the busier islands for that, such as Aruba, St. Maarten, etc.

I'd recommend Tobago for diving/snorkeling, beaches, hiking/rainforests, birding, golf, great local restaurants. Its relatively inexpensive compared to most Caribbean islands. Actually I think there is some gambling there but not the kind of casinos I think he has in mind. Its not a gambling destination.

Good luck with it.

girlonthego-We passed the Marriott and it looked nice.We also talked to a couple who had a little boy..at Coconuts restaurant..they were staying at the Marriott and were pleased with it.I am jealous of you Kauai is very lush and beautiful.Have fun which ever island you end up going too.By the way..Coconuts is in Kapaa' if you go to Kauai..I would eat there.We had a Mai Tai served in a coconut shell that was very good and the Uno fish at Coconuts was wonderful.I think that I had it grilled..its hard to remember as it has been 2 years since we were there.Anyways..have fun!!

We are off to St John in 2 and a half weeks!!!!

Christie, I think we will be in St. John at the same time. We leave on May 29th for six days on St. John, then three days on St. Thomas, returning on June 7th. We will be in the condos at the Westin on St. John.

By the way thank-you to everyone on this board who helped with our last minute vacation plans. Your input was invaluable!

sunshinesue-yes we will be there June 1-7th.I think that I remember responding to your post.I cannot wait to go..I bet that you can't either

I dont know if you are a Kenny Chesney fan however..just found out that he and Renee Zellweger (recently married) own a house on St john at Peter Bay.I am a big fan of his.I like all different kinds of music country,rock,pop,r&b,soundscapes type music.I really thought that it was very ironic to chose a place in the Caribbean where he lives without knowing.

Some lucky people in March..got to see Jimmy Buffett,Alan Jackson and Kenny Chesney perform at the Westin Resort.I would never be that lucky.