My friends and I are planning a special girl's trip this year because this is the year we all turn 40 and proud of it! We intend to hang out at the beach, eat good food, and drink cocktails. Having never been anywhere in the Caribbean, I am hoping someone out there would have some suggestions as to where to go and the best time of the year to go. Thank you.

Time of year - "high" season in the Cbean is mid Dec to mid April, so the islands are busy and everything is more expensive, but it's also cooler. Aug and Sept are very hot and that's when the hurricanes tend to pass through the region, but it's cheaper, and if you want to party, Barbados in early August is a good bet for their carnival. There are also lots of good restaurants and good beaches. Best beaches and excellent restaurants that don't empty your pocket - Anguilla all the way. And it's close enough to St Maarten/St Martin, St Barths, Saba and St Eustatius, that a day trip to one of these islands is a real and easy option. Check out www.destinationcaribbean.net - they have lots of info on the islands.

Forgot - happy 40th. I spent mine skiing in Steamboat, CO.

Thanks, and thanks for the info. I will be sure to check out the site.

You are:
My friends and I are planning a special girl's trip this year because this is the year we all turn 40 and proud of it! We intend to hang out at the beach, eat good food, and drink cocktails.

US Virgin Islands.
No passport-no hassles-us territory.

I'd do Westin St. John Resort, Caneel Bay Resort or Gallows Point Resort (which is in heart of Cruz Bay with great food, contails and nightlife)

St. Thomas: Morningstar resort at marriot

St. Croix: Divi Resort