Help, need to figure out where to vacation!
 

My boyfriend and I want to vacation in the Caribbean in early February. I have been to Aruba and enjoyed, but now am looking for something less desert-like, more lush and beautiful..beautiful beaches, good places to explore and good restaurants. I have no idea where to start, any suggestions?

Give us just a little more information and we can help you better. For starters, what is your budget for the entire vacation? How long do you want to get away?

Was there anything about Aruba that you'd like to duplicate? What did you enjoy about it? The lushest islands are the ones lacking in beaches like those you found in Aruba--miles long, white sand, myriad shades of blue & turquoise waters. Lush island generally = volcanic origins = darker sand, to put things really simply.

Some islands offer a nice combo, like some of the British Virgin Islands, Jamaica, or St. John in the USVI. They offer a varied topography, light sand beaches, and the blue waters.

Nevis is spectacularly lush and green and mountainous, but the beaches vary in color from golden brown to salt & pepper to black sand. It's a gorgeous island with great food and wonderful people, so if you're not married to the Aruba-style beach, you could be very happy there.

Grenada offers lushness and a mountainous interior with good hiking & waterfalls combined with a few beaches that are white or light sand. Great food available, and one of the largest ranges of accommodations available that I have seen, so it's good for every budget.

Just give us a bit more info to go on and we'll jump in with specific suggestions of islands and resorts for you!

Thank you!!! Ok, I don't need it to be very lush, just less desert and cactusy.. I mostly want a beautiful backdrop for great pictures, great weather in Feb. and relaxing atmosphere, white sand, turquoise water, did I say relaxing? :) We'll be there for only 5 days, I'd love to lay on the beach for 2-3 days and the other 2 I'd love to explore and find some cool, remote spots or just somewhere awesome to see..like I loved the natural pool in Aruba, thought that was just awesome, but the Natural Bridge and all other things seemed kinda like tourist traps and blah! I'm not into the tourist trap thing.. just wanna relax with a drink and take in beautiful scenery and explore a little. I don't know what my budget is yet, but I'm not rich! I'd love to find a resort that is all inclusive but has decent food! And a decent room...but I can't afford the BEST unfortunately.. just don't want it to be a yucky room either.. am I asking too much!!! Thanks guys!!!!

I suggest St. John and staying at either Estate Lindholm or Gallows Point. Rent a car for a couple of days and explore the island. As you know, February is high season, and there aren't many bargains around.
http://www.estatelindholm.com/

I am hearing very good things about St. John. Let me know if I am incorrect on this!