Help us pick a destination
 

My husband and I are thinking about a trip to an island in late May. We don't want an all-inclusive. We will spend about 1/2 our time at the hotel, either on the beach or at the pool relaxing. The rest of the time we would like to be able to explore the island a bit. We enjoy sailboats/catermaran type of trips and we like to snorkel but we don't dive. We don't really need much night life as we are morning people and neither of us really drinks too much. We would probably shop for an hour or two here or there but don't need serious shopping. We would like to stay someplace pretty nice but not necessarily the 4 seasons. Also a direct flight from Philadelphia would be a big plus. Have been thinking maybe Barbados or Arubu but am looking for other thoughts. Any ideas. thanks.

You can fly to St. Martin (SXM) nonstop from Philly. From there, you can take a 10 minute puddle jumper to St Barts or a 20 minute ferry to Anguilla. You may want to check out Anguilla (virtually no night life; no cruise ships; no casinos) -- 33 glorious beaches, nearly 80 restaurants, very good snorkeling, boat charters to nearby uninhabited islands. CuisinArt may be to your liking or, the perennial favorite, Cap Juluca. www.news.ai has links to all the web sites for the island's resorts & restaurants.

thanks I will look into antigulla, had not realized it would be so accessible. I have read a lot about Cap Jaluca, but what I didn't mention in my thread is that my husband could not possibly live with no TV particularly news and sports. I think Cap Jaluca would be too removed from the world for him.

I would check into turks and Caicos Island. It is very laid back, not much shopping to be done, but a gorgeous beach. I am not sure about a direct flight from phl. As I recall we left from JFK. If that is also to remote, I would consider Aruba or Barbados. My favorite Island is Grenada but it is far and sometimes difficult to get to but a beautiful island to explore. If you like to explore St. Lucia is also great but there beaches are not the greatest. A very luck and tropical island and a beauty of its own.

You can't go wrong with St.Thomas or Caymans ! We've stayed aththe Westin & it's right on beach in Caymans...good snorkeling off beach,Great snorkeling on some tours.Treasure Island is another good hotel there,but not as pricey. Beach is a little smaller there but real good snorkeling also.

St. Thomas is another great island.My friends just got back a few weeks ago. They loved it! We went to St John on our honeymoon 10 yrs ago, GREAT not much night life.Laid back & great.

We have just returend from Grenada and flew from Philadelphia on US Air. Great flight, non stop and only 4 1/2 hours.

The island is beautiful, people very friendly and we had a great time. Very low key and unspoiled.

If you are looking for a romantic, secluded spot try Bel Air Plantation if you want more action stay at a hotel in Grand Anse such as Spice Island Inn.

I would agree that you should look at Anguilla. I'll be returning there this Feb. and opted for the nonstop flight from Phila to St. Maarten. Cusinart has gorgeous rooms, complete with TV for hubby. Chocolat (catamaran) is owned by Rollins Ruan and he can take you out for the day to visit other remote islands.

Aruba. Radisson

Aruba (Radisson) or Grand Cayman (Westin or nice condo) would be perfect choices! My 2 favorite islands.

Graet beaches, snorkeling (GC has the edge though), beautiful water, wonderful restaurants and lots to see and do on both islands!

GC is more expensive and upscale though both islands are evry safe and people are very friendly.

Agree with Kristen. Aruba would be good, as well as the Weston in Caymans. I personally think Anguilla is total relaxation, but you can check with individual hotels to see if they have tv's.