My husband and I are planning an anniversary trip to the Carribean in December. Which brings me to my first question, is December an OK month to go to the Carribean? Also, my husband doesn't swim, so he won't do water sports outside of a sail cruise or sitting in a jacuzzi. He won't sit on the beach all day and read either. So he needs a great pool and bar to lounge next too. Preferably, where the girls keep their tops on! I on the other hand love to swim, snorkel, waterski, and sit by the beach. But, I'm more flexible than he. Also, we both like to shop, but he doesn't like those little boutique-type shops (he calls them second hand stores) so there needs to be ample vogue/designer places to shop. He loves to dance and the nightlife. Can anyone suggest an island where there is a great pool and I mean spectacular, great beach, great nightlife(with clothed people, and lots of shopping. Money is no object!

St. Martin is a great Island. It's half French and half Dutch. The topless bathing occurs mostly (if not only) on the French side of the Island. I'm thinking you might want to stay on the Dutch Side. Look into the BelAir resort or Divi Little Bay, which is right next to the Bel Air. Both are right on the ocean. The BelAir are all 2 bedroom/bathroom suite units. Maybe you can find someone who is trying to sell their week and get it from them for cheap?????? There are 30 plus beaches to choose from on this island that is big enough that you'll find something to do every day but small enough to drive around in a couple of hours.

There are two main cities...Phillipsburg on the Dutch Side and Marigot on the French. Tons of Jewelry shops, souviners, you'll have fun walking the main street in town.

There are casinos, if yer into gambling. I never had any luck with their slots. There is a really cute butterfly farm where you go and stand in a decent sized greenhouse, amidst the many species of buterflies. Watch as they fly around, chasing eachother. A really lovely way to spend a few hours. Make sure you take time to go hang out at the Sunset bar, which is on the beach right across the street from the airport. The planes fly right over head. IT's a fun way to chill out, have a few drinks, get something to eat and meet some people. GREAT sunset, too. Don't miss it!!!!

The food on the island is incredible!! It's not cheap (can be downright expensive). BUT it's very very excellent.

I can't recommend St. Martin enough!! I was there in Feb. and the weather was great. Not sure about Dec. You should check into it. I was first there in 1986 or so, with my father. We stayed at the BelAir. I loved it so much back then, I brough my boyfriend on a trip to check it out again and we absolutely loved it! He asked me to marry him, right in front of the airport, right before we got on the plane

Good luck! Don't even think twice about it and Go to St. Martin

Well, this is tough. We went on a trip to Barbados, a few years back and got a great deal as we were travelling in December. The rates went through the roof for January holidays. We stayed at Turtle Beach resort on the south side of the island, which had a beautiful beach but fairly quiet and laid back... which we loved to unwind and relax. There wasn't much shopping nearby but the Lawrence Gap was fairly close and is apparently known for some nightlife and shopping, although the strip was under renovation back in 2002, so we found it to be not so tourist friendly.

If you're looking for nightlife, my first instinct was to check out the resorts in the Cancun area.

While we are usually too tired to party all night long, after swimming and snorkelling during the day and wining and dining during the evening. I've heard the younger crowds party till the wee hours in Cancun.

Since you both love to do different things, an all inclusive resort, with lots of different activities, might be your best bet.

The Carribean is expensive, but can be cheaper in December. But Mexican all inclusives, especially on the Mayan Riviera, can be a really good deal with probably a little more night life.

Hmmm... no topless sunbathing. Good beach bars, Fine boutique shopping. I think you're best bet might be Aruba.

St Martin has all of that also... except the no topless. The largest beach on St Martin has a clothing optional resort at one end, so topless is only half the problem.

The Mayan Riviera is likely to have topless sunbathing, and I don't think there are any fine boutiques unless you get to Cancun.

Cancun is an option, but there is likely to be topless sunbathing.

Of the resorts I'm familiar with, Aruba seems like the best fit for what you're looking for.

Ken

I assume you are the one who wants a place where the girls keep their clothes on and since he seems to be getting everything else he wants, that's not too much to ask. How about Grand Cayman - no topless there and the shops are very nice. You will have great snorkelling and beaches and you can plant him by the pool.

I would suggest Jamaica. I have been there so many times and it is one of those islands where everything you want to do, you do and if you don't, you don't! There are plenty of gorgeous hotels with great beaches and lush pools with numerous bars for contant refreshment! Most of the hotels have topless in one area (if they offer it at all). If you look up Jamaica on the web you will get tons of options and you can choose what is best for you and your husband. He can do his pool/bar gig while you are off snorkeling with the natives and/or playing ocean volleyball. It's all there for you. Barbados is also very nice, but you will probably get a better deal in Jamaica. The prices go up in the winter months, but you can still get deals. I am right now planning my 18th trip to Jamaica and can't wait to get back there, it's been a few years. Where ever you choose, enjoy!

St.Barts might be a good choice just prior to high season/and no, topless is not de rigeur. The food and designer shopping are probably without peer in the islands -- and it's considerably more upscale than St. Martin, since price is no object.