Help with island choice - please
 

I have completely confused myself trying to pick an island to visit this winter. I will not list the islands I am currently considering - so I dont influence anyones recommendations.

We are a mid-20s couple expecting a baby in July. We are pretty active travellers, and don't like to spend all day "relaxing". We do like beautiful scenery, upscale (not all-inclusive) accomodations and a relatively un-spoilt atmosphere.

Please help us find an island. We would like the following......

1. A "use-your-common-sense-and-you'll-be-safe" island with great snorkeling opportunities. Especailly off-beach snorkeling. (We will not be doing any scuba-diving, so don't need scuba opps.).

2. A place where we can drive around and explore, go from beach to beach, or site to site, enjoying the views and stops. Would be good if the island had a variety of activities or things to see to keep us interested. (But I will be 5 months pregnant at the time which does limit strenuous/dangerous activities).

3. A short total travel time from NYC - that is relatively affordable (under $650 a person). (we only have 5-6 days total - so dont want to spend 2 travelling).

4. A pretty island, which is not too commerciallzed, built up or overwrought with condos/hi-rises on the beach, etc.. But still has a (preferably picteresque) town/towns for places to go at night for dinner/drinks.

6. Opportunities for a great day-sail / day-trip.

have not been, but read a lot about Tortola & Virgin Gorda..seem like gorgeous islands

other choice might be St John

ttt

What about St Kitts or Nevis or St Lucia? Very easy to navigate, lots to do, not over-developed - a bit of everything that you require.

Saba or Montserrat, both are an easy hop from Antigua or St. Maarten. I hvae trip reports on here re: Montserrat. We actually went to Puerto Rico on one of our 'babymoons'.

Your criteria pretty much describes St. John. I can think of no better place to spend a babymoon.

St John is what you described.

Definitely St John. It pretty much meets all of your criteria.

1. St John is very safe. We freely walk around downtown Cruz Bay in the evening. STJ is known for it's off beach snorkeling.

STJ is a great island for getting in your jeep and exploring. There are non strenous hikes that you would be able to do even pregnant but not much in the way of organized activities other than day sails. The National Park Reef Bay Trail may be a bit much being pregnant. The North Shore Road is filled with scenic overlooks that you can stop at.

STJ is a beautiful island and not too bulit up/commercialized as it is two thirds National Park. Cruz Bay is a cute lttle town with many dining options. Also many cute little boutique type shops.

Lastly, there are opportunities galore for day sails to the BVI's and snorkeling trips.

Have a look at Gallow's Point Resort right in Cruz Bay for accomodations. You can easily walk into town at night for dinner.

Oops! I just read your other post that you have been to St John.