Steve

Hey K, <BR> <BR>ME AGAIN! I guess you found my mistake in writing *SORRY* - What I of course mean't to say in that line was that "we decided on a honeymoon that wasn't so focused on sightseeing, but simply enjoying 'each other' & having fun - NOT CROWDED BEACHES, TONS OF TOURISTS, EXPENSIVE MEALS - Abaco met our needs beautifully! <BR> <BR>*P.S. sorry for the misprint

lib

I certainly would NOT call St. Lucia the "Hawaii" of the Caribbean!!! I hated St. Lucia and would never return. On the other hand, I thought Maui and Kauai were paradise. The only thing Hawaii and St. Lucia have in common, in my opinion, is that they were both formed by volcanos. The similarities stop there. <BR> <BR>As for the original post, we loved Aruba. It is not a particularly pretty island as it is desert, but the resorts are lush and pretty and they have some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Great snorkeling too.

David

Bravo, Lib! I only hope little Lisa of Wash., D.C. is reading this since she seems to think St. Lucia is also very similar to Hawaii! HA! What a laugh!!

Jeff

I just came back from the Grand Caymanian Resort (5 star) in Grand Cayman and loved it! If you are considering the Caribbean for Travel, this is the place to stay! Some amenities are Kitchen, Washer/Dryer, Pool, Beach, Dock, Dive Shop, Restaurant, Free Shuttle, plus more… I actually am willing to talk to you regarding this resort and can offer availability at a discounted rate ($800-$2000/week). To see more info on this resort visit: http://www.anetdiscount.com/cayman, Please call Jeff (570) 374-3482

Bev Keyes

Congratulations! If money is no object...try Parrot Cay...Turks and Caicos. Outstanding Resort....even the least expensive room is fabulous. This is the place for a private honeymoon....and fabulous meals.They have their own website....

D. C. McCue

Here is the scoop on Aruba. It is a desert island but the resort hotels have lush vegetation. The palms and other vegetation block the strong trade winds that blow 24/7. The beaches are beautiful but the snorkeling is minimal. No coral near the beach. My wife and I liked it a lot but we are also gamblers who loved the european style casinos. If you want lush vegetation in the caribbean you need to focus on the windward islands. They get all the rain. The southern end of St. Lucia is lush and gorgeous. Anse Chastenet or Jalousie are breathtaking resorts near the Pitons. But be warned, these are 3rd (4th?) world countries. The roads are generally terrible. You are in a remote location that is a little scary in its isolation. The water is crystal clear and deep blue. The movie Dr. Doolittle was filmed there. We were not there on our honeymoon but everyone else was. The northern end of St. Lucia is drier, flatter, more populated, and not as lush and beautiful--but still very nice with excellent hotels. <BR> <BR>I have not been to the Bahamas recently but they are not lush and tropical although the beaches and water are excellent. <BR> <BR>Consider Grand Cayman. Gorgeous beaches and best snorkeling in the caribbean. The island is one big coral reef next to the deepest water in the caribbean. You will see large rays and other deep water fish near shore. You don't need a boat to snorkel, just step in the water and look down. Great hotels, great food, friendly locals. Very civilized. It's OK to drink the water. If you have more questions E-mail me.