rach320

Four years ago, my family (2 adults and a now 17 year old daughter) rented a villa on St. John for a week with another family and absolutely loved the island--its lushness/beauty, its beaches, its water, its snorkeling, its restaurants, its pristineness.<BR><BR>The next 2 Caribbean vacations we took were to Beaches Turks and Caicos, which were great for my daughter, but the island was very different from St. John (desert-like land, the commercialism of Grace Bay).<BR><BR>This summer, instead of going back to St. John, we wanted to try a new island. Any suggestions of what can compare to St. John? However, we are not 100% opposed to going back to St. John if there's a general agreement that it's the best. We're open to suggestions though. We're looking especially for good snorkeling, pretty beaches/water, and some things to do (day trip, kayak, sailing, anything really) to break up the week.<BR><BR>Thanks in advance.

tomct

i have been to st. john and agree that it's incredible. As an option, i would recommend grand cayman. Although the island is flat (sounds like what you describe turks), seven mile beach is gorgeous. My wife and I have been to several caribbean islands and to the hawaiian islands several times and i would have to say that Grand cayman had the clearest water and best snorkeling that we have ever seen. Plus snorkeling at sting ray bay with the sting rays was one of the most fun things that i have ever done.

KaribIslander

Virgin Gorda. Some very nice condo resorts on beaches and not as heavily traveled as St. John. No attractions like Sting Ray City but rays, turtles and wonderful marine life in each and every cove and bay.

LLindaC

I like Grand Cayman, but it's definitely more commercialized than St John. I agree with Virgin Gorda or Tortola. What we enjoyed about Tortola was the ease at which we could visit VG, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke. I think the driving is actually easier there; the people are friendly. If you are looking for luxury/pampering, VG is the only choice. However, we were very happy at Long Bay Resort at Tortola. Great location, great service and we stayed reasonably.They have villas there. We had a great day sail snorkeling on the Patouche; enjoyed a puddle jumper to Anegada for a day with lobster on the beach; took the ferry to pristine Jost Van Dyke for Painkillers and gorgeous water.Paradise vacation.

ezron

St Barts