It's been a rough few months and we really need some down time. Although usually very active, we both have injuries that prevent us from doing much more than snorkeling or laying on the beach at this time. Drs orders are to "not be tempted" to exercise or do anything strenuous (swimming and walks are ok).

We realize there are so many choices in the Caribbean, that we drafted a criteria list to help limit suggestions. Do you think it's possible to have all of these things in one hotel/villa? If so, where would you suggest?

~ Non stop (or under 4 hours) from PHL (We can't handle a long flight right now.)
~ Limited number of hotel guests (preferably no kids)
~ Isolated or private location (but still staffed)
~ Luxurious (good food/staff and massage available, other spa-like services are not req'd)
~ WiFi a must but TV is not
~ No shopping, nightlife, activities needed
~ Sandy beach
~ No AI (all inclusive), at least not necessary
~ And the biggest point of all: <b>under $300 a night for a king</b>

For example: Kamalame Cay, Bahamas looks to be an good option but this is a bit too pricey for us.

NOTE: We've been to Nevis and St Kitts but would like something closer this time.

Thanks for your help!!

How about St. Croix? I think of it as a place somewhat off the beaten path where you get a little more value.

Thanks Jimmie. Are there hotels or towns you rec for St Croix?

Check out trip advisor. The Buccaneer is supposed to be very nice, but it's also known as a family friendly destination. Larger scale. I don't think there will be that many kids in May. There are smaller hotels -- the Pelican Cove property is rated #1 on trip advisor. Also Chenay Bay and Carambola.

How about T & C? In May you should be able to find something in that price range -- Royal West Indies, The Sands, Ocean Club West, the Alexandra. One caveat though, there will most likely be kids.

What about anything on the Caymans?

Thanks Jimmie. I think we want something more exclusive that the Buccaneer.

So far other than Kamalame Cay, Bahamas, I like the RockHouse on Harbour Island, Bahamas as well.

Aj> I'll look into those suggestions...thanks

you might like http://www.thereef.com/en/index.html on grand cayman. this resort is on the east/quiet end of the island. you would need a car to access more than 2 restaurants. however best flt i can see is 5 1/2 down on united & 6 back on american.

you can fly to cancun in under 4. not sure of a hotel to recommend. maybe akumal beach resort. i'm sure there are places that would more closely match your criteria. lots of condos & villas in the area.

provo, t&c is over 7 down & 10 back. san juan pr is 4 down & 4 back. st croix & st thomas are 7 1/2 hrs. st martin in 4 down 4 1/2 back but $1000. montego bay in under 4 each way. i checked the other northern islands but they run up to 17 hrs <crazy! my immediate conclusion is that philly is not easy to fly from.
once you pick an island we can help you select your resort 8-)

wow! virginia, that is some awesome info on flight times! thank you for it will certainly help narrow down my choices. Right now my head is spinning and I've only been focusing on hotels with the hopes that the flights will fall into places once I find a hotel/villa.

Looking at Peter Island, BVI now...although the prices are still a tad too high for me. But that's the kind of feel I'm looking for.

Have you looked into places in Bermuda? That's a short flight from PHL.

I have been to Harbour Island a couple of times- never stayed at Rock House but if you want to be ON the beach then you need to look at places that are on the beach side (rather than the harborside)of the island. Have you considered Coral Sands? I think it is in your price range in May- or Runaway Hill is a little more than $300 a night but both of these are great locations for beautiful beach front. The entire island is very small and can be easily negotiated in a golf cart. There are many good places to eat. I am not so sure about the flight times as I live in a different part of the US from you. The out islands always take a bit more travelling than some other locations but they are very special.
PS have you considered St. John? or Virgin Gorda for that matter if you are looking at Peter Island?

virginia...I'm rethinking my requirement of a 4 hour flight. Just doesn't seem possible to get the other things we want, does it?

schmerl, I haven't been able to find anything in Bermuda that has all the other criteria. Do you know of any?

Ish, we are considering every place, since we really have no particular pull one way or another. I will look into those suggestions, thanks.

ish, thanks! Runaway Hill looks like a real possibility. Are there other places to eat dinner "around" there? The prices there seem pretty steep so wouldn't want to be eating there every night.