Island Recommendations Requested -- Help Please!!!
 

Hello, everyone. <BR> <BR>I'm starting to plan a Caribbean vacation for this winter for my husband and me, and since I've never been there I wonder if you all can help. <BR> <BR>We're not sure where to go -- We're open to any island in the Caribbean. Could you make recommendations? <BR> <BR>Here's what we like in a vacation: quiet and relaxation, unique "culture" (we're from the US), outdoor activities (swim, snorkel, etc) nothing too outrageously priced. We're not big gamblers or drinkers, and are not into crazy night life. We're 29 and 30, and enjoy more of a "family" atmosphere. <BR> <BR>Island (and hotel) recommendations are greatly appreciated!!! <BR> <BR>Thanks so much! <BR>De Anna

Oh! and I s'pose this goes without saying, but hot sunny weather, beach, and beautiful waters are also a must... <BR> <BR>De Anna

We all have our favorites here and I know you will get some wonderful suggestions, but here is my personal favorite www.runawayhill.com it is on a small island off the coast of Eleuthera in the Bahamas and is one of the nicest places I have ever been to. <BR> <BR>There are also several other nice resorts to stay at on island and some wonderful restaurants and the clearest cleanest blue water and pink sand beach you will ever find. Harbour Island has been written up as one of the 10 most beautiful islands in the world as per Islands Magazine a few years ago. <BR> <BR>Speaking of, you might pick up and Islands Magazine for info on LOTS of places to go and some great pictures. <BR> <BR>Have a wonderful trip. <BR> <BR>tweedy

De Anna, <BR> <BR>St. John is beautiful. Very small and quiet, it has great beaches, not a whole lot of night life to speak of (you can always take a ferry over to St. Thomas), it's just complete relaxation. There's also an interesting historical background to the island. Whatever you decide, have a great time!

Negril Jamaica's beach is to die for.

Would recommend Isla Mujeres--a small Carribean island about 10 miles from Cancun--meets all your needs and is economical. We spend one month a year on the island and keep up a brouchure for people who are first timers--just e-mail us if you want a copy. <BR> <BR>WE just got back from two weeks in Negril. It was very nice but negril sells out to spring breakers from the last week of February thru easter week. The combination of strong beer and whacky weed makes for a scene you would not like. We also did a brouchure on Negril and will e-mail it if you request. It was our first time so we are not experts. dan and ginny

My suggestion is either Tortola, British Virgin Islands, St. John or Turks & Caicos. My rule of thumb when trying out a new island is stay away from the ones that are a port for cruise ships. That way it's quieter, cleaner & much more enjoyable. Basically you get what you pay for in the Caribbean so DO NOT GO TO ST. MARTIN!! It's nasty, dirty, full of rude people & just basically a dump. I have heard that the Caymans are nice as well.

I'd have to reccomend Little Key Bay Hotel or Grand Case Beach Club on St Martin. Little Key would be my choice. <BR> <BR>Both are tucked away on qieter parts of the island which are not frequented by boat cruise crowds. Both are right on quit beaches good for swimming and can provide access to areas for snorkeling. <BR> <BR>With them bing in the Grand Case and French Cu-de-Sac areas, you have a multitude of excptional dining to choose from within a 10 minute drive. There are no real clubs in the area and no casinos, so it provides for a quiet time at night. <BR> <BR>As for culture, you then have a blend of the caribbean and French influences. Since you want culture, as long as you're willing to talk with the French residnts, you won't find any of them to be rude.

We just returned from the Hyatt in St. Lucia. The hotel is amazingly beautiful with excellent service and delicious food. The island is one of the most beautiful with lots to explore if you want. I would highly recommend it.

Like to sail? Check out www.windjammer.com for the most relaxing vacation you'll ever take. I would recommend sailing the Grenadines - fabulous!

If you're open minded and not looking for gambling or nightlife try Grenada. The island is less refined and commercial than some of the others but has a unique feel and beauty about it. My husband and I (around the your age) stayed at Secret Harbor resort this March and loved it. Felt like we were in an island hideaway, balconies hanging over the water, so quiet and peaceful (no kids under 12 allowed) with breathtaking views. Best of all it was really reasonably priced and did not feel like your cookie cutter hotel at all. <BR>When I say the island is less refined, I have to warn you that it is still a developing country (with an interesting history with the locals will be happy to tell you about) so it is not as polished as some other islands (for example, there is a lot of poverty and you will see cows, goats, chickens grazing next to the road, market, etc.) but this is part of its charm. The people are extremely friendly, happy to see tourists and proud of their island. There are beautiful beaches and a breathtaking rainforest with waterfalls, etc. <BR>I almost hesitate to post about it as part of its charm is that it is not as "touristy" as some of the other islands and I hope that it stays that way. <BR>