I'm planning a trip with my family and my three teenage daughters really want to go somewhere with a lively town and plenty of shopping and restaurants. we'll be going in feburary and we want someplace warm, beautiful beaches are important, and water sports would be great too. i've been to nassau and i know the shopping there was very touristy, any suggestions for a slightly less spring break island that still has lots to do?

Went to ST Thomas this past Dec
LOTS AND LOTS of shopping
stayed at Marriot Frenchmen Reef
The run a shuttle ( $6) right to the pier in downtown
they have water sports to rent on the grounds and the tour desk has great day or half day snorkel cruise
You will have a BALL

St. Barth's would be my first recommendation since it does not cater to the spring break crowd. It has some great and very "chic" shopping plus you'll find every type of watersport imaginable on the island. Also, the island boasts some of the finest gourmet French restaurants in the Caribbean and there are some fantastic beaches. In short it has everything you are seeking. It is, however, an expensive island.

St. Martin/Sint Maarten is another island noted for good shopping and it too has quite a few beaches. You'll find a variety of watersports and lots of great restaurants (the ones in Grand Case are a food lovers mecca) but the island does cater to cruise ships so it might be a bit touristy for you. There's a cascino and lot's of nightlife on this. Spring breakers don't usually go to this island.

St. Thomas is another island noted for shopping but it is very touristy since it's a major stop for the cruise lines. There are plenty of beaches and the watersports (diving, snorkeling, sailing, etc. that you are seeking and a variety of restaurants from fast food places like McDonald's to upscale dining.

Just wanted to add Aruba to your list of shopping islands. Most islands that are major cruise ship ports are going to have plentiful duty-free shopping.

The French islands have a reputation for having more flair and sophistication in their shops (St. Barth, St. Martin)

St.Marteen would be my pick, lots of shopping and great beaches, you will not be disappointed.

St.Martin/St. Maarten

St. Martin fits your needs.

I agree St.Martin/St. Maarten 8-)