Which islands are noted for having great nightlife? What I mean by that is great restaurants, fun bars and/or clubs where there are middle aged people not just 20 somethings, a chance to experience local culture ( music, dance etc) and casinos. Ideally, we want an island with a direct flight from NYC. Any ideas and suggestions appreciated.

St Martin
Puerto Rico
Cozumel (and while not an island, Playa Del Carmen)
Aruba
Atlantis in Bahamas

Other islands have a little bit of nightlife, such as Virgin Islands- low key but good atmosphere and little beach type bars

But if you truly want nightlife, islands aren't the way to go, most are to small to have major nightlife

Most islands don't have casinos either. The above do, except for Cozumel

Thanks Blamona, this is helpful. I am not expecting NY or Vegas type nightlife, I meant good nightlife for the islands. The main reason for our trip is to be somewhere warm and having the nightlife is the bonus!.

Thanks again

Based on what you stated, Aruba fits over all of the other choices. The Palm Beach area did remind me of the Vegas strip in a certain way. The gambling however, it nothing like Vegas.

I will also through in Barbados to blamona's list.

Thanks KVR. We went to Aruba a few years ago. It was nice but I actually didn't like the Palm Beach area. I much preferred San Juan's Condado and Old San Juan, so it is likely we might just go back there. Perhaps stay in Isla Verde this time and visit OSJ as well. I have also been considering Playa Del Carmen.

Does Barbados have casinos? We have been thinking about Barbados for a while as well.

Well, if you have already been to those places, then check out something else. No, Barbados does not have casinos that I know of and Playa del Carmen doesn't either. We visit some area of Mexico about once a year and love that destination the most. 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen is blocks and blocks of pedestrian walkway with tons of bars, restaurants, shops, clubs, discos and shopping. We went to Cabo last year and their downtown area was similar, but not as much as Playa.

Playa del Carmen sounds great. Thanks KVR

Negril has plenty of action and not just for the 20 somethings but no casinos that I know of. Playa del Carmen is like a small city, very busy with lots going on, not many charming buildings as you might find in Old San Juan.

If there is nightlife on Cozumel, I missed where it was. I guess you can't go to Havana, pity since the nightlife is very good.

I think Playa del Carmen would be a good choice. I like it, I've been there 3 times. There is night life in San Juan, also, but I didn't like it there as well as Mexico. They do have casinos, though, if you like that.

I would not go to Cozumel for a happening time, and then you are stuck on an island to boot.

5th Avenue in Playa is busy. But that's the point. If your looking for nightlife that is the place to be. Get out of Playa and there are several things to see and do in the surrounding area.

There is not much nightlife in Cozumel except Sr. Frogs and Carlos & Charlies. You can always take the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen.

I didn't think Negril was all that happening. Many people love it because it's so laid back. I prefer Mexico. More things to see and do.

Odin, Negril is what popped into my mind too (minus the casinos, but lively down-to-earth night life).

You can always take the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen.>>

Yeah, but IMO what's the point of staying there if you mainly want to go elsewhere? I can't imagine staying on Cozumel and dealing with that ferry all the time just to go somewhere, especially just for nightlife, let alone in order to do some sightseeing.