my husband and i want to go away in april to celebrate our anniversary. we live in NYC and we only have 3-4 nights, so we want something close (no connections). we're def. not all-inclusive types and like typical new yorkers, we like good design and good food....help.

What's your budget for your holiday? Also, how important is a beautiful beach, as compared to great dining?

Among the island destinations you can reach non-stop from one of the 3 NYC area airports (listed in order of travel time from shortest to longest) are:

Bermuda
Nassau
Providenciales (Turks & Caicos)
Puerto Rico
Dominican Republic
Jamaica
St. Thomas
St. Martin
Grand Cayman
Antigua
Barbados
St. Lucia
Aruba

That's a lot of choices and the top half of the list are relatively short flights. It would help if you could give more detailed info about what type of experience you are seeking other than "good design and good food" as you'll find that almost anywhere.

ok, thanks. i was trying not to write a novel but here it goes....beautiful beaches key, as is access to good snorkling and diving. would rather not be somewhere with too many kids (no kids is ok too). hectic lives here and we just want to chill out and relax - spa services would be nice. we would like to spend no more than $500 per night. less would be even better. we're not really into big hotel/resorts but if they were quiet and on an incredible beach it would be fine. since we're going such a short time, i am not expecting to pack in a big itinerary hopping around everyone to lots of places .we are usually of the mind to see less and more of it.

If you want a combinitation of good diving, above average snorkeling, nice beaches, access to a spa and good food look at Grand Cayman (many resorts there fill your requirements to a Tee and it has some of the best diving in the Caribbean) or St. Thomas (the Ritz-Carlton there may be just what you are looking for plus you'll have access to very good diving and snorkeling).

Grand Cayman suffered lots of hurricane damage, so I would not rush there.

For $500 for room, when are you planning to travel - then I could make better suggestions.

Lois

T & C has quiet white sand beaches, turquoise water, fantastic diving and a short flight. I give it two thumbs way up!

I agree completely with sharkdiver49 about Turks and Caicos. That's a perfect destination if you want a beautiful beach, good dining, and excellent snorkeling. I'd specifically recommend the Coral Gardens Resort (http://www.coralgardens.com/the_resort/index.php) on Grace Bay which sits immediately in front of one of the best off-beach snorkeling reefs in the Caribbean. This resort is quiet and you'll find very few small children.

I totally agree with Provo in Turks and Caicos and Coral Gardens in particular. We have been to Provo 22 times and stayed at CG the last 16. Reef right off the beach. Beach is fantastic and water awesome. You can leave JFK on American at 8:15 AM and be in Provo at 11:39 AM. Do a HowardC search on this site and you can find my trip reports and other comments on provo

When do you plan to go ??? If before 1 April you can get a garden view room--3oo sq ft-- for around $300/nightat Coral Gardens. I recommend room 2311. If after 1 April and you can swing 5 nights they have a package that includes a 1000 sq ft suite with kitchen and lots of extras. Really good deal.

we're looking at the weekend of april 21. prices are around $400, which seems fine. the place looks great and the flights are cheap that weekend. thanks to all for your help.

hi bella, on provo you might enjoy dinner at anacona at the grace bay club or my other favorite aqua bar by the turtle cove marina.
imho the best dive company is www.provoturtledivers.com. its the oldest co on the island and has 2 very nice, fairly small dive boats.

For dining I too highly recomend Anacaona
At the Grace Bay Club, this palapa-shaded restaurant offers a memorable dining experience minus the tie, the air-conditioning, and the attitude. Start with a bottle of fine wine, and then enjoy the chef's light and healthy Mediterranean-influenced cuisine, which utilizes the island's bountiful seafood and fresh produce. Oil lamps on the tables, gently circulating ceiling fans, and the murmur of the trade winds add to the Eden-like environment. The elegant atmosphere, entrancing ocean view, and careful service make it an ideal choice when you want to be pampered. Reservations essential. AE, D, MC, V.
Address: Grace Bay Club, Grace Bay, For Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
Phone: 649/946-5050

For diving I thought that Flaminog Divers were the best! http://www.flamingodivers.com/

Cheers,

Charles

You might go to www.luxurylink.com and to caribbean auctions. there is a five night auction for Coral Gardens that ends at 4 Pm est tomorrow. Really good deal and you get a lot more for your money including an extra night. Catch is 15 April thru 30 April are blackout dates so you would have to be flexible. The auction will Probably be repeated within a few days. Although I agree that Anacona is a very romantic we like Coyaba at Coral Gardens and Magnolia at Mirimar in Turtle Cove better. If you go the Four day route in a one bedroom ocean view ask for one on the second or third floor for best view. We like 4204 or 4205. With your reservation believe you now get a 30 min destress massage at the spa within 36 hours of arrival