kentuckyjohn

My wife and I are looking to hit the Caribbean or Central America sometime in March or April and need some help. We would prefer not AI, but would like something with lots of fun shops, restaurants, and coffee houses to walk to. Travel wise we don’t mind some transfer but would prefer to keep it as simple as possible. Crystal blue water is a requirement but we don’t have to be beachfront. We’re in our 20’s and definitely get wooed by trendy chic places but we also don’t want the party scene at all. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated!

Odin

Barbados has upscale shops close to Holetown, has lots of restaurants and fantastic beaches with clear blue water. The west coast/platinum coast is the place to stay. Barbados does cater to celebrity types mainly from the UK who descend on the island right after Christmas and tend to stay at Sandy Lane.

St Barts is very chic, very French and has great beaches too. I don't think you'll have any problem finding coffee houses, great restaurants and trendy shops but it does have a casual side too with unpretentious beach shacks.

Grand Cayman has 7 Mile Beach which is a gorgeous beach and Camana Bay where there are lots of restaurants, coffee shops etc and some upscale shops. Not sure it qualifies as trendy but it is a great island for a beach holiday.

ahbonvraiment

saint Martinique.
Small but not too small so you can explore from 2 bases max. Great beaches great hikes great food great weather great peoplegreat rum.
French too so a warranty for quality.

i would also say Cuba but it seems embargo is really hitting hard so lots of shortages and difficulties