I've read dozens of the posts on the carib board and am still stumped. I apologize first for the vague subject line, but hope I can get some responses from you seasoned caribbean travelers.

My BF & I are planning a trip for 1st week of March - he has never been, I have (GC, Bahamas, Jamaica) - and we want to go somewhere neither of us has been. We're looking for...
...budget accodomodation (range of $150/nt, Dbl occ)
...good proximity to decent beach and a few casual restaurants and bars
...on a more lush island (I know lush doesn't always go hand-in-hand with decent beaches, but where is best combo?)
...that is minimally touristy (don't need shopping)

Obviously, the cost of the flight (if we book sans package) will also factor in...but we're able to fly out from basically anywhere between Newark-DC, so that helps with our options.

I've always wanted to go to Grenada, but haven't looked too closely for this trip b/c post-hurricane...also had interest in St. Lucia, but thought most resorts too expensive or isolated (w/o that short walk to the local bars/restaurants). We're currently considering St. Kitt's (Frigate Bay & Timothy Beach resorts)...and on the other hand, have also considered Belize.

Are we on the right track...and are there any other recommendations? Particularly would love the names of specific hotels you think fit the bill. Your help is appreciated!

Although it may be a bit busier than what you're hoping for, Negril on the west coast of Jamaica sounds perfect for you--beautiful beach, calm water, great sunsets, lots of decent budget accommodations, fairly lush and lined with beach bars & restaurants. And Jamaica is fairly easy to get to from most east coast cities.

check out www.negril.com to see lots of hotel and restaurant info. I like the looks of Idle Awhile (which may be just over your budget during high season) and Kuyaba on the beach and Rockhouse on the cliffs for a good reasonably priced place to hang my hat.

Next week I'm on my way to Treasure Beach on Jamaica's south coast. It's much more off the beaten path than Negril and lacks the variety of accommodations and restaurants, but I can't wait! You could check out www.treasurebeach.net or www.jamaicaescapes.com for more information. The place where we're staying is within walking distance of a small handful of bars and restaurants, which is just my speed.

I'm also researching a trip to the British Virgin Islands, and Cane Garden Bay on Tortola might also suit your needs. Check out www.bviwelcome.com for more info. Hope you find a perfect place!

I'd suggest Amerbergris Cay in Belize. Check out ambergriscaye.com for accomodations - one of the more inexpensive destinations we've found. And a great place to visit.

Thanks for the quick responses...

ejcrowe, I actually agree with you - I was hoping to persuade him toward Negril, since I'd been to Jamaica previously (stayed in MBJ) & had such a great time, always wanted to go back to stay in Negril. but alas, because I was there before, albeit several years ago - and with a group of friends, including a prior BF, to boot - present BF wants to go somewhere else, where neither of us have been before.

joanie 433, re: belize, as he has never been to the islands he (& I too) was afraid we wouldn't get enough of the island taste, even on ambergris caye. does it feel 'island-y' enough to you? I've just heard it doesn't have very nice beaches, and we want that aspect.

That all being said, I've just found RT air Newark - St. Kitt's for $387...a great deal! If we did St. Kitt's at Frigate Bay, and did day trips to Nevis and/or Anguilla, perhaps we would get what we're looking for?

Personally, I would snap up that ticket to St. Kitts and then either take the ferry to Nevis and stay put there, or split my time between the two--depends on how long you have.

I just went to Nevis for the first time this fall and fell in love with it, but I didn't see any one area that had lots of beach bars and restaurants to walk to. we rented a car (drove on the left for the first time) and had adventures every day. it completely changed the way we will vacation from now on.

That airfare wasn't on USAir by any chance? If so, you might want to consider taking out insurance (if it exists) to protect you in case they go under while you're traveling.

PS. Just realized that you didn't specify that you wanted places within walking distance. Nevis is a small island--something like 26 square miles--and with one main road around the island it's easy to navigate.

check out www.nevis1.com for more info than you can possibly process about this wonderful place.

Check out Costa Rica, its normally cheap airfare and cheap to stay there as well.

Check out Bocas del Toro in Panama on the Caribbean Coast.