My girlfriend and I are planning a short-notice trip to the Caribbean in mid-May. I will likely be proposing to her while we are there. My budget, inclusive of airfare and most expenses, is $4k.

We are looking for somewhere with spectacular beaches and a relaxing atmosphere. We're young and would also like to go to a few beach bars (nothing too crazy, just something fun to do in the evenings.)

I am currently considering 5 nights at Caneel Bay, since it seems close, luxurious, and beautiful. We don't need fancy meals every night, though we would probably eat at least two at the resort. We are just as happy going to town and eating at a bar or somewhere on the water. I am assuming that Cruz Bay has a few of these types of places.

I like St. John, but I'm worried that Caneel Bay will nickel and dime us over our $4k budget once we get there, and I don't know where else to stay on the island. I do like the idea of a luxurious resort because this will be a romantic trip.

So here's what I'm asking:

1) Where to go? Is St. John right? Can I really fit Caneel Bay in this budget? (flights are cheap, like $250 right now).

2) Ideas to propose? I'm currently thinking about chartering a sailboat for a sunset cruise, just the two of us, or maybe going to a secluded beach. This isn't included in my budget and I'd be willing to spend to get the right result.

Thanks in advance for the advice!

I just realized that Turks & Caicos have some pretty good hotel deals - would this island be right for us?

I like the looks of the Somerset and the Palms so far.

sth12,
You may want to look at Estates Lindholm for a romantic but lower cost option to Caneel Bay on St. John. http://www.estatelindholm.com/. I went to a wedding on St. John in January, and my friends who were married stayed there for about a week before and after their wedding. It is a B&B/small inn and while the rooms are not 5* hotel fancy, they are nicely appointed, the setting is very lush, and the views are to die for. My friends' room (harbor view with loft) had a balcony with a sunset view that was gorgeous. It is very close to the North Shore beaches as well as Cruz Bay - I think technically you could even walk down to Cruz Bay but it would be a hike walking back to the hotel up the steep, windy road.

I would think St. John would be perfect for a proposal as you could almost certainly find a secluded spot of beach or beautiful overlook on a hiking trail that would be perfect for popping the question.

There is scarcely a place on earth as romantic as Caneel. Rooms are priced by proximity to beach and views, not quality. You can stay in one of the less expensive rooms and stroll or tram to on of the SEVEN tree-shaded white sand beaches with wade-in snorkeling. This is paradise on earth. Caneel is within the National Park, with no development to be seen from anywhere on the property--just sky, water, other islands, and those beaches. And, yes, Cruz Bay is a good diversion. On Caneel's website, take a look at their video. As nice as it is, it doesn't begin to do justice to the ambiance.

Great - thanks for the advice so far. How about Turks and Caicos? Can it compare to St. John or is it in a different category?

When you refer to the I assume you mean one of the many resorts on Providenciales' Grace Bay. If so, that island is relatively flat, arid and scrubby. It doesn't come any where close to St. John in natural beauty. The beach on Grace Bay, however, is 12 miles of sugar white sand and the torquoise waters are some of the most brilliant anywhere. It's a very different island than St. John.

OH BOY! My brain was going faster than my fingers. That first sentance should read:

When you refer to the T&C's I assume you mean one of the many resorts on Providenciales' Grace Bay.

I think it's hard to go wrong with Caneel Bay. It's a special place. If the airfares are what you say they are, I think you can get by on your $4000 budget for the whole trip for five days. Go for an outing to Jost Van Dyke for half a day and enjoy the beach bars there. I can think of many places to propose on the grounds of Caneel.

T&C does not compare with St.John and plus there is very little to do there with the exception of the beach.It does have water clarity and color second to none. It is a sight to behold, but other than this the island itself is not at all pretty. I would stick with St. Johns. I don't think you can go wrong there.

I know everyone has their own opinions so I am not trying to offend with this post but I disagree with anyone that says T&C does not compare to ST John.
yes ST John is much prettier, has more stunning scenery far and away BUT the beaches, restaurants and resorts blow away anything found on ST John. so it all depends on your tastes. it's comparing apples to oranges really.
to me an ideal caribbean vacation is one with incredible beaches, fantastic restaurants and a great resort and one that is very relaxing and peaceful.
ST John is an incredible island but you are limited with resort choices either Caneel Bay or the Westin or you must rent a villa, the restaurants are good but choices are limited as well.
beaches are great on both islands but T&C beaches are hands down the best in the entire caribbean along with Anguilla.
there is a reason that T&C is the new IN spot among celebrities.

Thanks for all the advice - I wish that we could have stayed at Caneel, but I felt like we were pushing my budget even for 5 nights.

As a less expensive alternative, I chose the Regent Palms in T&C, where I got a pretty great deal. The beach looks spectacular and the resort seems to be pretty nice as well. This came in well within the budget and we'll be more comfortable spending for the extra meals, etc. with this approach.

Caneel will not be a good budget choice. IMO the Estate Lindholm suggestion is terrific, but it's a small, popular place and you may not be able to get in last minute. Don't forget there is a Westin and I am one of those folks who loved it even though it has a small, boring beach. The rooms have all the modern amenities and the resort grounds are lovely if a bit family-oriented. Caneel can run you $500-700 per night for a decent bungalow. You probably wouldn't be happy with what you could get for less. IMO, go with a less expensive lodging alternative. The romance is in having fun experiences together like taking a catamaran trip to the BVI's. Also, look into Garden-By-the-Sea and Gallows Point (which has some big fans on this board).

I was planning a similar trip for my bf and I (considering T&C, St.John, or VG, with a similar budget)! We decided to go with ST.John (Caneel) for 4 nights and VG (Little Dix) for 2 nights. So I am interested to hear how T&C goes for you! We will be going on our trip May 3rd-9th. I will post details!

<b><i><font color="purple">You will NOT be disappointed with T&amp;C! The beaches are some of the best I've seen (IMO) and yes the restaurants are plentiful and wonderful!

True.. the island is not much to look at, but the beaches, hotels and restaurants more than make up for it. There's also some great tours to go on. You'd probably really love the &quot;Secluded Beach Getaway&quot; tour. Very romantic !!

We're headed there in a couple weeks - going for the 3rd time!! <font color="blue">CHEERS!! </font></font></i></b>

I havent been to T and C.

NO WAY can you go wrong with St. John. I agree wth T'cat--skip Caneel. Too expensive for what you want or need.
Yes, there are 7 beaches there. So ? You can get beautiful stunning beaches all over the island, easily reachable, without having to pay Caneel's exorbitant prices.
Anyway, one of the most stunning beaches on the Caneel propery is open to the public, and rarely is anyone else there. Have a sandwich and drink at the Caneel beach grill restaurant (skip the overpriced and overprated lunch buffet, also open to the public) and take the easy ten minute stroll to Honeymoon Beach.

For your budget, in May, you could find a small romantic cottage or villa for 5 nights, for $250--300 per night.

I'd also recommend the Coral Bay village side of the island. There are a few bars and music venues in town. It's about a 15 minute drive (but a winding road for part of it) if you want to go into the bigger town of Cruz bay