What destination (in your opinion) provides the most authentic caribbean experience and why?

(I'm looking for an island with great beaches, not overly commercialized, laid back feel, open air bars on the beaches with calypso or reggae type music - that's caribbean to me)

Bequia

Certain parts of Jamaica. NOT Ochi, MoBay or Negril.

Jost Van Dyke (but not on Old Year's.)

Grenada, St. Vincent.

Anegada - most unique "real" Caribbean we have ever had.

tobago and grenada

Definitely Grenada. My wife and I have been to many of the islands. We always rank Tortola (BVI), Grenada and Provo (TCI) as our favourate places (we have also been to St. Martin, ST. Kitts, Jamaica, Cuba, Aruba, Curacao, Puerto Rico). While Tortola and Provo were wonderful holidays Grenada stands out as it has 'it all'. Wonderful beaches, lush countryside, eye-opening flaura and fauna, some of the friendliest people we have ever met and is safe, safe, safe. Travel on local buses was a lot of fun, meeting school kids in the morning, all dressed up in their school uniforms, smiling citizenry on their way to work...fantastic laid back and engaging people.

Dave, what did you think of Curacao? My friend is lobbying hard for us to go there. Did you enjoy your time there?

Liza,

What parts of Jamaica would you recommend then?

Nevis . The beaches are not as nice but a very pretty Island with a laid back island feel to it

Maggi.........my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed Curacao. We stayed at the Hilton rather than the Marriot. I provided a trip report upon my return. Click on my name and you should find my report titled 'Hilton Curacao'. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.

kh6611 if you want a true authentic Caribbean feel do not spend your time in a resort. For the "real thing" pick an island that offers guesthouses and small boutique type hotels. Unless you venture beyond the tourist hotspots your experience will be just what it is a nice time at a resort which can be experienced anywhere on any of the islands. Marion who posts has done extensive traveling to the islands as has ejcrowe, owa and myself. As I posted earlier St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Bequia in particular would offer you what it seems to be you are ISO. St. Kitts and Nevis too. Do some online research of the various islands you may be interested in. Also post a little more in depth of what you want to experience and we can offer a bit more. We all have our favorites for a multitude of reasons. My best advice as I said before try to stay away from a resort and you will probably find what you're looking for. Good luck researching is part of the fun.

Authentic caribbean? Only one place comes to mind,Bequia. Why? It's the way the caribbean was years ago and has barely changed. I still think that there are no stoplights, maybe one stop sign. I've been to a lot of islands but if you're talking authentic old time caribbean this is it!

Grenada and St.Kitts - hopefully St. Kitts still...

The secret Garden Villa on Nevis . It is built into the side of the rainforest with fruit trees that the monkies come right into the garden and eat from . View of the sea overlooking the pool . Amazing and resonably priced .

Agree with vinceygirl about the resort thing. We are headed to Bonaire next month - no Hiltons or Marriots there. It is next door to Curacao.

Check out http://www.doitcaribbean.com/ for summary of all the islands.

DaveJJ, I read your well-written report. Thanks!
Maggi