To the OP - Dreamer2, did you ever decide where to go. I know you were leaning toward Nevis. Let us know! I would be happy to answer more questions if you have any.

Forgive the typo, I meant Grenada and the Grenadines for the sailors. All of the islands in the Caribbean and South Pacific are special. There are also fabulous islands in the UIndian Ocean, Thailand, the South China seas. Count yourself as one of the lucky ones if you visit them. There is not one most beautiful island like there is not one most beautiful flower.

To MIM04:

Hi again! Yes, Nevis is still my first choice for a family vacation, but I'm waiting for Oct/Nov to book everything. I think it will feel the most "old Caribbean," and provide some activities for exploration. But the other big trip we want to make with our teenagers before they leave the nest is to Greece. We will do one this April or June, and one a year or two later. I'll be checking exchange rates and doing further investigation in the fall. But my husband and I are also planning on St. Barth's or Virgin Gorda for our 25th! So, I continue to read and evaluate as posts come up...

Thanks for the follow-up! I enjoy your posts and first-hand info. Oh, by the way, I was not the OP; just sort of jumped on the bandwagon mid-thread. Thanks again for your help.

Dreamer2 - That is great.
You cannot go wrong with Virgin Gorda or St Barths. We spend every Thanksgiving in Virgin Gorda. One year, both Virgin Gorda and St Barths. This year just St Barths. And actually we were married 2 years ago in Greece. I guess we have the same taste in locations, lol. Let me know if you want more info about any of the above! :)

I vote St. Lucia and St. John

For natural beauty, unspoiled at its best my vote goes to St. Vincent although earlier I posted Mayreau and Tobago Cays after deliberation definitely St.Vincent for overall beaty including the people.

Our vote goes to St. Lucia and Jamaica. Our vote for least beautiful island is Aruba.

You all have defintely helped me make up my mind. I live on the East coast, and absolutely love Hawaii. Could care less about the long flight. Have been to Maui and Oahu on two separate trips in the past 18 or so months. Each have their own unique beauty. Last island Hawaiian island I REALLY want to visit is Kauai.

Planning another trip in 2006. This time I am seriously considering the caribbean. Until all of these posts, I thought the islands were pretty much the same. I've been to a couple of islands in the Bahamas, Jamaica, St John, and Puerto Rico. They are nice. However, none of them made me long to come back.

I am strongly considering going to St Lucia. Not as long of a flight, beautiful scenery, and close enough to other islands for a day trip.

I am so glad this thread keeps getting topped. ;-)

My vote: St. Lucia. It is lush, a tropical forest, and so very beautiful.

it would have to be Bora Bora or Moorea

I have two words for all of you -- Dominica, Dominica, Dominica (OK that's 3).
Stunning scenery, amazing mountains, rivers and coastline.
Like NO other Caribbean island.

Does anyone know where Eric McCort (the OP) went on his honeymoon? As I recall, he was agonizing over his choice of Sandals Whitehouse after reading some of the not-so-stellar reviews after it first opened.

I'm not a Sandals fan, but Kimberly on this board is, and as she's visited most of the Sandals resorts she's also the expert on this board--she just recommended Whitehouse to somebody else. I'm just curious where Eric and his new wife went and if they were happy with their choice...

I almost fell off my chair when I read sunnyboy's reply to dreamer2 stating that "......quite honestly if it were me I'd take them somewhere else and it wouldn't be Puerto Rico because if you stay in the San Juan area it's too much like being in Miami and if you go to the outlying areas you won't have easy access to many of the things you are seeking".

Talk about a misinformed reply!!WOW.

While I agree with the portion that compares San Juan with Miami, to get out of San Juan is actually the best way to guarantee relaxation, great shopping, beautiful sightseeing, fascinating history AND the BEST snorkeling in Puerto Rico. :-D

I will cite some sights in Puerto Rico away from San Juan that have EVERYTHING and then some of what dreamer2 is looking for: Ponce, La Parguera, Fajardo, Mayaguez (Mall), Luquillo, Rincon, Camuy, San German.

dreamer2: you were in the right track with Puerto Rico; do not let misinformed replies derail you. If you are interested in more info, just post away. A good friend owns the best snorkeling outfit in La Parguera (Lajas). Just say the word.

For the record, Dominican Republic is not an Island, ok Photog :D

Pickaay ! Pickaay ! Pickaay !

TURKS AND CAICOS...THEN CAYMAN ISLANDS..
I loved T & C. It has the most breathtaking beaches and water..NO rocks in teh sand and its just talcum powdery feeling! It is my favorite destination.
We went there on our honeymoon in 2002...cant say enough about it...but slow service lol is only drawback!and BIBG mosquitos! bring the lotion

I have to say that Cuba should be in your list. Beautiful island but beautiful friendly people as well in a safe destination

Bora Bora and Moorea

Grenada Grenada Grenada. I can't say it better than that. Nice people, beautiful scenery, good hikes in the rainforest, birds, monkeys, armadillos, lively history and great restaurants. No casinos or neon lights. It is definitely Classic gracious living Caribbean. Check out the new discusion board for Grenada - www.grenadavisitorforum.com They have all the bases covered.

Though I realise that beauty is clearly in the eye of the beholder ( viz Aruba is desert and not pretty) . Thoough It seems that many people here want places that are mini-Americas I would humbly propose Dominica ( stunning), Trinidad & Tobago ( rainforest), Jamaica ( a bit of everything) and Bonaire ( small sleepy and as starkly beautiful in an arid way as Ireland's West coast.