Thinking of natural beauty, friendly people and sights to see, Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic)is just exceptional.

To "globewriter", ARUBA is pretty and not desert, am sure many many people consider ARUBA a beautiful caribbean island!
I also love CUBA, Grenada and Bonaire!!

St John USVI, beautiful cresent-shaped, palm-fringed beaches (with no hotels or resorts on them) beautiful mountains - gin-clear water.

emccort, you are lucky to get this many responses from such a vague question... I couldn’t even suggest without knowing what your interests and budget are.

Sorry Viajero2,
I tend to agree with Sunnyboy on the issue of Puerto Rico. But maybe i missed something on my trip there. If you just go a little farther, your in St. John or Tortola. I mean, it’s night and day. AND, if you are only there for a week, who needs a city? Most of us live in a city, right? Isn’t that what we are trying to get away from?

You guys are making me want to plan a trip to Grenada, Nevis, or Dominica...Anguilla?

Been to alot of islands mentioned but.....Moorea is the best !!

I agree with Moorea but also Huahine and Raiatea. I feel as if I have been spoiled for life. Hawaii can be stunning but you cannot compare it with French Polynesia. The Caribbean doesn't compare either although its lovely in its own right.

Interesting read. But ummm, this post was from 2005 and it doesn't look like emccort has posted since. :-D

St Lucia would be number one (Ladera Resort). I personally love Jamaica (we stayed at Strawberry Hill on Blue Mountain). Least favorite was Cayman Islands (most would disagree but i just love the mountains mixed with my islands.) If you are in the water it is great but the island itself was dull to us.

This is very useful thread indeed. We are also struggling with the decision to choose the right island. Following is a list of things we are looking for in order of priority:

1: Pretty water! Yeah, we want to see that azure water with shades of blue that those postcards so often depict! Where is that precisely?

2: Sandy beaches. No pebbles or rocks. No black sand. Just that nice, soft white sand.

3: Some vegetation. Arid terrain/desert turn me away. It doesnt have to be lush but some greenary would be nice. And, of course, gotta have the swaying palms!

4: Choice of good resort. The only tropical island that I have been is Ohau, Hawaii. Stayed at Waikiki in a cramped building with a view of, well, the wall of next building. This time, we are looking for a full-service resort near or on the beach so I actually feel I am at a tropical island, not Hong Kong!

5: Decently developed. From what I have heard, some of the islands, while pretty, are a bit primitive outside the grounds at the resort. Lets just say we are too adventurous yet!

Sounds too idyllic? Well, I agree that not one destination has it all. Thats why, I am thinking of combining a couple so we get a bit of everything. Based on opinions here, I have narrowed it down to USVI, St Martin, Antigua and St Lucia. Now need to cut two of these.

From your preferences, I'd remove St. Lucia. Probably USVI and Antigua are the closest to what you want. Hopefully others with more first hand experience will chime in, or you may want to start a new post. Good Luck! :)

Thanks Dreamer2. Could you elaborate a bit more on why would you not recommended St Lucia? Is the beaches?

I read all the thread and not once I read anyone mentioned Cuba, Cuba hands down takes all the islands, its has the best beaches, fauna, flora, cities, keys, mountains, waterfalls and everything else you might think and if you want a deserted beach, river or lake you will find it. Back in the days everyone was going to Cuba. Is the biggest and the best cause it has everything you guys mentioned about the other island in just one place.IMHO

Bora Bora is phenomenal. Also think Harbour Island in The Bahamas has a phenomenal beach (wide pink sand) awesome.

St. Lucia is gorgeous, if you stay near the Pitons, but the beaches are black sand.

Also think the BVI is fantastic. The west end of Tortola near Long Bay, is beautiful and the beaches are fantastic

. I have not been to St John. Though I am thinking about going this year. Some have said it is too Americanized. Virgin Gorda is the most beautiful Island I have been to... It is very colorful with amazing water , beaches and lush green hills,if you hit each end of the island you can get a different feel at each one . I love Nevis as well but it really lacks in the beaches. Puerto Rico I enjoy for a long weekend but you are not going to get a true island feel

absolutely the Dominican Republic has the nicest beaches from the Caribbean and has all visitors need to have a great vacation,is rich in history because is the first country of the new world in attractions you can find a vary of night time live like discos,casinos etc during the day there are many activities like water sports,country site tours etc.

Visit and feel the charm of this beautiful island.

Peter