Need help on spring Caribbean vacation
 

Trying to plan a vacation (1 week probably) for my husband & I in the late March-early May timeframe. We love St. John USVI, where we usually rent a villa w/ friends or family, but have been there & Virgin Gorda most recently so want to try something new. We're early 40's, pretty active but mostly looking for some place beautiful where we can relax on a nice beach, do some snorkeling, maybe take a day trip by boat and eat some good food. Don't need wild nightlife, aren't big hikers, shopping is not a priority. Not big fans of the all inclusive style places. Would like something that has a direct flight from NYC area (although not opposed to a ferry ride once we land) and isn't too complicated/costly to get to. We don't have an unlimited budget but we're not the kind of people to stay at a campground to save a few bucks. We like to be comfortable, I guess you could say. Suggestions from friends have included: Antigua, Barbados and Exuma, Bahamas. I know Jet Blue flies direct to St. Maarten, so would consider that. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!

jet blue & american fly nonstop to provo, turks & caicos from jfk. continental from ewr. as long as you don't go the 3rd week in april it's around $550 (3rd wk is $1500)
staying in one of these houses might be perfect for just the two of you. look at - coriander, ballyhoo, callaloo or nutmeg: http://www.tcvillas.com/
all 4 are right by best off beach snorkeling on provo. in walking distance to 6 restaurants in the turtle cove marina. you would have to rent a car. provo has some of the best dining in the caribbean. limited shopping & nightlife.
if you'd rather not do a house provo has numerous condo style resorts in various price tiers. (with pool, dining but condo not hotel style rooms)
i think bahamas water temps might still be a bit cool for lots of water time in your timeframe.

www.jalousieplantation.com

www.nisbetplantatuon.com

2 of my favs nice vibe great beaches

Consider visiting St. Maarten. Many direct flights from New York, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Miami.

Great place to have a vacation. Once you go there, you're sold for life.

We just came back from 2 wks in St. Maarten with part of it a flight for 3 nights in Saba. In St Maarten the Fr. side is less commercial, we stayed just n. of Grand Case at Doves Nest. They have 6 apt units, 1-2 bedrm, right on the beach, nice owners to help with car rental ( Don is great) and ideas to expolore, plus free HUGE BBQ dinner one night for guests. You can walk to the many restaurants in Grand Case, but located in a lane with a security gate, so no busy traffic noise, great sunsets. We did a snorkel boat trip, some exploring in Marigot, and snorkel trip to SABA, amazing flight-beautiful unspoiled island. You get a full kitchen, large rms at Doves Nest, ask for a balcony room. We are retired 60's and active.

Any thoughts on Barbados? I have found some good prices on flights & heard more good things, so starting to lean that way. Also have found good prices to St. Martin, so of the 2 does one have more to recommend than the other?