I am a huge Caneel-St. John fan. I enjoy the magnificent unspoiled beaches, the lushness and naturalness of the island, and the wonderful snorkeling/diving. After several stays and thouroughly enjoying each visit, I have decided that I might be missing some other beautiful Caribbean islands and should spread my wings and explore.<BR><BR>My original plan was to combine a week on Anguilla (Cap Juluca) with a week at Caneel for fear of regretting not being on St. John.<BR><BR>The more adventurous part of me is thinking of skipping Caneel and choosing either St. Lucia (Jalouie Hilton) or St. Vincent Grenadines (Young Island - their website looks terrific) for my second week.<BR><BR>If anyone who has visited either of these two locations as well as Caneel, and can offer some comparisons, I would be most appreciative.<BR><BR>In addition, I cannot find the hotel review of Young Island. If it exists I would also appreciate advice on how to find it.<BR><BR>Thanks for your help.

I've been to St. Lucia, stayed at Club St. Lucia. Loved the island and the resort! island is lush, tropical, with mountains, and a "no problem" way of life. Banana plantations, huge waterfalls! Very scenic!

Since you mention you like lush islands with great snorkelling/diving, I'm surprised you're looking at Anguilla which is not lush at all and its snorkelling/diving are below par. But it does have Cap Jaluca, great beaches, many good beachfront accomodations, and dining choices which are far superior to St. John in my opinion. When I learned to dive several years ago I ended up crossing Anguilla off my list because diving is my new priority.

Thanks to both of you for your input. After hearing the rave review on Cap Juluca, I felt that I had to try it but only for one week. I forgot to add Antigua (Jumby Bay, also a Rosewood Resort) as a possibility, but it appears that they do not have beachfront rooms, and I am uncertain about the snorkeling.<BR><BR>I really do appreciate your time and interest.

Anguilla is not lush at all, but the beaches, the restaurants, little beach bars ,wonderful hotels, make it a special location. Cap Juluca is one of my favorites! <BR>We discovered Caneel, and Cruz Bay a few years ago. Nothing in Anguilla can match the snorkeling at Caneel. Anguilla is alot easier to get around, especially if you get caught in a downpour! I love St. John too!We love CAp when we are there, and feel the same about Caneel. <BR>We went to St. Lucia about 5 years ago<BR>and stayed at Jalousie. The ride from the airport is a windy hell, especially<BR>if you are prone to carsickness! The resort is right smack between the Pitons, lush, and lots of tropical flowers. Lots of Palm trees, and a nice beach,( beaches are much better in Anguilla and St. John!) I did miss the <BR>blue water and white sandy bottoms. The setting by the pool is very pretty. Did not snorkel then, so not sure how it is! The spa is very good and so is the exercise room. I did feel very confined. Glad I went and it is a special spot to see. Won't go again.<BR>We go back and back to Bermuda, Anguilla, Caneel,& Jumby Bay! Enjoyed Virgin gorda and Barbados too!<BR>Hope this helps! It is fun to try other spots, but the same old ones are pretty good!

PS-Just read your new post. Jumby has rooms very close to the beach. It is a great place! It should just get better!<BR>No good snorkeling off their beach-lots of starfish though!

Thanks again to all who have have given so many interesing and thoughtful ideas. I have some time to decide since this will be next year's trip. I feel that along with Anguilla, I should try to mix in a lush, good snorkeling island. St. Lucia sounds beautiful, but I have read some negative reports about overzealous venders, although I am not sure how true this is. However, St. Lucia is on my must see list, perhaps on a future trip. Still hoping to hear some thoughts/comparisons on Young Island, St. Vincent Grenadines.<BR><BR>I really am appreciative of everyone's time and effort.

You should try Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda (a Rosewood Hotel). It is peaceful, relaxing and a beautiful beach.<BR><BR>Have fun!

Have to agree about Virgin Gorda; hubby loved snorkeling around the BVI's even better than USVI. For the best of St. Lucia, we LOVE LeSport - you get SO much more for the buck than at Jalousie. You can fly into Vigi Airport via San Juan or via Barbados into Vigi. Check out LeSport's website. I have to agree with you about St. John too; we just LOVE it.