Our honeymoon is mid-August 2001. We are interested in an island with the following: private villas, beautiful secluded beaches, <BR>safety, clean streets etc., great restuarants & hiking. We are thinking about the BVI. Any other suggestions? Also what about hurricane season? Is it worth even trying to go at this time? Thanks.

Hurricanes should be a concern at BVI. However, Aruba might meet some of your criteria and it is not in the hurricane belt.

Tricia, yes, hurricane season is in August for the northern Caribbean. An island closer to South America, Aruba is one of them though not my favorite, will be out of danger in that month. <BR>That said, the chances of a hurricane are maybe 1 in 50, based on past years, if you are there for about a week or so. <BR>I've been to the BVI 6 times now. Tortola is my favorite island because of the particular resort I happen to like and the mountainous nature of the island that makes it a bit more spectacular than others. <BR>There are many, many secluded beaches. To me, a beach is a place that is more about what the eye can see than anything else. On that criterion, Tortola or Virgin Gorda excel. Quality of swimming and long, glimmering, snow-white beaches are a Virgin Gorda strong point. Small, intimate beaches with mountains crashing into the small bays that contain the beaches is a Tortolan leature. Take your pick, as they say. <BR>Crime? The only violent crime (murder) I know of in the BVI since 1988 was (get this!) an American killing another American. (Murder is one of our most valuable exports, perhaps?) <BR>The resorts are, for the most part, quite small and cozy. They tend toward being simple rather than luxurious or pretentious. Here are the ones I recommend and these span a wide fiscal range. I rate them by personal choice, but all are, imo, EXCELLENT: Frenchman's Cay Resort (Tor), Biras Creek (VG), Sugar Mill (Tor), Olde Yard Inn (VG), Guana Island (GI), Peter Island Resort (PI). Any one of these will knock your socks off! I put Frenchman,s at the top as you get a private villa with full kit, separate BR, etc. and a KILLER view. I mean a SUPER view of many islands. A very good restaurant, and the place is very small with only 7 villas being available. <BR>Wherever you go, have a great life together.

I might suggest Point Pleasant, on St.Thomas. A great spot for a honeymoon.

Tricia, our favorite is St. John. There are many villas to choose from. Great beaches, hiking and restuarants. People are great and it is extremely safe......english and u.s. currency. What I like best is if you like hiking and secluded beaches there are 3 we went to last time that required a 45 min. hike to get there.......we were the only ones on the beach! Try the book, St. John...Off the beaten track. For villas , www.caribbeanvillas.com or www.cateredto.com