sctiger

But I need a good island to go to!! Here is the situation, I am 22 years old, will be graduating in December from college, and I am going to propose to my girlfriend of 4 years in mid-august. I obviously have a college budget, but I am selling a condo, so I am willing to splurge to make this a special moment.

I am looking to spend total of about 2500-3000 for two people, flight, hotel and food for 5 nights. I will be flying wed-mon, so the flight is only about $900 of the cost. I really want to go somewhere exotic, and not overly developed, so I initially went right to St. Lucia. Things I really like about the resorts there are their uniquness, especially those with their own pools and ocean views. Access to the beach is a MUST, and oceanviews is also a must. Anyway, I just am really looking for experienced input here.

As I said, I am young, so would enjoy partaking in the nightlife, even if it is simple, as long as it is authentic, and not fabricated (a margaritaville is a definate NO). Thanks is advance!!

Also, activities such as scuba, sailing, stuff like that is great, because my girlfriend does have arthritis in her knees, hicking is not wanted.

sctiger

Oh, and I forgot...My girlfriend can be "uncomfortable" with some things, I think the garden showers may be out of her realm, eventhough I think it is great and she could adjust. Also, she can feel unsafe easily, as she was robbed when she was younger, so security is a must. Thanks Again!!

Maggi

I think St. Barts might fulfil your needs, sctiger. We felt extremely safe there and that seems to be high on your list. It's exotic, great food and some nightlife. In your budget, I would recommend Les Islets de la Plage:
http://www.st-barths.com/ilets-de-la.../ilets_rm.html
I have toured these cottages. They are pristine and they are on a fabulous beach. Shopping and restaurants are just a stroll away. Off season accomodations should be about $2000. That would leave you $1000 for flight into St. Martin and food. The cottages have kitchens so you can save by eating breakfast and lunch in. Congratulations and good luck!

Baxter620

No doubt in my mind - Cabo San Lucas - most of my friends have honey-mooned there so just imagine not only proposing there but going back on your honey moon. And it can be all exclusive.

SAnParis

If you want one of the least visited islands in the whole of teh Caribbean, check out Montserrat. I've a few trip reports on here so take a look.

SAnParis

Forgot to mention, there are no resorts & little in the way of people, so you'll not have to worry about security.

JeanH

I'd consider Nevis. Great hotels, beautfiul island. Friendly people.

Knowing

Personally, Nevis is our favorite island and the one I would want to be proposed to on, if I had it to do over again. The temperatures in mid-August are about 87 degrees, but the pools, beaches and a few drinks will keep you cool. This is a totally stress free island and your girlfriend will have zero issues with safety.

bajangirl

ST Lucia is a fab island - check out TiKaye Village for accommodation. Also the brand new Bay Gardens Beach Resort in the more lively Rodney Bay area. The Rex has a couple AIs on the beach too if you're up for that.
There is a load of info at http://www.destinationcaribbean.net on the islands - might help you in narrowing down your destination search.

sctiger

Thanks to everyone for their input!! Keep it coming as I have not made any decisions at all yet!! A few things I have found, St. Lucia has cheap airfare, and it is direct along with Aruba and a couple of the major islands. I really really love the looks of Grenada, but travel is expensive...Anyway, keep the advice coming (especially great resorts!)

bignik9

I just came back from a honeymoon in Grenada. Yes, flights are kind of expensive, but so worth it. My husband and I absolutely loved everything about Grenada, from the gorgeous beaches to the rainforest. Your girlfriend would have no problem feeling safe. It isn't overly developed and the people are super friendly. We stayed at the Coyaba right on the beach and I would recommend that resort. Not a whole lot of nightlife that we found though. I don't have a lot of travelling experience, but Grenada is a great choice.

foodiechan

sctiger:

Stay with islands that have an "infrastructure." St. Barts, St. Martin might fit your needs because it has a combination of great beaches, nightlife, and a foreign culture (Dutch or French). Be mindful that both islands are well travelled by the rich and famous so expect it to be on the expensive side.

Other possibilities include Cancun (which is shedding its Spring Break central image) and Aruba. Both also have lots of places to party and in Aruba, not to mention the casinos.

I am stressing the term "infrastructure" because that's what most people would prefer if they are going to the islands for the first time.

Good luck and enjoy!

beachykeen

Barbados- pretty safe, greeat restaurants, shopping, sightseeing, nightlife. Out of the hurricane zone.

Anguilla-superb beaches, safe, great locals. Terrific restaurants(some close in Aug- Sept, so check Anguilla Guide site where restaurant closings are listed). 20 minute ferry ride from ST Martin where there is shopping and casinos. Mostly quiet, but some local clubs.

sctiger

Well, I have made my decision...a little off from the original plan, but I am excited non the less. We are heading to Cabo San Lucas, I know very tourist ridden, but I think it will be fun, and My mother has made a good point, I can always head to Grenada or some of the others for the Honeymoon. Thanks for everyone's help!

kaneda

Why one island? There are many cruise bargains about which go to a number of islands and every island is different. Don't forget the price includes your accommodation, travel and food. You could even get married on the ship if you wanted to.

suzyRam

I returned from St Lucia recently and had a blast of a vacation. based on your post I will recommend Windjammer Landing or Coco Palm. we stayed at the Windjammer Landing and had our own plunge pool, private ambassador and private tours. We visited the Ti Bananne restaurant at Coco Palm and got a tour of the property. The swim up rooms might be ideal. My first peak will be for The Windjammer Landing in a 1 bedroom villa with plunge pool. John over at Serenity vacations and tours got us a free upgrade on a great package (free Pigeon Island tour).

The fish fry at Anse La Ray is also a great night out if you love sea foods, or the jump up street party in the north on a Friday night. Serenity you can get at www.serenitytvl.com, they have a toll free number as well

skbfan

My choice would be St. Kitts! Visit www.myislands.myeyez.net and www.stkitts-tourism.com for more information.

Friendly locals, take a day trip to Nevis, hike the rainforest, visit Brimstone Hill Fortress www.brimstonehillfortress.org and Caribelle Batik delicious lobster dinners, lime with the locals at Mr. X's Shiggidy Shack www.mrxshiggidyshack.com or Turtle Beach Bar & Grill www.turtlebeach1.com, wander the shoreline of St. Kitts' sandy beaches, watch a beautiful sunset, stroll hand and hand on an untracked beach or spend the afternoon in a hammock built for two...

smoley

If you are going to Cabo, try One and Only Palmilla. Exotic and fabulous. They have some very good rates ($325/night) in August and this includes a wonderful breakfast every morning at one of the on site breakfasts. She will be in heaven and impressed (fresh rosepetals shaped like an art design when you return to your room as night). Do it!

I recommend you rent a cheap car so that you can dash into San Jose Del Cabo for dinner (or Cabo itself).

Let us know what you decide...