Now, before you think to yourself things like "lazy" and "didn't do her homework," I want to defend myself: I *really* tried to find info by myself, searched through countless websites and forums, read guidebooks and travel magazines, and so on. But I still am utterly stumped as to which island in the Caribbean is the one I want, the perfect one.

To clarify the message title, this March, a few very good friends and I are planning to meet...somewhere in the Caribbean for something of a final reunion. Nobody's dying or anything like that, but life has taken us to very different, distant parts of the world, we're nearing our 30s and finding it harder and harder to get together, and I feel like, after this trip, who knows when we'll see each other again; so I'd really like this meet-up to be wonderful, memorable, and fun. And did I mention that none of us has ever been to the Caribbean--how tragic is that?

However, as countless other forumers surely know, the toughest first step in planning a trip is to decide on where to go. I'll try to be as detailed as possible regarding specific preferences, if that would make making recommendations any easier.

We're all women in our late 20s, we like going out and having a good time, but we're not die-hard party people or shopping maniacs. One thing we'd like to avoid above all else is touristy, commercialized places--but at the same time, we wouldn't want any place too quiet and isolated. A nice town with some good, local bars and restaurants would be appreciated. This might be our only chance to visit the Caribbean, and while we're all dreaming of white-sand beaches and clear, rich waters for snorkling, we'd like to *know* that we're in the Caribbean and not just any gorgeous tropical location.

Does anyone know of a spot that fits the above bill? My friends and I would really appreciate any advice/ideas you might have.

Thank you so much in advance!

Take a Windjammer Barefoot Cruise, for the type of trip you described would suggest the Yankee Clipper. If some aren't up for a cruise the island of Bequia in the Grenadines would be great for a reunion such as you described. You would really know you are in the heart of the Caribbean.
Sounds like a lot of fun.

Hi vinceygirl,
Thanks for the tip on Bequia--will check this out!

Oh, also, from what I've read in books and websites, the areas that *seem* the most appealing are: Grenada, Martinique, and St. Kitts.

Would St. Thomas work for you? It's an easy enough place to run away to in the Caribbean. You may be able to find some good package deals that would include a daily breakfast. There is a good selection of bars and half
day snorkel sails.
Many brightly colored tropical flowers and lush greenery. Also a large selection of beaches to while away the days.
You could also take the ferry to St. John's or easily visit the British Virgin Islands, do helicopter
sightseeing tours, or horseback riding.

Hi Knowing,

I know I shouldn't make a snap-judgment based on one guidebook but mine uses words like "built up" and "shopping center of the Caribbean," which don't really appeal. Also, my books says it's a very popular cruise ship port--this conjures up somewhat scary images in my mind. I thoroughly apologize if my first post implied that I was hoping for that kind of atmosphere. But I appreciate the suggestion anyhow!

For a super-memorable, once-in-a-lifetime trip, I would recommend a crewed yacht charter in the BVI. As glam as it sounds, it can be quite affordable when you divvy it up 4 or 6 or 8 ways.

Think about it ... having your own private ship, sailing you from deserted beach to amazing snorkeling spot to sublime beach bar to cool restaurant. At the end of the evening, you just take your dinghy back to your own bunk, with no worries about getting home. The BVI are just the right combination of laid back beaches and easygoing action. Your crew will be experienced pros, who'll know how to entertain and feed you, and how to get you to the best spots at the optimal times.

In general, I prefer Grenada and the Out Islands of the Bahamas for my personal travels, but when I'm thinking about a group trip, the BVI move to the top of the list.

I have most of my BVI (and other) sails written up on my webpage: www.homestead.com/islandtime/MainPage1.html. While most have been bareboat (i.e. we run the boat), I've been on a number of crewed charters as well, and usually by the end of the week, we feel like the crew are part of the gang.

So this is what you want?
"We're all women in our late 20s, we like going out and having a good time, but we're not die-hard party people or shopping maniacs. One thing we'd like to avoid above all else is touristy, commercialized places--but at the same time, we wouldn't want any place too quiet and isolated. A nice town with some good, local bars and restaurants would be appreciated. This might be our only chance to visit the Caribbean, and while we're all dreaming of white-sand beaches and clear, rich waters for snorkling, we'd like to *know* that we're in the Caribbean and not just any gorgeous tropical location. "


I would vote Coral Bay St. John.

Its a US protected territory. No passport needed.

You can book a fantastic relatively inexpensive villa for all at:

www.windspre.com

Great local restauranst like Miss Lucy's and quiet night life with fiull moon parties not too roudy...Upscale dining at Sweet Plantains..

Coral Bay is what you want..

20 minute car/taxi to Cruz Bay "nightlife" that can really get you swinging...
scope out La Tapa and other cruz bay restaurants...

Suggestion, peruse the Caribbean Travel Forum. All the islands, pictures, recommendations and accommodations are directly at your fingertips. As much as I have had the good fortune to travel the Caribbean I still visit that forum for info.

Another suggestion is to stay in a small boutique type hotel or rent a house of some sort as opposed to an all inclusive. Chances are if you do an AI you will never leave the property thus missing the "true Caribbean" experience. The island I mentioned Bequia is in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and is a good spot for the non commercial, non touristy atmosphere. The omnly drawback is it takes a few plane changes to get there. That's the price you pay vs going to a better known thus more tourist driven commercial islands. Bequia is also in the heart of some of the greatest sailing in the world Port Elizabeth is a haven for sailors and it also has some very unique shopping opportunities and culture such as Brother Hegg who sponsors and takes care of the turtle sanctuary one turtle at a time. Quite remarkable. Just thought I'd add another 2 cents worth. Planning is a big part of the fun. Any specific questions ask away.

I recently visited St John and spent 10 glorious days there. It was fantastic. Some tourism but nothing like a more inhabited island, it is still very rustic with a lot of charm. Great restaurants and some shopping. I stayed in a condo and felt the price was very reasonable. It was called coral and blue and I found it at www.stjohnvi.net, the guy had many accomadations listed for whatever size party you need and he was helpful with all the questions I had about car rental, transportation, and getting around the island and things to see and do. I think St John fits your bill perfectly and I'm sure if you go there you will enjoy it as much as I did. Visit Island Blues, Sweet Plaintain and possibly even Skinny Legs if you get the chance.

I agree St. John's would be a good call or bareboating with a crew. The BVI's are amazing and you will see islands that are difficult for many to get to and amazingly beautiful like Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, and on. You sail from island to island to go to the next cool little bar or restaurant. There are so many great little places to see and you and your friends will have plenty of time to catch up. It really is an amazing vacation. We've done bareboats ourselves and crewed in the greadines and BVI's and the BVI's have just enough restaurants and bars to keep you from getting bored or tired of the same thing. Good luck!

Sobaice,
I understand completely that you are relying on guidebooks as you've never been to the Caribbean before. We've been to almost a dozen of the Caribbean islands, including St. Thomas. Let me tell you a little more more. It's the most developed of the Virgin Islands and yes, there is extensive shopping in Charlotte Amalie. Also, it is an active cruise port - also in Charlotte Amalie. But most of the resorts are on the east end of the island, so it's up to you whether or not you would even want to go to Charlotte Amalie.
You could also consider St. John. It is less developed and if you check out the forums here you will find that it has quite a distinct following.