Hello!

I am a somewhat seasoned traveller looking for a special destination for 20th Ann. with hubby this fall/early winter.
(My biggest fear is ending up in some impoverished island so that you're afraid to leave the hotel). Here is my criteria; can anyone suggest anything or speak of experience?

1. Not a cruise destination/stop!!!
2. Somewhat secluded and off the beaten path(we loved Guana Cay on our 10th). Dont need alot (or any) activity
3. No crowds!!!!
4. Nice accommodations (like the ritz-carlton chain...but any place with that kind of 'feel' would do)
5. Quiet non-partying island
6. Safe "nice" island that doesn't have big cities.

I appreciate any and all responses....I have literally been going around and around in circles trying to pick a destination and hotel!! I am leaning towards the Four Seasons in Nevis, but heard it was a pain to get on and off the island?

Thanks in advance!

Have you considered St. Barths?

Four Seasons in Exumas, Bahamas

Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos; Biras Creek Resort, Virgin Gorda.

Firefly Mustique. Seriously.

The month you go is important here. Many of the nice hotels on luxury islands close after mid-September until late November or even early December to avoid the largest part of hurricane season, though you will find many more options in September.

I'd push Anguilla for you. It meets all your requirements and has excellent luxury resorts and food.

Anguilla is outstanding. Fly to SXM and take a VIP boat over to AXA and stay at Cap Juluca, Cuisinart or Mallihouna. The food is outstanding on the island, the beaches may be the best in the Caribbean and it's quiet. Take the ferry back over to SXM for a day trip and shop at Philipsburg and have lunch in Marigot.

I'd recommend St Lucia, Barbados, Dominica and Dominica in that order. I cruise through these islands and they top my list of recommendable destinations. St Lucia is my first for the hospitality and care we got in just a one day stop from Sherma and Charlie st Serenity vacations over there.

Anguilla or St. Barths. I never felt particulary safe on St. Lucia. Dominica is very interesting but not very good selection of hotels..most pretty basic and geared to divers.

For what you're seeking, I'd recommend seeking out a private island resort. Most Caribbean islands are going to be relatively "impoverished" (though why that should make you afraid to leave your hotel I don't quite understand), so if that really is a sticking point for you, take a look at: Peter Island in the BVI, Parrot Cay in Turks & Caicos, Petit St Vincent or Palm Island in the Grenadines, Jumby Bay just off Antigua. Biras Creek on Virgin Gorda is practically a private island because you have to get there by boat.

Some islands have a higher standard of living than others, including but not limited to St. Barthelemy and Grand Cayman. There are quite a few luxury places on St. Bart and Grand Cayman has a Ritz Carlton, since you mentioned that chain specifically.

I don't think that Nevis is difficult to get to at all. You won't find any nonstop flights there, but then again, you won't find many nonstop flights from the US to islands that are not major cruise ship stops. You can easily connect to Nevis through San Juan, Puerto Rico or St. Kitts on major carriers from the US. Easy peasy. Nevis is one of my favorite destinations--full of charm and beauty. You may well enjoy the 4S there, and though the island is poorer than most of the US, I would still encourage you to get out and see it. Your tourist dollars in the local economy (not the ones that go in the pocket of the 4S corporation) go a long way in the Caribbean, and supporting local restaurants, taxi drivers, day sail companies, and shopping in local stores are all helpful.

The line of demarcation between the luxury resorts and the relative poverty of locals on any island can certainly be stark, and it can also be quite jarring to observe close at hand. But I would still encourage you to get out and visit whichever island you choose, as there is so much to any destination beyond the resort walls.

ej couldn't agree with you more. Nicely put.

Thank you everyone for the great 'jump off' start for my research...they all sound like great ideas and i can't wait to find out more about each place. (I already rec'd a quote from Firefly).

I would like to clarify my position as it seems some have the very wrong impression that I am not eager to venture out of a resort. Not true. I am a school teacher and I do my fair share of travelling as part of my education. I always, always, ALWAYS take public transportation, avoid the tourist spots in order to get a good feel for different cultures. I then translate these experiences via slide shows to my students in various lesson plans. With this said...I certainly know all about impoverished islands and see your point of view and agree with it. BUT...for my 20th wedding anniversary, I am not looking for a lesson plan. I'm looking for planting my tired teacher's butt on a beach and enjoying the pampering with my husband.

I am sorry for not being more clear about my intentions...doing report cards right now and i guess I was in a 'point across' mind set...sorry!

Thanks again for the great ideas...I'll get to work...and by the way, you all get an A+!

Friends just returned from Jumby Bay Antigua and loved it. Hermitage Bay also has amazing reviews and is on our short list to visit soon. Some areas of Mexico may also fit you criteria although it is not an island.