We are planning for our 20th anniversary in May '10. We've rented a villa in St. John before and loved the island. We've also been to Peter Island resort and loved that too. We'd like to try something new but having trouble narrowing it down. We like secluded, uncrowded beaches; loved St. John's lushness; would like either a luxury villa w/ pool and beach front or walking access, or secluded luxury resort w/ plunge pool; love great wine and food; budget around $10K.

Any thoughts on which islands have great luxury villas or small private luxury resorts that might fit the bill?

Thanks for your help!

Virgin Gorda.

It has everything you are looking for, and with your budget, you can find an amazing villa on the beach.

Try Mango Bay resort or Nail bay resort. Both have beautiful villas right on the beach.

I also think Virgin Gorda fits your criteria very well. Try looking at the villas on Mahoe Bay.

Yup!!! Another vote for the villas at Mahoe Bay. They are exactly what you are seeking. By the way, I've been all over the Caribbean and it doen't get much better anywhere. Try it, you'll like (love) it!

Thanks for the suggestions. Virgin Gorda sounds like a unanimous choice. I'll check it out.

We love VG and have stayed on Mahoe and loved it. The one thing I want to point out is that VG is not much of a food/wine destination. Just wanted you to be aware.

You should look at the Grand Suites at Biras Creek on Virgin Gorda. We liked it much better than Peter Island and were there before they added the plunge pools. It is a great place - secluded, very relaxing and romantic. The food is terrific. We thought the beach was very nice (despite comments on this site to the contrary)and you have access to many other beaches (that you will generally have all to yourself) via the fleet of Boston Whalers. It is a Relais& Chateau property. We were there for our 20th anniversary and loved every minute. If you go, take a day trip to Anegada by helicopter - those beaches are spectacular as is the lobster.

You might check out the website for Meridian Club, Pine Cay in the Turks and Caicos islands. In May, it would be lovely. It is a different kind of rustic Caribbean luxury however. The incredible stretch of white sand beach goes on for miles and rarely do you see others on it. The pool is nice though the ocean is so unbelievably blue and clear we used the pool rarely. The food is very good
always including one locally caught seafood entree on the menu, but it is good cooking, not "gourmet."
The pictures on the website are reliable-rooms, beach, pool, restaurant. I emphasize, it is one of my favorite places and offers both comforts, romance and tranquility, but little to no "glitz."

Check out Virgi Gorda.

I am going there this Friday for 10 nights - yippee!

How about Anguilla--best fine dining and beaches in the Carib. There are new luxury villas with pools right on the water called, Kamique. Given the economy, they may be discounted for May. We like VG but it has limited fine dining.

I also think Anguilla would be a great place for you. Like the previous post stated, it boasts the best food in the caribbean! You can also take the ferry across to St. Martin, so you can vacation on two islands. Take a look at Sheriva in Anguilla:

http://www.sheriva.com/

Take a look at St Kitts, lush, lovely island and the South Peninsula has many beautiful seculded beaches. We stayed at Turtle Beach House, very well appointed, romantic and in an idyllic location, plus a big pool very near the beach
http://turtlebeachhousestkitts.shutterfly.com/

I don't think it gets any more beautiful and romantic than St. Barth's. Very French, fabulous restaurants, beautiful beaches, classy but yet casual. Check out villa rentals - lots of great options.

Thanks for all the suggestions. We were also looking at Anguilla which seems to have great beaches and restaurants. I'm wondering though if I'll like the flat, dry landscape compared to St. John's lushness. I haven't checked out St. Barth or Kitts yet, but will do so.

gellerss, we've been to both VG and Anguilla. VG is very quaint, quiet and has some nice/beautiful beaches but the beaches in Anguilla are better comparatively (wider and whiter sand if I remember correctly and there are more of them). Both are great places but definately different. As you note, Anguilla is flat/scrubby. If you are looking for nice/romantic dining Anguilla wins hands down. The dining options in Anguilla make it more romantic for me and I would pick Anguilla for an anniversary (especially since you have been to both Peter island and St John - all part of Virgin islands chain).

I am on Virgin Gorda right now (first time) and I absolutely love it here!

Beautiful island, very quiet, great beaches, not a lot of restaurants - a few upscale and a few casual which is what I like on an island.

When I am on an island I am not looking to eat upscale meals every night. I like to be laid back since I eat at more upscale restaurants when I am at home in Boston.

I have been to St. John 2 times and I like Virgin Gorda so much more.

Oh, and the people are wonderful!