Hi, I am planning a surprise birthday trip in the beginning of January for my husband's 50th bday. He loves the warm weather so I thought a trip to the Caribbean, just the two of us, is the best gift I could give him!

We went to Aruba 5 years ago, and loved it, but I am definitely open to trying a new island - less commerial, Americanized. I have also been to Puerto Rico, but don't think it's what I'm looking for.

Basically, during the day we'll relax by the pool/beach, maybe get a couples massage (want a spa at our hotel), at night dine out - good restaurants are very important, even if they are pricey. At night we'll have drinks, walk around the resort grounds, go to the casino (need an island with casino). Basically, we'll have a very laid back vacation where we can relax. We don't go away often w/out our two children (both under age 5), so we'll want to just enjoy each other.

We stayed at the Hyatt in Aruba and really liked it. I am considering St. Maarten, but the one thing that confuses me is that the hotels there seem very inexpensive compared to Aruba's, which makes me question their quality.

We will fly out of Charlotte, so I know we can get direct flights to Aruba or St. Maarten, but I wouldn't rule out somewhere else.

While I don't want to spend an absolute fortune, I'm not on a strict budget.

Any ideas would be SO appreciated! Thanks.

I was going to suggest Anguilla and Turks and Caicos, but Anguilla has no casinos, so that leaves T&C:

Seems Americanized
has excelletn restaurants
has 2 small casinos
great for relaxing
has direct flight from Charlotte (only 2 hours!)

Bonus: one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world

How about the Bahamas? Close flight and they do have casinos in Nassau.We stayed at Sandals Royal Bahamian, beautiful resort.

Would Bahamas be 80 in early January? I will check weather.com.

Anybody have any experience visiting St. Kitts? They have a Marriott resort with a casino that looks very nice.

The Westin in St. Maarten may have all that you are looking for. Nice beach, casino and St. Maarten/St. Martin is loaded with restaurants of all kinds. Try www.traveltalkonline.com for more info.

As far as St. Kitts, it depends on what you're looking for. I've never been to Aruba or St. Maarten to compare casinos, but the one in the St. Kitts Marriott seemed a little lackluster. St. Kitts is a lovely island but it's the polar opposite of Aruba, so if Aruba is what you loved, you might want to try St. Maarten instead, as it will offer a similar sense of busyness with less Americanized setting.

I know you said you wanteed to try someplace new, but if Aruba has everything you're looking for, including a non-stop flight from Charlotte, it may be your best bet.

I'll throw in an opinion. I did not like Aruba...too Americanized. We have been to the Marriott at St. Kitts 3 times. LOVE IT! The casino is not Las Vegas-ish, but good enough. There is lots to do and tons of things to explore in St. Kitts....rainforest, Brimstone Hill Fortress, Caribelle Batik. We have had excellent service at the Marriott. Tons of restaurants: Serendipity, Marshalls, Reggae Beach Bar, Mr. X's Shiggidy Shack, P.J.'s, Ballahoo....just to name a few.
I don't think you would be disappointed, plus you can day trip to Nevis, one of my favorites.
I have also been to St. Martin (french side_ 3 times) and the traffic is unbelievable. The food in Grand Case is excellent, but the congestion has turned me off, personally.
Background: We are 40 w/o kids, so we like to be by ourselves and stroll about, as you mentioned.

We loved St. Kitts and the Marriott. It has a nice beach and a couple of large pools. I don't like to gamble but the casino seemed very nice. I agree with ejcrowe that it depends on what you are looking for. St. Kitts is still very uncommercialized and laid back. There is not much shopping. I haven't been to St. Martin in 20 years but it was much busier years ago than St. Kitts is today.

I wouldn't go to the Bahamas in January. We went in April a few years ago and the beginning of our vacation was chilly.

Hmmm, if you could delete the need for a casino, you could do a yacht charter in the Virgins for the same price as most resorts on land...be pampered, don't lift a finger, and beachcomb a different island every day. Got a client from SFO who is doing the surprise for her Hubby's 50th, and bringing his best friend to add to the surprise. Can't wait for this one! Great fun!! Massage at resorts on land, or some yachts actually have a masseuse as part of the crew. Not too often tho' on the lower priced ones. And you don't have to fly out of Charlotte Amalie, it starts right there or the BVI!

Does Antigua have casinos?

The last time I visited, there was a small casino in the town of St. John's, the capital, and a tiny casino in the Grand Pineapple Beach Resort. There may be more casino action available now.

If you could bypass the casino, the Grand Cayman has nice beaches and good restaurants and some high end hotels.
I am not sure if T & C would be warm enough in January. Also, the Bahamas may be chillier.
Does anyone know if Barbados or Curacao have casinos? They are both down low in the Caribbean and are warm.
Curacao gets rave reviews around here, and has a Marriott that is very nice. Not sure about the gambling aspect.