Hi there everyone. I actually have a double question! First, I am going on a vacation with my mom at the end of March (she is a very young 60! and I am 36) I have been to : Aruba, Puerto Rico, St Martin, St. Barth, St John, Bahamas (Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Nassau and Paradise Is.)and Mexico. I would like to go somewhere I have never been before. We both like beautiful beach, warm, calm water, great food and a choice of nightlife (music and dancing...I told you she was a young 60!). I also like to feel as I am in the Caribbean...not Florida! She mentioned Barbados...and I know nothing about it. Secondly, I am going on vacation at the end of April with my boyfriend...and we like to do much of the same...with a place being romantic, too.
Any suggestions? He mentioned St. Lucia...I was just wondering if these are good choices or if I have the wrong island for each vacation. Any help would be extremely appreciated. Thanks, Lisa.

The islands that comes to mind from your wish list are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbados. What sort of budget do you have for these trips? As you can imagine, there are a wide range of resorts and inns on these islands depending on your budget and needs.

Thanks Laby.
I was planning on spending about $5000 for each vacation (for both travellers). I'm sure this makes a difference as far as lodging is concerned. Also, if you think of any hotels on either island, that would be much appreciated.

Anguilla is renowned for its numerous and spectacular crystal white beaches and its world-class restaurants (in all price ranges). It's also an island that you will want to explore rather than being cooped up at one resort. So I'd strongly recommend that you rent a car for at least part of your stay. That way you can see the best of Anguilla's beaches, restaurants, and nightlife.

For your trip in late April, I'd recommend Cuisinart Resort (http://www.cuisinartresort.com/index.php?catID=33) or Cap Juluca (http://www.capjuluca.com/) in Anguilla. They're both beautiful resorts with first class service on outstanding beaches. You'll have a lovely with boyfriend for sure.

March, as you likely know, is high season and you probably would need to spend more than $5000 for the week to stay at Cuisinart or Cap Juluca when you include meals. If you'd like to visit Anguilla with your mother, you might take a look at a few of the nicer resorts on Shoal Bay East. Shoal Bay East is an amazing beach and the hotels there are less expensive (and less luxurious) than Cuisinart or Cap Juluca. Perhaps the nicest ones that would fall within your budget are Serenity Cottage (http://www.serenity.ai/) and the Madeariman Beach Club Hotel (http://www.madeariman.com/). Another hotel of similar quality that you might consider would be the newly opened Ku Resort (http://www.ku-anguilla.com/) (a refurbished and more luxurious replacement for the Shoal Bay Beach Hotel). I haven't seen KU but most reviews have been very positive.

for something different give some thought to a Windjammer cruise. visiit a few islands decide which you like and then return for a wekks vacation.

Is there any nightlife in Anguilla? I heard its almost too quiet...is this true? Thanks for your resonses and help.