Hello all of you Fodorians out there. You have been so helpful in the past, I am once again asking for your input. We want to do a quick get away in May. Want to go somewhere different, have been to Aruba, St. Marteen, Anquilla, St.Thomas, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Barbados. Normally do a hotel, or timeshare and explore the island. This time we don't have as much vacation time or $$ to spend so we are looking for 3-4 days at an All-Inclusive, just want to relax, looking for 4-5 star accomodations, Clear blue CALM WATER A MUST. Near by snorkeling and/or a casino would be nice. Trying to keep this one on the cheaper side of the caribbean.(if there is such a thing) Considering Dominican, Bahamas, Antigua, haven't been to any of these, does any of them have what we're looking for? Need help chosing an island and a resort. Thank you for your input

Calmest water ever is in Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos. Unfortunately though it doesn't come cheap. Check out the rates at The Sands...there is also a Best Western or Comfort Inn there just across the street from the beach that is incredibly cheap and you still have access to the best water and beach in the world. AI's are NEVER a bargain. Have you ever though about not doing one?

The Bahamas are probably the best choice for you. I'm not sure if the Sheraton Our Lucaya offers an AI package ... I don't really know the Bahamas well. There are plenty of good places in and around Nassau, which is cheap and easy to get to. I don't think you'll find the calm, blue water you are seeking in the D.R. anywhere but at Bayahibe (there's an Iberostar there). Antigua has plenty of clear blue water as well as relatively cheap AIs, but they may not be up to your standards.

Sheraton Our Lucaya does offer some forms of AI packages. Not sure of the cost though. There is also Viva Wyndham on Grand Bahama island and that is AI for sure. Both set on great beaches. Calm water. Good snorkeling.

You don't say where you'll be traveling from, but from the East Coast there are inexpensive direct flights into Nassau from Boston, NYC etc. via JetBlue, Spirit and others.

There are both Breezes and Sandals all-inclusive properties near Cable Beach, within reach of the hugely expensive Atlantis -- which you could visit for an evening -- like a Disney theme park, Vegas-style. With luck you might score a room at the Comfort Suites right on Paradise Island; same amenities as Atlantis, but for far less.

The Radisson Cable Beach also has all-inc. rates available. There's a casino near there and Stuart Cove's boats will pick you up for some great snorkel trips around the island. The number 10 bus takes you downtown to the Straw Market, or in the other direction to Ardastra Gardens and Zoo with its famous Marching Flamingoes - hilarious.