I'm looking for a very plush resort, possibly in the caribbean, but not necessarily, for a special occasion. Looking for special treatment and close proximity to a beach. Any favorites?

A few which spring to mind are:

Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda, BVI (http://rosewoodhotels.com/hotels.cfm; much plusher than Caneel)

Sandy Lane, Barbados (http://www.sandylane.com/)

Four Seasons, Nevis, West Indies (http://www.fourseasons.com; have not been myself)

The Ritz-Carlton, St Thomas, USVI (ritzcarlton.com)

Four Seasons Maldives

Four Seasons Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia (not crazy about the beach there)

Bvlgari Resort, Bali, Indonesia (ritzcarlton.com; opening 2005, but if it is anything like their Milan hotel, worth the trip)

The Amankila Bali, Indonesia (amanresorts.com)

The Amanwana, Lombok, Indonesia (amanresorts.com)

The Amanpuri, Phuket, Thailand (amanresorts.com)

The Amanpulo, Philippines (amanresorts.com)

Hotel Bora Bora, French Polynesia (amanresorts.com)

Soneva Fushi, Maldives (http://www.sixsenses.com/)

Soneva Gili, Maldives (http://www.sixsenses.com/)

The Ritz-Carlton Dubai (ritzcarlton.com)

The Ritz-Carlton, Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt

Le Sirenuse, Positano, Italy (Sirenuse.it)

Santa Caterina, Amalfi, Italy (hotelsantacaterina.it)

Il Pelicano, Porto Ercole, Italy (http://www.hotelpellicano.com/)

The Four Seasons in Costa Rica looks great, would love to try it myself.

Also try Luxury Hotels of the World (lhw.com) and Small Luxury Hotels (shl.com) which is an association of mostly independently run luxury hotels. You can search by location.

Thank you so much. I'll check them out. This is a special occasion for us.

Burj-al Arab,Dubai.

Please! Not that hotel! Way too much gold plating and mirrors, plus no balconies!

If you want balconies stay next door at Jumeirah Beach hotel.

You may want to consider Pompano Beach Resort in Bermuda (www.pompano.bm) - a deluxe room is practically in the water and the view with the colour of the water is gorgeous. You will definitely have special treatment - the owners and staff are extremely accommodating and friendly. Spa treatments include hot rock massages. Dining (which is excellent) couldn't be more romantic with sunset views and then upon returning to your room you will discoer their turn-down service with a chocolate on your pillow and fresh towels for the morning. Absolutely a special place.