If you could only take one wonderful vacation in the Caribbean, what destination would you choose and why?

If you limit it to the Carib, I'd say St. John. Beautiful beaches, nice people, not too developed, but with some choices for dining, etc. Add the ferry to St. Thomas if you need to shop and you've got it all.
If you expand to the Bahamas, I'd have to vote on Harbour Island. Beautiful, quiet, quaint, great people and great dining.
I daydream about both all the time!

Barbados, particularly for a first-timer, because tit has at least some of everything the Caribbean has to offer, except for gambling or a volcano. Lovely people, pure water, huge range of hotels and beaches, sightseeing, entertainment, great restaurants. Perpetual summer, with water temps over 80, even in winter, and the air basically never goes below 70. But seldom hot, with the tradewinds blowing nearly constantly.

Depends on what you are looking for, since each island is very different. Pick up Frommer's Caribbean or similar guidebook to get a sense of the various locations. We've been all over the Caribbean and one of our favorites is Nevis. It is "old Caribbean" with style. Nesbit Plantation Beach Resort is charming, with nice beaches and great food. The people are very friendly, the scenery is great, and there is virtually no crime. Also, not jammed with tourists, and no cruise ships go there. Another good choice is Providenciales in Turks and Caicos. It has probably the best beach in the Caribbean (Grace Bay) with good snorkeling and some great upscale condo resorts right on the beach. Here again, not too crowded and locals are very friendly. Finally, Anguilla, although more expensive, has many wonderful beaches, elegant resorts, and some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean.

St. Barths --- no question about it.

IMO, the best island in the Carrib. No crowds, golf, casinos, etc.

Great food. Wonderful beaches. Great shopping. French flair. Perfect.

Money not an option? St. Barth's...hands down.

Well I've just booked my 8th trip in a row to Cuba.

It has the atmosphere I like, coupled with good friends, great beaches and a unique feel that you get nowhere else.

Steve

I am the most relaxed and comfortable in Bermuda, but there are too many islands I have yet to see. So, I can honestly say I don't know yet, ask me in about 10 years!!!
I have liked some of the other islands that I have gone to and might go back, but there are many yet to see!

Jamaica will always be my favorite. I have been to most of the islands in the Caribbean and have an appreciation for many of them (except for the US Virgins which are not to my liking.

Jamaica offers great food, lush foliage, beautiful scenery, great beaches and hospitable locals. The range of accomodations is terrific and, in Negril, there is not a single tall building.

I will be making my 20th visit in April and can't wait to go back.

Personally, I would choose Curacao. I love all of the color in the DT area, the friendliness of the people and how relaxed I am when I am there.

St.John....so relaxing and quiet...not as much hustle and bustle as other vacation destinations

Jamaica.

Diverse topography, well developed culture, beautiful beaches and mountains, great food, rivers, music ...

Jamaica has it all.


mm

Jamaica was only the 4th Caribbean island we went to...too bad because we never got to see any others, we like it there so much we can't bring ourselves to go elsewhere for an island vacation.

So....make it Jamaica

I agree with everyone who said St. Barth's! It is my most favorite island! Amazing restuarants, great beaches, no annoying cruise people, only chic yacht people! Superb Frech flair! Have fun!

Is it possible to do St. Baths without breaking the bank?

St. Barts and Anguilla hands down

Jamaica's my favorite. I enjoyed the other islands I visited but I only returned to Jamaica.

For me, it's the island I've last visited, which in this case is Jamaica, or the one I'm in the planning stages for, in this case the BVI. If you'd asked me two months ago, it would have been Nevis for just having gone there and Jamaica for all of the exciting reading I was doing ahead of time.

St. Lucia----loved St. John, Cayman, (Puerto Plata and Cancun in the late 80's), but because of its lushness, the Pitons, the friendliness of the people, their English manners, but French patios, the fresh grilled fish and just overall surroundings--very un-north american and people viewing you just as you are--not many pretentions. If you want elaborate shopping, good roads, then it is not your place. If you want striking atmosphere, nice people ok food (better than ok when local) then Stl. is it.

Grenada Grenada Grenada!