I'm planning a surprise 25th wedding anniversary trip for my husband. I would like to locate a small resort with individual bungalows/cottages on a beach where we can re explore the things that keep us together. Doesn't have to be 5 star as we really can't afford that, but somewhere he will feel special and pampered by the staff (and me). We live in Houston, so we're near a major airport. Attentive staff, good food, private accommodations, great swimming beach. Can I find all of this for less than $5000?

Yes at a summer rates you should look at Petite Saint Vincent. http://www.psvresort.com

I should have mentioned that you should go to ScubaMom's web site at http://www.scubamom.com and look at her review on PSV. We had the good luck of meeting her, Lynn McKamey and Ken at Guana Island just last May. What a great couple and they put out truth as they have no cross to bear. The only comment I would make on her review on PSV is I did not think the snorkeling was as good as they suggested without taking a boat out to the reef. As they did indicate the Atlantic side is the only place to see much as the other areas are silted over. However, snorkeling and diving are too different ball games. <BR>

Hi Brieanna, <BR> <BR>Petite St. Vincent definitely is 5 star and a wonderful island paradise. But there is a small private island resort in the BVI which is much less expensive and even more laid back named Cooper Island. You may want to check out the following 2 sites: http://www.cooperisland.com and http://www.cooper-island.com. You can reach it by flying into St. Thomas, USVI (STT) or Tortola Beef Island (EIS). <BR> <BR>Best wishes on your 25th anniversary from a neighbor in hot & dry Dallas. <BR> <BR>Ray Snow

I agree about Cooper Island. It is one of our favorate values or as I call it a no brainer. It all depends on your pocket book. We are at the age where we can get about for very little by air. Getting to the Genedines is a challenge but it is not that bad if you try. We fly from San Diego so I am not familiar with air costs from Houston. Also I hope you are above water at this point. Cooper Island is not what I would call luxury but what I call relaxed fun. Also the snorkeling off of the end of the island is not that bad.

try the Isle de France on St. Barth - it's just the place!

you might want to take a peek at www.luxurylink.com. They have fabulous resorts, PSV, Guana Island and others like Cap Juluca that are listed for auction at times. If you check prices carefully and bid smartly, you can get fabulous trips at very reasonable prices (excluding air)! Especially if you are a little flexible with the time frame because the dates are subject to availablity it makes some of the really "high end" places reasonable - but don't overbid!! <BR>PSV is a lovely spot and I do agree with Lynn on the snorkling. I also disagree with her on the food and dining and found that it missed the mark signifigantly when we were there in February! But, we do agree on most other places!! I love Cooper, btw!!! Definitely a good suggestion!

I highly recommend Matangi Island in Fiji: www.matangiisland.com.

Try Penguin Island off the coast of Greenland for a real COOL time.

Little Palm Island which is in the Florida Keys. Its 28 miles north of Key West. Its a separate island off the florida keys. You take a shuttle boat from the mainland-only guests are allowed on the island. The rates may be cheaper in the summer. Its very secluded-no kids under 16. Everyone stays in huts (no hotel buildings)-its very romantic. There are no TV in the rooms but you can rent. There is a library on-site. There is one restaurant with delicious food. Though not in the caribbean, the weather and atmosphere are close. And w/ being only 1/2 hour from Key West, if you want to get out for an afternoon, its close by.

Wow!!! Thanks for the great responses and tips. I've checked out several suggestions, think Fiji is a little farther than we're looking for. And hadn't really thought about the Keys! So many more choices than I imagined!! <BR>And thanks for the concern about the flooding here. What a mess! <BR>Again, thanks to everyone who posted a suggestion. I'll be sure to post my decision and how I managed to keep the secret from him.

I've heard great things about Cayo Espanto in Belize. It's a private island with only five residences on it, a full time staff and gourmet cook. It's a little pricey, i'm not sure how many days you want to do for $5,000, but you might want to take a look.