Hi all - My husband and I desperately need a mental health weekend away from New York City. We are interested in an island that we can fly to directly from NYC airports so that we can maximize our time. We enjoy swimming, snorkelling, hiking, beautiful beaches. We have already been to Bermuda, Grand Cayman, Turks & Caicos, BVI. We could always return to one of those places, but would love to try something new. Any thoughts? Thank you in advance for your input!

You might want to take a look at the island of Culebra (smaller island off of Puerto Rico). Info. includig photos etc. can be found at http://culebrablog.com .

Terrie
Palmetto Guesthouse, Culebra

Do you want to go soon (in the next few weeks)? The tricky part is going to be finding a direct flight (and for next few weeks at least, a destination that is outside the hurricane belt).

Aruba comes to mind (but everything I've read about it makes it sound so touristy). Curacao and Bonaire are supposed to have very good diving and snorkelling (Bonaire is better than Curacao, but Curacao is no slouch). However, I don't think it's possible to get to either island these days on a direct flight. We're going to Curacao in a few weeks on American, connecting in Miami. (We had been planning a trip to Grand Cayman, but Continental cancelled its direct flights.)

Jet Blue is now flying to St Maarten - that could be a little more interesting (although not outside the hurricane belt).

For ease of travel, you might consider Mexico instead (e.g. fly to Cancun and take it from there).

How about St. Thomas? The island has some beautiful beaches and is easy to reach. The chances for serious storms really do lessen throughout November, even though the hurricane season stretches through the end of the month. But definitely Aruba if you want to minimize the chances of a storm, and if you liked Grand Cayman you would probably like Bermuda (not much hiking, but everything else is great). Take a look at where Jet Blue flies; it does offer some good airfares. But since travel to the Caribbean is a little flat right now, you might get a good deal on an air/hotel package in November.

Also remember that Cancun and Cozumel are also nonstop flights and are about the same distance from NYC than St. Thomas.

Cayman Airways flies non stop from JFK.... and there are always new places to stay, eat and things to try in Cayman

Oh, and our Pirates Week Festival is coming up next week.... in addition to piratical fun stuff, my favourite part is the "Heritage Days", where visitors can visit the individual districts a day at a time, meet locals, learn about our heritage and culture... and buy some great home made food... mouth watering at the thought !

Puerto Rico

Turks and Caicos for sure, they have a ton of direct flights and it is beautiful

Based on what your wrote, I suggest either Barbados, St. Lucia, or perhaps Punta Canna, DR (even though I've not actually beeen there).

Happy planning.

Hello. Your best bet for a weekend getaway would be going to eatern Puerto Rico in Fajardo. You can charter a sailboat to the island of Culebra or Vieques where you would definitely be able to RELAX in your own space! These are both wonderful islands full of beautiful beaches and wonderful places to wonder around to. For more information please check www.caribeyachtcharters.com.

Debbie