I am looking to book a 7-10 getaway for just me and my wife in May-June/2009. We are in our mid 30s and prefer relaxation over other aspects of any vacation. Great beaches are a must, more so than lush landscapes/rainforests, and we'd prefer to be in a lesser developed area. Our ideal Caribbean vacation is laying on a semi deserted beach with a few excursions to snorkel/bike/other low key type stuff. Any suggestions?

Also, any recommendations for accomodations is appreciated. We prefer to be on or very near the beach. Thanks.

how about the reef resort on the east end of grand cayman. snorkel from their beach. quiet part of the island. 45 min drive to 7 mile beach and the hubbub. they have a restaurant and bar.

If you are looking for romantic, great beaches I'd say Anguilla. There isn't much to do there except go to the beach, swim, sun and snorkle-along with eat. The island boast's some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean.
Here are two sources. We fell in love with this island and are taking our fifth trip in a row here this November.

Anguillaguide.com-Off line until Oct.
www.cuisinartresort.com

Anguilla or Provo -- dining is best on Anguilla

Out Islands of the Bahamas.

Thanks for the info so far. I was thinking Anguilla may be the best bet, though something more secluded would be nice. How about accomodations there? Any specific recommendations?

I don't know much about the Out Islands, though they sound interesting?

Meridian Club, Pine Cay if you are able to do it before June. (Families are invited starting in June.)
Amazing beach, boat trips to snorkel,biking only low key around the island. Absolutely the most relaxing place I have been. Rustic Caribbean luxury (ceiling fans, no air or TV.)
Check out the website, it really looks like the pictures.

Check out Harbour Island. You can take a 5 min ferry over to Eleuthera for your fix of deserted gorgeous beaches. HI has better resorts/restaurants and you drive around in golf carts.

Another choice could be the four seasons in exuma.

Lastly look into Virgin Gorda...very quaint with nice beaches and day trip options to Anegada and Tortola.

On Anguilla we loved Shoal Bay Villas www.sbvillas.ai

It was a bit older, but the ability to literally fall out on the sand of a gorgeous beach was worth staying in an older property.

On Provo we loved Ocean Club West at www.oceanclubresorts.com and would also recommend Grace Bay Club. The Seven Stars is gorgeous, if you don't mind a high rise(7 stories).

Check out the Coriander cottage on Provo. My wife and I are staying there to celebrate our 25th; It's received rave reviews.

JT

You'll need to copy and paste the link. For some reason it doesn't work otherwise.

http://www.vrbo.com/global/siteFrame...turnurl=/81058

Should you wish to explore another idea, you know that song, "Just another day in paradise"? We were there in Feb. and I sang that often. It is an A/I, because there is nothing else there except a few private homes on the other side of the island. You can take one of the sails over to the Tobago Cays and snorkel. Otherwise, the beaches are perfect and not a lot of people. They also have bikes for you to ride around the island. The cottages are 20' from the water. It's outstanding!

Knowing... which place are you talking about?

msteacher, i think knowing is referring to palm island in st. vincent and grenadines.

Thanks Virginia! You were right. I was talking about Palm Island. I was in a hurry when I wrote that as you can tell. I'm in need of rest and some stress-free relaxation!

Thanks... Palm Island sounds wonderful!

Are you looking for romance? Lush Caribbean country side? Low touristy factor? Safety, comfort, beautiful beaches? Touring of the island if you choose to? How about just beauty made by nature, interspersed with modern villa, condo, and guesthouse amenities?

TOBAGO is the answer. Fly into Trinidad, then take an express plane for $80 and a 1/2hr ride to the most romantic, lush, and exclusive island in the Caribbean.