Hi all! Last year, we hit St. Thomas (too busy)and St. John (wonderful...did it again this year); a few weeks ago, we returned from Tortola (CGB--great fun!), Jost Van Dyke (incredible people, fantastic beach at White Bay)and St. John again. Now we're looking to try a new island, but we might want a few days on one of the BVI we hit this time. We love: gorgeous, swimmable water & lovely beaches, beach bars, a relaxed vibe, minimal (if any) huge resorts, and I think we like the more mountainous islands as opposed to the flat ones. Snorkeling a plus too. Not overly concerned about the price (we'll add to our vacation fund for as long as it takes!). Any suggestions?? TIA!

Two words, Virgin Gorda!

VG would be very convenient since we want to head back to the BVI!!! Any hotel/villa rec's on VG (other than Little Dix....already started researching that one!)

Check out villas on Mahoe Bay - all upscale villas both beahfront and beach access, wonderful nearly deserted 1/2 mile long golden sand beach lapped by calm gin clear torquoise waters, very good snorkeling reef 150 feet off shore that spands the entire lenght of the bay, excellent Italian restaurant (Georgio's Table) within a 5 minute walk, western exposure giving you fantastic views of neighboring island & cays and the setting sun. It just doesn't get much better anywhere in the Caribbean.

For resorts check out Biras Creek or Bitter End Yacht Club.

Anguilla!

Stay on Shoal Bay East if you want beach bars. It's got the most beautiful water but with a laid-back vibe. Great restaurants too.

My vote is for St. Kitts. It's a beautiful laid back island where you can stay at a plantation or one of the intimate inns.

You can lime at the fun beach bars, volcano and rainforest tours, friendly locals, secluded beaches, and you can take a day trip to sister island of Nevis.

Visit www.stkitts-tourism.com for more information.

Definitely Anguilla and Providenciales (Provo) Turks and Caicos. Have been to both over 20 times. Do a HowardC search here for some trip reports. For turks check out www.wherewhenhow.com the on line magazine of the T&C and for Anguilla check Anguilla Guide forum

OP said they "want a few days on one of the BVI's" they've hit (presumably on prior trips). Doing that from Provo or any of the T&C's is next to impossible and only slightly easier from Anguilla and St. Kitts. Also, St. Kitts lacks good snorkeling and it's beaches, while nice don't hold a candle to those in the BVI's.

Anguilla would be a good choice but the lack of proximity to the BVI's might not fit OP's requirements.

Thanks for all the recommendations! We'd definitely like something (either a short air hop or a ferry) convenient to the BVI. How accessible is Anguilla from the BVI? The Mahoe Bay villa idea on VG sounds great as well. Thanks everyone!!

Check LIAT Airlines (www.liatairline.com) for fares and schedules. Doubt you'd be able to get a non-stop flight from Anguilla to Tortola (the main airport for the BVI's) as you'd probably have to make at least one stop or change planes somewhere. ou might also get "sticker shock from the price. Island hopping is not always easy nor, in some cases, inexpensive. FYI - there's no ferry from Anguilla to the BVI's - it's much too far and way to much "open water" in the Anegada Passage (it can be very rough -sailors don't call it the "Oh-my-god-a" passage for nothing).

The easiest way to get to Anguilla from the BVI's is probably Liat to St Marteen which is about a half hour flight and then take the ferry from Marigot to Anguilla. Whole trip probably 1 1/2 hours.