Theresa

We've been researching our Xmas/NYE trip for several weeks for a great villa and location. We've narrowed it down to these locations based on ones we've already visited and reasonable villa availability during this time of year. For those of you who have stayed on any of these islands, please give me your insight on St. Croix, St. Maarten, St. Lucia and Anguilla. Specifically we are beach lovers but also want things for the teens and others joining us to do. They are not big snorkeling folks.<BR>Golfing, maybe casinos, good restaurants.<BR><BR>Appreciate comments from those who have stayed on these islands.<BR><BR>Theresa<BR><BR>

Joanne

I can't speak to the other islands, but St. Croix certainly has what you are looking for: two of the best golf course in the Caribbean, some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean and a serviceable casino. The beaches are not as long and numerous as many other islands, but there are enough of them to keep me happy. Shopping is good, not St. Thomas good, but adequate. There are numerous historical sites (if anyone is interested); hiking, horseback riding and kayaking are availble. Also 12/24 to 1/6 is carnival time on St. Croix (different islands hold it at different times) and there will be numerous parade, bands and other festivities.<BR><BR>I've been there many times and always feel safe and welcome. E-mail me if you have questions or would like lists of web sites, restaurant recommendations, and things to do.

Statia

I can't comment on St. Croix or St. Lucia.<BR><BR>Between Anguilla and St. Maarten, I think for what you are looking for (golf and casinos particularly), St. Maarten would be your better bet. You could always do a day trip to Anguilla, though.<BR><BR>Both have great beaches (although Anguilla's are a bit better in my opinion), but St. Maarten has more to keep you busy. Anguilla is a quiet, laid back sort of island.<BR><BR>Let us know what you decide!<BR>

Nancy

Theresa,<BR>I agree with Statia. For what you are looking for, stay on either Anguilla or St. Maarten and visit the other. <BR>Best beaches are on Anguilla, and both islands have great restaurants.<BR>(St. Lucia does not have the type of beaches you may be looking for, and St. Croix is not known for its restaurants, but Carnival sounds fun!)

penny

Have been to St. Lucia, very hard to get around this island! So I would not do that. Not one of my favorites, I felt very confined, and the only caribbean island I did not rent a car!<BR><BR>St. Martin has lots to see and do, it is much busier than small laid back Anguilla ( my personal favorite). St. Martin has the mullet bay golf course but I read somewhere it is in terrible shape. Not crazy about the beaches on <BR>St. Martin, Orient Beach is too busy for me. Excellent restaurants!<BR><BR>If you love beaches, and an easy island to get around -do Anguilla. Lots of restaurant choices, do a day trip to St. Martin. Laid back, lovely Anguillians, and lots of empty safe beaches to explore!<BR><BR>Have not been to ST. Croix, but I have friends who love it! They hated St. Martin, have been to The Buccaneer twice! They would agree with poster <BR>Joanne!

Statia

Yes, as Penny said, the golf course at Mullet Bay on SXM leaves a lot to be desired. People still play on it, but there are a lot of eye-sores from the run down, never fixed Mullet Bay resort which was demolished by Hurricane Luis in '95. That's been a hot topic of discussion on SXM for a number of years.<BR><BR>However, there are still a number of casinos on SXM, as well as lots of other things to do.<BR><BR><BR>

Cheryl

My vote is for St.Maartin...you definitely won't be disappointed. <BR><BR>Beaches are great, hotels are plentiful, friendly people, gourmet restaurants, great shopping, and just a ferry away from Anguilla. <BR><BR>Many people on here complain about the island of St. Maarten, but after 8 visits, it's my personal favorite.

mary

I agree with Nancy and Penny with regards to St. Lucia. While it does have its pros, it does not have the best beaches or restaurants in the Caribbean and it may not have enough to keep your teenagers occupied either. It's more of a couples or honeymoon destination.

Joanne

Gotta take issue with Nancy about St. Croix restaurants. Kendrick's, Bacchus, Tutto Bene, Top Hat, Indies, Savant, Rumrunners, maybe even Tyrone's. All upscale, several reviewed very favorably in Gourmet, another couple featured on TV (forget if it was Food channel, Discovery channel or Travel channel) - and these are only the ones in Christiansted. Many people feel that St. Croix has some of the finest restaurants in the Caribbean.

Theresa

I really appreciate all your comments. We haven't booked yet. I think if it were just my husband and I we would definitely be going to Anguilla but for two weeks and several different families in different ages coming and going, I think we need to choose an island that has something for everyone. Keep your comments coming. I'll let you know what we decide and the villa we pick.<BR><BR>Theresa

BeenThere

I think that for the most diversity, St. Maarten/St. Martin is the best bet. Two different cultures and styles, French and Dutch, easily accessible. Beaches with everything from Orient (busy, lots of activity) to quiet and secluded. The best restaurants and enough variety to please everyone in a large group. Good shopping and mostly friendly people. Enjoy

Theresa

From all the websites I've checked out and listening to everyone on these boards, I think I've decided to do Anguilla next year for me and my husband only.<BR><BR>We ruled out St. Lucia. I think St. Martin would be the best however we are having difficulty finding the right size villa in a good price range for the busiest two weeks of the year. We're probably doing St. Croix.<BR><BR>Theresa

Statia

Theresa:<BR><BR>Thanks for the update. Sorry to hear you're unable to find something on St. Maarten (I agree it seems to be what you are looking for).<BR><BR>Be sure to give a trip report when you return.<BR><BR>Have fun.

Theresa

We booked a 4 bedroom villa on St. Croix from Dec. 19th - Jan. 6th. It's called Villa Flamboyant and overlooks Buck Island. The rental also has a car. <BR><BR>Airfare is now the only issue - but the bigger one! $800+ from Atlanta. <BR><BR>Theresa

karen

Theresa,<BR> sounds like your vacation plans are similar to ours. We travel with several other couples and all of our kids. We also go the villa route. Just returned from a Jamaican villa vacation in July. Had a FABULOUS time -- kids and adults all loved it. Like you, we've been exploring other islands that might suit all of us. We're considering a villa in Barbados for Spring. Had you thought about Barbados? I've researched Virgin Gorda, Anguilla, T & C, etc., but like you, want an island with enough to do for everyone. I'll now do some checking on St. Maarten since you seem very high on it. Good luck with your trip. by the way....what villa rental company did you go with?<BR> karen<BR>