Looking for opinions on which island to choose for a honeymoon in early October? Criteria we’re looking for is great beaches, good food, walking distance to bar\restaurants maybe island hop a bit and snorkel. St.Maarten appeals to us with the Dutch\French influence however I’ve read a few threads that said the beaches were hard to get to. I'm not quite sure why? Any opinions would be appreciated.

St.John is beach/snorkeling lovers' paradise. Also easy island hopping to the BVI and St.Thomas.

St Maarten / St Martin has better food, however it is very crowded, more so than St John. I would pick St John over St Maarten for a honeymoon anyday.

Don't think twice - St. John is the better island for your honeymoon. Hint - budget for a rental car so you can fully explore the island and all it's amazing beaches - you'll be glad you did.

another vote St. John

St. John unless you have a fetish for shopping, food & crowds.

The food is much better in St. Martin/Sint Maarten plus you can easily get to St. Barth's, Anguilla, Saba, etc. Ease of reaching beaches depends on where you stay. Many sites are right on the beach.

St. John is nice, too for the reasons stated above. Early October is still hurricane season in the Caribbean.

in Ocotber St. Maarten is not crowded at all..
beaches are vey easy to get to. and st. maarten beaches are lovely....
rent a car of course to properly get
around the island and see both the french and Dutch side.
the best restaurants on any island are in st. maarten.
there are easy day trips to Anguilla and St. Barths.
It really depends what you are looking for in a honeymoon trip.
St. Johns is lovely but would be a more laid back quiet place.
St. maarten is more busy and has more of a night life.

We leave in one month for a two week honeymoon in St John. We rented a villa for the space and privacy, at less cost than at Caneel resort.

The beaches look fabulous and we've gotten lots of great suggestions for restaurants. I can't wait!!

We went last Sept. to St John.IMO it is a great time to go..although it's hurricane season,if the weather is nice (it was for us)you will have the beaches to yourself!

You could do daytrips to nearby British Virgin Islands.

Christie