St. Maarten or Turks and Caicos?
 

Anyone been to both of these islands and able to offer an opinion on which is better (overall) for beaches, relaxation and medium-entertainment (we are not party people by any means). Thanks!

St. Martin is becoming a hassle. Crime is a growing problem and many parts of the island are junky. Turks and Caicos is very relaxing and safe. People rave about the restaurnts on St. Martin but Provo has some great places to eat. I think St. Martin unfortunately has seen better days.

Besides the above add the following to the mix:

St. Hartin - hilly, moderately lush, an abundance of duty free shopping, 100's of restaurants (the village of Grand Case is known as the dining capital of the Caribbean), nice beaches, lots of watersports, active nightlife, casinos, crowded.

Turks & Caicos - flat, arid, scrubby chain of islands. FYI - 95 % of the resorts are located on Providenciales' Grace Bay - other islands in the chain except Grand Turks are very remote and sparsely populated. Spectacular white sand beaches, relatively expensive destination, no major nightlife, lots of "condo type accomodations", good dining options but no where near the number of choices on St. Martin. Lots of families and honeymooners.

like comparing apples to oranges
Turks & caicos:
best beach in the caribbean
very little to no shopping
better snorkeling
better water excursions
less crime
more upscale
less traffic
nicer resorts
more relaxing atmosphere

ST Martin:
beaches are nice but not spectacular
better restaurants
much better shopping
much more nightlife
more local culture
lots of traffic
crime an issue
dirty

I would think majority of people would choose Turks & Caicos over ST Martin hands down unless they are looking for an active vacation and are not really beach lovers.

personally I would choose Aruba over ST Martin, Aruba offers better beaches, just as much nightlife, it's safer, cleaner and has nicer resorts and the people are nicer.

I am trying to decide between Anguilla and Provo. I am looking for the worlds most beautiful beach but also love excellent restaurants and accommodations. I love St. Martin but the beaches are not the most beautiful. Any advice?

Both Anguilla and T&C have stunning strands-some of the best in the world.

But for food, while T&C is good (above average for Caribbean), Anguilla's is better.

As for snorkeling and water activities-T&c is better.

If you're looking for the best in the world-check out Maldives!

Have you stayed in Provo and if so would you recommend a hotel? How about one for Anguilla? One nice thing about Anguilla is that you can ride the ferry over to St. Martin where the restaurants are fabulous!!!

Well, yes, it is just that the Maldives are a little bit too far away.

Anguilla wins! If you are looking for the world's most beautiful beaches you can't go wrong here. And good restaurants? There is over 80 to choose from. Our meals have been utterly fantastic there. They also have several luxury resorts to choose from. Do some research on Cuisinart, Cap Jaluca and Mallihouhana. They are all top of the line. We prefer Cuisinart, but that's just MO.

Thanks for the advice. I'm wondering if anyone has actually been to both islands, Provo and Anguilla and can make a comparison?

wbg: I've been to both. Blamona who replied to you earlier, has been to both as well. She actually owns a place in T&C and believe me when I tell you she knows what she's talking about.

My personal opinion: Both islands have incredible beaches. If you pick T&C though, you must do a boat excursion to nearby cays (you'll think you've arrived in paradise).

Both have great restaurants, but Anguilla wins that contest hands down. The hardest part of planning our Anguilla vacation was deciding which restaurants to go to (too many great ones to pick from!).

T&C has better snorkeling.

In T&C we stayed at the Grace Bay Club. Loved it. In Anguilla, we stayed at the Rendezvous Bay Villas which is now closed.

Well, i think I have definitely narrowed it down to Anguilla or Provo. Still having a hard time deciding though. I need some advice from discerning travellers, LOL.

I have been to both as well. Provo is more accessible as you can get there in one flight. Anguilla involves a ferry ride from SXM or a puddle jumper from one of the other hubs. Provo is definitely busier and a construction boom happening.

But, despite the extra travel time Anguilla is more upscale and would offer a richer West Indian experience. It's also handy to visit SXM for the day and have access to a totally different vibe.