eliware1

My husband and I are having the time of our lives deciding on where to go for our 1 year anniversary. I have narrowed it down somewhat, and really need your help making a decision! We will only be there for 5 nights in late June.

Here is what we really want!

Spectacular Beaches
Romantic Setting
Some options for nightlife
Great Spa
Some Shopping
Great Food
Some more “active” adventures for the hubby (hike, cave, cove, snorkel, etc.)
Safety
More upscale yet laid back feel to the island

I like the idea of St. Martin because we can have all of the above (I think) with ferry access to Anguilla for the day.

Turks and Caicos just seems beautiful (not sure how much else is going on)

Bermuda seems to be lovely and lush with the upscale feel and beautiful beaches (though very pricey seemingly)

Barbados seems to have nightlife and great food…how are the beaches and overall island?

Riviera Maya seems like it may have something for both he and I, but I have to admit I am very leery of Mexico, plus I have weak stomach, not sure if I can handle it.

How is Grand Cayman?

Based on that, where would you send me? Thanks!

virginia

grand cayman.
has all on your list!

for activities there is excellent snorkeling and diving, some fishing, he can hike the mastic trail (2 miles long, 100yrs old) or caving in: pete's, bat's, rebecca's or the great cave and stuff like kayaking, sailing, para-sailing or take a ride in one of their little submarines.

look for someplace on 7 mile beach. it's where all the happening stuff is and you can do with no car.

laplaya

I would skip St Martin.

I've been to Bermuda, and weather in June is great. Pink beaches, turquoise water. Manicured island, many flowers.

Check dress code (restaurants), if going to Bermuda.

And you can rent scooters, but not cars.

Knowing

It's my point of view that you should go to Barbados. We were there in 2007 and will be back there in less than three weeks on our way to Palm Island. We fully enjoyed the beautiful beaches. To us, the food was some of the best we've had in the Caribbean and my husband still talks about our trip there. There are websites that would show you all the nightlife available. Sorry, I did not use any of the spas there. I really respected much of what I saw while shopping, which was a first for me in a number of years of being on other islands. There is a ton of activites all over the island. I cannot begin to express how nice everyone was and we never felt unsafe. I think Barbados has everything you are looking for. I would be thrilled to spend an anniversary there.

Packed2Go

My vote for gorgeous beaches, romantic settings, good food/spas and SAFETY is Turks and Caicos. Pick a nice resort on Grace Bay beach and you'll be in heaven. Then get out on the water with some boat excursions - snorkeling, day (or 1/2 day) on a deserted island - picnic basket included, go caving on Middle Caicos, etc. Take a look at their info site: http://www.turksandcaicostourism.com/
Not much shopping there - but plenty of everything else on your list.