My husband and I are looking for a destination for our 1st anniversary in the fall. Although our first choices would be Cap Juluca, Jumby Bay, etc., they're a bit beyond the current budget (trying to save for a trip to French Polynesia next spring).

We're flexible about which island but are looking for a nice, higher-end property that won't cost quite as much as the places I mentioned. We've almost completely eliminated the 4 Seasons great exuma (despite the attractive summer rates) based on the disappointing reviews we've been reading.

Our current leanings are Turks & Caicos, Barbados, St. John, St. Maarten/Martin & the Caymans, but no particular resort.

Suggestions?? No Aruba, Mexico & Jamaica (been there already).

Our favorite islands are Anguilla and Turks and Caicos. Have been to each 16 times. St Martin, Caymans and Barbados are too touristy for us with cruise ships etc. On Anguilla check out the Frangipani --www.frangipani.ai. It is on Meads bay which is a great beach. The Sun, Sea and Sand package is a very good deal. 7 nights for $1575 (about $1900 with tax and service charge) and includes a continental buffet breakfast.

On Provo we like Coral Gardens.--www.coralgardens.com They have a 1000 sq ft condo with kitchen and also a 1800 sq ft condo which is more expensive. Not sure of the current rates. It is the only place the reef comes right into the beach for snorkeling. Grace Bay Beach is consistently rated as one of the top beaches in the Caribbean. The rate includes airport transfers, daily breakfast, snorkel gear, welcome drink etc.

Check out Point Grace on Provo, T & C. From what I hear, the Grace Bay Beach is similar to the beaches on Anguilla and Point Grace is wonderful, in fact, the accomodations are probably better than Cap. A smaller, luxury, boutique resort. We loved it. Cap and Jumby Bay are on our wish list -- waiting until golf comes to Anguilla and Jumby a bit beyond our price range for our winter trips. Some day!

I'm going to Jumby Bay on my honeymoon in a couple of months time so I guess we may have similar taste to you. Given this, I'd suggest you might consider either Galley Bay in Antigua, or the Jalousie Hilton in St Lucia. We had a great time at both of these and they're not quite so pricey.

Laluna in Grenada is pretty spectacular. More importantly, consider taking Radisson's Paul Gauguin when you go to French Polynesia. We were on a two week back-to-back cruise in February 2003, and it was fantastic. There's very little actual cruising -- mostly just time in Bora Bora, Moorea, etc.-- and the accommodations and especially the food on this relatively small ship are incomparable.