Suggestions for destination that fits this bill?
 

Hi! My fiance and I are trying to decide on a travel destination. We have 1-2 weeks to spend in June, travelling from NE US and looking at/around the Caribbean.

We previously spent a long time in Treasure Beach, Jamaica. We loved that and are looking to replicate some of those aspects in a new locale. For ex:
-Day trip to beautiful waterfalls (could sub in other nature adventures besides just waterfalls specifically)
-Beaches
-Authentic, local culture (TB is a small town, we could happily be in a larger one but we did love that it wasn't too touristy)
-Places to eat, walk around (good food is a huge plus)
-Friendly vibes, new people to chat with
-Memorable sites/things to visit (for ex, we went to Pelican Bar, a bar built in the middle of the ocean)

We also visited Negril, and we loved how gorgeous the beaches were but it was so touristy and developed. I'd love to visit somewhere dialed back from that. Nightlife wise we're not big for clubs or anything but we like a bar and some music in the evenings. (Side note, we're both 30.) We don't care at all about shopping or gambling. Beaches, nature, culture, people and food are our main priorities.

Oh yeah price: this trip is celebrating my finishing grad school, so we're hoping to keep it affordable. Luxury locations aren't a great fit.

Does any area come to mind that fits this description? We're also down to visit different parts of one country within reasonable driving distance. Thanks in advance for the expertise and recommendations!

First, you have to define "affordable" in terms of dollars. while the responders here can appreciate that people have a travel budget we have no idea of what YOU can afford.

You might want to look at Dominica - it's an eco-tourist's delight with dozens of waterfalls, a hundred plus miles of hiking trails, tropical rain forests, small villages, some nice beaches and quite a number of resorts, inns and guest houses to fit most people's budget.

Also, look at St. Lucia - plenty of waterfalls, dense forests and many interesting small villages.

Lastly, look at the outlying towns and villages in Puerto Rico - you'll find everything you are seeking.

Also check out Belize. Lots of nature, mountains, beaches, activities, etc.

I am also interested in suggestions - but I really just would like some names of beach TOWNS on the Caribbean islands where there are local/native- bars/restaurants that are within walking distance (15-20 mins) of places to stay (resort/condo/villa)- I can search for the places to stay. So schmerl, is there a place in Belize like that?

<<...but I really just would like some names of beach TOWNS on the Caribbean islands where there are local/native- bars/restaurants that are within walking distance (15-20 mins) of places to stay (resort/condo/villa)...>>

Sorry wanted2wonder - just about every island in the the Caribbean has multiple towns/villages that can meet those requirements so you are asking the responders here to name any one of hundreds, or even thousands, of towns and villages for you to visit.

You'd be better off to first do some basic research to decide on which island or Caribbean coastal country you'd like to visit then look for areas on that island (or coastal country). There are big islands, small islands, lush islands, arid islands, islands with miles long stretches of beach, islands with scores of smaller cove-like beaches, islands with white sand, pink sand, gold sand, beige sand, brown sand, grey sand and even black sand - what's your pleasure?

What type of budget do you have?

When will you be traveling? Time of year can greatly influence where you might go - for example the northern Bahamas can be cool in winter, late summer/early fall is hurricane season, etc.

By the way - you might want to refrain from using the term "native" - it can be offensive to many islands. Stick with the term "local" or "Belonger".

Most islands with waterfalls don't have the nicest beaches

Affordable, what does that mean to you?

Most islands in Caribbean places to stay are closer to beaches than towns. Most towns are just "working" towns. If walkable to town chances are drive to beach

Every island has its own personality, meaning to try to replicate Jamaica you need to go back to Jamaica

Islands with gorgeous beaches will be touristy--you're not going to find what your looking for as destination has taken off. Maybe 20 years ago

Because everything has to be brought in, most islands are expensive

The most affordable what your looking for belongs to Central America, not technically Caribbean. It's need to belong to a mainland for everything you want (except maybe Puerto Rico, but it's touristy and hard to walk to towns)

So maybe:

Roatan Honduras
Ambergris Cay Honduras (just okay beaches though)

Mexican Reviera-- Playa all the way do n to Placencia

These are your best bets. If really want to experience a Caribbean island then you'll have to compromise on some things (or return to Jamaica)

How about Nevis. Lots of nature, hiking to Nevis peak, plantation ruins, botanical gardens, good restaurants and beach bars (Sunshines plus others). Also day trip possibility to St Kitts. Alternatively the british virgin islands (Tortola or Virgin Gorda) for good combination of nature and good beaches as well as beach bars. not sure if affordable for you but I am assuming you can tailor your accommodation to your budget.