Any help is greatly appreciated! My husband and I are looking forward to a romantic getaway this summer. We would like beach side accomodations in a rich cultural environment. We would like to sit poolside and beachside, eat good sea food, enjoy a day or two of sightseeing, and get away from it all. We would like to be able to party and yet get away from the hoopla if desired. My husband hates crowds but will tolerate them if there is an escape. We are looking at going sometime in early summer. Please help!

Amanda, <BR> <BR>Not sure which Islands you might have already pegged, but I would definitely look at Anguilla (my absolute favorite),BVI, and St. Barts. <BR> <BR>Kathy

Have you thought about Abaco in the Bahamas? Check out www.go-abacos.com <BR>also www.abacos.com or www.oii.net <BR>Definitely quiet, secluded, you sacrifice some in night life but make up for it in incredible beaches and seclusion.

My wife and I went to Bermuda in Oct. of '98 for the same reasons and were not disappointed. Bermuda is quieter (and safer) than other islands. Very expensive, but worth it. I would not go with kids younger than 15. <BR> <BR>You can stay at a quiet small resort (called "beach clubs") or at one of the larger places. Lots of history and the shopping and golf is great. We stayed at the Grotto Bay and enjoyed it.

St. John, USVI - definetly. rent a villa - you wont see a soul.

Long Bay Beach Resort fits your criteria to a tee! Feel free to e-mail me for details.

I would recommend the Palmetto Hotel on Barbuda (sister island of Antigua), see palmettohotel.com. Barbuda has drop-dead gorgeous beaches, of pink sand and conch shells. They have a pool and are situated on a 17 mile deserted pink beach. Sightseeing includes a frigate bird sanctuary, caves and other lovely beaches. The Florentine chef is excellent. Be warned, there is NOTHING to do on Barbuda in terms of shopping or entertainment. Snorkeling is great. Your husband, if he really likes to get away from it all with no crowds, will love it. The place is also practically brand-new and nicely decorated. There were very few guests there when I visited in March 2000, the managment is a very friendly and hospitable Italian group. <BR> <BR>This is a very quiet, get-away-from-it-all kind of place. <BR> <BR>If you go, let me know how you liked it!

Dear Amanda: Without a qquestion or doubt, any of the Outer Islands of the <BR>Bahamas.....

As you've seen there are quite a few good candidates for the kind of vacation you're seeking. <BR>My wife and I stay at a place on Tortola that epitomizes what you want. It's called Frenchman's Cay. You're on a point facing into the Sir Francis Drake Channel. FABULOUS views from your own porch on your own villa. Excellent restaurant in a very open setting. You have a full kitchen so that you can have intimate meals in your villa, and nearby there is a provisioner who sells frozen gourmet dishes for yachtsmen that are delish. <BR>When the resort is maxed out, there are 60 people there. Only 9 villas, one occupied by the friendly, congenial couple that run the place. The packages give high value. For example, most include a 4WD which would cost you $300/week if rented separately. So you can do a different beach every morning and every afternoon. You will find that "crowded" beaches might have a dozen people on them. <BR>My wife and I are professionals in really fast paced jobs. In all the world this place is one of only two that we continually go back to. Grab it while you can!! <BR>You won't like it if you want marble countertops and gold-plated faucet. It's not for you if you want social directors or staffpersons in fancy uniforms. <BR>If you have more questions, write direct. Check out their site at bviwelcome.com.

I should've added that you are a mile or two from the ferry to St. Thomas and St. John so when you get restless, you can take a run over there and shop or tour the national park. My wife has a thing for jewelry and typically goes over there for an afternoon to hunt bargains on semi-precious stones. <BR>I note also that you get there either via San Juan or by flying to St. Thomas and catching the ferry. <BR>Now, if you REALLY want to get away from it all, you can take a day trip over to Anegada, a reef island where you eat lobster right out of the ocean and snorkel totally undisturbed. One hundred inhabitants. We only saw one all day. Oops! Make that 2.

Amanda, <BR> I would say that Anguilla would be a good choice (not much of a "rich cultural environment"), or if you want something more European in flavor, St Barts has a very romantic, sexy feel to it and is lovely but busy. My husband says St Barts has the most beautiful women in the world and frankly the men are pretty great looking too. We are going to Virgin Gorda next month so I don't have first hand experience of it but it sound like it might fit your needs, too. <BR>St John is absolutely beautiful but limited on choices to stay on the beach. My sister loves Gallows Point on St John and enjoys the small beach and pool available. Anyway, hope this helps, Jamie

Help please. I have been to the Caribbean a lot and love Anguilla. I have been to Parrot Cay and St. John, St. Bart's, St. Maarten, Antigua and more. I want to try someplace new...NO cruise ships...beautiful beaches, great food, no casinos...just peace and quiet. I want air conditioning in the hotel or villa though. Suggestions?

Hi Amanda;We love Anguilla too,we have been their several times. We love St. john. I can recommend Jumby Bay,the island is wonderful, excellent service,total tranquility and they now have air-conditioning, it is a very special place. The food is OK,as you eat in the Estate House and you only have their two restaurants-but it is a wonderful spot. We go to Anguilla and then on to Jumby Bay. I would love to go to Parrot Cay. Did you enjoy it?

I could suggest www.sansantropez.com <BR> <BR>Jamaica, walking distance from Blue Lagoon

I just returned from Virgin Gorda in Jul and absolutely loved it. I believe that it meets all of your criteria. We stayed at the Biras Creek Resort and highly recommend it. Regarded as having one of the best restaurants in the Carib. Set on 140 secluded acres of natural habitat. Great excursions available, including access to your own boston wailer. Trip worth it just for that unique aspect alone!