Warriner3

My husband and I are traveling in mid-April and we are looking to go to St. Martin/St. Maarten or Antigua or Barbuda. I'm pretty sure we are looking to stay in the French side of St. Martin as neither one of us gamble so no casino's needed. Also, we are kind of laid back so screaming party scene not necessary. Same with Antigua and Barbuda. We'd like to be near sandy beaches, snorkling, shopping and would like to be close to casual/pub style restaurants. We're looking for affordable lodging with a kitchen.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated or if there are other suggestions of other places to go.

blamona

St Martin is fun! Best restaurants in Caribbean so shame to cook there. Also best shopping in Caribbean

None of your choices have decent snorkeling

Antigua okay shopping in town but not near beaches

Barbuda is expensive (nothing budget about it) and no shopping, no real towns

And what actual budget? Numbers would help

Another thing to get you started, get Fodors Caribvean to narrow down your search

For everything you're looking for you might want playa del Carmen mexico

Warriner3

Thank you, we are trying to keep the budget at no more than $1200.00 for the week. That's just for lodging. It's sounding like St. Martin might be the one.
We are looking to stay in a condo, apt or villa. Resort if the price is right. We like to go where we can fit in with the locals and get to know them.

blamona

Your budget is not realistic for your choices. (for example Barbuda is that much a night)

The only thing close to your budget is May thru November (you didn't say when your going, expect to double even triple for peak season) is central America--

Mexico
Belize- Ambergris Cay
Honduras-Roatan
Costa Rica- Manuel Antonio

And they have everything you want on your list too

Warriner3

I did mention mid-April. Your info is very helpful. I thank you.

blamona

You can save some by holding out until May, as April is still considered peak season