U.S. Virgin Island
 

I am hoping to make a trip to US Virgin Island in Feb or March 2010. We have never been there and would like ideas or suggestion. We are interest in staying in a decent area (safe), some night life, attractions, little driving- walking distance. Should we do a
AI or justs hotel and find out own things to do? We want a place close to the beach with water activites. We really want a nice fun place to be as we are its just going to be the 2 of us no kids/ If you have any suggestions, ideas or any helpful hints would help us plan our vacation.

have not been on st. croix so know nothing. have been on st. thomas and st. john. neither is a good choice if you don't want to rent a car and drive around. beaches, food, shopping, sights are spread out all over each island. there is no place to stay on either from which you can walk to anything.

resorts are not generally close to island towns because the towns were not built at the beach, but by deep harbor for ships/boats. vacationers all want to be on the beach ...

grand cayman is a possibility. if you stayed in one of the resorts on the more southern end of seven mile beach you could be close enough to georgetown to walk. if not a short cab ride. lots of restaurants in the area - some you could walk to probably on the beach. plenty of snorkel/dive, fishing, parasailing, etc. has a decent nightlife although not wild & crazy like jamaica or aruba.

ai's are nice in that you know what you'll spend before you go and they offer activities but if you like to eat well most islands have good to great dining options.

Thanks Virginia.... your input has helped.

you're welcome and here's one more idea. there are a lot of all inclusives near playa del carman, mexico. this is about 45 mins south of the cancun airport. there are plenty of restaurants but not many that are can't miss meals. as such this is a location i would consider ideal for an ai vacation. the riu's and iberostars are nice. riu has 5 resorts on the south side of playa which share facilities. they offer vans into playa so you can explore and shop duty free. many other options. there is loads to do from visiting ruins to zip-lines. i can tell you more if this destination interests you. we rented a house about 45 mins futher south & had a wonderful time.

You don't mention budget but AI's aren't really popular much on St. Thomas. If you stay on the east end at the Ritz or it's next-door neighbor, the Elysian or at Secret Harbour you'll have access to good restaurants without driving as well as Red Hook with the bars/restaurants there as well as the ferry to St. John.