USVI ratings
 

It looks like hubby and I are going to end up going to USVI for our 1st wedding anniversary in Feb 2010. Could u guys pls rate the USVI islands on a scale of 1-5 on the following factors? 1 - Not the best in USVI; 5 - The best at USVI. Thanks!! :)

Snorkelling
White sand beaches
Good dining options
Decent amount of stuff to do for a 5 day vacation
Modern Amenities ( car rental etc)
Lush
Hilly
Arid and dry

Also, if you had to suggest an island based on the first 4 factors, which other island would u suggest??

um...which USVI island are you going to?

St.Thomas and St John....
Should we try to cover st.croix as well?

St Croix is an extra flight away from St Thomas - so if you are only going for 5 days its not feasible.

I would spend all 5 days on St John.
Its hilly, lush and has a mix of beautiful sandy beaches, and smaller rockier beaches with great snorkeling. There are great restaurants -- some fancy and some casual. There is plenty to do for a 5 day vacation, including daytrips to Virgin Gorda, or a snorkle trip.

Just fly into St Thomas and catch the ferry over. Its very easy.

My wife and I were married in St. Thomas and have returned many times, so I'll offer my rating opinion.

Snorkeling--STT 3 STJ 5
White sand beaches--STT 3 STJ 5
Good dining options--STT 5 STJ 4
Decent amout of stuff to do-- STT 5 STJ 3
Modern amenities--STT 4 STJ 4
Lush--STT 3 STJ 5
Hilly--STT 4 STJ 4
Arid and dry--STT 2 STJ 2

I hope this helps. Both islands will offer a wonderful time.

These ratings are for St. John

Snorkeling - 4-5
White sand beaches - 4-5
Good dining options - 5
Decent amount of stuff to do for a 5 day vacation - 5
Modern Amenities ( car rental etc)- 5
Lush - 5
Hilly - 5
Arid and dry - 3

I would also recommend Grand Cayman for you.

based on your first 4 my first thought was grand cayman. it is arid and dry.
snorkeling 4-5
beaches 4
dining 4
stuff to do 4
amenities 5
lush/hilly 0

usvi: st. john is smaller, much less busy, has lots of villas.
st. thomas has good duty free shopping, lots of excursion & dining options. if you are considering st. thomas look at: www.secretharbourvi.com excellent condo style resort on the east end (near red hook for ferry to st. john & asst bvis/ away from hubbub of charlotte amalie) it's quiet, huge nicely furnished rooms or suites w/big decks or patios. has a great beach, fun beach bar & one of better restaurants on st.t - blue moon cafe.
you might find it cheaper to stay on st.t. as the best resort on st. john is caneel bay, which is quite pricey.

From your list of criteria, you nailed Grand Cayman. The best snorkeling I've found and we've been to many Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Hawaii. The only thing is the Island if not lush or hilly.