Sandy Lane is a glorfied dump. Rooms look nothing better that a std. marriott. Dead give away for a luxury resort is the marble baths with seperate shower stalls.

What ever are you yammering about 'oh pulease'?<BR>Sandy Lane DOES have separate showers/tubs and is one of the nicest accommodations in the Caribbean.<BR>Are you referring to the pre-teardown Sandy Lane?

The most expensive and pampering places in the Caribbean are private island rentals where you rent the whole island and its staff. There are two that all other are compared to. They are:<BR><BR>Necker Island<BR>http://bvi.wheretostay.com/property/1360.html<BR> Musha Cay<BR>http://bahamas.wheretostay.com/property/1406.html<BR><BR>Both get booked well in advance and demand is higher than you would imagine. One is open for this New Years though because of a recent opening.<BR><BR>Both are very expensive but include everything and have staffs of about 30. If you want the best, you want one of these.<BR><BR>Thom

Don't forget Tryall and Round Hill in Jamaica- both offer ultra-high-end luxury villas with private staff. Rub elbows with the chic and famous.<BR><BR>www.tryallclub.com<BR>www.roundhill jamaica.com<BR><BR>Sounds like you want something nicer and more exclusive than just a hotel suite.

How about Tahiti, Bora Bora or the Fiji Islands.

Last time I checked, Tahiti and Bora Bora were still in the Pacific.<BR>The question regards Caribbean resorts.<BR><BR>(And to answer your question, there are no resorts in Bora Bora or Tahiti which are on a level of luxury with the best in the Caribbean and Hawaii. Nice, yes; exotic, yes. But not luxury in the classical sense of the word).

My husband and I went to St. Martin and stayed at La Samanna this past May and thought it was great. The resort was very private and was not crowded (approx. 80 rooms/suites/villas). There weren't very many people on the beach, which was really beautiful and secluded. We were upgraded to a one bedroom suite with a roof-top terrace--great for watching the sunsets and drinking wine in the evening. The pool area is very pretty, the breakfast buffet included with the room was delicious-- We didn't feel the need to leave the resort -- it was great and I would highly recommend staying there.

By far the Ritz Carlton or Sugar Bay Hotel on St. Thomas is the most luxurious you will ever need

Julia,<BR>I think that you make an overstatement when you say that the Ritz on St. Thomas is all the luxury you'll ever need.<BR>It all depends on your level of luxury and what one is accustomed to. <BR>I thought that Jumby Bay, Cap Juluca, Grace Bay and Four Seasons in Nevis were better resorts that the Ritz on St. Thomas.<BR>I'm sure that anyone who has been fortunate to go to Necker Island and Musha Cay will disagree with me and rightly so. <BR>

I agree with Vince.<BR>You'll never know the real max luxury if you're like the 99.99% who never stay at one of the super-luxe $25,000/week places.<BR>Not that this is necessary to have a good time!<BR>It's all about your perspective.