Hi all,

My wife and I have never been to the Caribbean and would love some advice on which island to pick.

We'll be going in June 2006.

Here's what we're looking for:

1. Stay at a nice chain resort right on the water like Westin, Hyatt, Marriott, etc.

2. Safety/Shopping - we'd like to be able to walk the streets at night to do a little shopping after dinner

3. Not too commercial - Some place that's not overly crowded or commercial.

4. Not too far south of Florida - We'd like to stay away from Aruba and Curacao and be a little closer to Florida.

5. Seafood restaurants - We'd like to discover some great seafood restaurants.

Thanks for any advice your can provide.

Well, keep in mind that having a nice chain resort hotel on an island will necessarily mean a certain level of commercialism. That being said, consider the Westin on St. John. The Wyndhams on Puerto Rico tend to get rave reviews, but that island will definitely have more hustle & bustle than most (conversely, it also offer more history & culture than most, so it's a trade-off) .

Maybe the 4 Seasons on Nevis.

Maybe one of the chains on Grand Cayman's 7 mile beach--there's a new Ritz Carlton, as well as a few other chains.

Of these, I would consider Nevis the least built up, but there aren't a lot of places within walking distance of the 4S for dinner--just Sunshine's as far as I know. The little downtown area is very pleasant by day, but there's not a lot open at night for lingering walks.

St. John is pretty Americanized but NOT overly developed. Its town of Cruz Bay could be exactly what you're looking for, with lots of little shops and restaurants, but it's a drive away from the Westin, I believe.

Hmmm... I just don't think you'll find everything you want on one island. You'll probably have to compromise. Also, I don't think you can find evening shopping in the islands. I certainly haven't been to every island in the Caribbean but most stores tend to close by 5pm. I'm sure someone will say so if I'm wrong.

There's a Westin, Hyatt, Marriott on Grand Cayman, all on the beach, safe island. You can definitely walk around at night. BUT that hotel area is crowded and commercialized. Lots of restaurant choices, therefore lots of seafood choices.

There's a Westin on St. John. We've been there. It is on a beach, although not an impressive one. The island is not too developed and has lots of gorgeous beaches. Shopping is practically non-existant. There are really no areas to stroll around at night.

There's a Marriott on St. Kitts, on a beach. I have not been there though. From my understanding, the island is not commercialized at all.

I believe there's a Marriott in St. Thomas but we haven't been there as well. I'm not sure that it's what you're looking for.

Grand Cayman is probably your best bet with a Westin, Hyatt and Marriott. Lots of great seafood and you would take great pleasure in how safe it is. But it's not quite paradise in that it is a little too commerical.

I think the earlier posters have hit the nail right on. St. John and Grand Cayman would be your best bets. As they said, it is very difficult (if not impossible) to find an island that has all the traits you're seeking, but those two would come closest.

Although it's not exactly the Caribbean, you might consider Bermuda too. The resorts that would compare to the chains you're seeking would be Elbow Beach Resort and the Southampton Princess. They aren't really near downtown Hamilton (the place you'd go to shop) but they're similar in scale to the chains and they're both nice enough places.

hi mike, bakergirls thought of bermuda might be just right for you. june would be a perfect time of year to go there. (winter can be too cool).
there is a nice marriott on st. thomas not to far out of charlotte amalie. ca is a duty free shoppers paradise and does stay open in the evening. also the ritz is a beautiful hotel but on the east end of the island so 30 min drive to charlotte. loads of fabulous fish at most restaurants. does get some bad press about safety. is pretty built up.
another thought is turks and caicos (www.provo.net) but like st. john there is NO shopping. no chains, but very nice resorts all directly on grace bay beach. not to built up yet. very safe. great food. best conch dishes anywhere and really good grouper.

sounds like Grand Cayman ,cruise ship crowds aside would be your best fit
7 mile beach is one of the very best it has some very nice chain resorts ,the newest & poshest being the ritz carlton ,they also have a westin & hyatt beach suites & down on the pecking order the marriott ,it is arguably the safest/friendliest island on par with Aruba & the island is known for it's upscale shopping in Georgetown ,similar atmosphere to that of miami Beach and they can lay claim to some of the finest seafood in the caribbean.
lol

Totally agree with others about Grand Cayman. Seven Mile Beach is a tourist area but not commercial like St. Thomas, etc. It is a great area for what you are seeking.