We would have to pay tribute to Curacao. We stayed at the Marriott and had the nicest room we'ver ever had anywhere. Liked the sea and the friendliness of the residents. Lots of sightseeing and great places to stop and have a drink. Fort Naussau has a wonderful view of the island and you can sit outside at the bar. Le Clochard also is a great place to stop and have a drink in the downtown area. Used to be the old jail. It's also a great spot to eat dinner. Tourism is not what they are about, therefore, we found them to be very real and hospitable, almost like being a houseguest.
We have traveled to a number of the islands in the Caribbean and they all have different attributes.<BR><BR>The most beautiful geographically is Jamaica - we took a trip around the island and it is stunning with great beaches, mountains, waterfalls, rivers. We also very much enjoyed the people in Jamaica - very warm considering their social ills.<BR><BR>The only thing that could potentially ruin your vacation is having a bunch of rude, loud Americans on an all inclusive plan parading around the resort like they own the place. They are easy to spot.<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>
Emma, I am partial to Antigua. Was married there this October and fell in love with the place! I stayed on Dickenson Bay which was a breathtaking beach. The water is a beautiful aquamarine color and very calm. The locals are very friendly also.
Guest
Nevis is my favorite.. because i spent my honeymoon there, and no vacation will ever top it. Its fantastically beautiful, and the volcano that you see whenever you look to the sky to during your stay on the little island is a breathtaking sight, no matter how many times you look at it. I have never seen sunsets like the ones we saw there and the people are so nice. <BR><BR>Go in the off season though, its not crowded and, I would imagine crowds would take away from it.
Aruba - generally little rain there, great beaches, and casinos for evening entertainment. Best of all, we can get direct non stop flights from Toronto to Aruba (and just about all the larger Caribbean islands!) Last trip there we had 7AM flight and we were on the beach by 1PM.
Nevis<BR>Very quiet. Great local nightlife. Locals are really friendly. Wonderful out of the way places to stay. Fabulous local "true Caribbean flavor" places to eat. Easy to get around, no high rises, no casinos, no tourist traps. Paradise!
Grand Caymen and here is why:<BR>excellent beaches,excellent lobster,<BR>local do not harass the tourists to buy junk. This island has the highest standard of living in the caribbean, and it is truly reflected. Amazing snuba, snorkel and of course diving.The cleanliness of the island and overall attitude of folks.I have been going to this island every couple of years since 1976 to present. Each time I return I am amazed at the continual progress the island is making. In 1976, the airport was literally a shack with a customs officer to stamp your passport. Now it is a major airport. I have visited over 6 islands in this area and the Mexican Riveria. Yet, the Caymens are still my favorite and always my first choice for an island getaway. Happy thursday, is it friday yet???
If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing holiday on a stunning island, I highly recommend Vieques off the coast of PR. I've gone for New Year's week the last 2 years and loved it: tranquil, beautiful beaches (you're typically the only one on it since there are so many to choose from), great scubadiving/snorkeling, casual atmosphere- this is not a disco, party, shopping mall island. It's pleasantly underdeveloped-- no high-rise AI resorts, it's mainly small inns or rental properties: Hacienda Tamarindo is lovely, as is Inn on the Blue Horizon, or you can rent a 2-3 bedroom house for as little as $500/wk, and a beautiful townhome-style resort was under construction on the north side of the island last time I was there. Many yummy, moderately priced restaurants- though you should try the Inn on the Blue Horizon restaurant ($$$ but well worth it). Only sign of the US Navy presence is great roads. The locals are very friendly and helpful- when our jeep got stuck, a group of men got ropes and trucks and helped tow us out, and wouldn't hear of taking any money. So much natural beauty, since 2/3 of island is a nature preserve. Enjoy!