My husband and I are trying to plan a trip for our 5th wedding anniversary in October. We are looking to go somewhere in the Caribbean. We don't travel much at all and our only trip together was to Cancun, Mexico.<BR><BR>We both enjoy beaches, water activities, sight seeing, would like a deluxe resort, spa, some shoping (not required). We really loved spending time on the beach together when we went to Cancun.<BR><BR>Don't require a lot (if any) nightlife. We are pretty low key. Mostly this trip would be to relax and reconnect.<BR><BR>Your recomendations are greatly appreciated. I have been looking into the Cayman Islands and St. Lucia. Please let me know if I'm on the wrong track. Thanks so much!

Aruba is a great place to re-connect! Hyatt or Radisson are both good choices but avoid Marriott.<BR>Palm Beach on which Hyatt & Radisson are located is beautiful. Great for walking, swimming, relaxing, reading, sipping your prefereed drink & enjoying spectacular sunsets!

Hi Gracie,<BR>Since you liked Cancun's beautiful beaches so much, I would suggest Anguilla or St. John. Anguilla is known for pampering resorts a la Cuisinart. Great sight-seeing trips, didning, low key and quiet.<BR>I would not suggest Aruba or Caymans. Too commercial.<BR>St. Lucia is very beautiful, but does not have the kind of beaches you may be looking for.

Anguilla is an exellent choice. I just got back in June from Cap Juluca and thought it was fabulous. However, I think I remember islanders saying the only month they are really affected by the hurricane season is October. . .so make sure you check into that.<BR><BR>I think hurricane season is really at its height in the Caribbean from August to October so be wary of that.

You are going in the height of hurricane season so therefore would highly recommend Aruba. Hyatt, Radisson and Marriott all have spas or if your prefer you can go to Cosmos Day Spa. VERY private, on beach and they also have some couple packages. Great way to spend the afternoon.

Gracie, If you like to spend time on beaches- seven mile beach @ Grand Cayman on the Northern most end is ideal. Ive never seen waters quite as colorful. Kauai and Mauai, Virgin Islands, Bermuda, are all beautiful but we found 7 mile beach a quiet-uncrowded place to be right on the beach w/closest view, and easy access to snorkeling. It is very safe, clean, and people are lovely. It is a beach vacation tho- no tropical rain forests or Mt.s or ruins to tour.The Queens Botanical Gardens are great, and turtle farm neat but you dont go to GC for that. Restaurants are expensive, but good. Oct. are low rates for hotels/condos. It doesnt sound as tho you like the idea of having kitchen ( cus you could condo) - or if you want total freedom from cooking and be waited on -others could tell you the best place to stay on THAT part of the Northern end of GC 7 mi. beach. Our experience was w/condo, and it was perfect. Just abt any water activity you could want. GC is NOT known for night life, and note it is British ruled- hence its pristene, low crime- safe status.

To Zoe: I wonder if you wld. post the contact # for condo rentals on 7MB?<BR>Thanks!<BR>Susan

Grand Cayman is the way for you to go!<BR>The ocean is beautiful, lots of watersports and great restaurants. Not a lot of nighttime activity. Easy to get to, although it isn't a great value.<BR>You can also take advantage of the fact that there are not many children.<BR>St. Lucia does not have the white-sand beach, it rains a lot, and the water is impossible to get into. It's also an expensive part of the Carribbean and not worth it.

If you like beaches, go to one that's voted in the top 10 in the world...Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. It has 26 miles of uninterrupted, white sand, palm trees (sometimes right to water's edge)...beautiful, wonderful beach! My personal favorite and it's very reasonable also. Your description fits it perfectly! Go to: www.debbiesdominicantravel.com for more information and resort reviews. Trust me, you'll love it!! (p.s. The Dominican has a very low incidence of hurricanes passing thru!)

Susan, I booked online and had a great experience thru caymanvacations.com and corresponded w/Ian. There are several other companies also. Be concise and specific abt what you care abt. If you ask abt 3 or 4 differing condos w/him- he gives neutral advise and seems to not be slanted.<BR> Tp Sharon- wasnt GCayman's Seven mile beach ALSO voted in the world's top ten beaches?

Hey, Zoe! I just checked in here & there you were w/ your reply! Thx! I will go to the site you posted!<BR>Isn't this board great???<BR>Susan

Thank you all so much for your tips and advice. I really appreciate it!

This is another Sharon! <BR>The best beaches for romance according to Discovery.com-Travel Channel for 2002 are: Negril-Jamaica, Culebra Island-Puerto Rico, Grand Cul-de-Sac-St. Barts, Maroma Beach-Mexico, Crete-Greece, Larvotto Beach-Monaco, The Maldives Islands, Natadola Beach-Fiji and Datai Beach Langkawi Malaysia. Find a place to stay and your set!

Grand Lido Negril or Couples Negril would be romantic. St. Lucia not great in October--Cayman Islands better choice.