WHERE TO GO?!?!
 

Hi,

I'd like to plan a vacation for my husband and I next year around May to an island. He's 35 and I'm 32 and we love the beach. We'd like to go somewhere that will not be crowded with tourists, have beautiful beaches, great places to eat, relaxing, and won't break the bank. We'd like to go to St. John, St. Croix, St. Lucia, St. Martin, or Aruba. Which do you suggest would meet our needs? Thanks for the feedback.

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Check out Anguilla. It's near St. Martin and might fit your criteria nicely.

Thank you Statia!!!

I'll plug Anguilla and St. John. Completely different as far as phyical appearance (St. John is lush, Anguilla is dry), but both have fantastic beaches, although I must admit to being a bit more fond of Anguilla's beaches. Anyway, both have fantastic restaurants, easy to get around and lovely locals.

I've never really heard of Anguilla or anyone going there. This is something I'll have to check it out. Thanks!!

St. Lucia is a lush beautiful Island but lacks for a nice beach. Aruba has nice beaches but I would say touristy. I would say Turks and Caicos Island, very quiet and relaxing. The most gorgeous beaches, or Grenada but far away and sometimes an expense to get there. St. Martin is a possibility I hear Anguilla is great although I have never been. Barbados is very nice wonderful beaches, and more going on that Turks and Caicos.

You are not alone. A lot of people have never been to Anguilla. It has fabulous beaches, some fine dining, is uncrowded. It can get pricey though, as there are several very upscale resorts and expensive restaurants but if you do your research you can find a number of reasonably price hotels and places to eat. Be realistic and don't expect to find 5 star resorts at 3 star prices.

I agree that Turks fit's the bill in most every way, however, depending on what kind of deal you get it could break the bank. Aruba where we're headed in December is reputed to be very Americanized but supposed to have some of the nicest beaches and good food. We went last year to Antigua and loved it!! It was not quite as secluded at our resort (Jolly Beach Resort) as it was in Turks and Caicos (The Allegro) but the beaches we went to were very nice and there were hardly anyone else on them(Darkwood and Fryes). I would compare the above beaches to those in Turks. As a side note, we did not like St. Martin very much for it's Beaches. We went AI and were disappointed with the food and even after venturing off site to eat at a restaurant it wasn't much better. It was pricey there and I found it to be dirty in some parts and crowded for the most part. That was just over four years ago and we will probably never go back again.

We like both Aruba and Anguilla, and have been to both several times. They are very different in the sense that Aruba is, indeed, very touristy and americanized. But the climate is the best in the Caribbean I think, very dry and with a wonderful breeze. The beaches are great - there is a low-rise hotel section and a high-rise section, and we think the beach at the low-rise section (Eagle beach) is the best.
Anguilla is also arid like Aruba, but very different otherwise. Much more of a local character. No big shopping malls, but tiny shops. The best beaches I have seen anywhere. Excellent hotels and great food. The people are very friendly on both island, and both islands feel safe.

St. Martin: pretty, great food (you CANNOT go AI in St. Martin), and good beaches. Not as expensive. Have to stay on the French side.

Thank you for all of the feedback. I have heard Turks & Caicos is very nice. I'll consider that as well.

My wife and I have been to a number of islands. Our 2 favourite are Provo (TCI, Grace Bay is amazing)and Grenada (can't quite decide if Grande Anse beach is better than Grace Bay). Both are very safe, not overly touristy but some of the better restaurants can be expensive. Tortola in the BVI's is great (Cane Garden Bay and Smugglers Cove should not be missed). Again, the better restaurants can be expensive. Aruba was wonderful with its varied topography but it is touristy and can be expensive. St. Kitts/Nevis we enjoyed alot and would return. Anguilla is quite arid (like Aruba) but Shoal Bay was one of the best 'snorkelling off the beach' locations. St. Martin we did not like. Overly crowded, surly waiters (on the French side) and we were not impressed with the beaches (even though people go on and on about Orient Beach I did not like having to declare and protect my 2 square feet of personal space).

Wow, I love all of the responses, but it's overwhelming. I'll have to print it out and refer to it later. Thanks a bunch!!