My husband and I are looking at going somewhere in the Carribian early next year. We need some help in trying to figure out where to go. We are looking at Aruba, St Thomas/St John, St Martin, Bahamas - and open to ideas. We have ruled out Jamaica
We tried to list what is important to us:
1. Nice beaches to walk - clear water.
2. Shopping
3. Sight seeing - historical stuff/wildlife
4. Nice restaurants - we like seafood/steaks
5. Nice place to stay - clean and fresh, somewhat upscale, AC, TV in room.

We don't want an all inclusive place.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Karen

Hello Karen! check my reply to your previous post.

Hello Karen! I got to thinking about what you are looking for and If I were you I would go to Grand Cayman. 7 mile beach is an AWESOME beach and there is so much to do in Grand Cayman, the Queen ElizabethII Botanical Gardens, Stingray City,shopping atGRAND HARBOUR CENTER DOWNTOWN,LEGENDZbightclub on 7 mile beach. These are things you should do in Grand Cayman. Also, stay at the TURTLES NEST INN.

Im sorry Karen, the website address for TURTLE NEST INN is www. turtlenestinn.com. You can check it out there. turtle Nest is a great place.

Hello Karen! If Turtles Nest Inn doesnt have a room try THE REEF resort. It is also a very good place and you will save money there too.Go to www.thereef.com.ky to check it out. Try the Turtles Nest Inn first though. Make sure you visit Stingray City, Queen ElizabethII Botanical Gardens and party at LEGENDZ nightclub on 7 mile beach. 7 mile beach is the best beach in Grand Cayman. I hope this helps

Karen, have advised several other fodorites to check out small properties in Antigua by visiting website: www.antigua-vip.com. VERY INTIMATE PLACES...
beaches, 365 of them, you will be walking for a while. Shopping is a fab mix of actual shops in old historic buildings in addition to street vendors, quite a great mix. Sightseeing is as much as you can handle, restaurants are as varied as the stars! Heminghways is a must downtown. Tell them Deb from Boston sent you if you find something. Catamaran just added a pool. Small, somewhat upscale property. Feona is an absolute peach, the owner. Ciao for now

Deb from Boston,

I see that you are a new to Fodor's.

First hand experience is welcome here...advertising is not.

Marion

Okay, got it. Thanks.
Deb from Boston

karen,
Is landscape important to you??Mountainous or flat?Because Aruba is far different in appearance than St Thomas,St John or St Martin.Aruba is flat and the others are mountainous with beautiful views.

It just depends on which you prefer as to what I would recommend.

Though the dining options in Aruba are wonderful..I like St John much better for the mountainous views and clear,calm beaches.St Thomas would offer more as far as shopping and sightseeing.

Good luck!!

Christie