Where to go? So many places, so little time
 

I'm planning a vacation with boyfriend for November and need some help. We're early 40's, active and incredibly over worked so we're looking to get away for some romance and serious R&R. Neither of us dive, we both like the water but aren't experienced snorkelers. Access to the beach is important but I'd like somewhere where there are a few other things to do as well since I'm not able to bake all day in the sun with out frying to a crisp. (any place specialize in good shade/ubrellas?) We're leaving from Phila and would like to stay somewhere nice, though top of the line resorts are probably out of our budget. Good food is a plus. Wild night life is not a priority.

One or both of us have been to puerto rico (hated it), jamaica, bahamas, turks/caicos, aruba, dominican republic. After looking at the posts my list keeps getting longer. Options we're considering so far include Cayman Islands, St. Lucia, Barbados, Anguilla, St. Martin. But I'm seriously at a loss. Help!

For wonderful food, St. Martin or Anguilla can't be topped.

St Lucia is your best choice in the Caribbean.Beautiful people wonderful sites and good food

i wish also to say that I can be contacted for a personal free tour of island

Anguilla is one of the most romantic and relaxing places. The beaches are out of this world gorgeous. When you get bored, St. Martin is a 20 minute ferry ride away, with easy access to taxis and car rentals. St. MArtin has the best shopping in the Caribbean, and casinos, and great people watching in Orient Bay. Get the best of both worlds, and the best restaurants in the Caribbean.

blamona - I like the best 'people watching @ Orient Bay' comment...If you are a 'foodie' St. Maarten should be your first choice. For the R & R Anguilla. blamona is 'spot on', as usual.

This is a big help. Another island that someone just mentioned was Virgin Gorda. How does that compare to the others?

Grand Cayman is fun...and offers lots of activities the Turtle farm,Butterfly farm,Stingray City,Surf/skateboard park,the blowholes,Rumpoint and a place called Hell.

Rumpoint is a great place to spend the day as the beach is lined with Austrailian pines for shade.The water is knee deep for about 50 yards out.

The restaurants are wonderful and there is no wild nightlife...just some fun bars to sit at and have some drinks.

Check out this website for accomodations www.caymanvacations.com

good luck!

Christie

Virgin Gorda is beautiful/quaint/quiet. The restaurants are just ok. The beaches are fabulous and mostly empty. Lots to do including visiting the Baths, doing a day trip to Anegada, Quick sightseeing of the copper mine ruins and hiking. It would be perfect if you are looking for a quiet peaceful vacation.

curiousgirl964: St. Lucia would be a great choice for you - you can get a direct flight from Phili (4.5 hours) and you could not be bored unless you tried - there is so much to see and do outside of the beach. It's a BEAUTIFUL island.