I'm looking for a romantic getaway for my husband & myself. (20th anniversary celebration, February 2004) We would like to go to the caribbean for 5 or 6 nights but don't know much about it. Any suggestions for a great vacation ?

So many options . . . have you narrowed it down?

What do you enjoy (peace/quiet, nightlife, restaurants, culture, exploring, scuba, etc)? How much do you want to spend? Considered a cruise?

I'd suggest doing some research on this website & others and then returning with specific questions.

Good luck!

There are too many permutations to begin making suggestions to you about specific resorts, or even islands, but there's one general piece of information I can pass along to you now. Assuming that you are flexible during the entire month of February, try not to travel during President's Week. It's one of the 2-3 busiest weeks during the year, which means that all of the really choice places will be crowded (and possibly already fully booked). It also means that traveling during another week that month could be marginally less expensive if you try to negotiate, though of course you'll still be paying high season prices.

Also, consider where you're flying from--East coast states have much better connection times to get just about anywhere in the Caribbean. From the south, west or midwest you'll spend quite a bit of time in transit to certain islands, so for a short stay you might want to choose one of the more readily accessible islands from your local departure. Think about your other preferences and let us know!

Here is a basic formula for picking an island.First off,any island large cruise ships go to(Paradise Island,Haiti,St Thomas,Jamaica,Dominican Republic,Grenada, throw it out.Second,where ever there are places like Sandals, Breezes, Couples,eliminate these islands.Then make sure there is a low crime rate.

I can understand the cruise ship comment because of the masses that invade the island all at once. I don't understand why you would want to eliminate islands that have Sandals, Breezes, etc. Don't most islands have them? That doesn't leave much of a choice. How about Turks and Caicos? Now there is a nice romantic spot.

Great Vacation = peace, quiet, beauty, safety, great food & romance.

I would recommend:

St. Barths - any hotel or villa. Beautiful beaches, lush rolling hills, excellent food, safe and very romantic. Recommendations: Le Toiny, Eden Rock, Carl Gustaf

Anguilla - The island itself is a bit scrubby, but you don't notice it due to the extrodinary beaches and warm, friendly people. Recommendations: Cuissinart, Cap Juluca, Mallihouana, Fragipani. I do suggest not getting a meal plan for Anguilla, as the restaurants are wonderful and there is great food to be had at every price range. Many resorts include breakfast.

British Virgin Islands - Everyplace is georgeous! Peter Island and Biras Creek come to mind here. They are all inclusive with delicious gourmet food (alcohol not included). The snorkeling is wonderful, take a trip to The Baths. Biras has boston Whalers for you to use, no charge, to explore the little uninhabited islands and they will even pack you a gourmet lunch basket to take with you.

Antigua - Jumby Bay - included all meals and alcohol. Its own private island. Recently renovated. Peaceful & romantic, and since all is included a very affordable luxury.

Turks & Caicos - Grace Bay, Parrot Cay. Have never been but have great reviews, worth looking into!

Bahamas - Pink Sands - This resort looks wonderful. Cottages lined along one of the most beautiful beaches in the caribbean - very quiet, no crowds. I have been to the Bahamas, but not to this beautiful place - also gets great reviews!


To find some pictures of these resorts you can go to www.travelhop.com. This is a great website which has pictures of beaches, restaurants and rooms also you will find links for more information.
Some resorts will not be on travel hop so you will have to go to their websites.
www.biras.com
www.jumbybayresort.com
www.parrot-cay.com
www.thesandsresort.com
www.pinksands.com
www.peterisland.com
www.stbarths.com/letoiny/

there are plenty of islands that do not have Sandals/Beaches etc..you just have to research a little more

Hmmm...if you to follow MRPlum's advice you could miss out on some really interesting places. I have been to many islands and would suggest the following fit your bill. Grenada (still somewhat undiscovered by the travelling world, friendly locals, beautiful Grande Anse beach), British Virgin Islands (Tortola we loved, can be expensive), Provo in the Turks and Caicos (Grace Bay is amazing, wonderful locals), Angulla, Aruba (varied topography, lots of casinos, good food, safe, is getting rather crowded. I also enjoyed St.Kitts/Nevis Jamaica can be very nice if away from the crowded tourist areas. The island we enjoyed the least was St. Martin. While not a Caribbean Island...you might wish to consider Costa Rica.

Been to all the places Sandy Feet mentioned,and guess what,they all fit the criteria,no cruise ships and the pigs that go on them,and no Sandals,Couples or Breezes.Sandals Couples and Brezes only build in impovershed high crime ares so you are confined to the compound and spend all your dough there.