which island?
 

We're headed back to the Caribbean this summer for the 8th straight year. I'm liking the idea of someplace new this year and am looking for suggestions. We love snorkeling and being on the beach - not much interest in shopping or restaurants (we like to cook) but we also like a little something going on. We've done Turks and Caicos, Grand Cayman, Vieques, Eleuthera, Jamaica (didn't like it). We're a family of 4 with 2 teenagers and like renting a house versus staying at a resort. Any and all ideas are more than welcome - thanks!

Check out the (upscale) rental villas on Virgin Gorda's (BVI's) Mahoe Bay. Wonderful uncrowded 1/2 mile long golden sand beach lapped by gin clear calm waters with a "double" snorkel reef that runs the entire length of the bay just 100' off-shore. The bay has a western exposure with fantastic views of neighboring islands and the setting sun. The island also has numerous other attractive and nearly deserted beaches with very good walk-in snorkeling. It really doesn't get much better anywhere in the Caribbean. If the villas at Mahoe are above your budget don't despair there are plenty of other villas around the island with more modest price tags and you'll still have access to all the beaches around the island.

St. John

www.caneelbay.com

www.maho.org

www.vrbo.com for condos

Great vibe snorkel dive pretty safe

good cheap flights down on airlines

like www.spirit.com www.aa.com on specials.

Happy Hunting,

I think you might like Curacao.

I agree with RoamsAround... go with Virgin Gorda. We prefer Nail Bay due to the seclusion and privacy. We stayed at Villa LaVida and kept busy with the pool and the amazing snorkeling right off the beach in the front of the house. The prices are a bit steep but we contacted the owners directly through the website www.villalavida.com and worked out a fantastic deal. Any of the other villas in nail bay could be a great fit! We found a hill that was great for hiking and catching some great views right by the house. We use to stay at Little Dix but have come to love staying at villas and can't imagine going back to staying in a hotel while in the islands.