which island for my husbands b-day??????
 

Hi everyone, i'm new to this forum and had a few questions.

first, i'm planning on surprising my husband on his 50th- b-day a trip to the Caribbean. i "think" i've narrowed it down to 3 islands; negril, jamacia, puerto rico, and/or domican republic.

we are primarily looking for amazing beaches and fabulous weather. second, to that we are looking for an affordable vacation - not one that is going to break the bank (i.e., $4,000+ just for hotel and flight). third, we like to party, not too hard, but like to have a great time, particularly dancing, (i.e., merange, salsa, ballroom). so i thought i had decided on negril until i read about the merange in dominican republic and salsa in puerto rico, although, negril sounded really nice. we'd like to stay at a place that well.... um.... doesn't cater to children (no offense, sure would like some soon, but don't have any, so would rather do without the screams and whining unless they are our own, especially on vaca :))

anyhoo, my biggest question is.... can any of you suggest one island over the other (negril, jamicia, dominican republic, or puerto rico?) any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! :)

thanks again in advance!!

I love Negril, but if dancing - other than reggae - is really important to you, then I think Puerto Rico sounds great. I too love Latin and ballroom dancing and I did enjoy the reggae dancing in Negril. We were able to do some ballroom stuff - west coast, east coast swing, some cha cha some meregue beatsn in Negril. One band at the resort actually did an oldies set - out of place ususally in jamaica but the dancing was great.

I think you will have a great time no matter where you decide upon, however keep in mind in DR you more than likely will not leave the hotel grounds. There are great places there and for your budget you would do well there. I would think quite a bit less than $4K. PR has much to offer but amazing beaches is not one of there attributes. Jamaica I have never been. I would also consider Barbados.

thanks for the reply's! but.... i have a few more questions.. :)

well, i did narrow it down to negril, jamicia, but, after reading... have thought of a few more! oh no! when will i ever decide!!?? :)

well.... we also are big time sailors in the summer time and thought that an island that allows couples to rent a sailing boat, might be fun as well; not the primary selling point, but nonetheless, a selling point. so... the other two island that i'm thinking of are anguilla and/or st. vincent and the grenadines, and now also... barbados because it was mentioned and would like to know more about that too. also, should i go all "inclusive" or do the villa thing? will i save or waste money on the all inclusive? will we be safe in a villa/cottage vs. large hotel? although, i was drawn to negril b/c of the rule that you can't have a building any higher than the tallest palm tree - not into the whole high rise scene especially in such beautiful places. ok, way too many questions, but again, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! thanks again!

I'm particularly fond of St.Vincent and the Grenadines.AI are available but there are not many from which to choose.If sailing is something important SVG is one of the best places to consider. Salt Whistle Bay in Mayreau is beautiful but quiet although the Grenadines are faily easy to island hop if you wanted to spend time on another island in tnhe chain. For your overall needs think about Bequia which is just south of mainland St.Vincent. Many accomodations to choose from in all types and price ranges. Bequia is probably the "tourist hub" of the Grenadines. Having said that it is not St.Maarten/Martin or even remotely comparable to other well known islands with the level of tourism. That's why it is one of my favorite places to visit. Very quaint with a nice shopping area, some small hotels with dining and dancing. Dec won't come soon enough for me. The islands within the chain vary in the topography. St.Vincent is mountainous with rain forest, a volcano, lush green valleys and beautiful beaches . The beaches are not your long wide ones you would see on the cover of a travel mag. Most are small with tan sand in some areas others are black or salt and pepper because of it being a volcanic island.Many deserted ones to visit if on a sailboat. Bequia has fine beaches as well but don't expect much in the way of wide expanse. Palm Island is a private all inclusive that does have larger white sand beaches.
There is a website Caribbean Travel Forum, visit St.Vincent and the Grenadines where you will find a wealth of info. Travel Talk Online is listed in that section click to Southern caribbean and look for posts from curiousx. This person visits SVG much more than I do especially Bequia. I believe you will find this person very helpful. Have fun and let us know what you decide.

The places you mention are very diverse - I'd say Anguilla and Jamaica are almost the antithesis of one another. I like both but for entirely different reasons. In Anguilla, we found only one place to dance - you won't find anything close to ballroom so consider how important that is to you. You will find beautiful undeveloped beaches and great restaurants but not the lushness and culture of Jamaica. Even though Negril has a height limit, don't think that means it is not developed. I love Negril but it is busy and touristy. I don't usually recommend AI but you might like Swept Away in Negril - you will be a little further away from the action, but within walking distance or a short cab ride. There will be music every night for dancing and you could visit the local nightclubs a night or two.