I'd like to go to the Caribbean for a week in Jan. Where will it be hot enough to sunbathe, swim and do water activities?

In a word - "YES". January is peak season for tourists in the Caribbean. Just pick you island and enjoy.

I love the Dominican Republic, but not the usual mass tourist places, there are some unspoiled beaches and smaller towns that are much more fun. I have been several times to las Terrenas, on the north coast of the island, it is truly a caribbean paradise over there. They have a site, www.lt-online.com or try www.samana.net. My favorite place to stay is Hotel Playa Colibri (www.playacolibri.com)
Happy travels.

St.Lucia or Jamaica would be my vote.

Thanks for your input. One of my main concerns is to go somewhere relaxing and quiet, with beautiful beaches. I do not want to go to someplace with a "spring break" atmosphere (even though Jan. is a bit early for that). Nor do I want to be somewhere where there will be lots of kids and noise and parties. Anyone ever stay at the Ritz in Jamaica? Comments?

Check out Anguilla. Quiet, the best beaches in the caribbean, and great restaurants.

If you want relaxing and quiet try Turks And Caicos Island.(Provo) It can't get any quieter and a what a gorgeous beach. A nice p.m. breeze is to be had, and the day temps are about in the mid to upper 70's. The water temp is tolerable but not as warm as I would like it to be. There was also snorkeling off the shore when we went several years ago.

We went twice to grand cayman at xmas time, and it was cool and windy. We now only go at easter time for nice weather. If it was me I would go farther south such as Aruba to ensure warm weather.
Susan

Grand Cayman, Grand Cayman!!!! Weather is perfect in January and will be hot!!!! 7 Mile beach is one of the best... Grace Bay in Turks & Caicos is probably just as nice.... But I really do love Grand Cayman - you can snorkell pretty much anywehre from 7 mile beach and see something... the ocean is like bath water - calm & clear.... Great shore snorkelling from many parts of the island - is fabulous.

Grand Cayman is safe and there are many great retaurant to choose from - all from different price ranges.... Grand Cayman is know to be expensive but again, there are restaurants to suit everyone's budget... I vacationed there twice and lived & worked there for a year - I certainly can recommend a few places if you choose Grand Cayman.

I'm sure whatever Caribbean destination you choose in "january" will be great!!!!

Lori