We are looking to go away for 5 nights towards the end of June. Ideally we are looking for: a boutique hotel on the beach, character/charm, could be all inclusive, great service and food, upscale yet not astronomical. We really enjoy going out to great dinners both authentic and acclaimed, love to hang around drinking frozen drinks all day and snorkeling as much as possible. Just something cool, fun, relaxing and memorable...we're thinking Antigua, Virgin Gorda, Cayman Islands.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.(already been to Turks, St Lucia & Jamaica)

Thank you!

If snorkeling is a high priority then you should skip Antigua, snorkeling around that island leaves a lot to be desired. FYI - you mentioned Barbuda in your "tag" - that island has miles and miles (as far as the eye can see and then some - think Provo's Grace Bay only 2 1/2 to 3 times as long) of spectacular white sand beaches and decent snorkeling. The drawback is the island is sparsely populated and there is literally not much to do but sit on the beach, walk on the beach, read a book on the beach, swim from the beach, read on the beach - you get the picture. There are very few resorts on the island but if you think "getting away from it all" is your idea of heaven check out the All Inclusive Coco Point Resort.

If I were you I'd look at Grand Cayman and Virgin Gorda. Those two islands have everything you are seeking. I'm not a Grand Cayman expert so I'll leave resort suggestions to others.

On Virgin Gorda, if you want upscale look at Little Dix Bay. If you want "cottage like" accomodations on a terrific beach with some of the best walk-in snorkeling on the island consider Mango Bay or renting an upscale villa right next door at Mahoe Bay Villas.

you might look at caneel bay resort. it's on st. john in usvi. it's has all you're looking for and is ai optional.

For only 5 nights, I would like an island that is easy to get to-----where are you flying from? Most of your choices are long flights, some with changes.

That said, Grand Cayman is good if very busy, but I like Virginia's idea of Caneel Bay, St. John. Fabulous but very secluded. Still one of our favorites also. Another good one is Secret Harbor Resort on the east end of St. Thomas near Red Hook. As far as walk-in snorkeling goes, Caneel Bay or Secret Harbor would be it.

Another one to consider is Anguilla-----some of the best beaches and restaurants. We loved Shoal Bay East either www.sbvillas.ai (one of our favorite vacations, a bit older, but the best beach location we have ever had with our balcony right on the sand) or next door at "KU" (a newer property, I'll look up the website). Shoal Bay East has a few bars & restaurants within walking distance on the beach and not overly crowded like some others(Aruba comes to mind). Some nice snorkeling. There are many other higher end properties on Anguilla also. Downfall is that it may be a little harder to get to.

http://www.wheretostay.com/caribbean...-Anguilla.html

You'll find Shoal Bay Villas, Ku, and many others on this site.

Secret Harbor is a www.secretharbourvi.com

Hope I've been of some help.

Its not on your list, but if snorkeling is what your after, consider taking a look at Roatan. You won't be disappointed.

Lots of stories about day-to-day life, whether it be for a week or a year on Roatan at http://roatanvortex.com

you would be smart to consider Turks and Caicos -- great food on the island, great snorkelling and also some nice nightlife -- try the Grace Bay Club, it's right on the beach ...