I am trying to plan a trip for about 8 nights some time between April and June. I've been reading so many opinions on this message board that I am really confused now. This is what we are looking for:<BR>1. Resort with a great pool area &amp; service<BR>2. Resort on the beach<BR>3. Resort walking distance to some of the restaurants and any nightlife<BR>4. Great food and the opportunity for a little shopping<BR>4. Safe island for evening walks<BR>5. Around $200-$350/night<BR>6. Not an all-inclusive<BR><BR>Is it out there or am I just dreaming?<BR>Thanks.

Please don't misunderstand, but your problem is trying to let this board make up your mind for you.<BR>Do your research on where you think you want to go, based upon what YOU like and dislike, your budget, etc. When you make your mind up, don't worry about what someone else thinks, go and enjoy.<BR>There are numerous sources of info. available. Look in Caribbean Travel magazines, travel books in the stores and check out www.doitcaribbean.com----that's the offical website for the Caribbean Tourist Coalition.

Sage, if everyone took your advice then why should anyone even bother with this board. That's what it's for. <BR><BR>KC, I'm sure you'll get some ideas here and you should use that as a good starting point. Just do further research on your own, outside of this board, because everyone has different opinions on what they like and don't.<BR><BR>I'd love to give you some ideas but I stick to all-inclusives. However, a few desinations that come to mind that potentially fit your criteria are Cozumel, Aruba, and St. Barths.

Aruba - High Rise area. My husband and I loved it there for the walks we took in the morning and in the evening. There's a great boardwalk right along the beach. We also noticed security along the path. Our favorite island!

I would have to agree, Aruba sounds like it would be a great fit for you. There are some really beautiful resorts there great shopping and sightseeing and it is a safe island for venturing out. You might want to take a look at the Hyatt or Marriott. I have clients that continuously travel to this island because of it's culture, people and charm.

kc, when we're planning a trip or even considering a location, I just head for our local library, go to the travel section, and take out some books about the places we're considering. Once I've done that and we've narrowed our search down a bit based on our reading, a 10-minute conversation with a travel agent can often decide for us.<BR><BR>For example, this year we were torn between Los Cabos at the southern end of Baja California and St. John in the Caribbean. We really enjoy snorkeling and when I mentioned that to our travel agent, he told us that there's a very strong current in the Cabos area that would make snorkeling difficult, if not downright dangerous. That area is great for sportfishing, but not snorkeling from the shore. Since I'm not all that great a swimmer, that one simple fact made our decision for us--and we're heading to St. John in late April/early May of this year.<BR><BR>Try this approach and you'll be a better-informed traveler!<BR>

I forgot to mention earlier, try the radisson in aruba. Very nice pool! We stayed at the Wyndham. I think the Radisson was two hotels away. Upscale. When I was doing my research last summer, I heard better things about the Radisson compared to the Hyatt in Aruba. Next time, my husband and I go, we'll be staying at the Radisson. There are so many excellent restaurants in the high rise hotel area. We had an excellent meal at one of the hyatt restaurants, and our best meal overall at the Radisson. I can't remember the name of the restaurant (there are a few located in the Radisson). The meal was expensive, but it was probably one of the best meals we've ever had. Good luck with your decision!

Another vote for the Radisson on palm Beach in Aruba. Everything was superb...beach, restaurants, grounds, rooms, staff.<BR><BR>

Thank you so much for all the replies. I forgot to mention that I have been to Aruba already (2 years ago). Aruba and Puerto Rico are the only islands I've been to...any other suggestions?

kc, you should consider Turks and Caicos if you are looking for a spectacular beach, it is still a bit unknown, but i bet in the next decade things will change.Many great reasons to visit, no squalor,again great beaches,nice selection of accomodations, great snorkeling or scuba, went there 5 years ago and am considering going back in may,check out fodors travel talk for turks and caicos, good luck

T&amp;C is great for beaches but not so great when if comes to nightlife. Just something to keep in mind.