My husband & I are trying to select a warm destination for 4-5 days in February, leaving from NYC. We dont scuba, but would try it. Already did Bermuda, not interested in Aruba. Looking for a short flight(less than 8 hrs). We love good food! Any recommendations? Thanks. Juli

Juli, I recommend going to either St. Thomas or St. John. I'm in the NYC area too; there's a direct flight via Continental from Newark that is GREAT - gets into St. Thomas 3.75 hrs later.<BR><BR>Feb. is a great time to go to either one. If you decide on St. John, you still fly into St. Thomas and then take a ferry about 45 mins. from the airport (Red Hook); the ferry is about 30 mins. more to St. John. If you decide to stay in St. Thomas, I recommend the Renaissance which is offering great rates, or the best of the best - the Ritz Carlton. From either one of these properties it's so close for either a day trip to St. John or the Brit. VI's. It's just gorgeous at either one of these (BVI's you'll need to bring your passport, tho). All around, there are great places to eat, especially don't miss the Blue Moon Cafe [check out their website]. You won't be sorry, and the travel time is wonderful.<BR><BR>Grand Cayman is another destination, but I think you should try the above 1st. Hope this helps.

Thanks for you info. I tried looking for that flight,but cant find that are close to 3.75 hours from Newark. Is the airport we want to land in Antigua, b/c thats what I've been checking. Most flights are a min of 6 hours. Appreciate you help. Juli

Anguilla -- 80 great restaurants &amp; 33 fabulous beaches. Direct flight from JFK to St. Martin (4 hours) -- 20 minute ferry ride or 6 minute plane ride to Anguilla. Check out www.news.ai for hotels, restaurants, etc. Good snorkeling; not great scuba.

We recommend the island of GC. Warm and close. Beautiful water. Rent some jetski's. Food is great.

juli<BR><BR>we are all searching for that perfect long weekend, eh? i live in the nyc area also and offer the following:<BR><BR>if you can get a direct flight to anguilla (this was possible pre-9/11 but im not sure about now) this would be a wonderful place with great beaches, people, and restaurants (and its small enough for a long weekend)<BR><BR>i like san juan a great deal, though it is very different. i like the latin/city feel when im in that mood and they have casinos and nightlife if that is a priority..and you can always get direct flights! there is also lots to see if you rent a car and venture out a bit<BR><BR>my preferences over those mentioned earlier, but its just imo!<BR><BR>

Juli, I recommended St. Thomas, which is another island other than Antigua.<BR><BR>The flight I mentioned is 3 hrs 55 mins (not 3-3/4 hrs like I posted previously, but close) and this is the info:<BR><BR>Con. #1903 Lvs. EWR 9:30am arrives St. Thomas 2:25pm (they are 1 hour ahead of NYC) and is non stop.<BR><BR>Antigua, I don't know.

Negril, Jamaica is also a solution. Negril's 7 mile beach is one of the world's best.<BR><BR>Couples resorts are all inclusive and have great food. Scuba diving is included in the package and they teach you right on site if you have no experience. See www.couples.com - for info on Couples Negril and Swept Away Resort.<BR><BR>Flight to Montego Bay is a piece of cake.<BR><BR>For a short stay like 4 or 5 days - some of the islands mentioned may involve too much traveling. I would recommend all of the above for a longer stay - 7+ days.<BR><BR>Good Luck!!<BR><BR>

Direct flight to Anguilla impossible- laargest plane that lands is 48 seater Eagle connecting from San Juan- but early start from JFK and connecting 1PM to EAgle will get you on the beach before 3- Go to www.News.ai for wweb sites that tells all- price range for accomendations and meals runs from budget to luxury even though a small island