My husband and I are just returning from separate 5 month deployments. We've been planning to head to Majorca for a week, but one of my coworkers is going there the same week and we have absolutely no desire of being on the same island as she during our week away.

We've been to Santorini, Nice and Venice (amongst other places in Europe). I just returned from Africa, so no desire to go back there just yet. We want a beach vacation, where Eric can dive and we can totally relax. We'd like a place we can enjoy a nightlife, but not until 4 every morning.

We're flying from London (preferably Stansted) within the next couple of weeks.

Any suggestions?

Crete

how about Malta?

Sardinia. Lots of diving opportunities, beautiful beaches and a bit more laid back that Majorca or the Canary Islands.

I also like the Crete suggestion.

Canary Islands is well worth avoiding unless you like Blackpool and tacky bucket n spade shops everywhere.
Although there is plenty of nightlife there.

It looks like the moon landscape.

Of course there are a few nice places but generally the place is horrible in my humble opinion. I know it's subjective, but I hated it, will never ever go back

Have you considered the Algarve?

Muck