shazaf

My husband and I are planning a trip to the Carribeans from July 8-14, 2009. We don't know where to go!! We've been to St. Thomas and St. Johns on one trip, I liked the island especially the food, but we went to St. Johns for the beach in Trunk bay, I love that kind of water, shallow clear, placid and with scenery from other islands. We've been to Hawaii, loved Waikiki, but hated Maui, although it was beautiful, it was boring.
We've been to Puerto Rico, and really enjoyed it because of the history, forts, and the party atmosphere. Even at our resort, the whole day there were people on the beach or by the pool and there was always music or some activity going on. We want a trip where we can relax on the beach most of the time, where the water is preferably clear and placid, where we aren't the only people at the beach, but at the same time, its not too crowded like Magen's Bay when a cruise arrives. We want to be able to go out into town and not be stuck in there resort the whole time, where places are withing proximity if possible or easily accessible. We like scenery, would love to do a tour one or two days and relax the rest of the time. We were thinking about Jamaica, but after reading so many negative reviews about the bad hotel food, cleanliness, mosquitos, sightseeing not in proximity, you have to stick to your resort at night, and the beaches all had seeweed, we don't want to go there anymore; just to many negative things! Can someone recommend one of these islands for what we are looking for or any other recommendations? And also where one would stay? So far I like St. Kitts, it seems to have a bit of everything, but I've read that the water isn't that great. Would really appreciate some input. Thanks!

Jimmie

I think of the islands you mentioned aruba seems to have the right mix of beaches and party atmosphere that you are looking for.

MaryD

If you thought Maui was boring, cross Anguilla off your list. I LOVE it there but it is definitely not for everyone. It's flat, scrubby and arid; no town to speak of; very little in the way of shopping or activities. 35 beaches & about 80 restaurants and a few good local bands -- that sums its up.

P.S. If you're on the northern coast, all you see is water & a couple of deserted barrier islands in the Atlantic Ocean

claibornel

I agree with MaryD about Anguilla. It is my favorite island so far out of Jamaica, Turks, Puerto Rico, Nevis, St. Martin and the Bahamas. But, we are not nightlife people, so like the seclusion. I also agree with Jimmie on Aruba. You might also like St. Martaan/Martin. You can take the ferry over to Anguilla during the day to see the beaches. We flew into St. Martin and took the ferry to stay in Anguilla it is only about a 30 min. ride away. There is definitely a lot of shopping/party/night life in St. Martin. The beaches and water in the area are very nice. I didn't like the beaches in Nevis. They are very rocky underneath, and are kind of black/dark brown. I absolutely did not like Jamaica. We were constantly bombarded by people trying to sell drugs right on the beach. You do not want to leave the resort in the evening. Good luck with your search.

iw

Humm....Having been to Maui, St. Kitts, Nevis and Aruba, I might add something here. Not sure if it will help, but I will try. I love St. Kitts and Nevis in combination...ie..split the time b/n the 2. Nevis is quiet and a great place to start a vacation followed by the more lively St. Kitts. In Nevis we start by liming, as the locals say, and tour the island and do the rain forest hike, island tour. In St. Kitts, we have done an island tour, rain forest hike and have seen the popular tourist things.
I did not love Aruba....too flat and dry for me and too populated. Just my opinion. I equate it with Myrtle Beach, which I dislike, personally.
Maui, which you didn't prefer, was ok for me in February, but I don't have a longing to return. Too busy for me.
Someone suggested St. Martin....Hmmm.. mixed reviews on that one. I have been 3 times and am leaving next week for the 4th trip. DH and I each picked a destination. We have always stayed on the french side and he picked St. Martin for the "food" in Grand Case, his words, not mine. It is very busy and not to my liking, so I picked St. Barts. We have only been there once, but the people and the beaches are really nice. I found that a villa is more affordable than the hotels and a rental car is a must, which I did not find on the other islands on which I commmented.
For nightlife, Aruba and the dutch side of St. Martin would have it, as well as the Marriott casino on St. Kitts. I guess we prefer the quieter side of things.

alya

try http://europetogo.yuku.com/forum/viewtopic/id/528

I did also post this trip report on Fodors but can't find it - we did Nevis, St Juan and Aruba in 10 days. A lovely vacation , busy but relaxing at the same time.

but we did go back to Nevis for 10 days for our 25th anniversary the next year.

xkenx

You'll get everything you want on Barbados. The island varies from flat to hilly, lush and green all over, an incredible range of hotels, beaches, restaurants, nitelife. See www.barbados.org

waggie1218

We weren't that enamored with Aruba. I haven't been everywhere you mentioned, but I've hard good things about most of those islands. Pick any one of those over Aruba, in my opinion.