Which Caribbean Island Should We Go To?

[soozaay]

DH & I are trying to plan a vacation for us and our friends (2 adults/2 kids - 15 & 13) to somewhere in the Caribbean for next Spring. We are looking for suggestions on which island we should try. We were thinking of Aruba or St. Maarten, but then started to think about trying either Barbados or St. Lucia. So now, we're all confused...that's why I came here! This is a 1st trip to the Caribbean for all of us (minus cruising - 1st trip to the Caribbean island - staying on that island for a week, instead of 4 hours).

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Also...are there any vacation package companies we should stay clear of?

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

Look at the options Sandal's offers.

www.sandals.com (http://www.sandals.com)

[soozaay]

Look at the options Sandal's offers.

www.sandals.com (http://www.sandals.com)

thanks viking....i think sandals is adults only....but i think their beaches properties are for families....will check it out!

[susandfam]

I have only been to Paradise Island/Nassau, but I highly recommend it. Atlantis (hotel) had some major deals going on for fall & there are lots of things to do there.

Susan

[worldfanatic]

St. Maarten is my favorite in the central part of the Caribbean.
And I've heard great things about Barbados.
But for me, I can't imagine anything in the Caribbean matching the Palm Beach area of Aruba. That glorious beach, and the hotels, restaurants, bars and casinos around it are amazing!
Maui and Kauai are still my favorite tropical places in the World. And Bora Bora is pretty unreal!
But Aruba is right there with them in my book.

On Aruba, I stayed at the Hyatt in 2006(fantastic,very expensive), but the Holiday Inn Sunspree has much better rates and is in a perfect location. That's where I'm targeting our next trip.

I know you'll have fun wherever you end up going!

[doombuggy]

St. Lucia is my favorite with St Maarten being a close 2nd.

My step-mom used to work for Cunard, and they used to own a resort on the island of St Lucia - it was absolutely beautiful. they sold it to either Sandals or Beaches, and it promptly got one of those pools with a swim up bar (which ruined the landscaping, I thought).

[James Goddard]

Choice of island in very much dependant on what you are looking for in a vacation. For example diving and shopping will send often you in entirely different directions. Maybe you want a big crowded beach or a small private beach? Lots of activities or just relax on the shore with a book? Great local food or a big buffet at the hotel?

[Stitch]

Orient Beach, St. Martin

[Colorado Belle]

Suz, I agree with John G....the best island really depends on what you want to do on your vacation.

I spent 3 weeks on my honeymoon traveling to many of the islands and each had its own charms. I loved the green jungle/volcano of St. Lucia, didn't much care for the flat, dry islands myself. Dived on Aruba (from a cruise ship visit) twice and wasn't at all impressed. Barbados had two 'sides' and I loved the wilder atlantic side but bored with the flat touristy side...it's really very personal.

If you are interested in a week all inclusive type of thing, a very long time ago we went to Club Med on Eleuthera with out daughter and had a great time: they had diving AND a circus acrobatic activilty..I learned how to do a 'catch and release' from my swing to the guy hanging from his swing and return...pretty awesome and very unusual esp in those days. Not sure if they still do it, but it was great fun along with the typical Club Med activiites.

I like St Johns in the American Virgins and in thhe British Virgins I liked Tortola (and you can ferry in between a bunch o fthem which is neat.)

My favorite Caribbean Island tho is Jamaica which reminds me so much of cdertain places in Maui.

Best to make up a list of the types of activities you want to do and then 'shop' on the internet to find the best place for your specific needs!

[soozaay]

thanks guys! looks like it's just going to be DH & me on this trip....just want to hang out...do nothing...so now it's either st. maarten or aruba OR we may take a cruise and be pampered. thanks again!

[KNWVIKING 2.0]

Orient Beach, St. Martin


She has to post pics.

[Stitch]

She has to post pics.

You read my mind.

[soozaay]

She has to post pics.

Nice try! I know that Orient Beach is clothing optional. ;)
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[KNWVIKING 2.0]

....clothing optional. ;)

Not really.