Need suggestions for caribbean island similar to St John

sandollar · Post by **sandollar** » Sat Dec 03, 2011 1:44 pm

Hubby is having cancer treatments and looking for a new resort destination upon completion of treatment.
Preferred highlights would be good beaches, snorkeling, tranquility, peaceful surroundings, enjoy good cuisine and looking for March. Recall this subject coming up previously but couldn't locate under search. Thanks!

ClevelandDave · Post by **ClevelandDave** » Sat Dec 03, 2011 2:27 pm

Virgin Gorda has everything you mentioned plus you're already familiar with the travel patterns...just add one more ferry. Nice resorts if you like or a selection of good villas.

msgcolleen · Post by **msgcolleen** » Sat Dec 03, 2011 2:35 pm

It would be hard to beat St. John but if I were forced to stay on a different island it would possibly be Anguilla. You fly into St. Martin and ferry over. Sound familiar?
Check out Vicki's travel blog from last year . . . makes me want to book a trip right NOW!

http://vicki-h.travellerspoint.com/co/8/

Good luck in whatever you decide. I'm sure it will be wonderful for you and your hubby's healing.

jmq · Post by **jmq** » Sat Dec 03, 2011 2:40 pm

Here are some of those threads. Places like Bequia (note that I used that as the search term), Vieques, Grenada, Anegada and others were noted. Bequia is a long travel day, otherwise it would be next on my alt-STJ Caribbean list.

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... ght=bequia

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... ght=bequia

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... ght=bequia

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... ght=bequia

Note that nearby Virgin Gorda might be a nice low key alternative. Guavaberry would be a lovely place to chill and restore - easy beach access without the jeep ride, and the folks and doggies that run the place couldnt be nicer. As such, it books up way in advance with loyal regulars in high season.

Good luck with the treatments.

Lindy · Post by **Lindy** » Sat Dec 03, 2011 5:54 pm

My daughter and new son-in-law just went to Curacao and their honeymoon and loved it. She thought the snorkeling wasn't quite as good as STJ though. They also went to Bequia the year before and liked that also. It sounds fairly remote and quiet there. Depends on whether you're looking for some night life.

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Sat Dec 03, 2011 8:09 pm

We enjoyed Anguilla in February and it has everything you are looking for except the snorkelling.

traveler22 · Post by **traveler22** » Sat Dec 03, 2011 10:39 pm

Tell Hubby good luck with his treatments and I feel his pain. Great Beach,water and relaxing=Provo, Turks & Caicos. Good Luck and God Bless the both of you.

Exit Zero · Post by **Exit Zero** » Sun Dec 04, 2011 12:38 am

St Barths - cuisine!!!!!!! Beaches! snorkeling if you ask where, no problem, but not the equal of STJ off the beach - accommodations!! Laid back serenity!! Ambiance!!!! - ferry or plane from St Martin or San Juan - shopping is very unique but the $ vs. Euro is the downside --- but very cheap [$1.34] now in comparison to years past - if you are going in March I suggest you stock up now and watch the European markets for an even lower advantage between now and then.

ClevelandDave · Post by **ClevelandDave** » Sun Dec 04, 2011 12:46 am

Diane

Let me apologize for not saying so earlier but I hope that your husband responds well and that your battle is short and successful.

God bless you both!

Dave

sandollar · Post by **sandollar** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 9:59 am

A huge thank you to all who gave wonderful suggestions. I will start the research now and remind myself that each island is different and cannot be St. John. Also, to ClevelandDave: ideas and special thoughts are appreciated. Will post results. [/b]

liamsaunt · Post by **liamsaunt** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 11:27 am

I have been to Vieques and thought it was lovely. Easy to get to--a 10 minute or so flight from SJU.

We had the beaches almost to ourselves most days. Driving around is easy unless you choose to go to the offroad areas (you don't have to do so to find beautiful beaches). Snorkeling is not as good as STJ but there is stuff to see.

Best wishes to your husband as he completes his treatments.

Wakeclt · Post by **Wakeclt** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 3:31 pm

I'd like to reiterate what PA Girl and msgcolleen wrote about Anguilla. I have visited St. John 4 times over the past 10+ years, and my extended family has been over a dozen times. We all love the quiet, off the beaten path feeling of St. John, and the obvious beauty the island has to offer and the people who live there.

I spent a week on Anguilla though 2 years ago, and it actually surprised me in more ways that a few. It definitely has the off the beaten path feel of St. John. The island doesn't have the same lush vegetation and "rain-forest" like feel of some parts of St. John, but the beaches are every bit as beautiful if not even more in some cases. Anguilla has dozens of beaches, so you're never at a loss for where to explore. One of my FAVORITE things about Anguilla is that nearly every beach has at least one small, local bar or eatery. Some are absolute fine dining on sand, others are beach-shack type places, but still VERY good. Some highlights of my trip were spending 2 full days on an amazing beach and not seeing another human being, having a massage on the beach with waves crashing below us in total privacy, listening to Bankie Banks (famous reggae musician) sing at his own bar on the beach, and being treated like royalty for 2 days of my trip at the Cuisinart Resort. We also stayed in a FANTASTIC villa called Jasmine, which I highly recommend.

It is almost as easy to get to as well. One plane, and one 20 minute ferry ride. Simple as that. Much like St. John actually.

A great resource is: www.anguillaforum.com

I posted reviews of my trip and my villa there under the screen name WAKECLT.

Wakeclt · Post by **Wakeclt** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 3:34 pm

Oh, and dining on Anguilla is incredible. More 5-star level restaurants than you can possibly visit during a trip. Loved every meal there.

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