"St.John-like" Alternative?

[markandpaula]

We've been to St. John twice (stayed at the Westin) and just loved it. We'd like to try somewhere else next time but aren't sure what can compare to the beauty of St. John. We'll bring our 2 kids ages 15 and 12. We like beautiful beaches, nice hotel and pool, good snorkeling, good food choices (not just all meals at the same place), a place we can safely explore ourselves by vehicle/bus, interesting things to see, prefer mountains over flatland, and we really liked seeing other islands out there instead of just open ocean. We're not into the casino scene or nightlife, not really into big shopping either, and prefer quieter to hustle-bustle (but not TOO quiet). Given the kinds of things we like, what can you suggest for our next Caribbean destination? Thanks in advance.
- markandpaula -

[Carib Mark]

Nothing beats St John in my opinion, but a close 2nd to me has always been Barbados. I love the beaches and it has some great resorts and smaller hotels with water sports, pools, etc. Casinos are non existent and nightlife is limited to a few hotel shows here and there. The nicest thing is renting a mini-moke (sort of a high powered golf cart, low powered jeep) and touring the island on your own. There are animal reserves, caves, a distillery, forests and gardens and other beaches to discover. There are great restaurants in the towns and the people are wonderfully friendly. The only thing it doesn't offer that you asked for is a view of another island. But, you could be so busy here, you might not notice. Check out websites on it and see what's there. You might love it.

[dmharris]

We like St. John for the same reasons you do. Try St. Lucia; Barbardos was too arrid for my tastes.

Bon Voyage!

[sunrae33]

Try St. Lucia. I am going there in April and I have been researching it a lot. It is a very beautiful Island with the world's only drive through volcano, hot sulphur springs, lots of water sports, and beautiful beaches.

[Christine1229]

I have been all over the Caribbean and was recently searching for somewhere different. We will be bringing our 6 and 4 year old to St. Kitts this November. We are staying @ the Marriott on the all inclusive plan. I like the comforts of a full service hotel with a few different options for dinner. The hotel itself has a beautiful Kids Club for the children and a Casino for the adults. It is relatively close to the airport (about 10 minutes) and is a safe island. You can venture on your own or you can take a scheduled tour and see historic sugar cane plantations or the rain forest. I heard that there are green monkeys on Turtle Beach so we are all really excited to see them. (no snakes on the island !) There is a railroad which does a half or full day tour of the island. The island has 3 inactive volcanoes and one active one --- very interesting to see. If you are bored - take a ferry boat to Nevis and visit their island as well. I fell like St. Kitts has everything to keep you busy ... now if they only a few direct flights out of NY - this would be the perfect destination !

[cgullo@sbcglobal.net]

I was going to suggest tortola. Although it is a stones throw from st.john, there are plenty of restuarants, and good beaches, mountains, more laid back that st.thomas and you have several day trip possibilities to chose from. Jost van dyke has a beautiful beach, sandy cay and sandy spit make good day sails, and don't forget about virgin gorda, the baths. I would rent a villa overlooking longbay, and you will see plenty of islands, in the distance. GOOD LUCK!

[markandpaula]

Well, we finally ended up going to Barbados and it was great! The beaches were lovely, not quite as nice as the unspoiled St. John but certainly nice. There were a lot of them and they were all quite different, depending on where you were on the island and whether Caribbean side or Atlantic side or the side in between. St. Lucia is on the list but a little pricey for a family of 4 right now.

Hope to write a trip report from Barbados and post pics when I get a chance.