St. John in the US Virgins. I've been all over the Caribbean and it's the one place I always come back to -- after 25 years. White sand beaches, crystal clear water, lush mountains that drop straight down to the sea. No need for rows of multi-colored beach umbrellas here; the beaches are rimmed with tall palms and seagrape trees for shade. The best sailing in the Caribbean. Some really great restaurants. Sunsets to sit and wait for everyday. And many beaches and small coves where you will find no one else's footprints but your own.

Try Caneel Bay for the ultimate in pampering and "natural" luxury with their own 7 gorgeous beaches (at a price...) Or Estate Lindholm, a pretty B&B within a 10-minute walk to town and national park hiking trails that lead down to two beautiful beaches -- Saloman and Honeymoon Beach. EL also has one of the best restaurants on the island.

St. Barts works well for people who like Europe -- it's been compared to the south of France for its ambience and excellent food, the best in the Caribbean. Take a look at four hotels: (1) Hotel St. Barth Ile de France (rated #1 in the Caribbean by Conde Nast Traveler), (2) Eden Rock (spectacular location), (3) Le Toiny (cross between a hotel and private villa with private pools, excellent restaurant), and (4) Guanahani (wiindsurfing on Grand Cul de Sac). Also look at forums on sbhonline.com and stbartstalk.com, as well as reviews of the hotels on this site.