Carol... I would say the French islands, Guadeloupe or Martinique. Big enough to have a variety of activities, variety of experience (quiet or busy according to your needs). Don't worry about not speaking French. If you want something and they want you to have it they'll find a way to communicate. In most restaurants and bars you'll find people with enough English for you to get by. Don't know about direct flights from your part of the world but I'm sure you can find that out.

Grenada is also a good option. Less of a language barrier, again big enough to have some variety. Americans are very well received there because of your rescue of the island from communism back in the 80s.