Meg,

There are a lot of beautiful islands to explore, but when you take into consideration all St. Maarten/St. Martin has to offer, and then factor in the ease of access and affordability factors, I don't think there is another quite like it.

We have thoroughly enjoyed Barbados but found it to be a bit more expensive and not as eayt to get to plus we didn't like the 'other side of the road drive' unlike SXM, which is just like home.

Aruba gets high reviews but was not a place we particularly enjoyed. It has lots of timeshares though and a terrific public transportation system that makes the need for a rental car to be nice but not totally necessary.

Puerto Rico, once away from San Juan, has some great areas with beautiful scenery and awesome beaches and is somewhat more affordable than many of the other islands.

So many options and so many variables so good luck in your quest and I hope you find something to suit your wants and wishes. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />