We are trying to decide what island to visit next year (Feb 2013) and need suggestions from the pros. We have been to Aruba, St Maarten, St Thomas. We loved Aruba and St Maarten. Liked St Thomas but like to walk and it isn't an island you can walk around alot. We like sandy beaches and prefer to stay near the shopping, restaurants, etc so we can walk to them. We are looking at Caymen, Barbados, St Luicia, Puerto Rico.

Might want to look at Grenada too. Fantastic island and similar in some respects to St. Thomas if you liked it there. Would look at staying around Grand Anse as it a great beach and you can walk to shopping and restaurants in that area no problem and it's not far from the main town of St. Georges although it would be a fair walk but they have buses (mini vans) that will take you there for a buck or two.

It is fair to say that since you like Aruba, St. Maarten and St. Thomas, that you like a bit of action, proximity to shopping and restaurants, and generally a no-hassle experience? Of your 4 proposed islands, I would suggest Grand Cayman. The downside is it is pricey but the upside is it is relatively safe, clean and enjoyable. If you stay on Seven Mile Beach, you can walk to restaurants and shopping. The water and beaches are great.

For your requirements I think of Bermuda, Barbados, Antigua, Paradise Island, and Grand Bahama.

In Puerto Rico I would recommend Culebra for its beautiful beaches and great snorkeling and diving. You would probably enjoy Grenada, staying on Grand Anse Beach as another post suggested. We visited Barbados for the first time in January, and can't wait to go back! Have you considered Anguilla?

Favorite thing about Barbados? heading down in June for cousin's wedding.

OK before I go offering my suggestion..blindly, I would first like to clarify something before I look like a <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />.

From the list of islands that you have visited in the past, there is a common element in the islands that you liked the most. Aruba and St. Maarten both offer topless/clothing optional beaches, is this something that you may want to enjoy on this next vacation as well???

if st lucia is a consideration, i would suggest rodney bay, though you will be disappointed if sxm is on your must do list.

been to both, love sxm and mostly hang around orient bay though do visit many island high points.

st lucia is much more relaxed, low key, safe, and quiet.

in rodney bay, when i asked where all the action was, i was informed that the big hotels complained about the noise from the bars years ago and therefore they shut down early in order to enable the resorts to make their fortunes.

it is nice, but quiet compared to sxm.

during my stay the surf on rodney bay was viscous and not at all enjoyable. in fact, one girl almost drowned and was ambulanced to the hospital. i am not at all comfortable with that level of undertow at the shoreline.

the island itself is safe, serene, and picturesque. much more so than sxm.