Anguilla & St. Maarten

Brought back into the spotlight when Jen & Brad had their final vacation there just before the breakup (go team Aniston!), Anguilla is a small Caribbean island with white sandy beaches just east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. My friend Trish who has travelled extensively in the Caribbean names it as her favorite island destination sighting the most serene beautiful beaches and friendliest natives. Trish always stays at Rendezvous Bay and recommends it as the best of the mid-priced accomodations. Now, however, I'm even more anxious to travel there to stay at the newly renovated Ku Hotel which is owned by the same people who own the famous Cap Juluca. Ku is located on the Shoals Bay beach and has 27 air-conditioned minimalist-designed suites. Because the hotel is under new ownership and trying to build up clientele, rates are decent until mid-December and then again after April 1.

If you don't want to take a puddle jumper flight from another island to get to Anguilla, see if you can get a direct flight to St. Maarten and take the quick ferry ride over from there. While in St. Maarten, stay at the small Inn At Cupecoy. Although I haven't been YET myself, I sent a well-traveled co-worker there who really liked it.