This is my second winter in Tennessee.  The weather has been miserable--cold, windy, rainy and a recent tornado that just missed me.  As I look out on a yard full of brown, wet leaves my thoughts are of traveling to someplace warm and humid, preferably the Caribbean.   I've visited the Virgin Islands many times and occasionally treated myself to some luxury accommodations.

Little Dix Bay Resort - Virgin Gorda (BVI)
My first visit to the British Virgin Islands was via a day of island-hopping on a chartered boat.  The captain told us that the Little Dix Bay Resort was the ultimate island stay, so I made plans to return asap.  He was right.  Little Dix Bay Resort is a 5 star resort consisting of 97 bungalow-style rooms situated on 500 acres.  It's the ultimate in privacy and luxury that should be shared with someone special.  The staff will do anything for you.  There's a resident tennis pro and 7 tennis courts.  You can take a water taxi to nearby private beaches, go sailing, diving or hiking (there are 3 or so hiking trails on site).  But mostly my friend and I did a whole lot of nothing.  One night at dinner (excellent chef) a guy got down on knee and proposed to his lady.  The restaurant went quiet and then everyone applauded when she said yes.  Way to go.  Get there by boat from St. Thomas or San Juan.

Ritz-Carlton - St. Thomas
St. Thomas can be quite touristy and commercial.  If you want to separate yourself from the tee-shirt crowd treat yourself to a stay at the Ritz.  Rooms range from about $300-$2500/night.  It's the ideal location for weddings, with 180 rooms and suites on about 30 acres.  They have beautiful views in every direction and world class chefs (the dinner menu changes nightly).  The indoor patio restaurant is as romantic as can be.  I like the afternoon tea service.  The resort fee is $55/day and includes local telephone calls, most water equipment and tennis.  The infinity pool faces the beautiful island of St. John.  The Ritz has its own private catamaran that you can reserve for day sails, sunset cruises, etc.  Other amenities include 32" high def tv's in all rooms, and a luxurious spa. 

Caneel Bay - St. John
Another popular wedding destination.  Celebrities seem to like it for its privacy and 5 star rating.  Because of its exclusivity it took me several attempts to get a reservation.  This is the Rockefeller's old stomping ground, situated on 170 acres.  It has over 150 very elegant rooms, 3 restaurants and a 20,000 square foot spa with every amenity you can think of.  This is a place that makes you want to dress up a little for dinner.  The water is super clear and most days you can see 40' deep.  If you're into water sports, this is the place for you.  Nearby is a world class 18 hole golf course.  Or rent a jeep and drive over to other side of the island to some of the most pristine beaches you'll ever see.  Most of St. John is a forest preserve, which make it an ideal spot to rejuvenate.  By the way, if you're a television junkie you're out of luck because there are no tv's or phones in the rooms.  Fly into St. Thomas and take the ferry to St. Joh.