The Caribbean - Need advice re: Caribbean vacation

My wife and I are planning to take a short (7 day) vacation this summer (June/July). We are looking at various islands/hotels in the Caribbean area. Here's what we're looking for:

--upscale/luxury resort but not ridiculously expensive
--something in the range of $400-$500/night
--quieter/more romantic place as opposed to family-oriented
--hotel on the beach with good snorkeling nearby
--island-related activities so we don't have to spend all our time at the resort

Right now we're considering the following places:

Anse Chastanet (St. Lucia)
Jalousie Plantation (St. Lucia)
Ladera (St. Lucia)
Maroma (Mexico)
Cap Juluca (Anguilla)
Cuisinart Resort (Anguilla)

I've checked the rates and these seem to be in the ballpark and look very nice. Any comments on these hotels/islands or suggestons for others? Thanks so much for your help.

Ladera is not on the beach. They have a van that takes you to the beach at the Jalousie Plantation. I stayed at the Jalousie Plantation when it was still a Hilton. I loved it on points, but I'm not sure I would impressed @ $500. night but it was really cool to arrive by helicopter (extra cost of course). The restaurant and view at Ladera were excellent.

Anguilla and St Lucia are very different, Anguilla essentially a desert island and St Lucia quite green and lush. You will find much more to do on St Lucia itself, although both destinations offer interesting daytrips (St Martin from Anguilla, the Tobago Cays from St Lucia, to name two).

The snorkeling just off Anse Chastanet is fantastic. The resort itself starts at the beach and keeps going uphill. The most expensive rooms are the furthest from the beach, and it will be a long hike (especially back uphill). You will also find family groups at Anse Chastanet, especially in the summer months, while Ladera is essentially for couples.

Ladera can transport you to Anse Chastanet's beach as well as the (fake) Jalousie one. Or, if you have a jeep you are welcome to arrive on your own. Apart from not being on the beach, Ladera fulfills all of your requirements and is a really memorable place to stay, as long as you are not freaked out by wildlife in your room, and are OK with safeguarding very small valuables (such as rings) that birds can fly in and steal.

Wherever you choose, enjoy the Caribbean! :)

Thanks Ohioflyer, very helpful. I think we're leaning toward St. Lucia b/c of what the island offers as compared to Anguilla.

Great choice ^ . St. Lucia is my homeland and I would be happy to share some insider island knowledge with you. What do you look for in a vacation, I would be happy to post some recommendations.

With regards to your hotel choices both Ladera and Anse Chastnet are fantastic. As a matter of fact all three of your preferred St. Lucian hotels are all located in the quiet fishing village of Soufriere. A very lovely town rich in history, culture, natural beauty and interesting sites, however most of the night life in located in the North of the island (Castries & Gros Islet) 2 hours drive away.

Again if you provide details of what you normal enjoy doing when you visit new countries it would be easier to advise whether Soufriere would be an ideal spot for you to be based as it is 2 hours away from the capital and St. Lucia's night life.

May I also recommend that you check out LeSport ^ ^ located in the north of the island. IMHO it is right up there with Ladera and Anse Chastnet and is owned and run by the same group who owns the Jalousie Plantantion.

http://www.thebodyholiday.com/content/130.htm

Good luck and remember to post your interest and I will get back to you with some recommendations over the weekend.

How about Galley bay or Blue Waters in Antigua? Plenty of places to visit, excellent food, upscale without being over the top & GB has a no children policy!