Here’s a post I made in the Help me go somewhere in the Caribbean thread. My top pick for you would be Antigua, though the ruins are colonial-era rather than ancient, and there’s not much in the way of nature trails. Not sure about the cycling. And hey, you could have a mini-dopefest with what’s-her-name, the doper from Antigua.
Second pick would be the BVI.
I know very little about Mexico, but I can say from experience that Puerto Vallarta was fine, but the snorkelling wasn’t as easy-access as some of the caribbean islands.
I lived in the Caribbean for about 2 years, and visited a few of the islands.
In no particular order:
St. Kitts: This is where my home was.
Good - Nice rainforest and crater hikes, good shore-entry snorkeling if you know where to look. Brimstone Hill is a world-heritage listed colonial fortress that’s extremely impressive if you like that sort of thing. Best place on the island is Ottley’s Plantation Inn, it’s gorgeous.
Bad - Surly locals who technically speak english but manage to be incomprehensible anyway. High crime. Populated areas are dirty. Most places the food is only okay.
Overall - I wouldn’t recommend it.
Nevis: Part of St. Kitts
Good - Can ferry to St. Kitts for a buck or two. Locals are much friendlier. Where Admiral Lord Nelson married his wife.
Bad - Still a part of St. Kitts, and not that much to do there.
Overall: Lady Di used to stay on Nevis. I don’t know why.
Saba: A tiny rock in the ocean.
Good - world class scuba diving, good food, locals are very friendly, and absolutely zero crime. Many places don’t even have locks on the doors. Has good hiking, though everything on the island is steep.
Bad - Absolutely zero night life, climate isn’t that warm, and no beaches. Not one.
Overall: Great if you like scuba, hiking, and nothing else.
St. Maarten: Playground for the rich
Good: Lots of nice beaches, plenty of food, shopping and nightlife, clothing optional beaches.
Bad: Very built-up, with giant hotels.
Overall: Incredibly touristy. If that’s your thing, then this is the place for you.
Statia, also known as St. Eustatius
Good - apparently has a nice crater at one end.
Bad - Major oil terminal, and from the air the island looks like a junkyard.
Overall: I spent about 10 minutes on Statia. It was enough.
Antigua, home to Sailing Week
Good: The best food I have ever eaten was on this island. There are lots of resorts around the island, and plenty of nice beaches. It’s home to Nelson’s Dockyard (ie English Harbour) which is a lovely colonial era park and working marina. I stayed in the Copper&LumberStores hotel, a colonial era building within Nelson’s Dockyard; very romantic and wonderful for a naval history buff like me. Best restaurant is Le Bistro, but there are plenty of fine eating establishments; the suckling pig at Abracadabra springs to mind. Snorkeling is good. Near to Barbuda, a major seabird colony. Snorkeling was good, and kayaking fun too. There are plenty of activities, mostly involving the ocean.
Bad: Mostly flat. Has only one tiny bit of rainforest. St. Johns is a bit crapulous.
Overall: I enjoyed the place, especially all the historical ruins and the fabulous food.
Grenada, where they actually liked me
Good: Grenada is the only place I’ve ever seen pro-US graffiti. Apparently the locals are all pretty happy that Reagan put down the communist coup, and it was weirdly refreshing to have people say again and again “We love americans.” The major town is full of small, twisty streets and felt cozy and european. There were some colonail-era forts to check out. Decent beaches.
Bad: Restaurants seemed a bit hit-or-miss.
Overall: A fun place. didn’t get to spend enough time there.
British Virgin Islands
Good: Good food, lovely beaches, good snorkelling and boating. People are friendly. The Baths on Virgin Gorda are worth checking out if you like granite boulders on the sea shore. Just get there before the 9am tourist buses.
Bad: The water and phone went out at my hotel and the owner said it was my own fault and refused to do anything about it. I doubt that’s the norm, though.
Overall: Worth visiting; would happily go there again.
Grand Cayman, financial center
Good: Nice beaches, first world amenities
Bad: Totally flat, built up, and touristy.
Overall: I spent only a day here, but I have no urge to return.
We have volcanoes (the three types: boring, regular, and lava fresh). Our health care system is as backwards as it can get; any medical assistance of importance must be attended regardless of nationality or “cash at hand” and it will not cost you thousands of dollars.