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ON THE COVER

Maybe it's the moonlight. Or the sugary beaches meant for late-night strolls. Or perhaps it's the way the sunlight refl ects off your husband's face (and how fun it is to say "husband!"). The islands of the Caribbean and the Bahamas are full of romance, with plenty to make your heart go afl utter. They're also just a hop, skip, and often non-stop fl ight away from most local airports, making them ideal honeymoon spots for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut newlyweds.

Your only dilemma: With so many different choices, where should you go? Do you enjoy the lively and energetic atmosphere, buzzing with eateries, discos, duty-free shopping, and casinos, or do you prefer the more laidback and unspoiled scene? Here we give you the scoop on each island and hopefully make your decision a little easier.

Anguilla
The Scene: After all that planning and figuring out who should be seated where, it's nice to just veg-and this low-key island may be just the place. Don't expect glittery nightclubs or casinos; instead you'll find restaurants serving fresh fish (often caught that morning), secluded coves, and casual beachfront eateries where bare feet are practically a requirement. Pick a lounge chair on one of the island's more than 30 dazzling white-sand beaches and settle in for the day.

For the piece d' resistance, rent horses and take a ride along the edge of the teal-blue waters.

Shoal Bay (not to be confused with Shoal Bay West) is one of the Caribbean's prettiest beaches, anchored by sea grape and coconut trees. There's also plenty of windsurfing, snorkeling, fishing, and scuba diving.

Where to Stay Splurge: Cap Juluca is peaceful, chic, and a perfect escape if you like to steal kisses under Moorish-style arches. In your ocean-view suite you'll also be able to cool off in private if you opt for the pool amenity. Be sure to get the sinfully sensuous in-suite his/hers spa treatment, or go hiking along the scenic nature trails. Details: www.capjuluca.com or 888-858-5822; rooms start at $345 a night. Where to Stay Steal: Try the white-and-cotton-candycolored West Indian-style bungalows at the Anguilla Great House Beach Resort, which whisper of old-time Caribbean. Sip rum punch on your veranda as the ocean waves lap in the distance. The intimacy (it only has 27 rooms) of this resort adds to its charm.

Details: www.anguillagreathouse.com or 800-538-9247; rooms start at $165 a night.

Island Info: www.anguilla-vacation.com or 877-426-4845. Flying Time from the Tri- State area: Four hours.

Antigua
The Scene: The island is known for its blue-green vistas, as well as its ties to its past.Among its ruins you'll find English forts, still-played-on cricket fields, yachts that are bigger than most New York City apartments, and an array of secluded boutique hotels.This is an island of multiple personalities: There are parts that are highly commercial and others that are low-key, which gives you options for each day you're there. Because it's British, there's a tad more formality than on other islands, adding to Antigua's exotic feel.Ecotourism is also popular, meaning you'll find interesting offshore experiences that are more than just snorkeling-especially on the nearby island of Barbuda, with much of the land still underdeveloped. Pelican Island and Bird Island offer vantage points for spotting ospreys, frigate, and tropic birds. And when you're ready for something different, there's always cricket. Where to Meet Friends: It's no surprise that couples-only Sandals is a popular honeymoon spot. There's everything here, from volleyball competitions to karaoke try-outs, tennis lessons, scuba diving, and spacious beachfront suites with the kind of amenities Americans love: phones, TVs, alarm clocks. Since meals and most activities are included in the price you don't have to worry about whipping out your wallet every time you crave a sandwich (or a rum punch). Plus, since it's a couple's retreat, you're sure to make some new friends-whether you want to or not. Details: www.sandals.com or 888- 726-3257. Average about $2,700 for a week, depending on what time of year you book.(Don't faint at the price: It's an all-inclusive resort, meaning you only have to pay for alcohol.) Where to Hide Out: If you want to forget about the rest of the world, hide out at the hillside retreat of Cocobay. A villa community, you can have all the privacy you want. Each cottage has a private veranda, custom-designed furniture, and dramatic ocean views. Even better: there's a wellness center that offers massages, facials, and aromatherapy treatments. Details: www.cocobayresort.com or 800-816- 7587; rooms start at $270 a night. Island Info: 888-268-4227 or 212-541-4117 or www.antigua-barbuda.org Flying Time from the Tri-State area: Four hours.

The Islands of the Bahamas
The Scene: From party-centric New Providence Island (home to the capital, Nassau) to lively Grand Bahama Island, the Bahamas offers plenty of choices.

Not to mention the sleepy, subtle Out Islands (everything that isn't on New Providence or Grand Bahama). Wherever you go, watery pleasures await, whether it's a snorkeling trip and picnic lunch on a deserted stretch of beach, or an expedition to some of the world's best bond fishing fl ats. Of course you can always choose a languid afternoon swinging a deux in a hammock or catching rays on your private hotel deck. Not to mention shopping, shopping, and more shopping. Walk down wide, palm-lined Bay Street, Nassau's main drag, past pinkhued colonial-style buildings and duty-free stores, and you'll soon be wishing you had planned to stay longer. Shady verandas, hibiscus and bougainvillea-filled pathways, bicycles built for two, and sand to dig your toes into. Don't worry: If you can't do everything you want, you can always return -it's just off the coast of Florida in the Southern Atlantic-on your anniversary.

Where to Stay Eleuthera: You'll feel like a castaway from Gilligan's Island when you stay at The Cove on Eleuthera, one of the Bahamas' low-key islands. The sands are pink, the water teal green, and the atmosphere unhurried. This small, private tropical gem offers some of the best sunset views-as well as privacy galore.

The 23 rooms were recently renovated with chic, Caribbean decor, luxurious linens, and amenities.

Best of all: there are no phones or televisions in your room, which gives you plenty of time to bond. Staying here you'll soon appreciate how the island got its name: "Eleuthura" hails from the Greek word for freedom. Details: www.thecoveeleuthera.com or 800-552-5960; rooms start at $165 a night. Where to Stay Harbour Island: If you really want to get away from it all, book a room at the Pink Sands Hotel Harbour Island, on an Out Island 50 miles east of Nassau. It's privacy like you've never had before. Getting around means either walking or renting a golf cart (the island is only three and a half miles by a half mile). To further enhance your island fantasy, the cottages-equipped with a wet bar, satellite TV, and a bathroom stocked with Aveda products-are secluded and set along the creamy pink sand. Details: 877-364- 1100 or www.islandinns.com/45.html; rooms start at $525 a night. Island Info: 800-823- 3136 or 242-322-7500 or www.bahamas.com or www.nassauparadiseisland.com.

Flying Time from the Tri-State area: Two and a half hours.

Cayman Islands
The Scene: This trio of deviations known as the Cayman Islands-Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman-are renowned for prime fishing, sun-drenched beaches, and luxurious accommodations.

(Grand Cayman boasts the best resorts.)

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