Need Suggestions for 1 Month Caribbean Stay

Special Circumstances: I’m coming off of multiple surgeries that left me outright bed ridden for 2.5 months, and have dealt with physical injury for many months before that. It’s been a nightmare and cost me my well paying job just 6 months after receiving my big promotion I worked extremely hard for.

The good news: I’m slowly getting over the hump and I’m beggining to walk on my own. My previous attitude of « work hard for tomorrow » is in the process of being balanced out by « tomorrow isn’t promised ». This new found unemployment has left me an opportunity to travel the world which something I always had « future plans for ».

I’ve taken trips before, but 1 week trips just to hurry back to work sometimes felt soul crushing.

I’ve had an extremely trying and scary 9 months. I’m in need of a a complete mental and spiritual reset.

Sitting for long periods of time is still difficult but getting better,, so my 20+ hour trip to Thailand is going to have to to take some « training ».

Coming from the northeast USA, a close by Caribbean stay near the beach is my first step. But I won’t be staying at a private all inclusive. I plan to stay a month, if not more, Which requires a little more thought considering my circumstances.

I humbly come asking for advice from this wonderful community for an upcoming stay as early as March.

Which Island/City Would You Advise for the following?

Need to Haves:

• Walking distance of beautiful beach great for swimming
• Safe
• Solid Bus System
• Respectable Grocery Stores within a small bus trip.

Want to haves:

• « Affordable » Stays via Airbnb. (I understand that probably goes against the other factors, so I guess best value with all things considered)
• Great Sights, activities, friendly locals. I’m scuba certified.
• Preferably Not Extremely Hilly by my stay

Unlikely but would be a welcome bonus:

• Staying with host that could show me around or even allow me to participate in fishing or other light activity with them.
• Host has car available to rent at a price.

If there’s any other resources you can point me to I’m all ears!

Through my own research I’m looking at Freeport in the Bahamas. The spot I found on Airbnb has a potential car I could rent for $25 a day from the owner which would be a fantastic bonus feature. If anybody knows firsthand knowledge of a similar setup please feel free to PM me.

Thank you all!