Barbados, St Lucia, Jamaica........?
Discussion
After some advice please. We usually go on ski holidays to either Canada or the USA, this year we've decided to have a warmer holiday and do something totally different. The other half has suggested the places mentioned above although we are open to suggestions. We can go for 2 weeks anytime between September & November and will have our 7yr old with us.
Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Out of those three I would choose St Lucia. It is a varied island, with your usual beaches and resorts but also great rain forests and mountains, loads to do and it is quite safe to go out of your resort on your own.
Barbados is also a nice island but does not benefit from the scenery/mountains/forest.
Barbados is also a nice island but does not benefit from the scenery/mountains/forest.
I can only speak for St Lucia - but it was an amazing place.
My sister got married there in October '09 - we spent a week on the island, a lovely place, beaches were beautiful and the weather was fabulous. I'd happily go back there tomorrow if my budget allowed for it. We went with Kuoni to the Almond Morgan Bay resort.
All in all, a wonderful place. A couple of gratuitous shots:
My sister got married there in October '09 - we spent a week on the island, a lovely place, beaches were beautiful and the weather was fabulous. I'd happily go back there tomorrow if my budget allowed for it. We went with Kuoni to the Almond Morgan Bay resort.
All in all, a wonderful place. A couple of gratuitous shots:
Personally, I love Barbados. The scenery is very varied if you hire a car and explore a bit. The west coast is very plush with manicured beaches and calm seas, the south has pure white beaches with big waves and the west coast is very wild and windy but with the most stunning scenery (google Bathsheba)
The people on the island are also the most friendly i've encountered anywhere in the world. Part of the reason exploring the island is such a pleasure.
The people on the island are also the most friendly i've encountered anywhere in the world. Part of the reason exploring the island is such a pleasure.
We were in St Lucia a year or two ago, on the north of the Island. Absolutely stunning; beautiful beaches, relatively safe although we spent most of our time in the resort (The Windjammer Landing). Did venture out maybe 3 or 4 days out of the week to do touristy things; the catamaran tour down the Caribbean coast was fantastic. The only thing I will say about it is that it's still up and coming and a little rough around the edges, people trying to get you into their shops/restaurants etc, guys pushing dodgy merchandise on the street that kind of thing, but all in all one of the best holiday destinations I've been to 
te.I can only speak for Barbados, but it truely is a wonderful place, fantastic holiday, very freindly people, great food (although I'm sure anywhere in the Caribean has great fish) and scenery.
We were going to go to St Lucia until we saw some of the spiders which they have, the Mrs didn't fancy it after that (I was quite relived though as well truth be told).
We were going to go to St Lucia until we saw some of the spiders which they have, the Mrs didn't fancy it after that (I was quite relived though as well truth be told).
Not been to Jamaica, so can't comment on that.
Barbados is great. The people are really friendly - they'll help you find seats on crowded buses if you have a child with you, they're always happy to give directions, taxi drivers enjoy pointing out touristy things but there's not really a sense of "I'll tell you interesting things if you give me a nice, big tip at the end of the trip".
St Lucia was a bit of a PITA. Street/beach sellers constantly hassling - and being very pushy when you said no. And God help you if you show the slightest bit of interest - one sat at a table next to us and waited for us to finish dinner after we asked him to leave us alone while we were eating! (Oh, and not mentioning their habit of quoting you prices in dollars, you go to pay them EC dollars and they say "no, US" - which puts the price up significantly.) And the taxi drivers will stop off at lots of interesting places on the way to wherever you're going, where their mates will tell you interesting things about the places (albeit in a disinterested, "scripted" fashion) and then finish off with "and a small consideration for the information will be most gratefully received" without even pausing for breath.
Scenery-wise, St Lucia probably has the edge thanks to the Pitons - but Barbados is by no means boring by comparison. You have very different coastlines to the west and east of the island.
So all in all, I'd go back to Barbados like a shot. We've been twice already and it's great. Wouldn't go back to St Lucia again though, until the locals stop treating tourists like wallets on legs.
Barbados is great. The people are really friendly - they'll help you find seats on crowded buses if you have a child with you, they're always happy to give directions, taxi drivers enjoy pointing out touristy things but there's not really a sense of "I'll tell you interesting things if you give me a nice, big tip at the end of the trip".
St Lucia was a bit of a PITA. Street/beach sellers constantly hassling - and being very pushy when you said no. And God help you if you show the slightest bit of interest - one sat at a table next to us and waited for us to finish dinner after we asked him to leave us alone while we were eating! (Oh, and not mentioning their habit of quoting you prices in dollars, you go to pay them EC dollars and they say "no, US" - which puts the price up significantly.) And the taxi drivers will stop off at lots of interesting places on the way to wherever you're going, where their mates will tell you interesting things about the places (albeit in a disinterested, "scripted" fashion) and then finish off with "and a small consideration for the information will be most gratefully received" without even pausing for breath.
Scenery-wise, St Lucia probably has the edge thanks to the Pitons - but Barbados is by no means boring by comparison. You have very different coastlines to the west and east of the island.
So all in all, I'd go back to Barbados like a shot. We've been twice already and it's great. Wouldn't go back to St Lucia again though, until the locals stop treating tourists like wallets on legs.
Surprised not to see Grenada mentioned. Lovely island and people. I've been to Barbados a lot (family there) and still prefer Grenada.
Have a look at the Grenadian by Rex hotel. Almost walking distance to the airport but no noise. The G/f and I were there for two weeks in December cost £1,200 for both of us. We went room only but all inclusive was £29 a day each, which we would do if we went again.
One thing, September to November is still within the Caribbean hurricane / wet season so end of November may be better than start of September.
Edited to add the dive school at the hotel is excellent. Lovely reef straight off the hotel beach.
Have a look at the Grenadian by Rex hotel. Almost walking distance to the airport but no noise. The G/f and I were there for two weeks in December cost £1,200 for both of us. We went room only but all inclusive was £29 a day each, which we would do if we went again.
One thing, September to November is still within the Caribbean hurricane / wet season so end of November may be better than start of September.
Edited to add the dive school at the hotel is excellent. Lovely reef straight off the hotel beach.
Edited by trickywoo on Wednesday 23 February 13:08
If you ask 5 people you'll get 5 different answers 
I've been to Barbados and St Lucia. Didn't see any spiders, and didn't get hassled by anyone, not even once. Note however that both have their bargain-package-holiday-all-inclusive areas, and both have more upmarket areas. I expect the experience may differ greatly depending on which one you go for (I'm not saying that the people with bad experiences were in the cheapo places of course - you could get hassled anywhere, I just didn't experience that)
I loved both, although they are very different. Barbados is easy - easy to get about, with some interesting things to do (like submarine rides and plantation houses to visit, Harrisons Caves are spectacular), and easy to find good places to eat - there are some astonishingly good restaurants along the west coast, around Holetown which makes that a good place to stay. Imagine open fronted restaurants on the beach with flaming torches. Examples - L'Acajou, The Tides, The Cliff, Lone Star, La Carambola (now closed sadly, I read somewhere). And some great informal shack-type places as well for lunchtimes.
St Lawrence Gap (south of Bridgetown) is the package holiday part of Barbados. The east coast is the atlantic side, therefore less sheltered and windy, but far less visited and has its own natural beauty in comparison to the built-up south & west coasts. The Round House in Bathsheba is a good spot for lunch if exploring that side.
Barbados is (I think) just about the only non-volcanic island in the caribbean, so is fairly flat although there's a slightly hilly part (amusingly called Scotland).
St Lucia is entirely different. A very hilly place, it's a lot more rustic, less flashy and above all more scenic than Barbados and fun to drive around (but slow to get anywhere because the roads are terrible - think potholes you can fit a car in). We hired a 4x4 Suzuki Jimny (awful, struggled to get up hills) at Vieux Fort airport which put us in a distinct minority - most people seem content to stay in their resort/hotel which means missing out on a lot. Stayed just outside Soufriere in 2 places - a small family run place called La Haut Plantation with fantastic views of the Pitons (as seen in Superman 2?) and also Anse Chastanet. There are some great small restaurants up in the hills worth going to. What to do - visit the stunning Marigot Bay, there are some botanical gardens, a day trip to the capital Castries, go out on a boat dolphin spotting, do some snorkelling and so on, there's a pretty waterfall (also in Superman) and some mineral baths once frequented by Marie Antoinette. Just be careful if driving in the dark.
edited to add, DON'T stay at Sandals would be my advice, can't imagine anything more sickening. I wouldn't do all-inclusive either, you'd miss out on so much.
I've been to Barbados and St Lucia. Didn't see any spiders, and didn't get hassled by anyone, not even once. Note however that both have their bargain-package-holiday-all-inclusive areas, and both have more upmarket areas. I expect the experience may differ greatly depending on which one you go for (I'm not saying that the people with bad experiences were in the cheapo places of course - you could get hassled anywhere, I just didn't experience that)
I loved both, although they are very different. Barbados is easy - easy to get about, with some interesting things to do (like submarine rides and plantation houses to visit, Harrisons Caves are spectacular), and easy to find good places to eat - there are some astonishingly good restaurants along the west coast, around Holetown which makes that a good place to stay. Imagine open fronted restaurants on the beach with flaming torches. Examples - L'Acajou, The Tides, The Cliff, Lone Star, La Carambola (now closed sadly, I read somewhere). And some great informal shack-type places as well for lunchtimes.
St Lawrence Gap (south of Bridgetown) is the package holiday part of Barbados. The east coast is the atlantic side, therefore less sheltered and windy, but far less visited and has its own natural beauty in comparison to the built-up south & west coasts. The Round House in Bathsheba is a good spot for lunch if exploring that side.
Barbados is (I think) just about the only non-volcanic island in the caribbean, so is fairly flat although there's a slightly hilly part (amusingly called Scotland).
St Lucia is entirely different. A very hilly place, it's a lot more rustic, less flashy and above all more scenic than Barbados and fun to drive around (but slow to get anywhere because the roads are terrible - think potholes you can fit a car in). We hired a 4x4 Suzuki Jimny (awful, struggled to get up hills) at Vieux Fort airport which put us in a distinct minority - most people seem content to stay in their resort/hotel which means missing out on a lot. Stayed just outside Soufriere in 2 places - a small family run place called La Haut Plantation with fantastic views of the Pitons (as seen in Superman 2?) and also Anse Chastanet. There are some great small restaurants up in the hills worth going to. What to do - visit the stunning Marigot Bay, there are some botanical gardens, a day trip to the capital Castries, go out on a boat dolphin spotting, do some snorkelling and so on, there's a pretty waterfall (also in Superman) and some mineral baths once frequented by Marie Antoinette. Just be careful if driving in the dark.
edited to add, DON'T stay at Sandals would be my advice, can't imagine anything more sickening. I wouldn't do all-inclusive either, you'd miss out on so much.
Edited by munky on Wednesday 23 February 13:17
Been to Barbados and Jamaica loads of times. (Mum is Bajan and missus is Jamaican) So have seen what they can offer. I'd suggest Barbados as its been the most "English" out of the islands for years now and is geared upto treating what Bajan's consider the Mother Island (England) very well.
I've probably seen the islands in a different light to how most of you would have due to having connections there and see the local side more so than the tourist side. My last holiday was Jamaica last year and the highlight was going on two Bob Marley Tours. There is one in New Kingston (ish) area which is the last house he lived at before he died. This is the one that is sanctioned by Rita. We were also lucky to go to the one in Trench Town. A different tour entirely but very eye opening and a lot of blanks were filled in. I also went to the Tuff Gong studios which was nice. When we wanted beaches we went to Portmore and checked out Hellshire beach. The fish there was amazing!!!!! I even saw Louie Ranking but the camera was dead so couldn't get any pictures.
The missus has been to St Lucia and said it was nice but very quiet compared to Jamaica. Coming from the hustle and bustle of Kingston I can see where she might think anything else is quiet.
All of the islands are beautiful to be fair if you go out and visit them. Sitting in a hotel is boring as and you're not seeing the true island.
Oh and take mosquito repellent.
I've probably seen the islands in a different light to how most of you would have due to having connections there and see the local side more so than the tourist side. My last holiday was Jamaica last year and the highlight was going on two Bob Marley Tours. There is one in New Kingston (ish) area which is the last house he lived at before he died. This is the one that is sanctioned by Rita. We were also lucky to go to the one in Trench Town. A different tour entirely but very eye opening and a lot of blanks were filled in. I also went to the Tuff Gong studios which was nice. When we wanted beaches we went to Portmore and checked out Hellshire beach. The fish there was amazing!!!!! I even saw Louie Ranking but the camera was dead so couldn't get any pictures.
The missus has been to St Lucia and said it was nice but very quiet compared to Jamaica. Coming from the hustle and bustle of Kingston I can see where she might think anything else is quiet.
All of the islands are beautiful to be fair if you go out and visit them. Sitting in a hotel is boring as and you're not seeing the true island.
Oh and take mosquito repellent.
I am obviously biased on this question as i have a villa in Barbados, near the Crane. I have been to most Carib islands at some point but settled on Barbados. Second choice for me would be St Lucia.
Barbados probably will meet the familiy holiday better, and its a bit cheaper in general than st lucia...
PM me if you are interested in renting my place, 3 bed with private pool
Discount for PH !!!
Cheers
Arf
Barbados probably will meet the familiy holiday better, and its a bit cheaper in general than st lucia...
PM me if you are interested in renting my place, 3 bed with private pool
Discount for PH !!!
Cheers
Arf
munky said:
St Lucia is entirely different. A very hilly place...
You can say that again 
Our resort was built into the side of a hill that rose up nearly 200 - 250 feet; reception etc at the bottom, villas at the top. They had a fleet of Toyota Space Cruisers to shuttle everyone up and down these (at least) 30% inclines with very tight hairpins; I swear to god more than once I thought the thing was going to topple over it's back bumper as it tried to haul the 3 of us + 4 "normal-sized" americans + 1 driver who was raging the hell out of the clutch up the hill arfur said:
I am obviously biased on this question as i have a villa in Barbados, near the Crane. I have been to most Carib islands at some point but settled on Barbados. Second choice for me would be St Lucia.
Barbados probably will meet the familiy holiday better, and its a bit cheaper in general than st lucia...
PM me if you are interested in renting my place, 3 bed with private pool
Discount for PH !!!
Cheers
Arf
PM sent... Barbados probably will meet the familiy holiday better, and its a bit cheaper in general than st lucia...
PM me if you are interested in renting my place, 3 bed with private pool
Discount for PH !!!
Cheers
Arf
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