iwasham

Myself and 2 other females are planning a trip in July to either Barbados or Cayman. We like nice beaches, a little shopping and some sightseeing. Any suggestions or recommendations/comparison between the two. Thanks

xkenx

Barbados offers a more varied island, with a wide range of hotels, beaches, sightseeing, restaurants,entertainment.
See www.barbados.org and www.insandoutsofbarbados.com

KVR

We have been to Grand Cayman twice and are looking into Barbados for a future trip. It really depends on what you want to do on vacation.

Grand Cayman is know for it's snorkeling and swimming with the Sting Ray excursion. 7 Mile Beach is gorgeous. It's my next favorite beach after Grace Bay in Turks & Cacicos. There are botanical gardens, several walk in snorkel places, Rum Point, and Island tours. Georgetown is the main area for shopping and restaurants. There is Margaritaville and I would avoid that entire area when there are cruise ships in port. Food and drinks are very expensive. The US dollar is worth less there. There are several condo units with kitchenettes.

From my research of Barbados, food and drink are expensive also. There are many condo/apartment units with kitchenettes. I have found snorkel tours to swim with the turtles to be the main tour. I also found more nightlife options than Grand Cayman. There are Island tours, cave tours, wildlife tours and jeep tours. They say the beaches are nice, but the water can be rough. From my departure airport, air and hotel is significantly less expensive to Barbados than Grand Cayman. We are also looking at taking a charter flight over to Grenada or St. Vincent for a day trip.

Do some research and decide which Island is more what you are looking for.

DestinationCaribbean

For a bit more life I would choose Barbados, look on the West coast. There are two great villages, one called Speightstown and the other Holetown - I love it there. All the beaches down the west coast are wonderful. The island is very safe but as you are all ladies I would recommend you stay in a resort. This company helped me a lot with my travels and they have some great villas and resorts listed. http://www.wheretostay.com/barbados-hotels

The Cayman Islands, while beautiful, have always disappointed me a little. The beaches are good in places but location is important. 7 mile beach is the place to be. You can get a decent condo there for reasonable prices, however, I still prefer Barbados!

iwasham

Thanks for your help. We have been to several islands and always stay at resorts. Any suggestions for resorts in Barbados or Grand Caymans Thanks

bajangirl

In Barbados on the south coast, great places to stay are Accra Beach Hotel and Butterfly Beach Hotel, both located on great beaches. Walk to restaurants, shops, amenities from Accra. Butterfly within walking distance of a few things plus on bus route. The Almond group of resorts are all inclusives with locations on the west and south coast, all on the beach so may suit your needs. Get more info on these and other possibles:

http://www.destinationcaribbean.net/...=0&parentid=19

Knowing

Have been to both places. Barbados hands down. GC had good restaurants but it is the only island that we were packed and ready to go home with extra time. We ran into the couple that was checking in at the Westin at the same times that we were and they beat us to the reception area when we left. We just laughed about it. Barbados has enticed us back five times and we will be back there again in a few weeks for trip number 6. It is an expensive island, but it is so worth it. We always stay at the Hilton while in Barbados.

qwovadis

Travelzoo Staff, Miami ... This sale at The Fairmont Royal Pavilion saves up to $325 on regular nightly rates for a room with an ocean view and private balcony:
milepoint.com/forums/threads/fairmont-promos-or-special-rates.1728 My Fav.Been to both Barbados far more varied and prettier.Grand Cayman flat Marriott.com my fav closer best diving sting rays and black coral forest nice beaches.

iwasham

Questions about Barbados-I understand that there is public transportation. If true does it go around the entire island or just the towns? Any suggestions for an All inclusive, if any and which coast is better-the south or west? Thanks so much for all your help!

KVR

These are the hotels in Barbados that offer an AI plan:

The Savannah Barbados
Amaryllis Beach Resort
Turtle Beach Resort
Almond Casuarina Beach Resort
Barbados Beach Club
Almond Beach Club & Spa
Mango Bay Barbados
Crystal Cove
Almond Beach Village

I am finding the prices for these hotels to be overly excessive compared to Mexico or Jamaica. Though we love AI vacations and actually prefer them, I don't think we could go AI in Barbados. Also, after reading the reviews of these hotels, it doesn't look worth it. We are thinking of a condo property in the heart of The Gap area so we don't need transporation to get to restaurants/bars.

When are you going? We are planning for August. I would be interested in what you chose if you are going before us.

iwasham

KVR-We are going in July-I will do research into the AI mentioned, then let you know. Thanks

iwasham

I have done research, which can be confusing with all the sooo different reviews. Does anybody know anything/been to Crytal Cove. Thanks

jazzalbart

The Watercolor community is very nice, right next door to Seaside--you would enjoy the view as the houses are across the street from the beach. There are some condos that look very nice in Seagrove Beach. It's a wonderful area with a bike path, nice restaurants and beautiful beach. You would have to drive a little farther to get to the golf courses.

KVR

The Crystal Cove is the sister property to the Turtle Beach resort. It is an AI resort and sits on a calmer section of beach.

We have done more research, and decided to go in November instead of August. July and August is going to be very hot and humid and full of families on vacation.

We really want AI, so we are looking at Mango Bay in Holetown. It's also close to restaurants, bars and shopping. My original choice is the Turtle Beach in the Gap area, but it is about $1,500 more than Mango Bay and Mango Bay is getting better reviews.

I would be interested to know what you decided.

cdrx451

Was on Grand Cayman last summer and had a wonderful time. However, I think now if I had the choice I would choose Barbados. After 7 Mile Beach and a little shopping in Georgetown there wasn't much else to see or do as it is a rather small island.

Here are the top rated all inclusive resorts in Barbados.
http://best-caribbean-vacations.blog...rts-rated.html

margaretking

I like both options.

Mango Bay is a more mature option than Turtle Beach, although it's good for all age groups. You'll more tend to see people relaxing around the pool with a book. Mango Bay is on Second Street with entertainment in the area, lots of shopping (including a brand new upscale mall called Limegrove). Mango Bay does have a lovely meandering pool on a smaller but calmer and nice beach. There would be more to see in the area where Mango Bay is located, but since bus service is good, you can get just about anywhere easily.

Turtle Beach is situated at the bottom of St. Lawrence Gap, which has lots of restaurants and bars, a few shops, lots of night life. At Turtle Beach the staff cannot do enough for you. They're all great. It will be more spread out than Mango Bay with more restaurants, and you can also dine at Crystal Cove Hotel when staying at Turtle Beach. Turtle Beach's beach would be a little more wavy, but still swimmable.

Keep in mind that at Mango Bay, you will need to make reservations for lunch and dinner each day. Turtle Beach would have more dining options.

Watersports are also included at both properties.

I say all that to say that either choice would be great. Let me know if you have further questions.

Mag