Daniele

We are planning a vacation in January 2003 and are stuck between two destinations: St. Barths or T&C (Provo). Has anyone been to both and could offer suggestions? We both like water sports, hiking, exploring, golfing, and beautiful islands. Pros and cons for each would be so helpful. Thank you!

liz

St. Barth's is in a class of its own with no comparison to other destinations. Imagine all the best of France on the prettiest island in the world. The very finest hotels, restaurants, shops and tourists of the best caliber. No busses, no chains, no fast food, economically prosperous locals, every b building on the island charming, flower laden and well taken care of. Very romantic and a slice of pure heaven unlike anywhere I have ever been around the entire globe. Turks and Caicos has beautiful beaches also however it is a rustic type island with little tourist development, no night life, and no shopping. I went there for a scuba vacation and it was magnificent--taking a boat for deep water diving in virgin with huge pellagic fish. If you are a serious diver, and like to get to bed early and get up early and hit the beach, go to Turks. If you are a serious romantic, and love fine food and darling shops and chic nightlife, go for St. Barths. St. Barths does not have a single con. You can not even say the cost because it is worth twice what is costs to find that kind of total beauty, harmony and soulfelt wellness anywhere on this planet.

Holly

Turks & Caicos is absolutely incredible! The beaches are to die for. It's not overly touristy at all. IT's not lushly tropical like some other islands, but it is beautiful. Went on a day trip to some of the surrounding cays and went snorkeling, searched for sand dollars at a shallow beach, went to a cay known for its iguanas...it provides enough things to do to fill a week. For hiking and beaches, one of the best islands is St. John. Golfing in St. Croix..a boat trip from St. John is supposed to be a real treat too. But between the two you mentioned...definitely T&C

Charlene

St. Barts has a more European flavor. Turks has golf . one long stretch of beach and more outer islands to explore. We are partial to St Barts, though, (been there 5 times) Fun to explore all the different beaches-great restaurants -awesome windsurfing --better for hiking than Turks.

Paul

T&amp;C has some of the best beaches in the Carib. St.Barth has at least 5 excellent beaches, but T&amp;C beaches overall are better. So is the snorkeling. It also has more resorts that are ON the beach. <BR><BR>On the other hand, T&amp;C is not much more than a big sand dune. It does not remotely compare to St. Barts in natural beauty &amp; scenery, topography, local culture, hiking, or in number/quality of restaurants.<BR><BR>As for golf, you're out of luck.