honeymooners2012

My fiance and I are in the process of planning our honeymoon trip, and have decided that we would like to head to the Caribbean in the early part of July. The islands all look absolutely amazing and upon doing some diligence, we have narrowed it down to either St Lucia (and the islands around it - Martinique) or St Baarts (and the islands around it - primarily St Maarten). We are torn between which destination to pick, as this is our first trip to the Caribbean, and given that this is our honeymoon, we want to make as sure as possible that we are making the best decision. We are looking for great beaches, low key chill-out time (as they all say the wedding will drain us), beautiful scenery, nice hotels and shopping (not critical, but nice to have). We dont mind to splurge a bit, so $ isnt too much of an issue. Can you please advise us on any thoughts and your experiences to help us make up our minds. Thank you in advance.

RoamsAround

Two very different islands.

St. Barts - hilly (highest point just under 1,00 feet) , somewhat arid and with an area of just over 8 sq. miles much smaller than St. Lucia (238 sq. miles). The island has an abundance of light golden sand beaches lapped by calm turquoise waters. Plenty of high end "fashion" shopping and over 100 different restaurants, some of which are among the best in the Caribbean. This is an upscale island with a definite European feel. Think - Paris of the Caribbean. You can easily get to St. Martin for a day trip and it is also possible to visit Anguilla (although getting there takes some doing if you don't fly in/out since it entails going through St. Martin to get the ferry to Anguilla).

St. Lucia on the other hand is a mountainous (highest point 3,120 feet) volcanic based island with lush dense rain forests, water falls and active volcanos. Because of it's volcanic origin the beaches on the island, while picturesque, have darker sand (think browns, gray and even black). The dark sand gives the surrounding waters a steel blue appearance rather than the bright turquoise you find around the limestone/coral based islands. Driving around the island can be a bit intimidating for some as the roads are narrow, twisty and require that you negotiate areas in the mountains where there are steep drop-offs. Also, getting to Martinique could be a bit of a chore, especially if you are staying on the southern part of the island.

Personally, I'd choose St. Barts for your first island - it's perfect for honeymooners. Save St. Lucia for a trip when you have a bit more experience traveling the Caribbean.

KVR

RoamsAround provided an excellant overview of each Island. St. Barts is significantly more expensive than St. Lucia. But, if money isn't an issue, St. Barts will have more of what you stated you are looking for.

sharona

Having been to both islands I'm going to agree with RoamsAround and KRV. Save St. Lucia for a more active trip and not when you're recovering from wedding chaos. St. Barts has beautiful beaches, very nice hotels, wonderful food and great shopping.

ErikAustinWAXX

We'll be making our second trip to St. Lucia in less than a month. St. Lucia is our "home" in the Caribbean and it was also our first island visited. I disagree that you have to be a "seasoned Caribbean pro" to have a magical honeymoon there. St. Lucia is also far more beautiful than the more desert-like St. Barts.

There are several resorts all along the western coastline of St. Lucia and yes, a few of the beaches have darker, volcanic sand. However, the main resort area is in Gros Islet/Rodney Bay on the island's northern tip. The beach here is Reduit Beach and is as glorious a beach as anyone can ask for. Golden powder sand and gorgeous turquoise water. You'd do well staying at the brand-new Landings Resort, The Royal REX Resort, or the Bay Gardens Beach Resort. All for around $2,000 and under.

As noted above, St. Barts is significantly more expensive than St. Lucia. Don't get me wrong, St. Barts is a dream destination. If money is no object, then go to St. Barts. I find St. Barts to be far too "Hollywood" for my tastes. I'm not a millionaire, so fitting in there seems uncomfortable. St. Lucia can provide you the trip of your dreams on a far more reasonable level. My girlfriend and I paid just over $1,000 US each on both of our St. Lucia vacations, and we have been thrilled.

There are two airports on St. Lucia. The majority of international flights land at Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) on the island's southernmost point, requiring you a 90-minute taxi ride to your resort ($80 US to Gros Islet/Rodney Bay). I have a very kind gentleman that I'm happy to call a close friend that can provide your transit to your resort. Francis Alexander is his name and he led us on our hike to the summit of Gros Piton, and took us on a day tour of St. Lucia. Otherwise, you can land at the airport in Castries (SLU) if you connect out of San Juan, Puerto Rico. SLU airport is a very short 10-minute ride to the main Rodney Bay area.

Any questions, feel free to contact me at [email protected]. St. Lucia is a magical place and it's kind natives would be thrilled to have you, and show you the time of your life.

qwovadis

www.jademountain.com quite romantic St Lucia bigger prettier
hilliermore to do. Downside beaches are a little offcolor.
St Baths nice small flat sort of very trendy artsy vibe.
Personally prefer the more authentic Carib vibe and the Pitons
of St Lucia but both are quiteHM worthy.

Congrats!

Carib_Ian

Nothing says honeymoon more than St. Lucia! The scenery alone will stir things up. I highly recommend a two-base honeymoon stay in St. Lucia. Cap Maison at the top, and then one of the Soufriere area ones (Jade Mountain, Ladera and Tides Sugar Beach are all stunning). You can do as much or as little as you want. St. Barts is great but busier and more of a "scene". My experience of having a room at Ladera with a plunge pool staring out at the Pitons will live with me forever. I came back a different person.

honeymooners2012

Thank you all SOOO much for your feedback. Based on what Ive heard, and heavy diligence, I think we will be planning on heading to St. Baarts. We are both really excited about it and now its a matter of finding the best places to stay. The hotel that got our attention is Hotel Isle de France. Any feedback? Any better suited hotels to stay in? Thank you so much in advance.

RoamsAround

Isle de france is a terrific boutique hotel located on one of the best St. Bart's best beaches. We've been there numerous times and even go there for lunch when we fly over to ST. Bat's for a day trip.

The other hotels worth considering are Eden Roc or Le Toiny but for my money Isle de France is perfect for the romantically minded couple.

elisemf

In July there are amazing hotel deals in St. Barth, and I agree about Isle de France, but also check out Le Sereno, Village St. Jean, and the Christopher. If you like great restaurants and shopping, you can't do better. Plus, St. Barth is wonderfully sexy, young, and fun... a great honeymoon destination.

honeymooners2012

Thank you all very much for your insights and inputs. We have booked the entire trip and are excited as ever. You have been very helpful!

J_R_Hartley

<<St. Lucia is also far more beautiful than the more desert-like St. Barts>>

Kof!

That is a slander! St Barts is very green!

<<and it's kind natives would be thrilled to have you<<

St Lucia and St Barts are as far apart as LA and St Tropez

St Barts has no all inclusives, no fast food chains, no casinos, no gangs, no violence, no building is taller than a coconut tree, the airport is one of the smallest in the world and closes at Sunset.

How many muggings were there in the past 12 months on St Lucia?

I can tell you on St Barts it was zero, and the year before and the year before, in fact no one has ever been mugged on St Barts

There is no snobbery or problems fitting in, you will see gardeners, receptionists, construction workers and housemaids rubbing shoulders with celebrities and the mega-rich.