Barbados comparatively....?
 

We're planning a week in Barbados (mid March). All suggestions welcome!

Which side has the calmer beaches?

How expensive is the cost of living - can we find local, reasonably priced places to eat?

Travel with teenagers - what's available for our 17 year old son (he will want some time away from his clueless parents)?

These two sites should answer most of your basic questions and get you started.

http://www.barbados.org/

http://www.visitbarbados.org/

Newsday did a whole story on babymoons back in January, includes a section on planning tips.

http://www.newsday.com/travel/ny-2kn...,5912867.story

5-star hotels offering Baby Moon packages in the Caribbean:
One and Only Ocean Club in Nassau, Bahamas - Total Indulgence Treatment Package
Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica - Here Comes Baby complete package

the west side of the island has better beaches.
the area around 'the gap' (sw part of island) is where all the happening stuff for your 17 yr old will be found.
a lady named lois swanson (a fodorite) visits barbados frequently. she has e-mailed me a 30+page report that includes darn near everything. is you post an e-address i will forward it to you.

The calmer beaches are along the West Coast of Barbados.

Barbados is expensive but you will be able to find some reasonble places to eat that your family will enjoy such as Bert's or Bubba's which are sports bars. You can also enjoy authentic cuisine at Boucan’s or head down to Chefette Barbecue Barn for affordable casual dining. However, The Cliff restuarent was amazing, and a must! And, make sure not to miss the Oistens fish fry on Friday nights. The fish is amazing and the party is a lot of fun. Your son may even feel ok with you there!

Otherwise your son may want to do the catamarans and snorkel with sea turtles, as well as spend some time at the Gap.

The Oistins fish fry area has just reopened after major renos and still has some of the best fish on the island. Check out George's stall for the best grilled fish. Friday night is the big party night there but open most nights. Lots of food vendors and other stuff. Just Grillin also does great food at good prices and now with two locations - Quayside Center on the south coast and one in Holetown. An always good meal - Champers.
West coast beaches are the calmest water but hardest to get to unless you are staying there and can walk. South coast seas are pretty good too - check out Accra, Dover Beach and Sandy Beach.
Lots of party places in St Lawrence Gap for your 17 yr old.
Check out www.destinationcaribbean.net for lots more info on Barbados.