I am planning a trip for July and have narrowed it down to the Four Seasons Hualalai or Sandy Lane in the Barbados. Airfare is not an issue because of frequent flier miles, but it takes alot more time to go to Hawaii because I am in Atlanta. Sandy Lane looked really nice, but I havent heard a whole lot about it. It is less expensive than the Four Seasons though. I am looking for good service, golf, tennis, and a nice beach. How are the beaches on the west coast of Barbados compared to the Kona coast in Hawaii anyways? I would appreciate any input.

I have not traveled to Barbados but we have vacationed on the Big Island in the Kona area. I thought the beaches were really nice in the Kohala area. We stayed in Kona at the Keauhou Resort and there was a lot of the black volcanic rock --but next door was a really nice beach where my husband actually rode on the back of a giant sea turle--it was fantastic! We loved the Big Island, even the luau was more authentic--less commercial-- than those at some of the other hawaiian islands. There's a lot of natural wonders here so you'll have plenty to see. I'm not familiar with the Four Seasons Hualalai--you are talking about the Big Island? Also we went whale watching--really interesting. I would choose Hawaii this trip--we flew from New Jersey but it was worth the time. We stopped over in Los Angeles on the way bach if that is an option or better yet San Francisco is a good choice.

Hotel wise the Four Seasons definitely exceeds Sandy Lane when it comes to service (efficiency and accountability). Rooms at Sandy Lane (Ocean and above) are very nice with great bathrooms, but not any better than FS. There aren't as many good beach options on the BI, and the one at the FS is OK but not stellar. SL beach isn't the best on Barbados either, but overall it's better than FS. Value? Well, that's in the eye of the beholder.<BR>More natural wonders to see on the BI than on Barbados. Fewer options for restaurants and such on BI than Barbados. The FS isn't close to any commercial areas.<BR>SL has been open over a year since its prolonged refurb.

Janet,<BR>My God ! Please use full name of the place at least once in your response. I'm totally confused by your post. <BR>

I've never been to Hawaii but hear it is truly beautiful. However, I have been to Barbados and just loved the island. It's very picturesque with fantastic restaurants. I loved the people and the culture. However, the hotels aren't typical American luxury hotel. They are smaller and more quaint (in my opinion. )<BR>It really depends on what you want in a vacation. If you are traveling to really see a different culture and country then by all means go to Barbados. If you want typical American luxury then go to Hawaii.

Ummmmmmmm......not sure what to make of your comment there, "x", since I used the full name of both places right from the beginning.<BR><BR>"Hotel wise the Four Seasons definitely exceeds Sandy Lane when it comes to service..."<BR><BR>Am I missing something?<BR><BR>Is your computer glitched?

BTW, "BI" stands for "Big Island".....which the original poster already knew since he or she specifically asked about the Four Seasons Hualalai (which is on the BI).<BR><BR>The original question asked about two specific hotels.<BR>Those are the two I mentioned.<BR>Not rocket science, right?

Janet,<BR>Thank you.

Suzy, I find your post a little puzzling. The Hawaiian culture is a wonderful mix of polynesian cultures. Much of what I found in Barbados is English culture which has only been there since the English colonized Barbados. The Hawaiians have been on the islands of Hawaii for a very long time. It is true that you can find "typical American luxury" in Hawaii but there is also a rich history of dance, song, tradition, and storytelling. <BR><BR>Help please: I have not been to the Big Island. I am going next year and staying at the Mauna Kea (it is for a conference so no hotel choice). The Mauna Kea and the Hapuna Prince are supposed to have two of the nicest beaches on the Kohala coast. I believe the 4 Seasons's beach is manmade. I would personally go to Hawaii but Barbados is a lovely island. Good luck with your planning!