My husband and I have been to a couple of islands so far; Aruba being our favorite. We are looking to book our next trip and are not aure where to travel to next. We are thinking turks or barbados. Have any of you been to both? This is what we are looking for:
great hotel property on swimmable beach with pool and/or beach service, great rest., snorkeling, local areas to visit, local "feel" and blue water. Any suggestions? I have been reading about the Sands in Turks but haven't foudn a top notch place to stay in barbados. Also still trying to figure out which island is what we are looking for. Any suggestions? Thanks
Stephanie

Hi there, I just returned 2 ays ago from Barbados, I was in T & C in 2001, I would go back to T & C but not Barbados, T & C is MELLOW, best beaches I've been on, Great snorkling, quiet island, Barbados west coast is very BUSY, east coast DEAD, great island but not for me. I felt like I was in a small city, go to turks for a relaxing vacation, you'll love it....

Coral Reef Club on Barbados is a class act there. See www.coralreefbarbados.com
T&C is mainly about the beaches. Barbados is a richly varied island, more built up in places, but quiet at the better hotels, and at many places to explore. A more lush island than Aruba or T&C. See www.barbados.org

I liked Barbados, but I love Turks and Caicos.

I have never been to Barbados, but have travelled to many other islands. T & C is one of our favorites...We stayed at Parrot Cay and it was incredible. The beach is just beautiful, with crystal clear blue green water where you can see to the bottom with beautiful soft sand. There is not much to do on Parrot Cay except relax and be pampered! You can set up excursions and they do day trips to Provo, where you can explore the main island. If you are looking for more excitement you might want to stay on provo, however it can be very touristy....