<BR>Message: My fiancee and I will be spending 5 days in Barbados next year for <BR> our honeymoon (another 5 days in St. Lucia). However, I cannot decide between the West or South coast. Can someone tell me how the 2 areas differ (other than that the West has calmer seas--I did hear that). Also, if anyone has any resort ideas, that would be helpful too. We do want a resort RIGHT ON THE BEACH, as we will be spending the other half of our honeymoon at Ladera, which is not on a beach at all. Thanks. <BR>

Things may have changed since I was there but I much preferred the west coast. The resorts there seemed more spacious and lushly landscaped whereas the south was generally cheaper and more crowded.

The biggest difference between the 2 coasts are that the southern coast is much more lively, generally attracts a younger (not childish, rowdy young, but late 20-s to late 30's) group of tourists, because of the proximity to St. Lawrence Gap, where there are many restaurants, bars and clubs. Also Bridgetown, the capital is in this area, which has shopping, restaurants, cafe and bars. We always stay, except for once, on the southern coast at Sandy Beach Resort. Its a simple, clean, pretty resort directly on what the locals call the best beach in Barbados because it is wide, with white sand, and calm, clear protected waters. While the western coast has more luxurious (and expensive) accomodations, I felt very isolated there, it is beautiful, but very quiet and the beach where I stayed was not as wide as Sandy Beach. For nightlife, it was a long, expensive taxi ride to any entertainment outside of the hotel. <BR> <BR>So, its all what you're looking for, luxury at whatever the cost (west coast), or something pleasant and a little more down to earth as far as prices go, and being within close proximity to alot of different activities. (southern). The beaches were equally beautiful on both coasts. A day trip to the eastern coast, with its large cliffs and powerful waves is a must. <BR> <BR>Either way, you cant go wrong with Barbados, the Bajans are truly wonderful people. Congrats and enjoy!

Thanks for the info. I was thinking West coast--Royal Pavillion, but now perhaps I will check into the South!

I am planning a trip to barbados myself. Does anyone know anything about Bougainvillea resort in the South? Do they have any beachfront rooms?

Kim-Bougainvillea is wonderful. ALL rooms face the beachfront, and have either a patio or balcony. Property consists of two buildings separated by an open air reception area, forming somewhat of a courtyard, in which their 3 pools-one with a swim-up bar, are located. It's located near the St Lawrence Gap area, and there are convenience-type stores nearby where you can stock up on groceries for your room. The hotel runs a Friday night shuttle service (small charge) to the town of Oistins Fish Fry, which shouldn't be missed. Our room was immaculately maintained and the hotel staff couldn't have been nicer. ENJOY!!

Debbie, Are there alot of kids around the resort? My husband and I are looking for somewhere nice, on the beach, to spend some quiet time together and near local attractions. Does Bougainvillea fit the bill?

Kim - Yes, there were kids of all ages at Bougainvillea, and yes, Bougainvillea still fits the bill. While the south coast is generally considered touristy, it's much closer to attractions (although there's lots to see scattered all over the island) and say, casual restaurants, than the west coast (where I thought most of the pricier restaurants were located). St Lawrence Gap is about a 5-minute cab ride away. If you plan on renting a car(we didn't), then maybe you should consider staying on the west coast-believe the Almond Beach Club is adults only, while Almond Beach Village is family oriented. Think you'd find the west coast a bit isolated from things, or expensive cabs rides away to some of the south coast restaurants. Unless you have a car, or don't plan to venture out, don't stay on the east coast-it's really isolated from activities and restaurants-do plan on visiting, though, as the scenery is quite spectacular. Kids and vacations go hand-in-hand, but Bougainvillea also affords privacy in a relaxed setting. Feel free to e-mail directly if you have other questions. Don't think you'll be disappointed if you choose Bougainvillea.

<BR>You might like the Casuarina, a beautiful property with lushly landscaped grounds situated at the far end of the Gap. Just a few beach front rooms tho. Lots to do at night without leaving the property --- game areas, piano bars, pan bands. All the children we saw there were super well behaved & well supervised. <BR> <BR>Accra Beach was a very nice property. Quite new. The beach was semi-active, but not overly crowded. We've also heard good things about Sandy Beach. <BR> <BR>The west coast is calmer, cleaner area, with more sedate travelers. We felt perfectly safe there, even walking at night, tho it's probably not wise to walk the beach late anywhere on the island. There is a wide variety of restaurants on the west, not just expensive, tho that's where the most expensive are located. <BR> <BR>Ditto about the East Coast. Beautiful to visit, wouldn't want to stay there or even be there after dark. <BR> <BR>I can't imagine staying on Barbados without a car. But then you WILL on your honeymoon ..... . <BR> <BR>Enjoy! Oh yes, Bridgetown is the pits. <BR> <BR>

Has anyone else been to Bougainvillea? I am a bit interested in that resort too, now. All information you have is appreciated. Are any rooms closer to the beach than others? Thanks for the info. <BR>

Cheryl, We stayed at the Bougainvilla Feb. 2000. They have a web site that showes a suite which is what all the rooms are and the one they show on the web site is exactly what we had on the 4th level. (no elevators) If you go request eigher the 2nd or 3rd floor. The first level walks right onto the pool deck but not much of a view from your terrace. A beautiful resort very quite, no activity at night. Nice beach for swimming or walking. The restaurant was very good both lunch and diner. Short walk to the Gap along the beach during the day, not recommended at night. The people are wonderful. Have a great time.

To all posters inquiring about the Bougainvillea Beach Resort: <BR> <BR>I can only echo the sentiments of the previous replies. The Bougainvillea is a lovely resort on a beautiful beach with a good on-site restaurant. It is close to the action at St. Lawrence Gap, but does not seem to attract the 'party-hearty' crowd, which makes it the best of bost worlds. <BR> <BR>We wouldn't think of staying anywhere else in Barbados. <BR> <BR>Linda

We stayed on both the south and west <BR>coasts of Barbados. If you like noise, <BR>pollution, traffic, and crowds...stay <BR>on the south coast. If you prefer space, smaller more intimate restaurants, crossing the street without <BR>fear for your life, and smaller bars with friendlier people, stay on the west coast. We paid the same price for hotels w kitchenettes in both places.